Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Industrial Coating Equipment
RK Print has been a leader in designing and manufacturing precision equipment for producing repeatable surface coating samples since 1962. Founded by Roman Kerchiss, a veteran of the surface coating industry, the company is now managed by his son Tom Kerchiss from a purpose-built facility near Cambridge. Our equipment supports research, quality control, and small-scale production for global clients in printing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and more.With a team of 30 experts, we combine decades of experience with innovative technology, including award-winning products like the FlexiProof 100. Our commitment to precision and reliability has earned us a trusted reputation worldwide, serving industries that demand accuracy in colour matching, printability testing, and material analysis.
Services
K Hand Coater
K Control Coater
FlexiProof 100/UV
GP100 Gravure Proofer
Paste Ink Proofer
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of expertise in surface coating technology.
- Our family-run business combines tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
- Global representatives ensure localised technical support and service.
- Award-winning FlexiProof 100 enhances print quality and efficiency.
- Equipment designed for repeatable results in R&D and QC processes.
Services
K Hand Coater
The K Hand Coater applies paints, inks, and adhesives onto substrates like paper, plastic, and metal. It ensures repeatable results for visual assessment of colour and gloss. Ideal for comparing multiple coatings simultaneously, it supports quality control and R&D processes with wet film thickness from 4 to 500 microns.
FlexiProof 100/UV
This high-speed flexographic proofer tests water, solvent, or UV inks on commercial substrates. It eliminates press downtime by enabling off-press colour matching. Features include UVLED curing, compliance with ISO 2834-2, and suitability for R&D, quality control, and computer colour matching data generation.
GP100 Gravure Proofer
The GP100 produces gravure proofs at speeds up to 100m/min, replicating full-scale press conditions. It supports R&D and quality control for liquid inks, with microprocessor control and solvent-resistant components. Ideal for spectrophotometer readings and testing printability on flexible substrates.
K Control Coater
This precision coater applies paints and inks with controlled speed and pressure for repeatable samples. Available in two models, it accommodates wire bars or gap applicators, supporting database creation for computer colour matching and spectrophotometer analysis in laboratory settings.
Paste Ink Proofer
Designed for paste ink proofing, this equipment delivers accurate results in under three minutes. It allows simultaneous comparison of two inks on any substrate, reducing press downtime. The system ensures repeatability for quality control and presentation samples in printing industries.
People
Tom Kerchiss
Chairman
Tom Kerchiss leads RK Print, continuing his family's legacy since 1962. With decades of industry experience, he oversees strategic direction and innovation, ensuring the company maintains its reputation for precision and reliability in coating technology.
Andy James
Managing Director
Andy James manages daily operations at RK Print, leveraging his expertise in industrial equipment. He focuses on client satisfaction and global market expansion, ensuring the company's solutions meet evolving industry standards for quality and innovation.
Darren Ellis
Technical Director
Darren Ellis oversees technical development at RK Print. With a background in engineering, he ensures product designs meet rigorous performance criteria, supporting clients in R&D and quality control with cutting-edge coating solutions.
Matthew Scott
Mechanical Design Engineer
Matthew Scott designs precision equipment for RK Print. His work focuses on enhancing mechanical systems to deliver repeatable, high-quality coating samples, supporting industries reliant on accurate material testing and analysis.
Sharon Armstrong-Taylor
Purchasing & Sales Administrator
Sharon Armstrong-Taylor manages procurement and client relations at RK Print. Her role ensures efficient supply chain operations and responsive support for global clients, maintaining the company's commitment to service excellence.
Questions
What industries use RK PrintCoat Instruments' equipment?
Our equipment serves printing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and coatings industries for quality control and R&D purposes.
Can I get technical support for RK equipment in my country?
Yes, we have global representatives offering localised technical support and service for all our products.
What is the FlexiProof 100 used for?
The FlexiProof 100 tests flexographic inks on commercial substrates, enabling off-press colour matching and reducing production downtime.
How does the K Hand Coater improve sample accuracy?
It applies coatings with precision using K bars, ensuring repeatable results for comparative analysis of colour, gloss, and material properties.
Is training provided for operating RK equipment?
Yes, our representatives offer training to ensure optimal use of our precision coating and proofing systems.
What warranty options are available for RK products?
We provide comprehensive support and service packages tailored to each product's technical requirements and client needs.
