Alcolor Dampening vs Varn Kompac Dampening

[Print Pup]

Hi All,

There is obviously a difference between the two systems, as I have notice either or will affect the demand of the press.

but could someone fill me in with what the major difference is, what is the key benefit of having an alcolor system over a varn?

thanks again in advance!
pp

 

[plotter]

i think varns are great, ink up machine, and a small amount on the edge of the varn rollers by the seals, put in water bottle and print. i think they are idiot proof (thats probably why i like them)

 

[turbotom1052]

when you say alcolor dampener are you referring to Heidelbergs continuous dampening system for their presses or are you using alcolor as a generic term to describe any continuos flow system that uses "alcohol" in the solution? Although ive heard of Kompac retrofits on Heidelberg presses im not sure they are that popular. I have worked around small presses equipped with Kompac systems and ive heard it said that Kompacs are the "****". Im guessing that means they are good!!! Please clarify....

 

[tim enigma]

i have used the kompac on smaller presses and alcolor on heidelbergs. i like both. the problem with the kompac is if you get a rag caught between the rollers or even a chunk of dried ink or even dirt in the kompac system it can/will either bend shafts or put a score or low spot in the rollers and youll have tons of problems. and DO NOT get your finger caught between the kompac rollers. i have seen it happen. its not pretty

 

[plotter]

turbotom, yes compact are the (**** or as i like to call them the dogs bolloxs)
this means that they are good.
the inward nip can be dangerous though, watch out for fingers

 

[William Taylor]

Kompac Units are great on GTO's. Far better than the old style cloth covered damping system.
You do have to watch out for the inward nip but you would have to be a ******* to get your fingers caught in it. You have more chance of pulling a couple of fingers off cleaning the impression cylinder and inching the press the wrong way, which I have seen happen unfortunately!!!

 

[Print Pup]

that's right in reference to Heidelbergs continuous dampening system when I say alcolor.
Scenario was a 1991 MOVH was incorrectly spec'd with Alcolor dampening. Though it was noted to have Varn Kompac and this caused a significant change of interest for the worse. So was keen to find out what the key disadvantage was between the two.

 

[Print Pup]

Oh and thanks for all the replies guys,

 

[turbotom1052]

if you wound up with an alcolor system when you were expecting a compac system id erase this thread and keep your mouth shut. Although not familiar with the compacs i can tell you that alcolor is the the dogs balls. My understanding of the compac system is that its an easy system to work with but doesnt offer the level of adjustability that the alcolor system offers. If you paid for alcolor and wound up with compac id be pissed!!!