Ada Color Dispensing Systems

Ada Color Dispensing systems are solutions for automatic and precise dosing of recipe-based liquid products in the ink and paints sectors. They may also be referred to by different names such as 'Color Kitchen' or 'Color Mix Machine'. However, 'Tinting' systems, especially those used in construction paints, differ from dispensing systems in their application and operation. Tinting systems typically employ volumetric dosing, applying small amounts of colorant over pre-prepared base products to achieve the desired coloration. As the term suggests, Tinting is suited for light coloration operations. Dispensing systems, by contrast, can dose larger quantities gravimetrically and typically dispense an entire recipe into an empty container to create the product.

Main Components of a Dispensing System

Our dispensing systems consist fundamentally of the following components. Weighing system: Industrial scales or multiple scales with high precision are included in the system to enable gravimetric dosing. Scale capacities are selected according to the capacity of product packaging. Dosing valves: For precise dosing, dispensing systems feature multi-stage valves and recirculation systems. There is one dosing valve for each component in the system. They may be of different sizes for different capacities. Pumps: Diaphragm air pumps are most commonly used to transfer liquid components connected to the system to the dosing valves. Beyond dosing, they are also used for circulating components to ensure homogenization. Control unit: An electropneumatic control system operates all components of the dispensing system. Software: Dispensing software runs on a PC connected to the control unit. The software comprises a database storing formulas, component information and production records, and an operator interface. Operating principle: All components included in the product recipes to be manufactured (color pastes, varnishes, bases or additives, etc.) are connected to the dispensing system. Product recipes (formulas) are also defined in the dispensing system's software. From that point, the operator need only select the desired formula from the software, enter the desired production quantity, and place an empty container on the scale. The system will dispense all components in the formula with extreme precision (usually ±1g) to produce the desired quantity of product in a short time (approximately 2-4 minutes for 20 kg). Benefits of Dispensing Systems Quality: While price competition intensifies in nearly all sectors today, product quality expectations continue to rise steadily. In manually produced products, deviations resulting from operator errors cause product quality degradation. This is where the use of dispensing systems becomes important. Production carried out with maximum precision ensures that product quality remains consistently at the same level. Additionally, since all products manufactured and all raw materials used in the dispensing system are recorded, extremely detailed and easily accessible traceability is provided. Timely production: Dispensing systems, particularly when used at distributors and end-use points, enable the desired product to be obtained within minutes of the need arising. Especially given logistics disruptions caused by the pandemic extending supply times, they offer the opportunity to produce exactly the required quantity at the right time without being affected by delays. Inventory cost: Owners of dispensing systems can stock only color pastes and base components while having unlimited color options. This allows them to avoid stocking hundreds of different products, thereby significantly reducing product inventory costs. Low waste and scrap rates: Since only the required quantity can be produced from the dispensing system, surplus product generation is minimized. Furthermore, as all components are used within a closed system and homogeneity can be maintained throughout, conditions such as evaporation and caking can be prevented, thereby reducing potential waste. Applications The most widely used products with dispensing systems are liquid inks. Beyond these, they are suitable for automobile paints, coil coatings, furniture paints and other industrial paints, synthetic leather and textile dyes, liquid masterbatches, and essentially all products used particularly in coloration. In addition, they can be applied to all recipe-based liquid products. There are even applications where instead of creating the entire product, dispensing is used only for dosing additives to be added to the product. Continuously rising raw material and labor costs have shortened the payback periods for automation investments in production. For this reason as well as due to rising quality expectations, the use of Dispensing systems is increasing even in products that previously had no field of application. As Kairos Makina, having manufactured Ada Color Dispensing systems for approximately 8 years, our primary objective has been to enable our customers both in Turkey and abroad to easily access modern technology that will allow them to achieve high-quality production. We continue to provide our customers with products that are entirely developed in-house and feature our distinctive innovative solutions. In this context, we will have the opportunity to present to visitors at paintistanbul & Turkcoat 2022 Fair our new Ada Color Dispensing systems, which accommodate up to 24 components in a compact frame, feature a modern user interface, and offer space and cost advantages.

Deniz Sülar Electrical-Electronics Engineer Kairos Makina