The Alpha.c combination unit controls both the inking and dampening temperature of the press, while the filtration system removes debris from the dampening solution, helping Chesapeake’s Leicester plant achieve 3% alcohol levels.
Terry Plumley, Chesapeake’s print manager, said the company had been cleaning out the dampening system every two to three weeks before it invested in the alpha.f filtration unit.
"Now it will be every three months. The reduction in the cost of chemistry is probably offset by the investment in filters but where we definitely cut costs is in effort with the reduction in maintenance time," he said.
By attaining consistent temperature, regulating ink viscosity and ensuring clean and consistent dampening, the units prevents scumming on the UV machines, which can cause clogging on the plates.
The company now has the technology on all four of its presses, which has increased the consistency of the quality of its products.
Alan Footitt, print and cut and crease production manager, said: "We now have full consistency across all four presses so when the water pH and conductivity is tested we know exactly what it should be."
Chesapeake invests in dampening and filtration equipment
Chesapeake's pharmaceutical plant in Leicester has invested 20,000 in an Alpha.c combination unit and an Alpha.f filtration unit from Technotrans, for one of its Komori L628 presses.
