Ink Consumption Calculation

PrintFactory allows you to calculate ink usage and associated costs per job by completing two key steps:

1. Defining ink consumption in the PMM

2. Creating an ink price list in the Cloud

These values will then be visible in the Job Info (RIP and Cloud), and cost data will be included in the Job XML.

Step 1: Define Ink Consumption in the PMM

1. Open Calibrator and select the desired mode in the PMM.
2. Click Ink Estimation Configuration in the preview window.
3. If not already completed, enter the Max Drop Size for the printhead and click OK and then Save the PMM

4. Once configured, process a job using this PMM.

In the RIP, right-click the job > Job Info > Estimation Tab to view the ink consumption estimate.

Step 2: Create an Ink Price List in the Cloud

• Go to app.printfactory.cloud
• Navigate to Accounts > Settings > Price Lists > Ink
• Click Add Ink Price List, complete the pricing fields, and Save

• Complete pricing and Save

• Process a Job and go to app.printfactory.cloud
• After processing a job, visit Production > Jobs > [Select Job] > Ink to view estimated ink costs

Troubleshooting: No Ink Data Found in Cloud?

Not all printers and cutters support automatic reporting of “Print” or “Cut” status. If ink or cut data doesn’t appear:

1. Go to Tracking > Manual Job Completion in the Cloud portal.
2. Manually mark the job as Printed or Cut to trigger data reporting.

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