GSE’s new conveyor automates ink handling

Compatible with GSE’s Colorsat Compact dispensing systems, the customisable conveyor system is especially suited for wide web applications where large volumes of ink are processed.  

With its extendible, push-rolling system to feed containers, the conveyor provides a single-pass solution for dispensing, optional blending and batch labelling, after which the container is offloaded for delivery to the press or storage.

Maarten Hummelen, GSE marketing director, said: “Over-reliance on manual transportation of materials in the factory can be a cause of delays and errors, and ultimately added costs. By automating container movement in the ink kitchen, the GSE conveyor system helps accelerate the colour-making process, improving responsiveness, efficiency, and safety. It also gives staff more time for other valuable pressroom tasks.”

The conveyor handles 25-l and 60-l buckets, and 200-l drums, and is customisable to meet specific height requirements and space availability in the ink kitchen. Each of its four functional sections - infeed, weighing, blending and outfeed, may be adapted in length and width, to suit throughput levels and ink container dimensions. Up to three parallel infeed conveyors may be built into the system, to accommodate different container types and sizes.

The conveyor may be configured for manual or automatic operation. Automatic conveyors for water-based inks are equipped with electric motor rollers, while those for solvent-based inks are air-driven for optimum safety. Both automatic versions offer bidirectional operation, automatic container positioning, and optimised controls via GSE Ink Manager software. Manual systems feature gravity roller conveyor sections and a foot lever to release the container after dispensing.