I Hate Reflex Blue

[Warren Peace]

Does anyone have a different "formula", for printing reflex blue? "Formula", could mean a different fountain solution mixture, a different method in operation, etc. My press (Ryobi 3302) has been toning up every time I print reflex blue. I know this color is traditionally problematic but it seems that I'm missing something. I've set the stripes according to the book and set the pressures in the water system to specs. I even replaced a roller in the Crestline water system that was swelled on the ends. Once I put the two top form rollers in night latch and printed with only one form, which worked ok that time. Today I tried using only one form roller and it started toning after the fifth sheet. I'm coming back in tomorrow to try again and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what I should change. At this point I've tried everything I can think of. Thanks.

 

[Warren Peace]

I'm sure I found the problem. A roller in the water system was glazed and I never noticed. I ordered the correct roller and now I wait.

 

[Jack liston]

Hey Warren you could also check for side play in the form rollers and try another brand of ink used to drive me crazy too

 

[Warren Peace]

Thanks, I'll check that. A few weeks ago I had this same issue and replaced a different roller. I also tried rubber ink (Van Son) instead of the oil base ink. It did exactly the same thing. When I checked the stripes I forgot to drop the top two forms and it printed great. It was big solid letters on an envelope (9x12) so I thought I had it fixed. Once I found the glaze on the other roller I could match it up to the toning. It was basically like a fingerprint match. I had this problem a while ago with black and it went away after I switched inks. I no longer use cheap inks because of that.

 

[turbotom1052]

Wondering if your using a PMS "mixing" reflex blue, or an imitation reflex that formulated to run as a spot color??? There is a difference in its printability.