It only took druckpartner, based in Essen, one look at the combined ink.line cartridge and pumped automatic ink supply system to decide it was the perfect solution for their pressroom.

The advantages of the ink cartridge compared to the conventional tin are obvious - less waste due to the airtight lock on the container and less residue because the cartridge is completely emptied. Furthermore the sensor in the cartridge holder ensures that the ink duct is always evenly and correctly filled. The introduction of automatic ink supply, via the ink.line cartridge dispensers, has also led to a commensurate rise in productivity in the press room.

„This first stage of automation meant that our employees had more time to concentrate on more important tasks than checking the levels in the ink duct. In a short space of time the quality of our products increased even further", explains Managing Director Gerd Florian.

In the following years druckpartner underwent rapid expansion. They invested in additional new large machines with up to 10 printing units. These were then consistently fitted with the ink.line crossbar system. At the height of the expansion there were 36 printing units using this method of ink supply.

"We had reached the point where we needed to embark on the next stage of automation - central ink supply.“, explains Gerd Florian. "This made use of the high level of flexibility offered by the ink.line system - the direct.ink.line."

This expansion meant that the cartridge could simply be replaced with a fill valve, supplied with ink from industrial containers via a hose and a complex pipe system using powerful pumps. 

With its many years of experience, the technotrans service division took responsibility for the entire project. From the first keystroke of the planning process to the last screw being tightened. The chief attraction for druckpartner is that the pipes run above the ceiling panels. So there is hardly any visible pipework to be found in the press room, only the filling tubes, which come directly out of the ceiling.

"The work by the technotrans service team was exemplary and flawless", according to druckpartner's Managing Director. "The pre-compiled plans were realised with a great deal of aplomb. The installation of the pump stations, pipes and the fitting of the fill valves – it all went like clockwork."

druckpartner was able to ensure a high level of flexibility by using replaceable rapid fasteners for the individual ink tubes. This means that the order of the ink in the machine can be changed in the shortest possible time.

"What impressed us most of all was how competent the technotrans experts were in every aspect during the installation.", explained Gerd Florian once the project had been completed. "When the service technicians left we were certain that the whole system would work absolutely flawlessly."