Ordering replacement parts from specialists is a time-honored way to save money in almost any industrial enterprise. The parts often are as good, if not better, than the original, and they can be tailored to meet the user’s specific needs. Packaging is one area where costs have been rising precipitously. Various factors, most notably the rise in petroleum prices, have come together to drive up many material costs. Ink jet coding or printing is an integral part of many packaging operations. Ink jet printing often represents an economical alternative for preprinted corrugated cartons. Preprinted cartons are not only expensive to customize, but must be kept on hand in correct quantities for different SKUs, consuming time and space. Print-and-apply labels are reliable but expensive. Many inkjet systems now apply bar codes and other symbols with an integrity and reliability to satisfy the most demanding trade customer. Ink jet also is used, of course, for coding on primary packaging. While ink jet coding is an attractive alternative in many instances, ink remains an ongoing expense. And unfortunately, ink prices are rising right along with those of many other packaging materials. A leading ink supplier had to raise prices 6% to 10% last year. Buying ink from a specialist in replacement inks is a good way to save money. Such inks are often significantly less expensive than inks from original equipment manufacturers. They can be formulated to be completely compatible with OEM products, which means no flushing required for changeover.

Replacement inks can offer a good value for users of ink jet systems.

ITW Inks are load-and-go

ITW Inks offers OEM-quality inks for ink jet printers at significant savings over OEM prices. The ITW Inks lineup includes inks that are fully compatible with printing and coding systems from leading manufacturers, with no flushing or transitional tinkering needed. ITW Inks offers water-based inks and cleaners, alcohol-based inks and cleaners, solvent-based inks and cleaners, MEK inks and cleaners, high-resolution ink, ink cartridges and cleaners. All raw materials used in the inks, as well as the finished product, are fully tested and qualified. In some cases ITW Inks are filtered to a greater degree than the OEM products. ITW Inks can be used in most major ink jet systems, with no changeover required. ITW Inks is a unit of Illinois Tool Works, a Fortune 200 company— a lineage that gives ITW Inks the resources it needs to provide topnotch inks and services.