The Meiseivce automatic viscosity control and measurement system, Model GP-10 Type, reportedly provides ink-consumption savings of 20 percent or more, allowing a rapid return on investment. The unit performs four functions: ink circulation, agitating, viscosity measurement and viscosity control for improved printed and coated products. Its automatic control lets operators devote their attention to other tasks on the package-printing or coater/laminator line. Automatic oil lubrication and recycling system extends pump life by 300 percent, says co. The easy-to-clean Model GP-10 Type uses only two quarts of solvent and about 1 minute to clean. Meisei Corp., 81/574-65-1666, fax: 81/574-65-1667,www.meiseivc.co.jp

Amplify™ VA functional polymer 400 series is a group of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers that offer a balance of performance and cost in packaging applications, as well as better low-temperature sealability, clarity and flexibility than LDPE-adhesive resins. Engineered for laminating adhesives and tie layers, Amplify VA is reportedly easy to process and features functional adhesion to various substrates such as polyolefins, cellulose and polyester. DOW CHEMICAL CO., 800/441-4369, www.dowamplify.com

This co. introduces its new VistaSpec™ HB ink series for UV-curable piezo drop-on-demand (DOD) ink jet suitable for a broad range of substrates. These hybrid inks are jetted at elevated temperatures for lowering the viscosity of the ink to the levels required for piezo DOD ink-jet technologies. The ink rapidly cools after contact with the surface treatment or presetting/pinning of ink. This process is said to provide superior print quality as compared to liquid UV-curable inks for high resolution printing with the benefit of no bleed-through or color dilution on a wide variety of substrates. AELLORA DIGITAL, A MARKEM CO.,603/357-1715,www.aellora.com

This co. now offers its Series 15 ink with NC compatibility for packaging. This ink is the end result of advanced materials in the packaging world with flexible film. This ink is said to eliminate the need for special cleaning of the printing machinery when changing systems. The Series 15 ink features compatibility with nitrocellulose-based inks, laminate retention on most diverse films, low residual solvents, toxicologically innocuous for food packaging, and high color intensity. ROTOFLEX AG, 41/43-211-5727, info@windstargraphics.com

This co. introduces its two-component water-based laminating adhesive for flexo and gravure applications. This adhesive is said to provide excellent bonding to film, paper, and foil and complies with FDA 21 CFR 175.105 adhesives for food packaging.NORTHWEST COATINGS, 414/762-3330, fax: 414/762-9132,www.northwestcoatings.com

The Splash-Resistant peristaltic pump with protective housing is said to be a good choice for printers where spills and splashing are simply a part of the environment. The pump has welded seams, a shielded rear air vent plus bottom venting along with a sealed speed control and forward/reverse switch to keep fluids from entering the pump housing. The Splash-Resistant model has all of the same great features of the standard co.'s peristaltic pumps: swivel lock fasteners for no-tools quick tube changes; Straight-Thru™ design to eliminate kinks, flow stoppages and snaking of the tube; dual roller technology to extend tube life; and an electric gear motor with electronic variable speed and forward/reverse control. Graymills Corp., 773/477-4100, fax: 773/477-4133, www.inkpumps.graymills.com

This co. offers a full range of water-based and solvent-based flexographic printing inks. These inks exhibit high color strength and also feature scuff and abrasion resistance, says co. They are available in a full range of PMS colors. These inks are suited for printing on all varieties of polyethylene films, in addition to kraft paper stocks, polyesters and non-wovens. Inks can be supplied in single gallons, 5 gallon pails, and 30-55 gallon drums. BELL-MARK CORP., 973/882-0202, fax: 973/808-4616, www.bell-mark.com

This co. announces a formula upgrade for the 39-5 Series UV flexo inks. These performers have been enhanced by the removal of all benzophenone-based photoinitiators. These high-strength inks still offer the added benefit of reducing or even eliminating the problem of doctor blade backside build-up, commonly referred to as "spitting," in many press applications, while offering excellent adhesion, gloss, and imprintability in most label and packaging applications, says co. They are available in the full Pantone® range, along with process and custom colors. Sicpa North America Inc., 763/535-7600, fax: 763/535-9034,www.sicpa.com

This new line of technologically engineered metallic inks is being introduced by FRM USA and will, for the first time, be available directly to US and Canadian printers. These new inks will be sold under the SMART INKS brand and are said to print better and to be more brilliant because of the special metallic pigment blend used by SMART INKS to manufacture them. They are available for all printing processes. SMART INKS, 323/769-4880.

This co. introduces its UvoNova™ UV-curable letterpress ink for narrow web, which was created using the latest resin technology. This ink is said to offer excellent adhesion, curing and print quality on a variety of popular narrow-web substrates, including coated and uncoated papers, PE, PP and similar films as well as self-adhesive labelstocks. UvoNova can be foil blocked, overprinted by thermal transfer, and used in direct thermal applications, for self-adhesive, in-mold and wraparound labels. UvoNova inks are available as a four-color process set and in a full range of Pantone® colors. Akzo Nobel Inks, 800/328-7838, fax: 763/577-1467, www.aninks.com