One critical question remains central to precision printing: ‘How much ink is actually being deposited on a product’s surface during the printing process?’
Ackley Machine Corporation, a leader in precision printing technology, has contributed to this growing body of research by analysing ink deposition on various printed products.
The Study on Ink Deposition
In collaboration with a pharmaceutical manufacturer and an ink producer, a study was conducted to determine the average weight of dry solids remaining on the surface of a printed product.
The study utilised Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) to measure the amount of ink transferred to printed tablets. The reported values represent the average of five replicate samples, each consisting of 15 measurements, providing an estimate of the method’s error.
The test results determined that on a single product:
- A low limit of 17.86 μg (micrograms) of ink was deposited.
- A high limit of 29.47 μg(micrograms) of ink was deposited.
- The average ink deposition was calculated at 23.69 μg(micrograms).
By establishing a reliable estimate of ink deposition, the study provides valuable data that can be used to optimise printing operations.
Historical Context: A Preceding Calculation
Ackley Machine Corporation had previously conducted a calculation in January 1994 to assess ink deposition on sugar-coated, lentil-shaped confectionery products.
This calculation was requested by an Australian confectionery manufacturer seeking to determine the amount of remaining ink residuals in parts per million (PPM). The results of that calculation revealed:
- Colorant: 0.0000136 gms = 14 PPM
- Food Grade Shellac or Methocel (Binder): 0.0000319 gms = 32 PPM
Summing Up
When average common print window sizes are taken into account, these values can be confidently quoted as realistic approximations for typical printing applications.
Grover Holdings proudly partners with Ackley Machine Corporation in India, providing a complete range of high-speed ink imprinting and Laser marking/Laser Drilling machines for tablets and softgels to Indian pharmaceutical companies.
To learn more, contact us at [email protected] or call +91 98211 11623.
Credit: John T. Hayes, Manager of Technical Services, Ackley Machine Corporation.