If you’ve ever wondered about the work that goes into making the inks we use for printing, then the video above should be an eye opener. It’s not just a case of mixing colors and pouring it into a tin/cartridge. Ink making is a both science and an art.
The Printing Ink Company allowed the filming of its operation which shows how pigment powder and varnish are combined to produce very rich, sticky ink. What I didn’t realize is the amount of grinding that must occur to get the best color, how many additional ingredients are added to get the right stickiness and film-like qualities, and the relentless quality control checks that occur.
The most surprising aspect of ink making has to be how much of a manual task it is. The mixing is done by machine, but this is by no means an automated process. Several people are involved at different steps of the process to ensure every tin of ink is exactly the same quality.
I think it must be the bright colors and consistency of the ink, but I really found this video satisfying to watch. It also shows you that, like Peter Welfare, you really need to be a geek to run an ink company.
via This is how ink is made | Geek.com.
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