Ink pump selection comes down to a few key factors — your press, your ink, and your operating environment. Below are answers to the questions we hear most from printers. Don’t see yours? Ask us directly →
Powerwise ink pumps are designed for industrial printing operations, including flexographic and gravure presses. Common uses include corrugated boxes, plastic bags, cellophane wrappers, wallpaper and paper bags. Powerwise offers three major pump styles: centrifugal, double diaphragm and peristaltic.
No. Powerwise ink pumps are built for industrial printing environments, not office, desktop or inkjet printers, which use different ink delivery methods at much lower volumes and pressures.
Powerwise pumps handle low- to high-viscosity inks, including water-based, solvent-based and specialty formulations. Viscosity is typically measured with a Zahn Cup #2; higher-viscosity inks generally require a positive-displacement pump such as a double diaphragm or peristaltic pump rather than a centrifugal pump.
Pump selection depends on required flow (based on press size), the distance from your ink container to the press (“head”), your ink’s viscosity, and other friction-related factors specific to your setup. Get a recommendation →
Centrifugal pumps use an impeller and stand directly in the ink. Peristaltic pumps move ink by squeezing tubing. Double diaphragm pumps use two air-driven membranes to produce flow. Each style suits different viscosities and applications.
Consistent ink circulation maintains color accuracy, prevents ink settling, and reduces downtime from clogs or flow interruptions — especially in high-speed or continuous printing operations.
Yes. Inconsistent ink delivery can cause color variation, banding or uneven coverage. A properly selected and maintained pump helps ensure stable, consistent print results across long runs.
An undersized or mismatched pump can cause ink starvation, excess pressure, premature wear and unplanned downtime — which is why Powerwise recommends an assessment before purchase rather than self-selecting from a catalog.
Yes. Powerwise pumps are built for continuous operation in high-volume industrial printing environments where reliability and consistent flow are critical.
Yes. Fibers from cardboard or metallic particles in some inks can affect pump material and performance. Powerwise reviews your specific application before recommending a pump style.
ATEX is a European safety directive for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres — like ink rooms, where flammable vapors are present. Powerwise offers ATEX-approved and explosion-proof pump options engineered to protect your operation and your team. Learn more →
Yes — an improperly selected or non-compliant pump in a flammable ink environment can create a real safety hazard, not just a performance problem. This is why Powerwise recommends every pump through a project assessment rather than self-service purchasing. Start an assessment →
Submit your project details — press type and width, ink type, viscosity and operating environment — through our Contact Us page →, and a Powerwise specialist will follow up with a recommendation.
Yes. Powerwise works with a worldwide network of distributors and agents, including facilities in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Visit our Product Manuals page →, organized by product category, or contact support → directly if you can’t find your model.
