For UV-rotary printing

A new type of "drop-in" UV-rotary screen unit for the co.'s FA-3300 modular flexo press prints both p-s laminates and thin unsupported films. The screen unit basically works by replacing the anilox roll and rubber roll as used in a standard flexo-inking system. The drop-in unit acts as another impression roller. Developed with Stork Prints BV, individual units can be retrofitted at any stage in the production sequence without the need to replace any printing unit, or extend an existing press configuration. Nilpeter Ltd., 44/1482-629600, fax: 44/1482-359100, www.nilpeter.com

FDA-compliant PET

Converters can gain a competitive edge with new technologically-advanced modified polyester films. PA10 print-grade film and PA20 heat-sealable film are now produced in North America and are FDA compliant for food contact. PA10 polyester film can be used for printing, metallizing and cold seal applications. Compatible with solvent-based, water-based and UV inks as well as with both offset and gravure printing functions, PA10 provides superior print adhesion and registration. PA20 is a versatile product that can be metallized, printed on the plain side or laminated as an inner sealant web. The film features a strong mechanical bond that allows it to perform well through both sterilization and pasteurization processes. Toray Plastics (America), Inc., 815/344-8560, www.TorayFilms.com

For packaging

ClearMax™ is a line of anti-fog coatings designed to control water vapor build-up in food packaging. These coatings, available for flexographic and gravure applications, are designed to give the product a fresher look by preventing fogging on polyethylene and polypropylene films used in packaging. These products comply with FDA regulations for materials used in food packaging. These coatings are said to be suited for use on prepared bagged produce, case-ready meats or other products. Sun Chemical Corp., 708/236-3686, www.sunchemicalink.com

For small to medium sacks

The AD® 8320 is designed to produce small to medium sacks from 11 lbs. for packaging powdered products to larger sizes measuring up to 23½ in. wide by 45½ in. long. The bottom width ranges from 2¾ in. to just under 7 in., the sack length 9.84 in. to 45.67 in. and width from 7 in. to just over 23.62 in. The AM® 8115 tuber is designed to run with the AD 8320 bottomer, and combined offer a flexible tuber for a range of applications. Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp., 800/854-8702, fax: 401/333-6491, www.whcorp.

With true diameter measurements

The SONA-TROL® ST-6 ultrasonic loop controller can perform up to 100 loop measurements per second to assure that converting operations run smoothly. Featuring a sensor head which can be mounted from 18 to 20 ft above a roll of material, this non-contact loop controller can measure distance changes as small as .010 in. for controlling the unwind and rewind tension. Compensating for material bounce or sway, if seven consecutive measurements per second taken by the SONA-TROL ST-6 ultrasonic loop controller are outside of present limits, it can trip an alarm. Waddington Electronics, Inc., 401/781-3940, fax: 401/781-1650, www.waddingtonelectronics.com

At Labelexpo Europe 2003

The new Mark Andy DT2200 Digital Printing and Converting System is now available worldwide. The DT Series inkjet-printing module, developed exclusively with dotrix® integrates directly into a 13-in. Mark Andy 2200 flexo press, which incorporates standard inline, single-pass flexo printing and converting operations. The four-color system is capable of printing high-end graphics with 100-percent variable information, and 100-percent coverage at 82 fpm. The technology that combines full width 300-dpi resolution with eight levels of grayscale and UV-curable ink is said to be an industry first. The DT laser finishing module, developed with LasX Industries, makes it possible to produce short-run labels efficiently. Both systems are virtually maintenance-free. "Live" demos will be offered at Hall 5, Stand C10. Mark Andy, Inc., 636/532-4433, www.markandy.com

Power supply for surface treater

The new TFC (total functional control) option gives operators a source for complete control, monitoring, and diagnostics at one location and on one clean touch screen panel. This control system is said to be the first comprehensive Human Machine Interface (HMI) control linking all components of a surface treatment system. It enables operators to utilize touch screen control and universal language icons for easy operation for any language. This technology combines advantages of a remote control station with a system diagnostic package with complete system integration. Pillar Technologies, 262/367-3060, fax: 262/367-3206, www.pillartech.com

For short & medium runs

The VP8020 digital color printer employs a cool-fusion™ imaging engine, which allows converters to produce short and medium runs of color labels, tags and forms on-demand. This printer was optimized to handle variable data content—including barcodes. The VP8020 prints a continuous web of up to 25 letter size impressions per minute in full color with 256 levels of gray for tonal transition. A simple digital workflow and user interface eliminates time and cost normally spent on films, plates, set-up and clean-up, enabling converters to handle short runs and quick turnarounds, reports co. VIPColor Technologies, 800/404-3185, www.vipcolor.com

For recyclable food packaging

A new cost-effective, multilayer, heat-sealable expanded PET sheet is said to offer excellent barrier and peel properties via DuPont™ Bynel® adhesive resin. The sheets also can be pigmented to produce a wide range of attractive materials to increase brand identification and enhance shelf appeal. The seven-layer, 100-percent recyclable Alightseal and Alightbar sheets are produced in a one-step process. Granules of the different polymers are coextruded into a sheet that is simultaneously foamed or expanded in the same process. DuPont Packaging, 302/992-6678, www.usa.Dupont.com

For labels

This co. offers a range of capabilities and materials for use in the label industry. Offerings include Clearsil®® release films, vacuum coated films, deep-dyed colored films, adhesive coated and laminated as well as toll-coated films. Within the Clearsil release product line, the co. includes optically clear liners offering a total haze of less than 2.5 percent, available on 1 to 5 mil polyester with easy, tight or differential silicone coatings. CPFilms Inc., 888/273-4567, fax: 276/627-3500, www.cpfilms.co

Focus on adhesion

"Adhesion," a computer-based learning system, is available online, as well as in CD-ROM and Web-download versions. Fundamental concepts of adhesion and adhesives are explained via graphics, interactive exercises and examples of practical application. A Concept Map outlines each step in the adhesion process along with relevant technical issues. Chemical structures and formulation pathway are provided for key adhesives. The nine-module course covers Intro to Adhesion, Interaction Forces, Surface Tension, Polymers, Testing of Adhesive Systems, Practical Adhesion, Structural Adhesives, Elastomer Based Adhesives, and Hot Melt Adhesives. WESEECO LLC, 877/482-8744, www.weseeco.com

For trim & scrap

This new in-line repelletizing system enables plastic film processors to capture edge trim and roll scrap, convert it to pellets and re-introduce it into the extrusion process via a gravimetric blender. This system repelletizes PE, PP, PS, ABS, metallocenes, coextrusion blends and other commodity and engineering resins in a wide range of trim widths and thicknesses at rates of up to 700 lbs/hr. The repelletizer includes air or water-cooling, low-maintenance controls and a high quality screw and barrel in an energy-efficient, low-noise design. Set on a compact footprint, the system may be customized to suit virtually any application or process configuration. Precision AirConvey, 302/999-8000, fax: 302/266-7559, www.precisionairconvey.com

For processing 100% solids

The Filmstar DL is laminating machine designed for processing 100 percent solids, or solventless laminating adhesives. The Filmstar DL delivers an accurate amount of mixed adhesive at a specific mix ratio to the application rolls on a solventless laminator. Features include twin mixer dispense head with disposable motionless mixer, touch panel operator/machine interface, variable ratio precision rotary pump technology, and auto refill or gravity feed material supply systems. Liquid Control Corp., 330/494-1313, fax: 330/494-5383, www.liquidcontrol.com

For coatings

This co. now offers a line of Tri-Wire Metering Rods designed for applications that require ultra-heavyweight coatings up to 56 mils thick. Three large wires are wound on precision rods in a unique configuration that results in very large modified grooves. This manufacturing breakthrough produces a coating that can be more than six times the thickness obtained by any single-wire rod, reports co. Industry Tech, 813/855-5054, fax: 813/891-9904, www.industrytech.net

For large spaces

The Princess 3 is a modular humidification unit designed for large spaces such as press, slitting and folding, and storage and shipping areas. It features a water capacity of up to 15 gph equipped with 12 high-pressure spray nozzles. Its large capacity means most applications require only a few units. Units can be placed over walkway areas for easy maintenance and to prevent any risk of water damage to products or equipment. The Princess 3 features a low-noise built-in fan, for fast, uniform distribution of humidity throughout work areas in microscopic droplets, with no risk of wetting. Husson Inc., 262/884-4669, fax: 262/884-4670, www.hussoninc.com

For converting applications

The DCM digital diecutting system is suited for converters who are faced with the increasing demands of providing small lots, just-in-time. The DCM is based on the Kongsberg automatic cutting and creasing table. This press automatically loads board onto the cutting and creasing platform from a stack that will hold up to 1,000 lbs of material. The sheet will then be cut and creased according to the design from the CAD system. Pre-print sheets are cut in registration to the print precisely . Once the material is cut and creased, it is automatically unloaded onto a stack while the next uncut sheet is loaded onto the cutting platform. Esko-Graphics, 800/743-7131, fax: 937/454-1522, www.esko-graphics.com

Silicone- and wax-free

PureScreen, a new line of UV-screen inks, provide converters with formulations that are silicone- and wax-free. PureScreen inks virtually eliminate the "silicone stacking" dilemma, giving printers the ability to overprint PureScreen with UV inks or water-based film inks, while achieving excellent adhesion and fine graphic quality. Co. has eliminated all hazardous and chemically suspect materials from all PureScreen inks. Water Ink Technologies, 800/426-4657, www.waterinktech.com