Maurice Payne Colourprint :: Technotrans ink pumping

Maurice Payne updates presses with Technotrans Ink Pumping system

Reading commercial printer Maurice Payne has updated its six and eight-colour Heidelberg sheet-fed B1 presses with technotrans ink barrel pumping equipment as part of a major investment in its pressroom, which includes the installation of a new 12-colour Heidelberg B1 Perfectors. “ The technotrans system links all three Heidelberg presses to four 200 kg barrels of process inks and one of sealer,” says Maurice Payne, who started the company 18 years ago. “In addition, we’ve got technotrans ink.line fitted to several of the units. The 2 kg cartridges used in the ink.line system can be quickly changed, and the combination of ink.line and ink barrels gives us huge versatility in our ability to print different variations of process and spot colours plus sealers.” technotrans initially carried out an indepth survey at the Reading factory before creating a design which would best suit the requirements of the existing presses and the new machine. The installation of the pipe work, the ink pumping units and ink line was done with the minimum of disruption.
“ Productivity is also increased as the minders are able to concentrate on producing work, without being hampered by filling ink ducts. Indeed, with the three presses running 24 hours a day. The press operators are very happy with the technotrans system, because it not only makes their jobs easier but makes the press and surrounding areas a great deal cleaner and tidier. This looks good when we have customers touring the plant.” Changing the 200 kg barrels is quickly and easily carried out, and a flashing light indicates when a barrel has reached a certain level. The technotrans system provides an airtight seal around the inside of the drum, whilst the hydraulic ram creates high pressure, thus allowing ink to be pumped anywhere in the factory. The ink is filtered automatically by the technotrans system before it is fed into the pipes and there is an audible warning when the filter needs changing, which is again a very simple task. Sensors on the press ensure that a pre-determined level of ink is maintained in the duct at all time. This can be varied automatically by a central control panel, so if a job required more of one particular colour this can be allowed for in the duct very accurately. Maurice Payne is no stranger to technotrans and the new 12-colour Heidelberg is fitted with ink roller temporising and dampening systems from the Colchester based company.
“ We produce work for companies throughout the UK, many of them leading financial institutions and high street corporations,” says Maurice Payne. “We don’t have a sales force, so we’ve built our business and reputation on word of mouth recommendations. This means that consistent high quality is paramount to our success and technotrans has helped us in eliminating several of the variables that can effect print quality during the run.”