TruPoint QuikWash System
The TruPoint QuikWash System is a retrofit wash-up system that allows
printers to complete wash-ups in up to half the time. By accomplishing the
wash-up process in a more efficient way, QuikWash reduces the number of
wash-up cycles needed to clean the rollers. As a result, printers are able to
increase press uptime and consume less press wash. More efficient wash-ups
also help printers reduce their carbon footprint by lowering VOC emissions
and contaminated waste in the plant.
Benefits of Plastic Wash-Up Blades
Finer Contact Area than Rubber Tip Blades
The primary benefit of the QuikWash System comes from its ability to facilitate
a fine point of contact between the wash-up blade and the roller. Like in
flexographic printing applications where achieving a precise contact area is
fundamental to the blade’s metering performance, a smaller point of contact is
critical for the blade to effectively remove ink and wash-up solution from the
roller. QuikWash plastic wash-up blades have a relatively small blade thickness
which allows them to achieve and maintain a fine area of contact with the roller,
even when worn. Due to this fine contact area, QuikWash blades can wash up
the roller in a single wash-up cycle even with eco-friendly press washes. By
comparison, rubber tip blades typically require two or more cycles to be effective.
For demonstration purposes, a new rubber tip blade can achieve an approximate
contact area of 1.04mm. As the blade wears, the contact area increases to as
much as 3.18mm at the ends, and the contact area is too large to achieve an
effective wipe. At this point, the blade needs to be replaced. A QuikWash blade
starts with a contact area of 0.20mm, or 5x smaller than that of a new rubber tip
blade. At its maximum wear point, the contact area may grow to 0.38mm which
is still substantially smaller than a new rubber tip blade.
Exceptional Wear Characteristics
QuikWash blades have excellent wear properties compared to rubber tip blades.
The blades possess a lower co-efficient of friction and wear evenly across the full
length of the blade, resulting in better clean-up of the entire roller. Even the ends
of the roller, which often need to be manually cleaned because of excessive wear
on a rubber tip blade, wash up effectively with QuikWash.
When using QuikWash, roller life is extended because of reduced chemical
exposure and friction from the blade. The natural characteristics of plastic give
the blades lubricity and prevent ink build-up. The printer no longer has to deal
with damage caused by tack from the rubber tip blade.
Compatible with Harsh Solvents and UV Inks
The QuikWash blade material is compatible with UV solvents and resistant to
aggressive press wash. This characteristic makes the QuikWash System a good
solution for printers who have experienced blade warping, swelling, waving,
cracking, ink build-up or increased blade wear due to chemical incompatibility.
How QuikWash Works
The QuikWash System consists of an aluminium clamp which mounts to the
existing wash-up tray. The clamp is engineered with a specially designed
profile to securely hold the QuikWash blade at the proper angle to the roller.
The system is compatible with most press models and requires no modifications
to the wash-up tray. QuikWash blades contain no notches or holes so blade
changes are quick and easy. Blades can be switched out by simply loosening the
bolts, sliding the worn blade out and installing the new blade without having to
completely remove the bolts from the tray. With access to inexpensive blades
and the ability to change them out quickly, press operators can replace blades
regularly to further improve wash-up performance. The average cost to retrofit
a press is under $1000 and is quickly made back in press uptime.
Faced with many challenges in today’s sheetfed offset industry, printers are
looking to make adjustments that will protect their competitive position and
bottom line. For a low up-front investment, retrofitting presses with QuikWash
is an easy and economical way to improve wash-up efficiency and maximise
press uptime.
For more information contact Barkev Graphics on Tel:
087 353 9740
or visit
22
I
The GAPP
magazine
www.
thegapp
.co.za
Vol 4 Issue 4 • CUT WASH-UP TIMES IN HALF WITH THE TRUPOINT QUIKWASH SYSTEM
