For wine labels

Co. highlights its full line of photopolymer embossing plates and photopolymer embossing pattern selection guide at LabelExpo Americas, Sept. 11-14 in Chicago. The guide lets printers choose specific embossing patterns for wine labels. TRINITY GRAPHIC USA, 941/355-2636, www.trinitygraphic.com

Made from corn-derived polymer

The EcoVantage™ pressure-sensitive label film is made from a polylactide polymer derived from corn, making it fully compostable. It has a glossy appearance and its surface is treated for enhanced ink adhesion. It has material-handling characteristics similar to polyester. Labels made from this film can be applied using standard label application equipment. GREEN BAY PACKAGING, 920/433-5111, www.gbp.com

For PET film

The SUPERMET™ metallizing process for standard 48g PET films gives adhesion values equal or superior to those of chemically treated metallized PET. All rolls run using this process are certified with metal adhesion values greater than 600g/in. It is ideally suited for stiff, large-format three-ply PET/met PET/PE stand-up pouch structures where excellent bond strength is needed. CELPLAST METALLIZED PRODUCTS, 800/866-0059, cmp.celplast.com

With mirror finish

An optical mirror finish on chill rolls from co. yields ultra-smooth and crystal-clear finishes for plastic film and sheet extrusions. Surface finishes are specified to meet various applications, such as a mirror pocket finish for a high-performance release surface or a matte finish for textured or opaque film. Proprietary heat-transfer software is used to design each roll to operate with exacting temperature control of +/- 1 deg. F.WEBEX, INC., 920/729-6666, www.webexinc.com

Ideal for short to medium runs

The VIVA 420 semi-rotary press is ideal for short to medium production of high-end labels. All job changes are done without removing any cylinders, thus reducing set-up times. The press also features the AP lever ink duct system and an automatic wash-up system. It is shaftless and offers a servo-driven web handling system. MATIK NORTH AMERICA, 860/232-2323, www.matik.com

Showcased at LabelExpo

Co. features several pieces of web tension-control equipment at LabelExpo Americas 2006, held Sept. 11-14 in Chicago. The WebHandler13980419633 tension controller delivers automatic, digital tension control with a touch-panel interface. The NWI™ narrow-web tension transducer has an optional built-in LED display and a 0 to 10 VDC output. The 1D6D single-disk pneumatic brake is an ideal tensioning solution for unwind applications, and the TI17B tension amplifier amplifies any tension signal output from co.'s transducers. DOVER FLEXO ELECTRONICS, 603/332-6150, www.dfe.com

For presses with RFID modules

The Virtual AC™ Intelligent Static Neutralizer systems are specially developed for multi-color, narrow-web presses and presses with RFID applicator modules. With only one power source, numerous static neutralizing bars can be daisy-chained together to ensure static control at multiple locations. MKS, ION INDUSTRIAL, 888/310-3334, www.ion.com/industrial

Protect labels

Co.'s overlaminates protect labels against abrasion, extreme temperatures, UV exposure and harsh chemicals. They deliver long-lasting legibility after years of UV exposure and feature a proprietary coating designed to resist graffiti. 3M, 800/422-8116, www.3m.com/converter

For compressed air

The EFC™ electronic flow control for compressed air is designed to minimize compressed air use on blowoff, drying, cooling, conveying and static elimination operations. It combines a photoelectric sensor with a timing control that limits compressed air use by turning it off when no part is present. EXAIR CORP., 800/903-9247, www.exair.com/efc.htm

Eco-friendly

Expanding its 2006 wine label portfolio, co. introduces a new earth-friendly facestock. The Fasson1397904493 Tree-Free facestock is made from a combination of bamboo pulp, ditch reed and cotton linters. It appears whiter and smoother, co. says. This eco-friendly facestock is matched with the Fasson S100R adhesive, which allows consumers or recyclers to remove the label after immersing it in water hotter than 100 deg. F.AVERY DENNISON CORP. - FASSON ROLL NORTH AMERICA DIVISION, 800/944-8511, www.fasson.com

Eliminates need for surface treating

In response to customer requests, co. launches the opaque white Ultem™ polyetherimide film. It eliminates the need for surface treating to achieve satisfactory print contrast in bar code labels because it is pigmented for high opacity. This ensures that the bar code can be read correctly. GE PLASTICS, 413/448-7110, www.geplastics.com

Handles loads up to 500 lbs.

The TracMaster™ electromechanical linear actuator can handle load capacity up to 500 lbs. and load-dependent travel speeds are available up to 143 in. per minute. Standard stroke lengths range from 3 to 18 in., but custom lengths can be accommodated. Load ratings are the same for tension and compression applications. DUFF NORTON, 800/477-5002, www.duffnorton.com

360-degree running registration control

Co. introduces a new flexo printing system designed for single- or two-color printing applications. It is configured for inline printing with existing converting processes including extrusion, bagmaking, laminating, coating and slitting/rewinding operations. Standard features include an enclosed doctor blade assembly, 360-degree running registration control and compact footprint. It can be configured for narrow- and wide-web applications. BELL-MARK CORP., 973/882-0202, www.bell-mark.com

Low viscosity

Optifilm is a low-viscosity, water-based film ink with excellent press stability. Its high-strength formulation enables printers to achieve outstanding graphics using fine-line anilox rolls, co. says. WATER INK TECHNOLOGIES, INC., 704/735-8282, www.waterinktech.com

In AC and DC versions

Co. offers digital controllers in AC and DC versions including the DMC-D2-100 Dual Channel DC-LVDT controller, which provides proper voltage for operating any standard DC-LVDT. The DMC-A2-100 Dual Channel AC-LVDT controller provides optional analog outputs of DC voltage or current loop. The DMI-D1-100 single channel DC-LVDT indicator communicates with the selected controller internally via a .2C data bus. The DMI-A1-100 single channel AC-LVDT indicator uses one of its two micro controllers to generate the sine wave for the AC LVDT excitation frequency. MACRO SENSORS, 856/662-8000, www.astsensors.com

Removes UV- and solvent-based inks

The CeramClean II™ anilox roll cleaner has been re-engineered for increased fluidity and slower drying, providing more scrubbing time per application. It removes water, dried UV- and solvent-based inks from the cells of anilox rolls without damaging the cell structure. The cleaner also removes most tough stains on the roll face and cleans gravure and chrome cylinders. Co. also offers the Ezze-Peel™ peelable protection coating and the CeramClean SOLV-IT™ anilox cleaner. HARPERSCIENTIFIC®, 866/588-8686, www.harperscientific.com

Reduces drying time

Co. launches Accel®, its newest grade of synthetic paper. It cuts dry time by up to 80 percent, improving pressroom efficiency. In addition to its drying properties, it has improved gloss. It is super smooth, 100 percent recyclable and is chemical- and stain-resistant. YUPO CORP., 888/USE-YUPO, www.yupo.com

Changes color

Co. introduces UV/EB-curable special effects coatings including pearlescent, glitter and color changing effects. Phantavision, produces different effects depending on the viewing angle. High contrast color shifts appear with sharp changes in the viewing angles, while smooth changes occur with gradual curves. Phantavision coatings may be tailored to produce a variety of different colors and appearances. NORTHWEST COATINGS, LLC, 414/762-3330, www.northwestcoatings.com

Completely servo driven

The Servo 4000 NWF flexo press can be used as a digital print finishing line with full-rotary and semi-rotary die cutting. The print stations have a "make-ready assist" tool to reduce downtime and plug-and-play features make adding print stations later simple, co. says. It has speeds up to 750 fpm. It has 50 percent less parts than a conventional flexo press. ROTARY TECHNOLOGIES, INC., 800/422-5496, www.rotarytechnologies.com

Fully servo driven

The Vega 610 pouchmaking system can handle standard laminates of PET/BOPP, along with PA/PE or EVOH-based structures. Its sealing station controls sealing temperature, time and pressure. The sealers are driven by servos, which creates precise and consistent pressure for sealing, co. says. MAMATA USA, INC., 630/801-2320, www.mamatausa.com

Thicker at the base

The MDC One-Step specialty doctor blade is thicker at the base and extends close to the contact metering point to allow thicker inks and UV inks to meter normally. Because of the strengthened base, the amount of flex is decreased, thus creating consistent ink film metering without an ink hydroplaning effect behind the blade. This reduces or eliminates UV spitting. MAX DAETWYLER CORP., 704/875-1200, www.daetwyler.com

With special coating

Co. made another development for its corona stations for the label and narrow-web market. It has added a special coating that makes it easier to clean the corona station. All stations also come with the Quick-Change electrode system for easy maintenance. The system is mounted in a pull-out/push-in cartridge for the cleaning and changing of a complete set of electrodes without the use of tools. VETAPHONE, 45/76-300-333, www.vetaphone.com

For digital plates

The Concept 505 DW (digital washer) wash-out unit is capable of processing large-format analog flexographic and digital plates. It is equipped with a prewashing section and oscillating cylindrical brushes to reduce washing time, eliminate lateral plate movements and ensure that the plate surface is spotless. DEGRAF, 39/02-900-90-164, www.degraf-group.com

Resists UV light

The 691V is a UV-resistant overlaminate film. It was created to give labelmakers an alternative to using UV inks. The 691V is a clear, pressure-sensitive polyester film containing a polyester UV barrier coating in the formulation. The overlaminate protects water-based label inks and the base material from deterioration. It is offered in 14- and 60-in. web widths, slit to specifications. ACPO LTD., 877/412-TAPE, www.acpo.com