Ink notes
Training Card
A practical note on training cards, used to capture press settings, colour references and repeatable setup steps for operators.
Training sticks better when operators can refer back to one clear card at the machine. Training Card outlines the core points worth keeping at a flexo press, plate room, or ink station.
A training card should read like a press-side record, not a memo. On South African flexo work, operators need ink strength, anilox detail, mounting tape, drying conditions and approved colour reference on one sheet they can check at the machine.
Press-side details worth recording
- Press number and shift entered
- First-off sample photo kept with card
- Plate code, anilox volume and ink system listed
- Operator and minder names written clearly
Use the card with the job bag, ink kitchen record and approved sample. One page should show what was mounted, what viscosity ran well, and which adjustments fixed dot gain or dirty print. That gives the next operator a usable start instead of guesswork.
Training card at the machine
Training Card sets out a repeatable record for operators learning or repeating a flexo job. It should capture press settings, colour references, plate details and the setup steps that make the next run easier to match.
Substrate choice sets the card up properly from the start. Record the print window, anilox selection, drying limits and any plant restrictions that affect repeatability in Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town. Humidity on the coast, dust inland and power interruptions can all change what operators need to note at the machine.
Keep the card close to the press where the crew can read it during setup. A good version shows impression settings, doctor blade notes, wash-up points and the sequence that produced an acceptable first pass. That record is often what saves substrate on a repeat order.
Entries that help repeat jobs
A useful card leaves space for measured values, not only comments. Record pH or viscosity where relevant, tape build, anilox specification, drying temperature and any register issue that needed correction. Repeat work runs better when those points are captured after the shift, while the details are still clear.
Link the training card to the exact job ticket before adding extra notes. Check that plate identification, ink names, colour approval and the final press settings match the samples kept with the order. Name your press and the job on it, and we will put together the consumables for the run.
- Card matched to the exact press
- Colour check captured at startup
- Operator comments added after the run
Conditions affecting SA flexo records
A Johannesburg repeat on BOPP will not always restart like a coastal PE film job. Warehouse heat, seasonal moisture and mixed-age press equipment all affect how useful a training card becomes, so the notes should reflect the actual plant and shift. Cards work best when they mention the site habits that changed print quality or setup time.
Coastal air can alter solvent behaviour and wash-up timing. Inland sites may need more attention to dust around webs, sleeves and sensors. When power supply is interrupted, note where the stop happened and what checks were needed before restart.
Operated by Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd from 2 Makro Place, Sunnyrock 1401.
Training card notes to capture
A practical note on training cards, used to capture press settings, colour references and repeatable setup steps for operators.
Complete the card on the day of the run, while ink adjustments and press changes are still accurate. Attach it to the approved sample and job record so production, quality and the ink room are reading the same history on the next repeat.