New Technology
Editor: Mark Spaulding -- Converting Magazine, 12/1/2006
Air shaft
Cuts setup time for multiple core sizes
Co.'s new XP Great Expansion air shaft reportedly reduces setup time and increases efficiencies for converters running multiple core sizes or out-of-round rolls. On-machine adjustments to the shaft's core diameter can be made, eliminating the need to stock multiple shafts. The Series 750 XP design provides a 1-in. expansion range which aids in loading out-of-round cores on unwind rolls and accommodates 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-in. cores. The XP CP design handles 6-, 6.25-, 6.50- and 6.75-in. cores—all with one shaft.
TIDLAND CORP., 800/426-1000, www.tidland.com
Photoelectric sensors
Feature 4-in-1 outputs, simplified mounting
Well suited for material handling, conveyor and packaging applications, the Tru-Vue™ series of photoelectric sensors are now available with 4-in-1™ outputs. This allows a single sensor to operate in NPN normally open, NPN normally closed, PNP normally open, or PNP normally closed configurations. The 4-in-1 capability simplifies sensor selection because one sensor model can now replace four sensor models. Installation is also reportedly faster because there are no extra steps needed to choose an output type, as the sensor automatically determines its output without external influence. The patented EZ-mount bracket facilitates quick mounting at a fraction of the cost of traditional metal brackets.
PEPPERL+FUCHS, 330/486-0001, www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com
Trolley-based roll coater
Operates in 13 different modes
The MRC-313 multiple-roll coater is a trolley-based system said to provide wide flexibility with the potential to operate in 13 different modes using three different trolleys. The setups include 2/3/5 roll-coating arrangements with a choice of coating-material supply systems. Doctor features such as enclosed-chamber designs, pressurized chamber and conventional doctor-blade systems are available. Co. has been manufacturing converting machinery in Asia for nearly 50 years.
SUNG AN MACHINERY CO., LTD., 82/31-491-9741, fax: 82/31-491-9745.
Resealable overwrap
Slider™ positioned at fin seal
Co. introduces the first packaging format to feature resealable slider technology built into the “fin seal” of an overwrap-style package. The new pouch format allows opening and resealing down the center of overwrapped packages for a wider opening and easier access to contents. An easy-open strip above the Slider™ profile provides for initial bag opening in one step without the need for scissors or knives. A patented peel-seal feature below the slider profile acts as a hermetic barrier to extend product shelf life, and provides consumers with a tamper-evident seal. The new package format is said to be compatible with zipper-ready horizontal form/fill/seal technologies.
ZIP-PAK, 815/468-6500, www.zippak.com
Multilayer barrier-film die
Consistently yields 1-micron EVOH layer
The 9-layer MAXICONE® die, in conjunction with the co.'s VAREX® blown-film line, can reportedly produce a consistent 1-micron-thick EVOH layer. Demonstrated at a recent open house, the barrier film produced had a total thickness of 30 microns with a width of 94.5 in. The 1-micron EVOH layer was sandwiched between two nylon layers (each 1.5 microns), followed by two layers of adhesive, two mLLDPE layers and one EVA layer and a layer of LDPE. Significant material cost savings are possible (at $3 per lb) by reducing the barrier layer from 2-3 microns with new layer uniformity at only 1 micron.
WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER CORP., 800/854-8702, www.whcorp.com
Two-wire metering rods
Produce coatings up to 0.019 in. thick
Designed for applications requiring extra-thick coatings such as building materials, films, thermal laminates and adhesives, a new line of two-wire metering rods are said to produce coatings up to 0.019 in. thick. A standard single wire is overwound with a second smaller wire, resulting in a larger modified groove. Available in lengths up to 30 ft, the metering rods are made with precision stainless-steel wire and core rods. A choice of Teflon®, hard nickel, titanium nitride or chrome surfaces is offered.
INDUSTRY TECH, 813/855-6054, www.industrytech.com
Release-liner paper
Optimal performance in high-speed p-s labeling machines
LumiSil LO universal release-liner paper features optimized opacity for compatibility with label dispensers using optical sensors. Its uniform caliper enables consistent label diecutting and strength during matrix stripping and offers dimensional stability and silicone holdout.
STORA ENSO GLOBAL SPECIALTY PAPERS, 715/345-8046, www.storaenso.com/specialtypapers
EB-curable adhesives
FDA-compliant for food-package laminating
Co. achieves FDA compliance (Food Contact Notification #642) for its electron-beam curable laminating adhesives. Extensive migration and toxicity data supporting the safe use of this technology for food packaging was approved. The adhesives are said to provide good bonding to a variety of substrates including PET, BOPP, LDPE, metallized films, aluminum foil and paper.
NORTHWEST COATINGS LLC, 414/762-3330, www.northwestcoatings.com
Slot-coat adhesive applicator
For use with polyurethanes
New Shure-Glue / MELTON MPUR Series slot-coat, hot-melt applicators, designed specifically for use with polyurethane adhesives, have sealed systems offering considerably reduced maintenance and labor costs. Zero-cavity module design prevents premature adhesive cure and eliminates adhesive buildup, co. says.
VALCO CINCINNATI, 513/874-5581, www.valcocincinnatiinc.com
Vertical center lift
Handles rolls up to 3,000 lbs
Ideal for handling rolls that can be stood on end, a new series of vertical center lifts grips rolls from inside the core for safe and easy roll handling via overhead cranes or hoists. The lifts, capable of handling up to 3,000 lbs, keep roll materials safe from marks or compression often made with other external roll-handling devices. A serrated leaf grips the core's ID while the force of gravity increases the grip to provide a safe lift, and rolls cannot be released while suspended. Fitting standard 3- and 6-in. cores, these vertical center lifts are available in either spring-activated or air-activated models. Other core-size lifts are offered on a custom basis.
NIM-COR, INC., 888/464-6267, www.nimcor.com
Laser label stocks
Uncoated for toner infusion
LAS1812 is a standard weight, flexible label stock designed for excellent image quality in applications such as asset and inventory tags, pricing, order picking, shipping and address labels. LAS1812 has a 50# uncoated face stock that is specially engineered for toner fusion.
MACTAC ROLL LABEL, 800/548-3456, www.MACtac.com

















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