Every day, more people get the information they need from the Internet. If there is a problem that needs to be solved quickly, a solution may be found online.
 
For printers, wasted time is costly, and keeping their presses running is a necessity. When problems arise such as dot gain or pinholing, for example, printers may look to their ink suppliers. In order to ease the search for information, some leading ink manufacturers have developed online apps to help solve problems that may spring up during a press run.
 
Flint Group, INX International Ink and Sun Chemical have developed mobile troubleshooting apps. Flint Group Flexographic Products launched its FlexoToolbox App for iPhone, iPad and Android devices during the FTA’s INFO*FLEX show in April 2014. 
 
According to Flint Group, the FlexoToolbox App covers many functions for simplifying flexo prepress, plate making and process control. For example, the FlexoToolbox App can help platemakers calculate plate distortion, control processing parameters like solvent balance, or monitor UVA intensity and determine sleeve diameters.
 
At GraphExpo 2014, INX International Ink Co. introduced its Troubleshooting Guide App, which is designed as an instant resource to help solve common printing problems.
 
“Every shop experiences problems at some point and it’s important to limit the amount of downtime,” said Rick Clendenning, president and CEO of INX International Ink Co. “We believe the new Troubleshooting App will complement our service group and provide the extra edge our customers want to run their businesses more efficiently.”
 
According to INX, the INX Troubleshooting Guide App recognizes symptoms, determines probable causes and finds solutions for many applications, including sheetfed and web offset/heatset; UV flexo, litho, hybrid and metal decorating; EB litho; and 2-and 3-piece metal decorating.
 
In January 2015, Sun Chemical made its online troubleshooting guide available as an app for mobile devices. Sun Chemical’s troubleshooting app can help customers resolve common technical defects during a press run. It is for flexo, sheetfed, paper packaging, gravure and UV/EB printing issues. Sun Chemical noted that the app uses photos and defect terms, such as dot gain or pinholes, which help the printer identify their technical problem.
  
“Our customers need to keep their pressrooms running smoothly and limit downtime,” said Penny Holland, VP of marketing, North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “This online and mobile solution can help them resolve problems.”
 
The problems printers face are often immediate, and these apps can help printers get their presses back online.