InkerKing

InkerKing incorporates new features which reduce to a minimum the number of parts required to re-ink different cartridges. Other features are designed to simplify and speed up the re-inking process. A functional control panel lets you set the accurate time required for each cartridge. An alarm alerts you when the re-inking is completed. A reversible motor drive dramatically reduces the number of parts required to support thousands of cartridges. A variable speed motor lets you select the speed which best fits the cartridge and the ribbon. When you sequentially re-ink several cartridges of the same type, the programmable memory timer remembers the settings. The new touchless ink-feeding system eliminates the need to handle the filling and emptying of the reservoir before and after re-inking. Consequently, handling ink and ribbon are reduced to a minimum.

The touchless system consists of an ink-tank bottle which can be attached to the side of the reservoir table module. You simply adjust height of the ink-tank and the level of ink in the reservoir is kept constant. At the end of the session, you simply lower the bottle and the ink automatically feeds back into the tank.

How does InkerKing Work?

Operation and maintenance of InkerKing are extremely simple:

• Select the direction of rotation from the Control Panel. The direction of rotation is usually indicated on the cartridge itself.
• Load your cartridge on the InkerKing motor and wind ribbon around reservoir.
• Load ink as needed into the reservoir or adjust the 'Touchless' ink-tank bottle to the desired height
• Select the time required to re-ink the cartridge. Instructions specify how to set the time appropriately.
• Start the motor.

As the ribbon passes around the reservoir, ink is delivered directly onto the ribbon, through the reservoir openings. Re-inking time depends on the length of the ribbon inside the cartridge. Typically, an Epson 80 cartridge takes 6-8 minutes, an Okidata 180 takes 3-4 minutes etc. When the re-inking is completed, the removable alarm alerts you to turn off your InkerKing. The alarm is removable so you can take it with you. Have you set aside a number of cartridges to be re-inked all at once? Simply press the RESET button once and press START again. InkerKing will remember the time needed to re-ink the cartridge.

Features and Benefits of Inker King

• Actual cost in dot matrix ink to bring a ribbon to better than new condition is 5 cents. A 20-yard ribbon (typical for most cartridges) can be re-inked 100 times or more.
• The printout from a re-inked ribbon is often better than a new ribbon, due to the freshness of the ink applied and the dark dye of our dot matrix ink.
• InkerKing re-inks the majority of all fabric cartridges, current and future.
• Extremely simple, trouble-free, unattended operation, can be safely and effectively used in any office.
• Reversible and powerful DC motor reduces to a minimum the number of parts required to re-ink the majority of cartridges.
• Variable speed motor lets customer regulate speed to adapt to the optimum combination of inking time and ink release for your cartridge.
• Control Panel includes removable timer used to program the precise re-inking time for different cartridges.
• Memory remembers the time programmed for a cartridge, so re-programming is not necessary when re-inking cartridges of the same type.
• Alarm alerts customer when re-inking is completed.
• Multicolor ink kits are available for most current and future multicolor cartridges.
• Multiple reservoirs can be positioned on the inking table, ready to be used, for example, when re-inking in colors other than black.
• Modular design lets customer add reservoir tables that can be either connected to the original reservoir table or used separately.
• A wealth of special inks and accessories are available for special applications, heat transfer - indelible (laundromat) - OCR etc.

On Motor Speed

InkerKing features a variable speed motor. This is a significant advantage, because the speed can be adjusted for the fastest and most efficient operation. Is there an ideal motor speed? Should a particular setting be selected for each different cartridge?

There is no direct answer, because of the many conditions which influence the process. The sketch shows qualitatively the relative importance of the various parameters at play.

Cartridge Type. Different cartridges have different gear mechanisms. In turn these result in a different ribbon speed (for the same number of revolutions per minute). The variable speed of InkerKing lets you determine the appropriate setting for the particular cartridge to be re-inked. If you re-ink several cartridges of the same type, than that setting ought to be remembered or noted.

Reservoir Type. There are reservoirs with one, two and three dispensing holes. It follows that the more the holes, the more the ink delivered to the ribbon. Hence the speed can be regulated to take into account the quantity of ink flowing out of the reservoir.

Ribbon Condition. If the ribbon is particularly dry, assuming the same cartridge and the same reservoir, then the speed should be slower. If the ribbon needs re-inking but is not bone-dry, then the motor can be speeded up because less ink is required.

Temperature/Viscosity. The viscosity of the ink is affected by temperature. Higher temperature means a greater flow of ink. We consider the range of normal operating temperature 60F - 80F (15C - 26C), but there will be a noticeable change in viscosity at the two extremes of the range. You can even heat up the ink prior to re-inking if he wants to have a higher flow and faster re-inking speed.

In conclusion, we recommend that you keep a record of the settings you wish to work with for each cartridge to be re-inked. Refer to the settings when re-inking the same type of cartridge. And because the same type of cartridge may not have the same amount of ribbon inside, the record of the settings should also include the time required for one complete revolution. There is some tolerance and, in general, it is not critical to take into account precisely the influence of each factor.

The Re-inking Process

Fabric (mostly nylon) cartridges release ink to the paper as the printhead pins strike the ribbon. After a few passes, the ink is depleted and the printout begins to fade. InkerKing delivers the right amount of ink to a dried ribbon, restoring the fabric to new or better-than-new conditions. In our tests, confirmed by countless unsolicited testimonials, a ribbon, re-inked regularly with our dot matrix ink, exceeds the projected life of the printhead.

Dot Matrix Ink and Printhead Life

Our dot matrix ink complies or exceeds the specifications for dot matrix ink used by cartridge and ribbon manufacturers. We manufacture and supply a large variety of cartridges and ribbons—single and multicolor. A regularly re-inked ribbon will contribute to extended printhead life for two reasons. First, the printhead pins, during operation, reach temperatures close to the melting point of the nylon. Our dot matrix ink contributes to cool the heat conveyed by the pins on impact. This, in turn, prevents ribbon fraying and prevents creating lint. Secondly, our lubricated ink lubricates the printhead pins as they print.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 15 1/2" (L) x 8" (W) x 3 1/4" (H)
• Weight: 3.2 lb (with one Reservoir Base)
• Motor: 12V DC
• Power supply: 120V/60 Hz (ac) and 220V-240V/50Hz (ac) switch selectable, fuse protected.
• Control Panel: Digital, removable timer with selectable time showing seconds, minutes and hours. Adjustable motor speed. Direction control switch. Rapid advance feature to take up the slack when installing the ribbon on to the platform. LED lights indicating the direction of rotation.
• Dot Matrix Inks: black, red, green, brown, purple, orange, yellow, gold, silver, white.
• Multicolor inks: black, yellow, cyan, magenta (process and primary, process is standard).
• Other inks: OCR (for bar code readers), Sunfast (fade resistant), Heat Transfer, Copy resistant inks, Indelible and laundromat inks
• Cartridges/Reloads: Complete range available for any application.
• Options: Heat Transfer Adapter - Touchless Ink Feeding System
• Warranty: 90 days