In-line diecutting; hologram-inserting unit

The new 20-in. OMET Varyflex servo-driven modular press can be configured with multiple print stations and in-line diecutting. Capable of UV-, solvent- and water-based flexo printing, the system also interchanges stations for gravure and silkscreen printing. For anti-counterfeiting applications, the new Holo-King hologram-inserting unit applies hot-foil holograms from six roll holders at speeds of up to 330 fpm. A Varyflex was recently installed by a leading Chinese tobacco-carton converter.

MATIK NORTH AMERICA , 860/232-2323, www.matik.com

Adhesive-backed plastics, rubber, silicones

New lamination capabilities allow for adhesive-backed, finished substrates from many plastic, rubber and silicone-coated materials such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, foams and polyester. Materials are offered as thick, sheet goods up to 1 in. and thin films down to 0.003 in. in widths ranging from 0.50 to 63 in. Custom services include diecutting, bar-code printing, private labeling, sheeting and more.

CS HYDE CO. , 800/461-4161, ext. 11, www.cshyde.com

Withstand heat to 300 deg F

With special components such as epoxies, compensation networks, seals, Teflon wire and connectors rated for high-temperature environments, a line of new tension transducers is able to withstand extremely hot environments up to 300 deg F. Ultra Line Cartridge-Style Transducers provide better performance than competitive load cells by increasing the operating tension range from 8:1 to 40:1, co. says. Offered for new machinery installations or retrofits, they also eliminate electrical disturbances caused by AC drives, servos and other high-frequency devices.

CLEVELAND MOTION CONTROLS, INC. , 800/321-8072, www.clevelandkidder.com

P-s adhesive on PLA resin

Converters can now get the environmental benefits of a label made from a sustainable resource, without sacrificing graphic or performance capabilities, says co. EcoVantage™ pressure-sensitive label film is made from a polylactide (PLA) polymer derived from corn, not petrochemicals. Because EcoVantage film is made from an organic material, this proprietary polymer is fully compostable. EcoVantage has a glossy appearance that provides superior shelf presence. The surface is treated for better ink adhesion. It is available in 1.6-mil clear and 2-mil white versions.

GREEN BAY PACKAGING, COATED PRODUCTS OPERATIONS , 920/337-1798, www.gbp.com

Large-format; up to 1,600 sq ft per hour

The new Rhopac large-format digital printer produces durable, high-impact displays and specialty packaging on corrugated-board stock at speeds up to 1,600 sq ft per hour. Using the co.-designed Quadroe Array printhead, the system is said to deliver true even colors, vector gradations, bar codes and text down to 4-pt type in 400- to 600-dpi resolution. The Rhopac feeder/stacker adds speed and efficiency to the printing process; corrugated sheets are aligned and held on a feeder table that automatically adjusts its height. A sheet-transport vacuum arm also features a shaking motion to ensure only one sheet at a time is fed.

DURST IMAGE TECHNOLOGY US LLC , 585/486-0340, www.durstus.com

Combines digital flexo, offset into one unit

Converters can simplify prepress operations with the new Thermoflex Narrow Hybrid platesetter, which combines digital flexographic and offset platemaking capabilities into one device. It handles plate sizes up to 30 × 30 in. for flexo and 30 × 29 in. for offset and features the option of imaging multiple plates simultaneously. The system's small footprint, TIFF Front End software and universal workflow connectivity make it appropriate for any size prepress operation, says co.

KODAK GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS GROUP , 203/845-7115, www.graphics.kodak.com

Higher viscosity for cast film

New Metocene X11291-55-1 is a reactor-grade polypropylene resin with enhanced product consistency for converters producing cast film. Featuring a 9.5g/10-min melt-flow rate with a very narrow molecular-weight distribution, it has an uncharacteristically lower melting point compared to conventional PP homopolymer resins. This is said to enable exceptional optical properties and good sealability in film applications. Typical uses include stationery wraps, food, multimedia, medical packaging, candy twist wraps, photo albums, laminations, floral and produce packaging.

BASELL POLYOLEFINS , 410/996-1366, www.basell.com

Wide-web; water-cooled

Designed for processing a variety of substrates, the new ISO-cure UV-curing unit with water-cooled reflector profile is offered for web widths from 18 to 57 in. The ISO-cure is optimized for applications where the UV lamphead has to be integrated in a compact space on machines such as CI-flexo printing presses for flexible packaging. Unit features the energy-saving E-brick electronic power supply and new lamp reflector design with all-electric shutter operation for maximum performance and cure efficiency. The ISO-cure includes a built-in heat exchange system that reduces exhaust air temperatures to a minimum. The extruded-aluminum reflector support assemblies are water-cooled for cooler running when open with no heat transfer to the substrate during stoppages when the reflectors are closed.

GEW LTD. , 44/01-737-824500, www.gewuv.com

Extrusion coated with sealant

Legato lidding film is an oriented polyester film, extrusion coated with Allegro® M sealant. The co.'s proprietary Allegro M is said to have enhanced chemical qualities, which give it an improved ability to seal through contamination. The transparent lidstock seals to numerous rigid structures such as high-impact polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene. Legato lidding film seals at low temperatures and also offers a wide operating window.

ROLLPRINT PACKAGING PRODUCTS, INC. , 508/520-9784, fax: 508/520-9785, e-mail: tpaolino@rollprint.com

"What's old is what's new"

Kraftpak unbleached, uncoated paperboard is said to be an ideal substrate to achieve individuality for new folding-carton packaging meant to convey an "old-fashioned image" while using the latest high-quality graphics and printing techniques. The low-density, high-strength virgin fiber paperboard offers comparable stiffness and superior tear resistance at a much lower basis weight than competitive products, says co. Kraftpak meets FDA compliance for food contact and low-bacteria content.

MEADWESTVACO CORP. , 843/745-3098, www.meadwestvaco.com

Repulpable for papers, films

Co. introduces two new repulpable splicing tapes for various converting applications. Venture Tape 525 is a blue, double-coated tissue tape coated on both sides with a dissolvable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. Specifically designed for uneven surfaces and demanding bonding applications, it provides an excellent bond on paper and other film materials that are subjected to a broad range of environmental conditions. Venture Tape 526 is a blue, repulpable double-coated tissue tape coated on both sides with a versatile acrylic p-s adhesive. A conformable and effective splicing tape, it is engineered for uneven surfaces and demanding bonding applications, providing an excellent bond on paper, plastics and other film materials.

VENTURE TAPE CO. , 800/343-1076, www.venturetape.com

Reduces haze up to 50%

Standard linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films, which are lower in cost, typically do not offer the clarity that is vital to good shelf presence for retail-product packaging. Now, a new masterbatch additive—PM13199 film clarifier—is said to cut haze by up to 50%. One series of tests with 2-mil LLDPE blown films showed reduced 30.9% to only 16.1%, with a 6% loading of PM13199. In addition, film clarity increased to 97.7%, from 95.0%. Applications include film extrusions for shrink-wrap bundling and overwraps.

TECHMER PM , 310/632-9211, www.techmerpm.com

Laminates keep out moisture

Co. introduces three new laminated barrier films: the Pentapharm® ACLAR® 400/02, S03 and G03. The 400/02 is ideal for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products requiring outstanding moisture protection. The S03 films are symmetrical, improving the lay-flat of finished packages and are ultrasonically sealable to vinyl face-seal cards without coatings. The G03 is a three-layer laminated film that has moisture and oxygen barrier properties.

KLÖCKNER PENTAPLAST OF AMERICA, INC. , 540/832-3600, www.kpfilms.com