Peristaltic Pumps for UV, Water-Based and Pigmented Inks

Peristaltic pumps are a suitable solution for the metering and transfer of liquid inks and varnishes used in the industrial printing sector. They can be integrated into printing presses to pump small quantities of ink autonomously, or they can be used to transfer varnishes, inks and pigmented formulations.

The tube is the only part of the pump that comes into contact with the ink being pumped, and this absence of direct contact between the fluid and the mechanical components helps to preserve the ink’s properties, preventing any potential contamination. Espango peristaltic pumps allow for quick replacement of the Teknoprene^® pumping tube.

Why choose a peristaltic pump for dispensing inks?

In the industrial printing sector, ink handling is a versatile process. All Espango peristaltic pumps offer advantages that make them ideal for dispensing inks and varnishes, including:

- they are self-priming;

- they cover flow rates from 0.1 l/h to 9,000 l/h (depending on the model);

- they are adjustable;

- they are designed with special Teknoprene®-branded rubber hoses suitable for peristaltic pumps;

- they are reversible;

- they can be configured to suit the customer’s application.

Our peristaltic pumps for handling inks

Espango offers a comprehensive range of peristaltic pumps for ink handling in industrial printing processes, catering for requirements ranging from micro-dosing to the handling of large volumes.

OEM peristaltic pumps for installation on printing presses

For integration into printing presses, inkjet systems and digital printing, small OEM peristaltic pumps and peristaltic heads are available, capable of handling flow rates ranging from a few ml/min up to several litres/minute with high precision and repeatability.

These low-flow peristaltic pumps are designed for integration within the printing press and are often chosen both for their compact size and because they ensure a constant, controlled ink supply. Thanks to the Teknoprene^® rubber tubing used in their construction, they are capable of handling various types of inks and varnishes.

Solutions such as the IPS 18 peristaltic pump, with a fixed flow rate adjustable from 4 l/h to 22 l/h, represent a reliable choice for these applications.

IPL Series benchtop peristaltic pumps for the autonomous dosing of inks

For the same applications, the IPL series of peristaltic pumps are also available, complete with a protective housing and easy to install on the machine. As these are bench-top pumps, they are positioned outside the machine and can be fitted with timers and control systems to optimise work cycles.

The IPL series comprises peristaltic pumps in an IP54-rated housing, designed for the precise micro-dosing of ink and additives. Thanks to their design and the ability to integrate them into printing presses, they are particularly well-suited for ink dosing systems and automatic dosing systems installed on printing presses.

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IPI series industrial peristaltic pumps for transferring inks and paints

When, however, it is necessary to transfer ink from storage tanks to industrial printing presses, or to recirculate large quantities of product in flexographic, rotogravure and offset printing presses, the choice must fall on pumps capable of handling high fluid flow rates. The IPI series of industrial peristaltic pumps are solutions capable of achieving flow rates of tens or hundreds of litres per minute, whilst maintaining reliability and ease of use.

The low fluid transfer rate and gentle pumping action allow products containing solid pigments to be handled without compromising the quality of the formulation. On request, the pumps can also be used with specific types of solvent-based inks.

The IPI series is a range of industrial peristaltic pumps suitable for applications requiring the decanting, transfer and handling of products in large quantities, and is available in four different versions to meet varying flow rate requirements, with either horizontal or vertical motor configurations. Flow rates available exceed 9,000 litres per hour.

Our peristaltic pumps are designed with a tube bearing the Teknoprene^® mark, our registered trademark denoting our range of special rubber tubes for peristaltic pumps. Our pumps can be designed and mounted on a trolley, fitted with an inverter motor, special fittings or ATEX-certified motors.

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FAQ

Which pump should be used for transferring ink?

Peristaltic pumps are often used for transferring UV, water-based and pigmented inks, thanks to their self-priming capability, flow rate adjustment and the ability to move the fluid without contaminating it. For high flow rates and transfers from tanks to printing presses, IPI industrial peristaltic pumps are particularly suitable; they are designed for the transfer and metering of inks, varnishes and additives in flexographic printing presses.

Which pump should be used for UV inks?

Peristaltic pumps are an ideal solution for metering UV inks thanks to their precise flow rate control, high chemical resistance and the absence of direct contact between the fluid and the pump’s mechanical components.

Can peristaltic pumps handle pigmented inks?

Yes. Peristaltic pumps can handle inks containing solid pigments whilst maintaining the product’s characteristics. The operating principle of peristaltic pumps allows for gentle fluid handling, reducing mechanical stress on the pigments and helping to preserve the ink’s quality and colour stability.

Are peristaltic pumps suitable for digital inkjet printing?

Yes. Thanks to their precise flow rate control and gentle fluid handling, peristaltic pumps are used in numerous digital and inkjet printing systems for the controlled delivery of inks.

Can a peristaltic pump be used in flexographic printing presses?

Yes. Peristaltic pumps are used in flexographic applications for the transfer, recirculation and metering of inks, helping to maintain a constant ink supply to the printing system.

Can peristaltic pumps handle water-based and solvent-based inks?

Peristaltic pumps are particularly suitable for water-based and UV inks. Depending on the chemical compatibility of the pump tube, they can also be used with specific solvent-based formulations.

What flow rate is required to supply a printing press?

The flow rate depends on the type of press, the printing technology used, the viscosity of the ink and the number of feed points. It is advisable to assess these parameters to identify the most suitable pump.

Come evitare contaminazioni durante il cambio colore degli inchiostri?

Peristaltic pumps simplify colour changes because the ink comes into contact only with the tube. The quick replacement of the pump tube reduces downtime and the risk of contamination between different colours.

Are peristaltic pumps suitable for ink recirculation systems?

Yes. Thanks to their ability to operate in both directions and their gentle handling of the fluid, they are often used in ink recirculation and recovery systems.

Which tube materials are recommended for UV inks?

The choice of material depends on the chemical composition of the ink, the operating temperature and the operating conditions. Correct tube selection ensures greater system durability and reliability. Espango pumps are designed and fitted with a standard Teknoprene^® vulcanised thermoplastic rubber tube, a material specifically developed for peristaltic pumps.