Commonly Asked Questions
How do I eliminate mold, slime or yeast in my fountain solution system?
Action #1
1. Drain contaminated, spore filled fount.
2. Fill fountain tank up with clean water.
3. Add Mold Stop - 1 Pint (16 oz.) for every 5-10 gallons of infected water. Allow mixture to thoroughly circulate for 30 minutes.
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Note: Include the treatment of all fountain rollers during the eradication process. (Fill a spray bottle with water diluted Mold Stop and spray all fount carrying rollers) Follow all local, state and federal safety measures.
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Action #2
Drain tanks and refill with fresh water. (see below 1 thru 5)
1. Add Microburst Systems Kleener Powder Step 1, recirculate for at least 25 mins.
2. Add Microburst Systems Kleener Powder Step 2 right into the dirty Step 1, allow to recirculate for 15 minutes.
3. Drain tank.
4. Thoroughly flush with clean water.
5. Refill with fresh fountain solution. Dose with 1/4 oz. Mold Stop per gallon of water as a final precaution.
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For more information click here.
What are some common causes and cures for Blinding?
(Calcium Carbonate fillers, lint, coatings) Calcium, paper lint & coating circulate through the fount recirculation system neutralizing the fountain solution, causing plates to become sensitive and the need to increase water speeds to keep plates clean. Calcium build up on the rollers causing roller hardening. This alone causes all over or area specific ink / water imbalances that show up during press runs! All of this shortens the life of fountain solution, creating issues from plate sensitivity, plugging or running at higher water speeds.
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For more information on causes and cures click here.
Why should treated water be hardened and to what degree?
In the RO process, the water is pressed through a membrane. Water treated like this, emerges with a very low residual salt content and with a 0° dH. It should be re-hardened until it reaches a degree of hardness ranging from 8° dH - 12° dH, with 10° dH being the preferred hardness for offset printing.
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For more information click here.
What are some common causes and cures for piling?
Piling is ink and or paper build up, most commonly on blankets. It can occur on plates, both image and non-image or rollers creating a dry accumulation.
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Some of the causes:
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Rollers improperly set or of wrong durometer.
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Ink water balance is cause. Improper Ink water emulsification transfer.
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Ink pigment piling and poor transfer through insufficient lubrication or heavy pigment loading.
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Fountain Solution can be the cause.
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Poor blanket release.
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For information on ways to cure click here.
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