Greater print accuracy and improvements in production efficiency are benefits of a new flexographic, film-printing press at Gardner, MA-based Garlock Printing & Converting. Designed and built by Converting Technology S.r.l. (Bussolengo, Italy), and sold by Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering Co., Inc. (www.bge.battenfeld.com), the 10-color FLEXOELITE CI-flexo press is reportedly the first to use gearless, linear electromagnetic motors to control the machine's print decks.

The FLEXOELITE press, which began operation in March, prints 63-in.-wide images at speeds of up to 1,150 fpm. Its 20 linear electromagnetic motors, two for each printing deck, are precise and capable of maintaining accuracy because they have no parts to wear out. “The mechanism is absolutely precise” in print registration, says Claudio Maggio, managing director of Converting Technology. “There are no positioning errors in the web during printing.”

Neil Burns, managing director of the Release Liner Segment for Mondi Packaging in the UK, was honored June 5 as the 2007 CMM Converter of the Year (www.cmmshow.com). He provided a keynote address on global trends for attendees at the event in Rosemont, IL.

Recognized for his many accomplishments in growing a variety of converting businesses throughout Europe, Burns is the 10th recipient in a list of distinguished honorees who have won the prestigious award over the past 20 years.