User’s dilemma: Case
Various issues with ink mixing involving many types of materials
We are an ink manufacturer and create color samples by blending inks of multiple colors. We used to have various issues with mixing techniques, material waste, and efficiency.
It was very difficult to simultaneously and evenly mix multiple types of materials. We had difficulty ensuring stable blending because density, viscosity, and material properties vary with ink color. Conventional methods, such as manual mixing and propeller mixing, caused uneven mixing or lumps, or generated bubbles in high-viscosity materials, such as UV ink. To avoid these, we mixed small amounts in several batches.
Our work often relied on skilled workers’ experience or intuition. However, as their techniques were difficult to learn, we found it difficult to maintain product quality.
This was a huge challenge as quality requirements were increasing with a growing number of orders from leading companies.
To create color samples, it was necessary to blend generous amounts of materials so that there would be no lack of colors in the middle of manufacturing. We disposed of surplus material, so a considerable amount of material was wasted.
In addition, mixers and containers had to be cleaned at each mixing, and this was a huge burden on workers and adversely affected efficiency.
This is why we were looking for an efficient and stable mixing method.