Ink Piling

Problem:

Ink becomes over emulsified. This causes the pigment to separate due to insufficient tack and viscosity.

Solution:

Run less fountain solution. Consult your Sun Chemical representative if problem persists. IPA concentration lower.

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Problem:

Rollers are wrong durometer; rollers are improperly set; blanket is underpacked or badly conditioned.

Solution:

Use proper rollers and blankets. Check roller setting and blanket packing, or clean and condition.

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Problem:

Ink is poorly ground.

Solution:

Consult your Sun Chemical representative.

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Problem:

Ink roller train is too cool.

Solution:

Adjust oscillator surface temperature to 80° – 85°F.

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Problem:

Fountain solution pH and/or conductivity is incorrect.

Solution:

Check and adjust to supplier recommendations.

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Problem:

Ink lacks sufficient lubrication or is unstable.

Solution:

Consult your Sun Chemical representative.

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Problem:

Ink tack is too high.

Solution:

Reduce tack only enough to eliminate piling; excessively low tacks will cause other problems.

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Problem:

UV inks are piling on down lane blankets when curing interstation.

Solution:

Impression is set too high, normally due to surface on uncoated paper causing poor solid ink lay. Increased impression fills voids in substrate, but causes piling. Can be treated as a result of poor cure due to old bulbs or dirty reflectors.

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Problem:

UV/EB inks are piling on down lane blankets.

Solution:

Running too much water in previous units. Reduce ink/water setting in previous units.