The PICCOLO by Inkmaker: compact, fully-automatic ink dispensing solution

The Piccolo, developed by Inkmaker—founder of IM GROUP—is a compact, fully-automatic ink dispensing solution designed for manufacturers with moderate to high output requirements. Combining precision dosing, flexibility, and ease of use, the Piccolo reduces manual input while optimising speed, accuracy, and traceable production.

HIGH-PRECISION DOSING FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS

The Piccolo can accommodate up to 21 multi-stage dispensing valves, allowing precise dosing of a wide range of inks, coatings, and other raw materials. Components can be stored in 200L drums, IBCs, or other containers, and delivered directly to the dispensing head via an integrated piping network. A stainless-steel dripping pan collects washing liquid, keeping the workspace clean and safe.

At the heart of the Piccolo is a high-precision electronic scale. Valves are controlled via IMAESTRO, IM GROUP’s in-house “self-calibrating” software, which ensures formula accuracy, repeatability, and speed. Production and traceability are optimised through barcode and QR-code systems, integrated with the IMAESTRO Mobile App for smart device management.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

•   Max valves: 21 multi-stage + 3 on/off
•   Dispensing precision: ±0.1 g (optional)
•   Scale capacity: 30 kg ±1 g
•   Viscosity range: ≤8,000 cP
•   Valve diameter: 18 mm, with 3+ pulsation stages
•   Average dosing time for 20 kg, 4-component batch: 3 minutes
•   Optional integration with raw material mixers and automatic conveyors
•   Certified: CE, ATEX II 2 G, IECEx

ADDRESSING KEY INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

Are manual weighing errors, excess stock, or inconsistent colours cutting into your productivity and margins?

The Piccolo solves these issues by combining “right first time”, “just-in-time”, and “just-enough” production principles with the intelligence of IMAESTRO software. This ensures fast, accurate, and repeatable dispensing, minimising errors, overproduction waste, and unnecessary quality checks. In short, the Piccolo transforms these common cost-draining problems into measurable productivity margin improvements, delivering faster cost recovery.

OPERATIONAL ADVANTAGES

•   Suitable for water- or solvent-based inks and coatings
•   Self-adjusting dispensing parameters ensure consistent formula reproduction
•   Waste reduction: leftover materials reused in future batches
•   Compact footprint with manual sliding platform for pail handling
•   Improved safety, cleanliness, and ergonomics
•   Seamless stock management, auditing, and batch cost evaluation
•   ERP/MRP integration for full CIM-CAM implementation
•   Compatible with any spectrophotometer brand
•   ISO-standard product management and traceable production records
•   Password-protected formula database with automatic backups
•   Over 100 KPI-focused reports for production insight

WHY CHOOSE THE PICCOLO?

The Piccolo is a flexible, reliable, and highly efficient automatic ink dispensing system, ideal for manufacturers looking to optimise ink management, reduce waste, and ensure precise, repeatable results. Its combination of cutting-edge IMAESTRO software, versatile hardware, and intelligent production management, the Piccolo supports modern industrial ink and coating operations at the highest standards, while delivering a rapid return on investment.

To learn more about how the Piccolo can streamline your production, contact Reika Arisawa, Business Development Executive (Japan), IM GROUP on: rarisawa@im-group.com

EDITOR NOTES

Silvio Cimenti – Global Director of Branding and Marcom, IM GROUP
scimenti@im-group.com
im-group.com

About IM GROUP

Founded in Turin, Italy, on 22 April 2021, IM GROUP is a global leader in technology and integrated engineering solutions, uniting the expertise of its brands; Inkmaker, Rexson, Vale-tech, Swesa, Teko, Tecnopails, and IEC+. The group delivers comprehensive engineering solutions through its two divisions: the Dispensing and Tinting Division and the Filling, Mixing, and Grinding Division, serving diverse industries such as paint, coatings, ink, chemicals, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. With a presence in 15 countries across five continents, IM GROUP is a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies, including Boeing, Sherwin Williams, PPG, Akzo Nobel, Avery Denison, International Paper, and Tetra Pak.

To learn more about IM GROUP and its innovative solutions, visit: im-group.com or contact us at IM GROUP