With manual release feature

The Dynamic Rod Lock functions as a breaking and holding device for pneumatic cylinders and guide rods, allowing users to slow and stop loads in all axes without relying just on the cylinder. It can be used as a stand-alone or with ISO/NFPA cylinders, is safe on soft rod material and produces extremely low backlash. It fits cylinder rod diameters of 16, 20, 25 and 32 mm, and 0.625, 1 and 1.375 in.

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

With high sensitivity

Co. offers a new line of semiconductor strain gauge transducers, designed for maximum accuracy, versatility and reliability, co. says. It comes in standard load ratings of 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 lbs. It has 360 degree overload protection, high sensitivity, low hysteresis and is sealed against damage caused by dust and moisture.

NIRECO AMERICA CORP., 845/856-4053, www.nirecoamerica.com

On pouch machines

Co. is incorporating impulse sealing technology into pouch machines. The impulse sealing systems enable better heat and cooling control for sealing hard-to-seal materials like poly film structures. The seal is created and cooled while still clamped, which cools and sets the seal, keeping the material from shrinking while cooling. It can also be linked to a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) for monitoring temperature, dwell and pressure.

GN PACKAGING EQUIPMENT, 905/670-0383, www.gnpak.com

Adjustable

The H2 adjustable speed control has multiple lines of display and presents extensive diagnostic information like "error logging" and "help text." It has a volts/Hertz inverter, encoderless vector, closed loop vector or AC servo motor control selections for high performance applications. Currently, the horsepower range is from 1 through 60HP, but co. will stock HS drives from 1 through 450HP and will custom design units through 1,500HP.

BALDOR ELECTRIC CO., 479/646-4711, www.baldor.com

Creates special mixes

The Formulator Ink Manager contains all the Pantone® recipes and helps users create and manage special ink mixes, regardless of the manufacturers' ink type. This system ensures that colors are mixed quickly, accurately and consistently, co. says. The software is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch and Chinese.

VALE-TECH, LTD., 44/1638-66-8583, www.vale-tech.co.uk

At Interpack, Hall 6, Booth E90

This co. will highlight a variety of Slider™ zipper products at Interpack 2005 in Dusseldorf, Germany. Packagers can learn about the Quick-Zip™ SLIDER, Transverse-Direction (TD) SLIDER and Thermoform SLIDER for goods from shredded cheese to pet food. The High-Temp retortable zipper and Powder-proof zipper for specialty applications will also be spotlighted. Along with product displays, the co. will also make an announcement about its partnership with a major converter to develop large format, pre-made pouches that use SLIDER technology.

ZIP-PAK, 31/76-522-0941, www.zippak.com

Compostable packaging

NatureFlex™ is a film made from renewable wood pulp and is certified to the US composting norms. It is anti-static, glossy and transparent with a high gas barrier. It has high resistance to greases, oils and fats as well. The film's moisture permeability can be tailored for specific product requirements and has a heat-sealing range from 160 to 390 F. It can also be reheated in a microwave and conventional oven for up to 30 min. at 356 F because it is heat-resistant.

INNOVIA FILMS, INC., 770/970-8223, www.films.ucb-group.com

For short-run labels

Co.'s newest inkjet-based label and tag printer is the LX800, which has a print resolution of up to 4,800 dpi at 2 in. per second. Full-color labels can be printed with any combination of fonts, graphics, bar codes and photo-realistic images on labels up to 8 in. wide and 24 in. long. The labels printed are waterproof and scratchproof. It is ideal for printing short run labels and for proofing, co. says.

PRIMERA TECHNOLOGY, INC., 763/475-6676, www.primer.com

Aimed at flexible packaging

The new version of TORI-FLEX 7.0, a scheduling software, is specially developed to offer performance enhancements to plastic flexible packaging companies. The software has a schedule module integrated with material requirement planning (MRP) and capacity planning components. It provides a view of all scheduled jobs, real time view of late jobs and drag-and-drop capabilities. By selecting a single machine, users can view a detailed report with the job number, customer information and other pertinent data.

PLASTISOFT CORP., 905/760-0100, www.plastisoft.com

A company first

Expanding its product line, co. is now offering a "brushed metal" appearance on the surface of paper stocks. The company is marketing the new paper product in rolls and sheets in a variety of metallic colors and patterns. This finish can now be achieved with or without lamination where thinner or non-board applications are demanded and they perform well when printed with UV and other ink systems, co. says. The new paper line can be custom ordered and variable roll widths are accommodated.

BRUSHFOIL, LLC, 800/493-2321, www.brushfoil.com

Reduces web shaft repair time

Co. re-releases its bladder repair system, which does not require specialized tools to remove and replace damaged bladders, for lug and button shafts. It has a self-contained bladder cartridge to reduce reset time to as little as 10 minutes. The system is best for wider webs and heavier loads. The shafts are available in standard and heavy duty, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-in. diameters.

CONVERTECH, 973/328-1850, www.convertech.com

Shown at Graphics of the Americas

Recently introduced R/bak® SA 3000 Cushion Mounting Tape is a product aimed at the 0.020-in. thin tape market. Co. combines open cell urethane cushion technology and acrylic adhesives to make the product easier to handle, with more consistent and better print quality. It has lower dot gain, higher solid ink densities, enables easier printing on rough surfaces and reduces gear banding and press bounce.

ROGERS CORP., 860/928-8926, www.rogerscorporation.com

For semi-automatic labeling

The applicator A1000, in combination with the A3 and A4, provides an inexpensive solution for semi-automatic labeling and for the integration into automatic production lines, co. says. The A1000 can be plugged into the printer, with just one screw. Adjusting the pad to the dispensing edge can be done with four screws.

CAB TECHNOLOGY, INC., 978/649-0293, www.cabtechn.com

Captures single pictures

The ProScope™ handheld, digital USB microscope by Bodelin Technologies enables printers to capture single pictures and videos with their computers in order to analyze presses. It allows printers to check the quality of their anilox rolls, plate surfaces and printed substrates so that they can diagnose print issues on and off press. Co. also offers the Proline™ anilox roll portfolio for unique engraving technologies and customized coating or ink solutions.

PRAXAIR S.T. TECHNOLOGY, INC., 816/556-4606, www.Praxair.com/printing

Available dead or live

Co. offers a complete line of live and dead shaft aluminum idler rolls. It has 16 standard, pre-engineered models, with each idler machined to tight tolerances and balanced at speeds up to 2,000 fpm. The standard face lengths range from 18 in. to 144 in. and custom lengths are available. Various groove patterns, coatings, platings and elastomers are also offered. Other options include custom wall thickness, roll diameter, bearing type and shaft configurations.

WEBEX, INC., 920/729-6666

Improves signal reliability

The SmartStrate® label stock is designed to reduce RFID label failure rates by protecting the inlay—chip, antenna and lead—through its cushioning material. Test show that SmartStrate® can withstand mechanical pressures up to 40 times higher and ESD exposures that were 18 kilovolts higher than conventional label stock. SmartStrate® provides a uniform surface for printing, making it possible to print over the entire label surface. This reduces overall label size by eliminating the need for a no-print zone.

APPLETON, 800/531-2002, www.appletonideas.com

Handles 3,000 fpm speeds

The WrinkleSTOP® spreader rolls are compatible with web production speeds up to 3,000 ft per minute and are available in widths up to 200 in. They offer edge-to-edge adjustability while the web is in motion and require no special tools for adjustment. Other features include standard and custom sleeves to match most applications and high-quality motor-grade bearings. They are effective with laminating, slitting, printing, coating, textiles, paper, film and nonwoven production.

CONVERTER ACCESSORY CORP., 800/433-2413, www.handleyourweb.com

With optional shear

The model CSR 18 slitter/rewinder comes standard with razor, score and hot knife slitting, or optional shear. It has automatic rewind tension and speed control and it can be fitted with various additional options like edge guiding, cantilever shafts and differential rewinding. It is 98 in. wide and can slit, seal and rewind rolled goods up to 18 in. in diameter.

PINNACLE CONVERTING EQUIPMENT, INC., 704/376-3855, www.pinnacleconverting.com

Minimizes waste

Co. enhances its Automatic Register Control (ARC) with the Intelligent Register™ system for its E-Combat model. The system can be supplied on the new E-Combat models or retrofitted on existing installations. The Intelligent Register™ has a unique final sensor, which enables the press to perform register set-up without operator intervention. Its new software allows the press to automatically detect register behavior on different substrates. This system optimizes register accuracy and reduces waster in the production process, co. says.

GIDUE, 39/02-966-8181, www.gidue.com

Used in- or off-line

This co.'s S wrap printing system is made specifically for the spiral tube winding and cornerboard manufacturing industries. It can be used for in- or off-line printing applications, with a ceramic or laser engraved anilox roll. It has a totally enclosed doctor blade enabling operational speeds up to 600 fpm. An electrical connection is not required for operation and the peristaltic ink pump maintains continuous ink flow. Single- and two-color systems are available.

BELL-MARK CORP., 973/882-0202, www.bell-mark.com

For narrow webs

The CC-Plus Corona Cleaner is the result of the joint effort by this co. and Vetaphone. The CC-plus unit is for narrow webs and has easy thread-up, with no doors or parts that need to be opened for the film thread-up. The unit can be mounted cantilevered and has all connections at the back. It combines web cleaning, corona surface treatment and static neutralization for increased functionality. It can also treat conductive substrates.

KELVA AB, 464/616-0700, www.kelva.com