News Archive for 1998
November 30, 1998
re-calibration of Pantone®*-series mixing colors
Dear Fellow Inkmaker:
Beginning January 1, 1999, Kerley Ink will be shifting the color strengths of various mixing bases that are currently sold as "Super VersaLith", "Speedex 4 PRS", "Maxi Set", "Soytex PLS", "Soytex LZR", "Nova 4 PS", and "Soytab PMX Plus"-series mixing colors.
We are changing some of the base colors in these series as part of an ongoing program to increase overall precision and quality of our mixing base inks.
Additionally, with the recent introduction of our "Super VersaLith" series, we wished to craft all of our series of mixing base colors to extremely uniform strength and shade levels so that they can all be very closely replicated using Super VersaLith ink concentrates. With these color changes, you will have the option of making very satisfactory imitations of all of our paste inks using only the Super VersaLith concentrates as your color source. We'll have more information about the Super VersaLith system in the next issue of The Kerley News and also on our website at www.kerleyink.com sometime after New Year's.
Keep in mind that not all of the colors in the affected sets will be changed: only some of them will. The changes can be divided into two parts: inks made stronger and more costly, and inks made weaker and less costly. Fortunately, there were more inks reduced in strength, and therefore less costly!
|
Colors Made Stronger: |
Price Increase: |
|
|
Nova PS Reflex Blue |
$0.03/lb |
$0.07/kg |
|
Soytex 3 LZR Phthalo Green |
$0.25/lb |
$0.55/kg |
|
Soytex PLS Phthalo Green (All tack ranges) |
$0.25/lb |
$0.55/kg |
|
Speedex 4 PRS Rubine Red |
$0.05/lb |
$0.11/kg |
|
Speedex 4 PRS Reflex Blue |
$0.08/lb |
$0.18/kg |
|
Speedex 4 PRS Violet |
$0.08/lb |
$0.18/kg |
|
Super VersaLith Rubine Red |
$0.03/lb |
$0.07/kg |
|
Super VersaLith Reflex Blue |
$0.03/lb |
$0.07/kg |
|
Colors Made Weaker: |
Price Decrease: |
|
|
Maxi Set Process Blue |
$0.06/lb |
$0.13/kg |
|
Maxi Set Rhodamine Red |
$0.50/lb |
$1.10/kg |
|
Maxi Set Reflex Blue |
$0.05/lb |
$0.11/kg |
|
Maxi Set Violet |
$0.50/lb |
$1.10/kg |
|
Nova PS Process Blue |
$0.06/lb |
$0.13/kg |
|
Nova PS Rhodamine Red |
$0.50/lb |
$1.10/kg |
|
Nova PS Violet |
$0.40/lb |
$0.88/kg |
|
Soytab 2 & 3 PMX Plus Rhodamine Red |
$0.35/lb |
$0.77/kg |
|
Soytab 2 & 3 PMX Plus Reflex Blue |
$0.10/lb |
$0.22/kg |
|
Soytab 2 & 3 PMX Plus Violet |
$0.35/lb |
$0.77/kg |
|
Soytex 3 LZR Process Blue |
$0.03/lb |
$0.07/kg |
|
Soytex 3 LZR Rhodamine Red |
$0.40/lb |
$0.88/kg |
|
Soytex 3 LZR Reflex Blue |
$0.13/lb |
$0.29/kg |
|
Soytex 3 LZR Violet |
$0.45/lb |
$0.99/kg |
|
Soytex PLS Process Blue (All tack ranges) |
$0.03/lb |
$0.07/kg |
|
Soytex PLS Rhodamine Red (All tack ranges) |
$0.40/lb |
$0.88/kg |
|
Soytex PLS Reflex Blue (All tack ranges) |
$0.13/lb |
$0.29/kg |
|
Soytex PLS Violet (All tack ranges) |
$0.45/lb |
$0.99/kg |
Of course, there are some inks such as Soytex 3 PLS Reflex Blue, Soytex 3 LZR Reflex Blue and Soytab PMX PLUS Reflex Blue that are so popular right now that we would be very foolish to drop them in their current formulation. Consequently, you can order these formulas starting January 1, 1999 as "Soytex 3 OLD PLS Reflex Blue", "Soytex 3 OLD LZR Reflex Blue", and "Soytab 2 or 3 OLD PMX PLUS Reflex Blue". For the forseeable future, we will continue to stock these two colors and they will be available in single-kit orders.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE remember that as of January 1, 1999, all of your product codes you have registered at Kerley will automatically be shifted to the new formulas. If you want to continue using your present product codes for any "OLD PLS", "OLD LZR" or "OLD PMX PLUS" color, you will have to let us know in writing.
We will exchange mistakenly ordered new formulas after January 1, 1999, but we will not pay for return freight.
We also apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or problems arising from this announcement.
Best regards,
John R. Whalen
Vice President, Marketing
Kerley Ink
August 28, 1998
Tom Sharp, former technical director passes away at age 69...
It is with great sadness that Kerley notes the passing of one of its most helpful and colorful employees, Mr. Tom Sharp. Tom served as technical director of Kerley from 1987 to 1995. Tom also worked in a technical staff role for Bowers Printing Ink and General Printing Ink (now Sun Chemical). Tom was born in London in May of 1929 and lived through the famous blitz in 1940. In 1947 and 1948, Tom served as a Lancaster bomber crew member through the historic Berlin Airlift. Tom graduated from London Council School for the Graphic Arts and started work at Coates Bros. Inks in the south London suburb of St. Mary's Cray. Tom left England in 1964 during the height of Britain's famed "brain drain" and went to work for General Printing Ink at Carlstadt, New Jersey as a technical staffer. He often referred to his work there as mainly "putting out fires". In 1972, Tom joined the staff at Bowers Ink Co. in Chicago as their chief technical man. Tom stayed at Bowers until 1987, when Bowers was purchased by PPG Corp. All during Tom's career, he made numerous contributions to the advancement of the graphic arts, including substantial research on waterless printing, low-rub inks, and especially to the advancement of continuing education. Tom was active as education officer for the now-defunct Chicago Printing Ink Manufacturer's Association during the early 1970's, and even helped establish courses in printing ink technology at the local college as well as help arrange field trips to area manufacturers of ink raw materials. In 1995, Tom retired form the printing ink business and eventually settled with his wife Doreen back in England. Tom lived only a few miles north of the famed "White Cliffs of Dover". We will sorely miss his insight, cutting wit, and his "true blue" nature. We all loved Tom at Kerley Ink.
Below is the reprint of the obituary notice as published in The Chicago Tribune...
Thomas KR Sharp on Aug 21, 1998, in Kent, England. Beloved husband for more than 40 years of Doreen (nee Baron). Loving father of Amanda (James) Zinsser, Simon (Yolanda) and David (Kathleen) Sharp. Cherished grandpa of Louis, Jessica and Kaitlyn. Funeral and burial will be on Friday Aug 28 1998 in Kent, England. Retired analytical chemist for Kerley Printing Ink in Broadview IL. Memorials will be appreciated for the WHO Foundation, P0 Box 816029, Dallas, TX 75381 For info 630 483 9837.
May 22, 1998
VSA 1030 high-tack, high-viscosity red shade alkali blue flush...
Have you had trouble finding an alkali blue flush that's heavy enough to make your sheetfed , heatset or no heat web inks with? Look no further! We've just developed VSA 1030 Alkali Blue - a flush that's every bit as heavy and tacky as your other color flushes. No longer will you have to use special varnishes to make your red-shade reflex blues or toned blacks. Give us a call at 708.344.1295 or e-mail us at marketing@kerleyink.com for a free sample and technical literature.
PS: We're working on a high viscosity green shade flush, too!
April 29, 1998
Alkali Blue Kits no longer free of charge...
Dear Fellow Inkmaker:
Due to a recent change in the way that we buy our Alkali Blue pigment, we will no longer be able to supply the VSA series Alkali Blue flushes in 15 gallon recycled blue metal kits. These kits were available as a no-charge item.
Some of you may have already begun to receive VSA series flushes in our standard, brand-new, 15 gallon black metal kit. As of June 1st, 1998, we will begin to charge $0.10/lb over the drum price for these 15 gallon black kits.
We fondly wish that we were able to continue to use the free recycled kits, but we were left with no choice in the matter. It was a great deal for everyone while it lasted!
Best regards,
John R. Whalen
VP, Marketing
Kerley Ink
March 20, 1998
Kerley announces price increases...
Dear Fellow Inkmaker:
Since our last price adjustment in January of 1995, we have encountered increased costs from nearly all suppliers. As we have all experienced, the cost of labor has increased. The cost of many raw materials, especially carbon black, light petroleum distillates, and many resins have all increased. Some have increased by double-digit figures since 1994/1995. Weíve tried our best to control our price increase: please note that the majority of price increases are well under 10 cents per pound. Many changes are five cents and under.
Effective April 13, 1998
Color Flushes
|
VSA 1000 Green Shade Alkali Blue Flush |
+$0.25/lb |
+$0.55/kg |
|
VSA 1010 Red Shade Alkali Blue Flush |
+$0.25/lb |
+$0.55/kg |
|
HSB 5010 Phthalo Blue |
+$0.10/lb |
+$0.22/kg |
|
HSG 6000 Phthalo Green |
+$0.40/lb |
+$0.88/kg |
|
HSR 3010 Red Lake C |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
HSR 4020 Lithol Rubine Red |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
HSR 7000 Rhodamine Red |
+$0.50/lb |
+$1.10/kg |
|
HSY 2000 AAA Diarylide Yellow |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
VSV 8000 Methyl Violet |
+$0.50/lb |
+$1.10/kg |
Effective April 20, 1998
Finished Inks
|
Nova Blacks |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Nova "XB" Blacks |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Nova Colors (except Reflex Blues) |
+$0.06/lb |
+$0.13/kg |
|
Nova Reflex Blue |
+$0.11/lb |
+$0.22/kg |
|
Nova 4 "PS" Colors (except Reflex Blues ) |
+$0.10/lb |
+$0.22/kg |
|
Nova 4 "PS" Reflex Blue |
+$0.15/lb |
+$0.33/kg |
|
Thermasoy Black |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Thermasoy Colors |
+$0.06/lb |
+$0.13/kg |
|
Sigma Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Sigma "Mod" Black |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
50-50 Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
60-40 Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
40-60 Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
30-70 Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Heavy Web, Standard Web, Lo Tack Web News Black |
+$0.01/lb |
+$0.022/kg |
|
Soytab Black, all "Web News" Blacks |
+$0.01/lb |
+$0.022/kg |
|
Soytab Colors (except Reflex Blues ) |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Soytab Reflex Blue |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
CAM (Cameron press) Blacks |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Formsmaster Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Formsmaster "Mod" Black |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Soytex Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Soytex "Mod" black |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Soytex Colors (except Reflex Blues & LZR Series) |
+$0.04/lb |
+$0.09/kg |
|
Soytex Reflex Blue |
+$0.06/lb |
+$0.13/kg |
|
Soytex LZR Black |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Soytex LZR Colors (except Reflex Blues) |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Soytex LZR Reflex Blue |
+$0.07/lb |
+$0.15/kg |
|
Maxi Set Black |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Maxi Set Colors (except Reflex Blues) |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Maxi Set Reflex Blue |
+$0.07/lb |
+$0.15/kg |
|
Speedex Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Speedex Colors (except Reflex Blues) |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Speedex Reflex Blue |
+$0.07/lb |
+$0.15/kg |
|
Super VersaLith Black |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Super VersaLith Colors (except Reflex Blues) |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Super VersaLith Reflex Blue |
+$0.07/lb |
+$0.15/kg |
Ink Components
Overprint Varnishes
|
LithoGard Family |
+$0.01/lb |
+$0.022/g |
Base Blacks
|
40 Plus Family |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Econ 30 Base |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Mineral Oil Base (MOBB) |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
Letdown Vehicles
|
Ultrabrite |
+$0.04/lb |
+$0.09/kg |
|
Utiligel LT |
+$0.04/lb |
+$0.09/kg |
|
Nova Extender |
+$0.06/lb |
+$0.13/kg |
|
QSG Family |
+$0.04/lb |
+$0.09/kg |
|
Crystagloss Family |
+$0.04/lb |
+$0.09/kg |
|
Speedex Vehicle |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Speedex Extender |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Super VersaLith Extender |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Optima GT |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Optima LSO |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Z-kyd |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Z-kyd LSO |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Soytab Extender |
+$0.03/lb |
+$0.07/kg |
|
Soytex Extender |
+$0.04/lb |
+$0.09/kg |
|
Soytex Extender LZR |
+$0.06/lb |
+$0.13/kg |
|
Omnisperse |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
Wax Compounds, Driers, Oils, Solvents
|
PolyMax CQS 50 |
+$0.13/lb |
+$0.29/kg |
|
TetraMax QS 50 |
+$0.13/lb |
+$0.29/kg |
|
Litho Dri CO 6 |
+$0.05/lb |
+$0.11/kg |
|
Tung Oil |
+$0.20/lb |
+$0.45/kg |
|
ARLO |
+$0.10/lb |
+$0.22/kg |
|
GLO |
+$0.13/lb |
+$0.29/kg |
|
Solvex 465 |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Solvex 525 |
+$0.02/lb |
+$0.05/kg |
|
Gel Plex |
+$0.04/lb |
+$0.09/kg |
All custom-formulated inks, centerline colors, and high toner-content blacks are subject to price increases proportionate to the products listed above. New master price lists will be available after April 20th by calling, faxing, or e-mailing us at: cust_svc@kerleyink.com.
Best regards,
John R. Whalen
V.P., Marketing
Kerley Ink