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The printing industry relies on accurate, contamination-free fluid handling systems to move inks, coatings, solvents, and cleaning fluids through various stages of the printing process. Whether for digital, flexographic, offset, or screen printing, pumps are essential to maintain colour consistency, reduce waste, and ensure smooth, uninterrupted press operations. Equipment must support both high-precision and high-speed environments while handling fluids of varying viscosities and chemical compositions.

Key Applications

1. Ink Transfer and Circulation
Inks must be pumped from bulk containers to press reservoirs or directly to print heads. Diaphragm, peristaltic, and gear pumps are commonly used for their ability to deliver a smooth, pulse-free flow while protecting the integrity of pigments and viscosity.

2. Coating and Varnish Application
Clear coatings, varnishes, and specialty finishes require consistent flow for even application. Pumps support both automatic and manual coating systems, ensuring that materials are applied uniformly and without contamination.

3. Solvent and Cleaning Fluid Handling
Cleaning print lines, rollers, and tanks involves the use of aggressive solvents. Magnetic drive or seal-less pumps are ideal for transferring these fluids safely, especially in ATEX-zoned environments where vapours pose a risk.

4. Dosing of Additives and Colourants
Precise dosing of additives—such as drying accelerators or colour enhancers—is critical to maintaining print quality. Metering pumps deliver controlled, repeatable dosing even at low flow rates.

5. Waste Ink and Effluent Removal
Used inks, solvents, and rinse water must be collected and transferred for safe disposal or recycling. Pumps used for this purpose need to handle viscous, contaminated, and sometimes flammable fluids reliably.

6. Thermal Control and Cooling Systems
Some high-speed or UV printing systems require pumps for heat management. Centrifugal or inline pumps circulate cooling fluids through chillers and press systems to prevent overheating and maintain equipment performance.

Industry Demands

  • Chemical Compatibility: Pumps must withstand solvents, alcohols, and aggressive cleaning agents.

  • Low Shear and Pulsation-Free Flow: Protects ink quality and ensures even application.

  • Compact and Clean Design: Essential for pressroom environments with limited space.

  • ATEX Compliance: Required when handling flammable inks or solvents in explosive atmospheres.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With over a century of experience in pump distribution and engineering solutions, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd supports the printing industry with precise, reliable pump systems for ink transfer, solvent handling, and cleaning operations. As a distributor for many of the world’s leading pump manufacturers, we provide tailored solutions for all types of print production environments.

Our in-house team of technical experts can assist with:

  • Pump selection and specification for inks, coatings, and solvents

  • ATEX-rated and low-shear pump options

  • On-site consultations and troubleshooting

  • Bespoke pump builds and modifications

  • Full aftersales support, including servicing and repairs

Whether you’re running high-speed digital presses or traditional offset systems, Tomlinson Hall delivers pump solutions that keep your operation printing smoothly.

Need help finding the right pump for your printing process?
Get in touch with our team today—we’re here to help.