How does it work?
Because of the Accurex™ Precision Dispensing Cylinder system, it’s actually quite simple. When you ask for a color on EvolvePro, the dispenser moves the cartridge carousel to the first mixing base of the formula. The dispenser’s air cylinder then proceeds to push on the cartridge puck, which forces the ink out through the valve directly into the container. The scale communicates with the computer and the sensors that monitor ink flow, ensuring accurate results. The dispenser then carries out the same operation to the remaining mixing components until the batch is complete. This whole process takes between 3-10 minutes on average.
Do I have to hire somebody to run the Mx6?
Absolutely not. GFI’s equipment is fully automated, and requires only a few seconds of operator intervention to start each process. Many facilities have upwards of 20 employees trained on EvolvePro.
Why is my ink manufacturer’s color database so important?
Pairing with a good ink company is crucial to your success with the Mx-Series™ dispensers. You will not see the same level of color accuracy with every ink company. This is because the dispenser is only as good as the formulation database it is working off of. The dispenser will measure the ink correctly, but if the formula is off, the color will be off. Each ink manufacturer needs a different database because their mixing bases are created differently. Some ink manufacturers have been working diligently for years on creating a competent database to match their mixing bases. Others have not. Contact a GFI representative to find out how your ink manufacturer’s database has been performing in the field.
How long does it take to make a color?
It depends on the batch size and how many mixing bases are in the formula. Smaller batches can take as little as a couple of minutes to produce, while larger batches (i.e. 50 lb.) may take closer to 20 minutes. On average, you can produce a 5 lb. batch in about 5 minutes.
How accurate is the Mx6?
The Mx6 has a default tolerance level of .001 lb (0.45 g). If the dispensed amount is out of tolerance, the dispenser will ask if the operator wants to ‘Fix’ the batch in order to bring it within tolerance. When properly calibrated, this will rarely happen.
What happens when a color is wrong?
If a color formula is incorrect, you will have to tweak it in order to achieve the desired color. This can most easily be done by having your ink manufacturer fix the formula at their branch. If you have somebody with advanced color knowledge in-house, it is an easy task to adjust the percentages of the formula in EvolvePro (therefore changing the color).
What about difficult colors (cool grays, tans, etc)?
It really does not matter what color you’re trying to achieve. If the formula is correct, and the desired dispensing amounts are within tolerance of the dispenser, the color can be produced accurately every single time.
Can I do UV/Metallics/Goe® Colors/Fluorescents?
Yes, yes, yes and yes! The dispenser works with all types of paste ink, but is not capable of handling liquid, water-based inks.
How large/small of a batch can I make?
The dispenser can make as small as one eighth (1/8) of a pound up to fifty (50) pounds at one time (56 grams up to 22,680 grams).
What kind of maintenance should I expect?
The Mx6 requires virtually no maintenance at all. It is recommended to occasionally wash off the removable drip trays that are located under the carousel. Also, the scale manufacturer Weightronix® recommends an annual calibration to ensure accuracy.
How many printers use the Mx6?
Click here to see our installation list.
What is the warranty?
Click here to see the warranty.
How do I make a custom color?
Custom colors can be created by manually changing the percentages of an existing formula, manually creating a new formula altogether, or by using a spectrophotometer to match a physical color. Once the formula is achieved, it can be saved on the database for future use.