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screen printing => Newbie => Topic started by: vwyob on February 03, 2015, 01:59:39 AM

Title: Ink calculator
Post by: vwyob on February 03, 2015, 01:59:39 AM

Does anyone know of software that works out the approx quantity of ink required for a job? An ink calculator of sorts I guess.
I ask because we have now switched to a stock range of colors to save time and space. However if the client wants specific mixes we will always accommodate. The problem before was that they have amassed HUGE amounts of inks; hundreds of colors it seems. Its valuable space that we desperately need. So I'm hoping to apply a system that will allow minimal/no excess ink after a job is completed.
I hope I am making sense. Its very early and bloody freezing!

Cheers

Title: Re: Ink calculator
Post by: Printficient on February 03, 2015, 07:35:41 AM

Wilflex IMS is great.

Title: Re: Ink calculator
Post by: Frog on February 03, 2015, 10:03:56 AM

The free Union Uni Mix Software includes this calculator for ink coverage. Designed to use with their mixing systems, but applicable to any ink for a ballpark estimate.
Find it here in Software http://www.unionink.com/unionink/index.html (http://www.unionink.com/unionink/index.html)

Title: Re: Ink calculator
Post by: Catnhat on February 03, 2015, 10:47:51 AM

There's an Ink Calc app for iPhones.
Enter Width and Height of design (in cm or inches) and Number of prints and it shows approximates for Waterbase and Plastisol usage in Kg based on screen mesh used.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ink-calc-screen-printing/id379058226?mt=8 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ink-calc-screen-printing/id379058226?mt=8)

Haven't really checked it for accuracy, I always round up and add a little to be safe.  Then use the Wilflex system to get accurate mixes.

Title: Re: Ink calculator
Post by: Frog on February 03, 2015, 10:51:58 AM

Quote from: Catnhat on February 03, 2015, 10:47:51 AM

There's an Ink Calc app for iPhones.
Enter Width and Height of design (in cm or inches) and Number of prints and it shows approximates for Waterbase and Plastisol usage in Kg based on screen mesh used.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ink-calc-screen-printing/id379058226?mt=8 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ink-calc-screen-printing/id379058226?mt=8)

Haven't really checked it for accuracy, I always round up and add a little to be safe.  Then use the Wilflex system to get accurate mixes.

Well, I've seen first hand what happens to a smart phone dropped in the toilet. What about into a fiver of soft hand base?

Title: Re: Ink calculator
Post by: vwyob on February 04, 2015, 10:12:30 AM

Brilliant cheers guys.
Is there an accurate method to work out the actual surface area of a print? For spot work its doable but what about halftones?

Title: Re: Ink calculator
Post by: starchild on February 04, 2015, 10:26:57 AM

Quote from: vwyob on February 04, 2015, 10:12:30 AM

Brilliant cheers guys.
Is there an accurate method to work out the actual surface area of a print? For spot work its doable but what about halftones?

InkQuest.. I mentioned the missing info that is needed for accurate calculation of ink amount in my DCS vs Tiff post I did last night. See the Calculate Ink Coverage window in Frog's post?

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Title: Re: Ink calculator
Post by: vwyob on February 05, 2015, 07:05:06 AM

Just bought it buddy.
HUGE thanks to all as usual. You've made my day.
The continuous improvement program is starting to yield some good results. Finally we have our starting point. Kudos guys