DAMPENING SYSTEMS -- Striking a Balance

For this segment of the industry in particular, the press operator's skill level can be a factor in choosing the right dampening system, Carpenter asserts. "The simpler the system is to operate, the easier it is to increase the quality of printing and produce profits," he says.

"System" is an operative word in the discussion, says Thomas Haas, vice president of technology at technotrans america, sheetfed division, in Corona, CA. "Effective control starts with the incoming water supply and encompasses the proper dosing of the fountain solution and additives, proper mixing of the solution after dosing, temperature control, rate of water flow/exchange and filtration, to name a few issues," he argues.