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screen printing => Ink and Chemicals => Topic started by: zanegun08 on August 25, 2021, 12:08:32 PM

Title: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: zanegun08 on August 25, 2021, 12:08:32 PM

Does anyone have a simple formula for estimating how much ink to create for an image?

I know there are a ton of variables in this, but just something to ballpark need as to not grossly overmix or undermix ink.

Title: Re: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: 1964GN on August 25, 2021, 12:13:40 PM

One of the ink mfgs use to have an app you could download to calculate that. For the life of me I can't remember who, or if it's even available any more.

Title: Re: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: brandon on August 25, 2021, 01:20:20 PM

I was told Magna did but can't find it. Didn't they get purchased recently?

Title: Re: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: Rob Coleman on August 25, 2021, 02:09:53 PM

Quote from: brandon on August 25, 2021, 01:20:20 PM

I was told Magna did but can't find it. Didn't they get purchased recently?

They did - by Avient.

My advice would be to just download the IMS software from Avient - pick their Aquarius as ink system since it is h2o and then use that ink estimator.


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Title: Re: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: Rob Coleman on August 25, 2021, 02:13:11 PM

Quote from: Rob Coleman on August 25, 2021, 02:09:53 PM

Quote from: brandon on August 25, 2021, 01:20:20 PM

I was told Magna did but can't find it. Didn't they get purchased recently?

They did - by Avient.

My advice would be to just download the IMS software from Avient - pick their Aquarius as ink system since it is h2o and then use that ink estimator.


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Or go to MagnaColours.com and download their software if you use the Magna system. I have never used that ink estimator but have used the Avient version many times over the years.

Also- I have a spreadsheet that does this picking percentage coverage and mash count. Would be happy to share   Understand all of these methods just use the math of the open area and thread diameter. Obviously stencil, squeegee, etc etc play a role, but you can apply a fudge ratio for that.

The absolute best way to determine usage and mileage is to print a few sample taking wet ink tear weights.


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Title: Re: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: zanegun08 on August 26, 2021, 01:11:52 PM

Hey Rob,

attach that spreadsheet, would be stoked to check it out.

Title: Re: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: Nation03 on August 26, 2021, 08:24:21 PM

https://www.iccultramix.com/families/7/formulas/4592 (https://www.iccultramix.com/families/7/formulas/4592)

Click the wrench icon and enter design/screen specs and it gets you a pretty accurate number. I use it often.

Title: Re: Formula for Estimating Ink Usage / Need
Post by: freedomexpressions on September 09, 2021, 09:05:25 PM

Quote from: Nation03 on August 26, 2021, 08:24:21 PM

https://www.iccultramix.com/families/7/formulas/4592 (https://www.iccultramix.com/families/7/formulas/4592)

Click the wrench icon and enter design/screen specs and it gets you a pretty accurate number. I use it often.

I never saw that wrench icon, game changer! Thanks!!!