Moveable In-Line Viscometer Measures Ink Quality

Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) called on Hydramotion when it needed an in-line instrument to measure the viscosity of printing ink.

Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) called on Hydramotion when it needed an in-line instrument to measure the viscosity of printing ink.

With products ranging from dictionaries, comics and posters to CDs, decorative materials and TV shadowmasks, DNP has been a major producer in the Japanese print and media market for over 100 years.

For a company like DNP, accurate management of viscosity is critical for ensuring ink quality and suitability, said Hydramotion.

In Dai Nippon's case the ink viscometer is used on different lines at different times, so it had to be easily removable and able to cope with regular relocation.

Previous instruments were easily damaged and breakdowns were frequent.

To overcome the problem, Hydramotion designed and built a special version of its XL7 in-line viscometer with a two-inch quick-release tri-clamp fitting, making installation or removal a simple 10-second operation, said the company.

The crevice-free sensor is a solid stainless steel probe sturdy enough to withstand repeated removal and re-installation without damage.

The instrument can now be removed, cleaned and reinstalled within a few minutes.

In use, the XL7 provides continuous viscosity measurement accurate to within one per cent of the reading, with high resolution even at very low viscosities, added Hydramotion.

Danny Morbey, product manager at Hydramotion, commented: "The client wanted an instrument that would be sensitive and reliable yet still rugged enough to cope with frequent re-installation and that is exactly what we have provided." For DNP as for many other customers, a major attraction of the XL7 is its combination of high performance and ready adaptability, added Morbey.

With no need for on-site calibration or adjustment, the XL7 gave DNP an instant solution to a long-standing problem.

Back to top