QTECH QCS 65 - Manual

The best way to illustrate ink mixing is by walking you through a sample formula. Let’s mix 1/2
pound of PMS 185 as an example. Place your mixing surface on the scale and press the T
key. All the scale displays will read “0”. (continued…)
The following instructions reference the Pantone (PMS) Ink Mixing System, but should work
equally well with any other mixing system. There are two formulas listed in the Pantone Ink
mixing guide: a parts formula and a decimal formula. If you have experience mixing ink with a
triple-beam balance scale you are already familiar with the parts formula. When using the QCS
scale, however, you will use the decimal formula printed just to the right of the parts formula.
The decimal formula is better suited for use with a digital scale as well as affording greater
accuracy.
Also note that we will be using the numeric values visible in the QUANTITY display window
instead of the WEIGHT window. This is because the QUANTITY window can display much finer
resolutions than the WEIGHT window. Realize, however, that the QUANTITY window can not
show decimal points or leading zeros. You may refer to the WEIGHT display as a rough
reference point, but use the QUANTITY display for the actual weight readings.
We do not recommend mixing ink directly on the scale platter. You will need a suitable mixing
“surface” such as a sheet of 1/4" safety glass (with smooth, rounded edges) Lexan plastic, or a
used metal printing plate trimmed to a workable size. You may wish to use the supplied plastic
shield to protect the scale console from ink drizzle. You may also protect the scale with plastic
food wrap or shrink wrap film, but do not drape the material over the scale platter or allow it to
touch it.
Turn the scale on and make sure all the displays read "0". Place your mixing medium on the
scale platter and depress the T key. The WEIGHT, UNIT WEIGHT, and QUANTITY display
windows should display "0". Now key-in the appropriate value based the quantity desired:
Model QCS Scale
How to Mix Ink
Desired Ink Quantity Unit Weight Values
To mix 1 pound of ink Key in "1" and press the UNIT W.T. key
To mix 1/2 pound of ink Key in ".5" and press the UNIT W.T. key
To mix 1/4 pound of ink Key in ".25" and press the UNIT W.T. key
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