Zipset GP-1 ink set
Commercial print specialist Superlekha’s director, Rupesh Sawant says that this fast and hard drying ink allows for better reproduction of a print job.
29 Nov 2013 | 9872 Views | By PrintWeek India
What is the ink like?
Like any ink set, Tokyo Printing Ink’s GP-1 is a set of four colours – cyan, magenta, yellow and black. It’s an expensive set costing around Rs 4,000 per set. But it gives me better mileage. I have been using the ink for the last 20-odd years, and on a new Mitsubishi Diamond 1000 four-colour press since the last five years, 24x7, printing two-lakh sheets per day.
Have you looked at other inks?
We have a loyalist attitude in the family-run business. Initially, we did use inks from United Inks, but eversince we tried GP-1, it’s been a regular for the last 20 years.
What’s the reason?
It’s my belief that one must use the best that is available in the market. I am yet to find an ink better than GP-1 in the market.
What is the best thing about the ink?
Magenta is the biggest differentiator. With GP-1 we get perfect water balance and dot reproduction. I use GP-1 printing ink for 100% of my print works.
Is there anything that you dislike?
Yes, the price.
How does the ink respond to the speed of your machine?
We have calibrated the Mitsubishi Diamond 1000 press according to the GP-1 requirements and it runs smoothly at 15,000 sheets per hour. However, under standard press conditions, GP-1 can print up to a speed of 22,000 impressions per hour.
What’s the quality of the printed sheets like?
GP-1 produces ultimate print quality. According to me, it’s the fastest and hardest drying ink line, that allows for reproduction of greater details in a print job, especially in shadow areas.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
Not really. I always wished I could use H-UV and Tokyo Ink provides H-UV, so that wish has also been fulfilled. I am happy with GP-1, but would really like it if Tokyo Printing Inks collaborates with Indian printers for its R&D activities.
How reliable is it?
Completely reliable. I can vouch a full 10 in terms of reliability.
How easy is it to use?
GP-1 is quite easy to use. The packing is such that it rarely ends up with any wastage, while opening the ink tins. They have better tear-off system, which facilitates better handling.
How much time or money has it saved?
Indirectly it has saved me 30% in the overall expenditure. If I am doing a job worth Rs 1-crore, Rs 50,000 is spent on consumables like ink, chemicals, blankets, electricity etc. My expenses on consumables like ink, chemicals, blankets, electricity, etc would have been Rs 65,000, if I used some other ink.
Has it won you any new work?
There was a very picky customer who wanted to print a premium lifestyle magazine two years ago. I accepted the job confidently telling him, if you do not like the printed product, you are free to reject it. I printed the magazine using sublima screening at 340lpi, which requires good ink. GP-1 was capable enough of printing it perfectly. The customer was very impressed with the quality. Ever since the magazine is printed at our press.
Would you say it offers value for money?
Yes, lot more than just value.
Who do you think this ink is right for?
Any printer or packager who wants to produce good quality print, and print that comes alive.
Under what circumstances would you shift to a different brand of ink?
No, I would not shift. As far as I am concerned, I haven’t found a better option than the GP-1 in the market in the last 20 years. I would not shift to another ink only for the sake of 5% to 10% cost difference.
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User’s verdict
Speed 5/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 5/5
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Supplier’s Response
Shailesh Bajari, proprietor at S S Graphics, the Mumbai-based representative of Tokyo Printing Inks (TPI), Japan, says, “We work closely with our customers to under-stand their requirements in order to recommend the best product in its class. We have been providing the best quality inks from TKI known as Zipset GP- 1 inks to Superlekha. The inks are capable of printing up to 700 lines screen with the highest quality. Zipset GP - 1 inks are high-speed stable and will not mist or fly on new high speed presses also it will maintain the ink water balance accurately at high speed. This means, Zipset GP-1 inks can meet the total requirement of Superlekha on their Mitsubishi offset machine with the best quality and highest satisfaction.”
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Contact
S S Graphics
Shailesh Bajari
+91 - 9820140311
s_s_graphics@rediffmail.com
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