The document discusses the issue of ink circulation in rotogravure printing, emphasizing the importance of continuously cycling ink due to its thixotropic properties, which affect viscosity under static conditions. Without proper circulation, ink thickens and disrupts the printing process, making consistent ink flow crucial. The Valflow® centrifugal ink pumps are presented as a solution to ensure comprehensive circulation of ink within two minutes.

1. VALENCE ELECTRONS PRIVATE LIMITED
32 K R Colony, Domlur Layout, Bangalore 560 071, India
T: +91-80-4125 6570
E: contact@valence.in W: www.ategroup.com/valence
Registered Office: 43 Dr V B Gandhi Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 023, India
CIN: U74999MH2000PTC127595
Application note
Published date: 10-01-2017 | Rev: 1A
Page 1
Ink circulation in rotogravure printing
Problem
In rotogravure printing, the ink needs to be constantly circulated between the ink tank and the printing tray.
This is due to an inherent property of the ink called “thixotropy” which is the time dependent viscosity of
certain fluids. Under static conditions, these fluids remain thick (viscous) but start thinning once they are
continuously agitated. If the ink is not continuously circulated between the printing tray and ink tank, it tends to
become thick and poses a problem in printing process. Also, achieving a perfect ink flow is equally important
as maintaining ink viscosity.
Solution
As a general rule of thumb, the entire volume of the ink has to be circulated completely in 2 minutes between
the tank and the tray. The Valflow
®
centrifugal ink pumps are designed to achieve continuous circulation
along with impeccable ink flow.