So you th(Ink) you got it right?

Australians use approximately 36,000 tonnes of ink annually. But working out your own individual ink usage is a difficult task indeed, says Mark Whitmarsh.

For some companies that produce short-run 'jobbing' type work it is most likely not a big issue (But wouldn't it be just nice to know.) For those who produce volume colour work that also requires the use of varnishes we are talking 'big bucks', a significant 'direct cost' to this kind of job. In these instances the need to be more accurate is far greater; under estimating could mean producing the job at no profit or even a loss with the 'other side of the coin' over estimating resulting in not getting the job at all.

There is always the old printer's rule of thumb that says to cover a 1,000 sheets of 650mm x 910 mm with solid ink coverage you will need a 1kg can of ink From experience, I can say that this one is actually not far off the mark. Other methods include everybody's favourite: SPANKS! Then there is the issue of the coated and uncoated stocks? And how much ink coverage is actually on the printed sheet?

There are just too many variables. We need to be realistic here and aim for getting within, say a 5 to 10% +/- variable of the estimated usage.
You will always have your 'wins and losses' on any jobs. Clearly, the best way to determine your ink usage is to have a controlled period of measure - I suggest doing it for at least a month.

It is not that hard to do, just get the printer to record what ink he has used on the job bag. You will get some very interesting and surprising results. It is well worth the effort.

But if you have Quote & Print as your Management Information System then you have a fantastic tool that will assist you in getting your estimated ink usage right. The flexibility that Q&P software gives you and with your results and measures from your 'trial' will give you the ability to accurately estimate your ink usage.

Q&P calculates ink usage by using the spanks formula, which says 1000 grams of ink, will cover 353sq metres. Q&P allows you to increase or decrease this part of the formula. (Personally I like to see it at about 500sq metres for process on coated stocks.)

Q&P hasn't forgot the coated/ uncoated stock variable part of ink calculation, it allows you to 'weight' individual stocks from your stock list. An 'uncoated recycled stock' will just about halve the area a kilo of ink will cover. The other important factor of all of this is how much printed image is on the sheet.

How long is the proverbial piece of string? This is your experience as a 'master craftsman' to determine the 'average' for your style/ type of work. Q&P allows you to vary your ink coverage as you determine as a percentage in the quote template. As I suggested ink usage is a 'hard one' but measure your usage for a period. And don't forget to monitor on-going usage.The newer presses are now much better and more efficient in the way they deliver ink to the ink train.

This all helps but what about the 'bit' the printer leaves in the can or he forgets to put the lid on - That's another story!

Get your 'averages' and with those factored into your Q&P software you will be one of few printing companies that can honestly say: "We th'ink' we got it (just about) right!"