• THINK Corp Comms | IM GROUP

Milan, Italy, 23 April, 2024. Inkmaker the founder of IM GROUP, has chosen VEGA’s level and pressure sensors for its integrated dosing and mixing systems dedicated to the ink, paint, and packaging sectors. This partnership is based on the precision of the devices, advanced technology, and worldwide support service.

Inkmaker: innovation in dosing and mixing systems

The Growing Demands of Packaging Colour and Protection

Colourful, well-labelled packaging is now the norm on supermarket shelves. To meet rising communication needs and more sophisticated graphic demands, packaging uses a broader and more varied colour palette—where consistency and repeatability of the final result are essential. Packaging must also protect the product inside, especially for food items. That makes it vital to dose colours and protective coatings with precision and control, achieving both functional and aesthetic results.

Inkmaker’s Role in Advanced Printing Processes

After the design team defines the look, the printing process begins—and this is where Inkmaker’s advanced technologies come into play for dosing coatings, white, four-colour process, or spot colours directly into the press.

Volume Control and Process Traceability

For precision, accurate and repeatable colours with stable shades are key for successful printing. This process is mathematical, scientific, and traceable: what used to be based on experience is now formula-driven, calculated with precision, saved, and consistently replicated. Many materials involved are flammable, so Inkmaker’s dosing systems are ATEX-certified to ensure safety in hazardous environments.

The production of each colour is managed by IMAESTRO software. It optimises dosing operations and controls the customer’s entire production process—including inventory, production orders, print returns, and batch codes. Every formula creates a unique code from its components. The software integrates with the customer’s ERP, ensuring full traceability with detailed reports of all production phases.

The Role of VEGA Sensors in Volume Monitoring

VEGA’s level and pressure sensors monitor product volumes to manage critical volume needs. According to Alessandro Tallone, Area Sales Manager at IM GROUP, “When ink volumes are large, they need close monitoring so our software can alert customers before supplies run out.”

Depending on the liquid type and process conditions, the best sensor technology is chosen. For continuous measurements, radar and pressure sensors are used; for high or low level detection, tuning fork or capacitive sensors are preferred—all from VEGA.

Inkmaker's InkTraSyst: automatic ink transfer system

VEGA in the InkTraSyst System

VEGA sensors are integral to InkTraSyst, a system developed by Inkmaker for automatic preparation, control, and transfer of ink to the printing press. This eliminates manual handling of large volumes, improving efficiency and safety while reducing ink storage near printing machines.

Tallone adds, “Along with Inktrasyst, we created a technical solution to manage preparation and control before production:

• from the loading phase to storage in a process tank,
• from preparation and mixing with other components and/or additives to dosing in the production area

all with level monitoring and, when needed, pH, temperature, and viscosity measurements.”

A pumping system and piping transfer the ready product to small press tanks. When levels are low, sensors trigger automatic refilling, allowing the press to run continuously and autonomously.

Ink Transfer to the Printing Press

To transfer ink into the press, Inkmaker offers options based on customer needs. The automatic solution uses a buffer tank connected to the inking reservoir—ideal for high-consumption, continuous-shift operations. Semi-automatic filling with dispensing guns or manual dosing via scale is also available.

The Twin-Tank System for Continuous Production

For very high consumption, the Twin-Tank System uses two identical tanks, each with level sensors. Tank A is filled and mixed, then Tank B is filled with the same product. When Tank A empties, the system switches to Tank B, allowing Tank A to be refilled without stopping production.

VEGA: a reliable technology partner

A Long-Term Partnership with VEGA

Inkmaker has long trusted VEGA as a technology partner due to its precise instruments and global support, which simplifies commissioning and operation.

Tallone explains, “We select instruments based on the precision needed for product quality and repeatability. For high precision, we use high-performance radar or guided wave radar sensors.”

Easy commissioning is a key benefit: “VEGA provides instruments suited to our needs, so installations usually only require tank filling before starting production.”

Remote calibration is another advantage, essential since installations are worldwide. VEGA provides pre-calibrated devices with self-diagnostics and allows remote calibration if needed.

Vincenzo Varlese, Automation Engineer, Inkmaker and Alessandro Tallone, Area Sales Manager of IM GROUP

Inkmaker’s Advanced Dosing Solutions Featuring VEGA Sensor Technology

By partnering with VEGA, Inkmaker ensures precision and reliability in dosing and mixing systems, improving product quality, production efficiency, and safety across ink, paint, and packaging sectors.

Read the full case study in ITALIAN

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About Inkmaker

Founded in Italy, Inkmaker is an international manufacturer specialising in integrated dosing and mixing systems for paints, packaging inks, industrial chemicals, cosmetics and more. It is the founder of IM GROUP—which also includes the brands Rexson, Vale-Tech, Swesa, Teko, Tecnopails, and IEC+.