PMS ink mixing

We have (1) 5 color Komori and are currently having all our draw downs proofs produced and inks mixed offsite. the process is very time consuming, lengthy and is becoming an obstacle as “speed to market” is becoming an issue of greater importance to our folding carton customers. If you were to design a complete proofing ( draw downs on job stock), ink mixing system from scratch ( PMS colors, coated, uncoated and metallics) what would you suggest, and what kind of dollars are we talking about?

The main objective would be to generate professional looking draw downs that would be easily replicated in larger ink volumes and if approved and once on press be accurate to the draw down proof so re mixing can be minimal. it is talking 3-5 working days to get draw downs, and once received they hardly ever match the pantone chip and need to be recreated taking another 3-5 days. This eats valuable development time on projects and if we make a mistake and send a poorly matched draw down for approval it causes clients to loose confidence in our abilities. most clients do not understand the matching process and have little tolerance. Keep in mind that due to the cost of labor in asia, China mfg.’s often send out Press proofs free of charge via FedEx regardless of project size. to due that here in US is cost prohibitive on most projects.

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Contact your ink supplier/representative, bring them in and show them what you need to accomplish and the budget you have to work with, they should help to get you set up. I was in screen printing for 20 years, we color matched and proofed everything in house.