Precise measurement technology for exact ink dispensing: How Inkmaker and VEGA guarantee process reliability

Colourful packagings compete for attention in supermarkets – and having the perfect colour scheme is a crucial factor for success. Besides its visual appeal, packaging must also provide functional protection, for example, for foodstuffs or sensitive products.

This is where Inkmaker’s precise metering technology comes into play: With modern dispensing and mixing systems, paints, white, CMYK colours as well as customised colours can be metered directly in the printing press. This inline dispensing process precisely calculates, stores, and reproduces colour formulas identically at all times. Every batch is thus guaranteed to be consistent, with colours remaining accurate, stable and reproducible over the long term, and meeting both optical and functional requirements.

Today’s printing processes operate according to clear mathematical and scientific rules and everything that happens can be fully reproduced. Where experienced colour experts once monitored quality, software solutions like IMaestro now take over complete control. It optimises the production process, manages stock levels, production orders and print returns, and enables seamless batch identification.

“Continuous monitoring is necessary, particularly when dealing with large volumes of ink, so that our software – which analyses the transmitter signals – can alert customers in good time before a product runs out,” explains Alessandro Tallone, Area Sales Manager at IM GROUP.

To ensure precise pressure and level measurement, Inkmaker relies on level, pressure and point level instrumentation from VEGA. The most suitable instrumentation is selected depending on the medium to be measured and the specific process conditions. For continuous measurement data acquisition, Inkmaker deploys level radars and pressure transmitters, while vibrating level switches or capacitive level devices are used for point level detection.

This transmitter technology guarantees that large volumes of ink are continuously monitored and provides timely warnings before products run out. Since printing often involves the use of flammable substances, Inkmaker's dispensing systems are ATEX-certified for such applications. This guarantees process safety even in potentially explosive environments.

Now a central element in process automation, Inktrasyst is a system developed by Inkmaker for the automatic preparation, monitoring and delivery of ink to the printing press. 

Inktrasyst handles all steps in the production process – from filling and storing in a process tank, to mixing with other components or additives, to metering in the production area.

Thanks to integrated VEGA transmitters, there is no need for manual handling of large quantities of ink, which saves time and increases process efficiency. This also eliminates the need to store large volumes of ink directly at the printing presses. 

The level, and if required, other parameters such as temperature, viscosity, and pH value, are continuously monitored while the tested, ready-to-use product is being transported via a pumping system directly to the printing press. 

On/off sensors automatically trigger the refilling process as soon as the defined minimum level is reached, ensuring that production can continue autonomously and without interruption.

Depending on its customers’ needs, the company Inkmaker offers several different ways of transferring ink to the printing press:

• Fully automatic systems with a buffer tank connected directly to the inking unit (thanks to its high efficiency, it is ideal for high consumption volumes and multi-shift operation)


• Semi-automatic systems with dispensing guns


• Manual dispensing via weighing scale, where the operator sets the desired weight and the software system controls the dispensing with high precision.

For applications with especially high consumption, Inkmaker developed the Twin-Tank system: Two identical tanks, each fitted with a level transmitter, are filled alternately, which allows one tank to dispense the product while the other tank is being prepared. This guarantees uninterrupted production even at high throughput rates.

The long-standing partnership between Inkmaker and VEGA is based on precision and simple operation of the measurement technology, as well as global service. Radar level sensors , guided wave radar and capacitive level transmitters offer the highest measurement accuracy, while the remote calibration and remote diagnostics capabilities of them all, greatly simplify setup and commissioning worldwide.

“When selecting measurement technology, one of the most important criteria is the precision required for ensuring the quality of the end product – as well as its long-term reproducibility,” explains Tallone. “For applications requiring high precision, the high-performance non contacting radar level or guided radar transmitters are ideal choices for us.”

VEGA delivers pre-configured instruments that are already optimally tailored to the respective applications, so that on-site, the tanks simply need to be filled – production can start immediately.

The option of remote calibration is also important for Inkmaker. Because the systems are installed worldwide, the remote functionality is a major advantage, as on-site adjustment in each case would involve high costs. VEGA technology makes it possible to calibrate the transmitters in advance, perform self-diagnostics and, if necessary, make adjustments remotely.

Precise level measurement enables timely warnings and ensures process continuity, even with large volumes of ink.

Modern measurement technology is now indispensable for efficient and reliable production of paints, coatings and inks. Inkmaker demonstrates how level, pressure and limit level instrumentation, automated dispensing systems and intelligent software solutions can be combined to ensure the highest quality, process reliability and traceability.

Whether it is radar or pressure transmitters, or point level sensors – precise control of all critical parameters enables consistent results, reduces waste and increases efficiency. For manufacturers of paints and coatings, chemicals, packaging materials and cosmetics, the use of such technologies has long been a competitive advantage.