Straight-bore, ideal for soft starts

Air Champs® straight-bore conveyor clutch can be modified to accept a wide range of sprockets, timing belts or pulley-diameters to meet application needs. The LSCC-32 is ideal for soft-starts in accumulating, chain-driven live-roller, or inline material-handling conveyor applications. The design can also be easily configured into a clutch-brake combination.

NEXEN GROUP, INC., 651/286-1054, www.nexengroup.com

Superior print registration, ends wrinkling

Raflex Plus is a new conformable, transparent film that provides superior print registration both on press and in label-application. The polyolefin-based facestock has stiffness characteristics essential for tight print-to-print, print-on-diecut, and label-application tolerances. It reportedly eliminates wrinkling when used on squeezable containers. The 5.3-mil material construction combines Raflex Plus with proprietary permanent RP37 film adhesive and a 2.5-mil high-density white release liner. It is said to be ideal for applications requiring resistance to water, oil and chemicals.

RAFLATAC, INC., 800/992-3882, www.raflatac.com

Neutralizes static, cleans away contaminants

The Transvectors® line of ionizing curtains effectively neutralizes static while providing a powerful blowoff to remove dust, scrap, particles and contaminants on moving webs and finished products. The Curtain Transvectors are air amplifiers, which use a small amount of compressed air to produce a strong, high-velocity, laminar sheet of air. This flow delivers positive and negative ions to the web surface, killing static cling. Transvectors meet the wide-web cleaning needs of moving webs, sheets, films, or other flat surfaces.

ITW VORTEC, 800/441-7475, www.itwvortec.com

Magnetic models, bases join lineup

New Cerface™ magnetic hot-stamping cylinders use permanent magnets embedded in a new high-temperature epoxy and mounted level with the surface. These magnets keep them in direct contact with the plates to hold them securely in place. The epoxy is formulated to handle temperatures to 400 deg F, and the cylinders are designed to be heated with conventional elements or by hot oil. The hot-stamping bases, frequently used for flush finishes, embossing or debossing, are available for automatic and semi-automatic presses.

BUNTING MAGNETICS CO., 316/284-2020, www.buntingmagnetics.com

Nine inputs/outputs

The inexpensive IP99 Programmable Logic Controller offers nine inputs/outputs featuring analog, AC, and DC operation, a 1-MHz high-speed counter, pulse measurement in microseconds, all metal case, real-time clock with alarm, and RS485 or RS232 networking. With applications in most every aspect of converting machinery and motion controls, it is ideally suited for use in liquid-level controls to report readings and automatically request service.

INTERNATIONAL PARALLEL MACHINES, INC., 877/476-4752, www.ipmiplc.com

Bonds well to various substrates

The new 47 Series of UV offset inks feature strong bonding characteristics, improved press stability, and reliable color consistency. Ideal for use on combination presses, the 47 Series is specifically designed to print well on a variety of rotary screen and UV flexo inks, providing high interlayer adhesion and wetting properties. Formulated with a blend of ingredients that allows the UV ink to maintain an ideal ink/water balance, the result is a high-performance ink with good through-cure for improved cure speed, roller stability, and high rub resistance.

UVITEC PRINTING INK, INC., 800/478-6330, fax: 973/778-5981.

Performs fold-free transfers to new cores; runs film

The FilmMaster™ is a rewind that incorporates PerfectStart™ splicing technology for fold-free transfers to new cores. A recent application includes winding of very extensible, stretch-type film at 1,000 fpm for a 50 in. web width, and includes a slitting station. Proper winding is insured during roll formation by driving the roll both through the core and at the surface, utilizing a surface drum. Contact between roll and winding drum is maintained throughout transfer to a new core to reduce or eliminate outer-wrap scrap on the completed roll. Scrap near the core of the new roll is minimized by using PerfectStart splicing technology to eliminate tail fold-back.

FAUSTEL, INC., 262/253-3333, fax: 262/253-3334, www.faustel.com

Slitter, 16-position rewinder

Engineered for slitting and traverse-winding of hook & loop and other non-woven materials, a new 14-in. wide system features a 16-position rewinder. It employs computerized Smartwinder-2000™ modular, traverse-winding cubes for different winding patterns programmed via software. Each of two separate unwinds supports maximum 48-in. dia. rolls and has programmable tension control by ultrasonic dia. measurement. The slitter is the main speed reference for the entire system, which runs at up to 1,000 fpm, and slits by reciprocating razor, score or shear methods.

INDEPENDENT MACHINE CO., 973/882-0060, fax: 973/808-9505, www.independentusa.com

For multiple materials

The Bimid-145 baler series is capable of handling a multitude of materials including secondary fibers, plastics and a variety of other recyclables. These machines offer 16 different grade-selection settings and allow proportional control of the channel cylinder to provide consistent, high-density bales, regardless of the material. With compression forces of up to 160 tons, Bimid balers are capable of producing bales that weigh up to 2,650 lbs.

AMERICAN BALER CO., 800/843-7512, fax: 419/483-3815, www.americanbaler.com

For web-tension measurement

The PFEA110 digital electronics family of tension indicators are available in DIN rail or NEMA 4 with either 24v DC or 115v AC and includes a digital multiple-line display with optional BUS communication. Features include continuous error detection of electronics and cabling, level detection for web breaks, maximum tension and zero-point memory, multi-language display, selectable roll-vibration filter, PC compatibility and other advanced features.

ABB AUTOMATION INC., 845/278-6810, fax: 845/278-6841, www.abb.com

For alignment applications

The 90-Line Beam-Bender Laser turns 90 deg for squaring machinery and checking the alignment of presses. In addition, the 90-Line creates precise parallel lines for checking roller alignment, shafts, tracks, and mechanical guides. The new system comes in a durable housing that holds precision optical elements for redirecting the laser beam. The exiting laser is square to the incoming beam within 0.0006 deg or equivalent to 0.001 in. over a distance of 8 ft.

PINPOINT LASER SYSTEMS, 800/757-5383.

Cuts damage, boosts safety

A Lift 'N' Turn assembly with center-lift probe has been added to co.'s line of roll-handling technology. It features a flexible 2-point suspension system that allows for easy alignment with roll-core IDs from 3-16 in. An important safety feature of the system, which handles roll weights up to 2,000 lbs, is that it cannot be disengaged while supporting weight. The Lift 'N' Turn allows rolls to be securely and safely placed in nearly any desired position. When used with two hoists, it offers effortless, true horizontal and vertical roll positioning. Since rolls are grasped from inside the core, the system helps prevent damage to rolls' outer layers. True perpendicular and parallel roll positioning prevents damage to roll edges when positioning rolls.

CONVERTER ACCESSORY CORP., 800/433-2413, fax: 610/863-7818, www.handleyourweb.com

For continuous flexible webs

This new adhesive lamination pilot line is capable of adhesive-laminating continuous flexible webs up to 14 in. wide untrimmed. Both full and strip lamination are possible on this machine. Core sizes of 3, 6, 8 and 12 in. can be used with roll diameters up to 55 in. The line can handle virtually any flexible material including nonwovens, paper, plastic films, tissue and metal foil, reports co. Adhesive application methods include spiral spray, melt blown and slot coat. The pilot line is available to manufacturers and academia on a project fee basis for experimental and developmental projects. It is also available for short-run production and scale-up needs.

TOLLAMCO CORP., 513/469-8244, fax: 513/469-8442, www.tollamco.com

Ends finishing bottlenecks

The new Strip 'N Pak machine automatically strips cards or cartons from a 40 x 50 in. diecut sheet as fast as they come out of the diecutter, says co. Stripped product is delivered onto shingling conveyors for fast, easy packing into shipping cases. The portable system can be quickly set up with almost any diecutting press, with or without blanking capabilities, for true inline stripping. Models are offered to completely strip folding cartons, irregularly shaped cards, combinations of double-knife layouts in rows and some nesting configurations. The unit runs materials as thin as 0.004-in. paper, 10- to 40-pt paperboards, and plastics up to 25 pt.

GADCO, INC., 330/656-2729, fax: 330/653-8539, www.gadcoinc.com

Directly embossable

New LumBrite U6E, a durable, cost-effective, holographic film, is said to be directly embossable, simplifying the converting process, enabling excellent registration and cutting waste. It is reportedly the preferred choice for film-to-board laminated packaging applications, including cosmetics, personal-care, and sporting goods, as well as product security applications. Advanced mechanical and thermal stability enables LumBrite U6E to run faster and hotter on press. Greater dimensional stability supports thinner gauges.

TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA) INC., 401/294-4511, fax: 401/294-1480, www.TorayFilms.com/LumBrite.html

With one side coated

Crescendo® is a premium, coated-one-side, solid bleached sulphate paperboard for producing high-end packaging applications including cartons for hair coloring, perfume, saline solution and boxed chocolates. Produced using a variety of demanding production techniques, the cartons also showcase Crescendo's ultra-bright, blue-white styling and ink holdout, which help folding carton manufacturers achieve maximum color vibrancy, fidelity and fade resistance.

MEADWESTVACO CORP., 203/461-7658.

With anodized aluminum leaves

These new shafts incorporate advanced technological capabilities in diameters from 1 in. and up. Anodized aluminum leaves provide uniform expansion, high torque, and maximum grip. These shafts are useful with paper, fiber and steel cores.

CONVERTECH INC., 973/328-1850, fax: 973/328-7256, www.convertechinc.com

For roll-fed p-s labels, decals

The SPARK/DFS is reportedly the first digital solution for roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet output of pressure-sensitive labels, decals and industrial markings. The SPARK1612 print engine offers 400-dpi, one-pass, four-color printing in process and spot colors. Output rates are said to be up to 37.7 MSI/hr. The DFS Digital Finishing System combines laminating, high-speed digital diecutting, and the ability to strip, slit and rewind or sheet finished output. It features Allen Datagraph's patented SmartMark® optical registration system for print-to-cut registration and automated efficiency. The SPARK/DFS eliminates film, plates, cutting dies and make-ready on press for producing small orders, samples and trial runs without expensive set-up charges.

MATAN DIGITAL PRINTERS, 972/3-903-9939, e-mail: keren@matan.co.il

For hot-fill lidding use

NEX Grades C2109A and C2219 are polypropylene coextrusions with HDPE backbones designed to seal to PP cupstock for hot-fill lidding applications. Both films meet FDA guidelines for retort packaging. C2109A is designed to offer normal peel-strength values, while C2219 is formulated for very high-peel values. Co. manufactures monolayer and coextruded film for food, medical and industrial packaging applications.

NEW ENGLAND EXTRUSION, 800/537-3180, fax: 413/863-8723, www.nex-films.com