Within the printing industry this ink dispensing system is used to mix various colour pastes composed of 14 to 22 mix pastes. The ink is used to print packaging.The process dispensing the paste is based on a certain weight. This had to be visualized and controlled by ATS. The operator selects a colour, the system calculates the required quantities of the different mixing pastes and informs the operator when the required amount has been dispensed.
This is done until the desired weight and desired mixing ratio associated with the colour combination is achieved. The current machine (fully working on compressed air) wass completely operated manually.

A semi-automatic dosing concept was developed, enabling 90-95% of the mixed paste being automatically dispensed and 5% by fine dosing. The control and visualization use an Unitronics Vision 570 PLC / HMI, which is connected to a Sartorius balance (scale).
The scale supports serial communication.

A possible future step is to fully automate dispensing.

Ink Dosing Panel