Heidelberg has filled a gap in its packaging print portfolio with the launch of the ChromaStar range of ink kitchens and blenders.
The idea is that carton printers can mix the specials they need close to the press, ending any delay in receiving inks from a supplier and the tendency to over order and filling an ink store with part filled cans.
The four models in the range vary by capacity and versatility. All use Heidelberg’s Saphira inks, working from a limited range of bases and a recipe book of ready to go formulation that is hosted in the cloud. A Saphira Control app will measure a colour and send the data for the colour to the mixing system while a preview check involves printing inkjet swatches as proofs with the possibility of sharing these across multiple sites.
The four units range from the ChromaStar X, an entry level unit where operators control how much of the base and additional colours are needed following the digital formula.
The smallest of the automated systems is the ChromaStar S which has 20 dosing heads. They can be used for conventional or UV inks and can cope with 20kg or 200kg drums for the most popular bases. The ChromaStar M can have up to 32 dosing valves for either conventional or UV inks, or a hybrid between the two. A 25kg mix from three components can be made in five minutes says Heidelberg.
The biggest unit is the ChromaStar P with options on 16-24 dosing valves from 20 and 200kg feeds. This will run continuously from a queue of required mixes. Each is mixed, weighed packed and labelled before agitation with details of each batch recorded for traceability. The flagship unit can mix 10 tonnes of ink a year.
The development was unveiled in Wiesloch at the Packaging Day last month. It will fit within the Lifestyle division as the mixing units are teamed with a continuous flow of ink orders, currently for litho paste inks.
