How To Calculate Ink Consumption In Offset Printing

Planning to buy a printing machine and wondering, what will be the overall cost of using the machine in the long run? Well, one of the most important factors that is responsible in finding out its affordability is-calculating the ink consumption. Whether you are planning to buy a used or  new printing machine, you need to find out the estimated cost of ink consumption, overall waste generation cost, and latent expenses to get a good idea of whether the machine fits in your budgetary requirements and is right for your business in the long run. Not sure how to calculate it? Well, don’t worry as we are here with the guide on how to calculate the consumption of an offset machine. So, let’s get started!

Debunking The Myth of Ink Consumption

It is quite clear that there are various advantages of offset printing in several industries, and when you are thinking about buying one then definitely know how it can be beneficial for your business in the long run. But before buying one, it is important to know about how the consumption in this machine works.

One of the most common misconceptions that come with ink consumption is that using third-party or compatible inks is more drawn to consumption than the original inks. Well, that’s definitely not true! You can always go for printer-specific inks as these are quite close to the original ones and offer similar results. Whether it’s a used printing machine or a new one, you can go for any ink with similar properties instead of the original counterparts.

Factors Playing An Important Role in Ink Consumption

So, which is the best offset printing machine that consumes less ink and offers the best production? To do this, you need to calculate the consumption level. One can easily find out the consumption levels in the textile printers as these come up with RIP software, but that is not the case with large format and desktop printers. So to measure the ink consumption level, we need to know about some of the factors that are quite vital in finding out whether the machine’s consumption is high or sustainable. Some of these factors are:

Print Settings:

When operating a used Komori offset printing machine or any other machine, one of the most important parts is to know about the settings that are configured during the printing process. The reason behind it is that it certainly does affect the overall consumption on a greater scale as the right setting would provide quality and precise outcomes without too much ink consumption. On the other hand, a wrong setting would result in getting the precise result while consuming ink on a large scale. For instance, if you are printing on Photo paper and set the settings to that of matte paper, then it will definitely consume too much ink than it should. So the ink setting does play an important role in achieving the right amount of ink consumption.

Print Media:

Whether you are using a new or used printing machine, one of the most important parts of the ink consumption process is to use the type of substrate you print, which is also known as print media. But what is it? Print media is the paper you use for printing, which comes in two of the most popular mediums: coated and uncoated. But do these types make any difference during the printing process? Well, it does! The consumption of ink would be higher in the uncoated media in comparison to the coated one as it will need, to facilitate the same quality of vibrancy in the print, which results in too much absorption of ink on the surface.

Cleaning Cycles & Print Coverage:

Print coverage of the machine is quite an integral part of the overall consumption of the ink as the area of the paper that the print is going to cover denotes its overall consumption. However, it also implies that in comparison to simple designs, intricate designs printed across the paper consume more ink. Moreover, printing over a larger area will consume more ink in comparison to printing on a smaller area of paper. Similarly, when using your printing machine or any other machine, you need to focus on the number of cleaning cycles as the ink that is used for the cleaning will not be utilized for printing, so it also plays an important role in the overall consumption of the ink in the long run.

Ink Consumption- How To Calculate It?

With the promising future of offset printing industry in India, offset printing machines have become a staple. When it comes to calculating consumption, then there is an existing relation between print coverage and quality of ink, which provides an approximate idea of how much will be consumed based on the print coverage. The value of relation here is that-

“About 1ML of ink is required to print one square foot of area of the substrate and offers 100% page coverage.”

For instance, if you are printing 10 sheets, then it might consume one ML of ink for one square foot of each page with 10% of the coverage. On the other hand, a person who is printing five sheets, one square foot each, and is covering 20% of the page will consume a total of 1ML ink.

Similarly, two sheets with a print of one square foot and 50% coverage will also consume 1ML ink. With this calculation, you can now find out the overall consumption by calculating the overall page coverage in square feet and then applying the relation as per your printing needs.

An Assortment Of High-Grade Used Offset Printing Machines- Sneha Graphics & Solutions

Searching for a premium quality and high-performing printing machine for your business? Sneha Graphics & Solutions is here with an assortment of robust, reliable, and high-grade refurbished machines, making your entrepreneurial journey a breeze! We provide excellent-condition printing machines in several sizes, variations, dimensions, colours, and brands. Some of the brands that we deal in are Komori, Heidelberg, KBA, Manroland, Mitsubishi, ADAST, ABEDICK, and more. Our wide range of ergonomic machines includes:

• Komori Lithrone 426
• Komori Lithrone 240
• ADAST 515
• ABEDICK
• Komori Lithrone 526
• Heidelberg SORD
• Komori Lithrone LS 440, and more.

Wondering how to operate offset printing machine? At Sneha Graphics & Solutions, we take care of all of the technical and machinery needs of our customers by providing them robust, technical support and installation. We have a team of highly qualified professionals and trained experts who make the journey of buying a printing machine for your business seamless. So, get in touch with us to invest in a highly affordable and top-notch offset printing machine!