Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Manufacturer of Coating Sample Equipment
RK Print has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing precision sample preparation equipment for surface coatings since 1962. Our family-run business, established by Roman Kerchiss and now led by his son Tom Kerchiss, combines decades of industry expertise with innovative engineering to deliver repeatable, high-quality solutions. With a team of 30 specialists, we serve global industries including ink, paint, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, providing tools essential for research, quality control, and computer colour matching.Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by our award-winning FlexiProof 100 technology and a worldwide network of experienced representatives. We maintain rigorous standards through continuous innovation, ensuring our equipment meets the evolving needs of modern manufacturing while upholding the trust of our international clientele.
Services
K Hand Coater
K Control Coater
K Paint Applicator
K303S Multi Coater
K Lox Proofer
K Printing Proofer
Esiproof
Flexiproof 100/UV
GP100 Gravure Proofer
Paste Ink Proofer
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in precision coating equipment manufacturing.
- Our family-run business combines tradition with continuous technological innovation.
- Award-winning FlexiProof 100 technology ensures accurate printability testing.
- Global network of experienced representatives provides localised technical support.
- Equipment designed to meet ISO 2834-2 and international industry standards.
Services
K Hand Coater
A cost-effective solution for applying paints, inks, and adhesives onto substrates like paper, plastic, and metal. Enables side-by-side comparisons of multiple coatings in a single operation. Features stainless steel K bars for precise wet film thickness control from 4500 microns.
Flexiproof 100/UV
High-speed flexographic proofing system for water, solvent, or UV inks. Mimics full-scale press conditions to reduce press downtime by 70%. Supports UVLED curing and produces samples ideal for colour matching and durability testing on commercial substrates.
GP100 Gravure Proofer
Microprocessor-controlled gravure proofer with printing speeds up to 100m/min. Produces high-quality proofs for liquid inks on flexible substrates. Features quick-release doctor blades and compatibility with electronically engraved plates for R&D and QC applications.
K303S Multi Coater
Versatile coating system with interchangeable heads for gravure, flexo, and surface coatings. Offers servo-driven precision at coating speeds up to 40m/min. Supports simultaneous multiple coatings for comparative analysis on substrates up to 350x440mm.
Paste Ink Proofer
Specialised equipment for rapid paste ink proofing with no manual ink preparation. Delivers consistent results in 23 minutes per cycle. Allows side-by-side comparison of two inks while minimising production waste through accurate pre-press testing.
People
Tom Kerchiss
Chairman
Third-generation industry expert leading RK Print since 1992. Oversees strategic direction while maintaining family commitment to innovation in coating technology developed over 60 years.
Andy James
Managing Director
Manages daily operations with 25+ years of experience in industrial equipment manufacturing. Focuses on expanding global market reach while ensuring adherence to quality standards in all product developments.
Darren Ellis
Technical Director
Leads engineering teams in developing advanced coating solutions. Specialises in integrating servo-drive technology into proofing systems, ensuring compliance with ISO 2834-2 and other international standards.
Matthew Scott
Mechanical Design Engineer
Designs precision components for multi-coater systems. Implements CAD/CAM innovations to enhance coating accuracy and repeatability across RK's product range.
Sharon Armstrong-Taylor
Purchasing & Sales Administrator
Coordinates global supply chain logistics and customer support. Ensures timely delivery of equipment while maintaining relationships with 40+ international representatives.
Questions
What industries use RK PrintCoat equipment?
Our equipment serves ink manufacturers, textile producers, pharmaceutical companies, and packaging converters requiring precise coating analysis.
Can your proofers test UV-curable inks?
Yes, the Flexiproof 100/UV specifically supports UVLED curing for accurate printability testing of modern inks.
How does the K Hand Coater ensure coating consistency?
Stainless steel K bars and a precision impression bed maintain ±2% thickness accuracy across all coating applications.
Do you offer international support?
We provide technical assistance through 40+ global representatives covering major manufacturing regions worldwide.
What R&D applications suit your equipment?
Our systems excel in colour matching databases, substrate viability testing, and formulation development for new coating products.
