Co. to hold open house during K 2007

The new Diamond HP 808, a compact, gearless CI-flexo press configured with eight colors, will be demonstrated at an open house at co.'s Italian headquarters during the K 2007 trade fair next month. The system, which features 1,600-fpm printing speed, has carbon-fiber sleeve mandrels, new pneumatically suspended chamber doctor blades, P2P® automatic correction of printing pressure at print-speed changes and automatic setting of register and printing pressure at job startup. Decks can be made ready while the machine is running.

UTECO CONVERTING NORTH AMERICA, INC., 770/427-4100, www.UtecoNA.com

New inline laminator, matrix remover

Co.'s Alprinta-V continuously size-variable web offset press, specially engineered for cost-effective production of wraparound labels and shrink sleeves, now features an inline laminating station and matrix waste-removal station for pressure-sensitive labels. The laminator handles rolls up to 31 in. in diameter, up to 29 in. wide, at speeds of up to 1,200 fpm. Using a draw roller and doctor blade, the waste remover can run at nearly 1,000 fpm, says co. Labels are cut via rotary magnetic dies.

MULLER MARTINI CORP., 631/582-4343, www.mullermartiniusa.com

Several models of co.'s Roll Restorer can help converters salvage material-roll products on damaged or crushed cores. The equipment uses hydraulic pressure to reform damaged cores from 2 to 12 in. ID. Mobile carts provide ease of storage and mobility while carrying all expander heads and flanges for different core sizes. When damaged cores prevent conventional unwind mounting, operators can now easily salvage good product and avoid lost productivity.

NIM-COR, INC., 888/464-6267, www.nimcor.com

Analyze screen angles, dot sizes

To be shown at Labelexpo Europe this month, the hand-held Flexo Plate-II-Print is an inexpensive tool for flexographic printers to check plate and print quality quickly and efficiently. The compact instrument gives flexo printers a simple way of checking screen angles, dot size and screen count in just a few minutes—even while it is on the press, co. says. Selling for about US$5,000, the Flexo Plate-II-Print also has the ability to check dot quality on printed output.

TROIKA SYSTEMS, 44/1793-766355, www.troika-systems.com

Checks linear and matrix codes

The Integra 9505 flat-bed verifier's new capability includes inspecting linear (1D) and matrix (2D) codes all on the same reading device. No changing read heads because of aperture size or symbology is required. Said to be extremely operator-friendly, it displays the exact problem area with a particular code as part of the code-grading analytical process and can grade several bar and matrix codes at once. Free software upgrades extend the life of the system.

LABEL VISION SYSTEMS, INC., 800/432-9430, www.lvs-inc.com

With new digital vector drives

The Super Simplex SL compact, solventless laminator, engineered for the North American market, features several new technical solutions to improve product quality, its ease of use and operating reliability. Equipped with co.'s patented coating head for 100-percent solids adhesives, the system is upgraded for high-speed lamination and certified for UL and CSA compliance. Tension control is directed by the latest Siemens Digital Vector Drives.

NORDMECCANICA NA, 631/242-9898, www.nordmeccanica.com

Tamper-proof construction

Co.'s ML8 Series miniature photoelectric sensors (31mm x 11mm x 23mm) feature tamper-proof construction to eliminate setting adjustments by unauthorized users. They have high ambient-light immunity (40 klux) and provide a sensing range up to 2.5 meters. High-intensity LEDs provide sensor output status and are visible from the front and rear of the sensor, which is available in sensing modes of diffused and polarized retro-reflective. Slotted mounting holes enable mounting versatility and a visible-red LED transmitter facilitates ease of alignment.

PEPPERL+FUCHS, INC., 330/425-3555, www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com

For foil replacement applications

ULTRA BARRIER-MET® polyester films by co. were developed using a unique, proprietary metallizing process with the following superior barrier properties at costs similar to standard packaging grade metallized PET. This product line was developed for high-barrier and foil replacement applications, providing converters lower manufacturing costs with ultimate sustainable (more environmentally friendly) functional barrier properties.

VACUMET CORP., 973/628-04000, www.vacumet.com

For gearless CI-flexo press

A new development for the Flexotecnica NG8 gearless CI-flexo press, the SSC Safe Sleeve Change® system, allows the safe replacement of one or more sleeves while the press is printing. To ensure the operator's total safety while performing this operation, the press has interlocked deck windows, a special aluminum shutter and an integrated safety circuit. A special aluminum shutter slides down between the drum and the plate mandrel to isolate the CI drum, preventing any contact while it is running.

NORTH AMERICAN CERUTTI CORP., 920/499-2291, www.flexotecnica.it

Ultrasonic, narrow-sensing beam

Co.'s RPS-40-5 compact, high-frequency, ultrasonic sensor detects translucent or opaque materials, runs on 12 to 24 VDC power and features a fixed sensing range of 0.50 to 5.0 in. With a wide array of application solutions not found in other proximity sensor technologies, the RPS-40-5 finds objects in its given range, while objects out of range are ignored (background suppression). It cannot be affected by changes in target color or material.

MIGATRON CORP., 888/644-2876, www.migatron.com

Features pump shut-off valves

The new PURBlue EC melters simplify reactive polyurethane (PUR) adhesive processing, co. says. Melter components in contact with PUR adhesive, including tank, grid, reservoir and pump block, can be easily dismantled for cleaning. To further simplify maintenance, PURBlue EC melters feature pump shut-off valves and quick-disconnect heater and sensor cables. The tank accommodates 39.68-lb. adhesive slugs measuring 11 in. in diameter. An inert gas blanket protects the adhesive from moisture to prevent premature curing.

NORDSON CORP., 800/683-2314, www.nordson.com

Slides over idler rolls

Co. introduces its rubber Jemm-Tac Web Cleaning Sleeves, which feature a tacky surface material that picks up surface dirt and other contaminants from the substrates. They easily slide over existing idler rolls and are available in diameters of 1.5 to 5 in., with the diameter size increasing by half-inch increments, and also in a 6-in. diameter version.

JEMMCO, LLC, 262/512-9559, www.jemmco.com

Does not settle

Unlike other matte coatings, the 22602-87 UV flexo matte coating does not settle on press or in storage. Through the use of special matting agents that stay suspended in the formulation, this coating will stay consistent for months without any noticeable settling, co. says. This low-gloss coating does not emit any VOCs, making it compliant with Clean Air Standards and offers printers an environmentally-attractive alternative.

UVITEC PRINTING INK, 800/478-6330, www.uvitec.com

For inkjet printers

New 5712 durable film labelstock features a bright white, matte inkjet coating that allows for high image quality and water resistance. The films are compatible with Primera and VIP Inkjet label printers, as well as all desktop inkjet printers. Developed from a tough 2-mil polyester base, the labelstock is produced in 54-in. master rolls and slit to customer specification. It contains a permanent acrylic p-s adhesive, backed by a 3.2-mil white kraft liner.

RAYVEN INC., 800/878-3776, www.rayven.com

“Wipes out” graffiti without cleaners

Graffiti-resistant overlaminate material 7248 protects end-users' labels and graphics from various forms of intentional defacement. A proprietary coating reportedly provides excellent resistance to permanent marker, crayon, spray paint and ballpoint pen. The tough, anti-glare finish offers solvent- and abrasion-resistance along with a high level of humidity and UV durability.

3M CO., 800/422-8116, www.3M.com/converter

Can handle wider widths

The ECW-60 Automatic Coreless Rewinder is designed for the production of heavy materials from .060 to .390 in. thick and from 30 to 60 in. wide. This is a significant increase from co.'s previous maximum width of 48 in. run automatically. The coreless rewinder winds coreless only at 2- or 3-in. inside diameter and cut lengths from 10 ft to a maximum finished diameter of 12 in. Production rates offer up to five 30-ft long rolls per minute. Additionally, the machine incorporates an automatic film winding system to over wrap the rolls for ease of handling after they are wound.

ELSNER ENGINEERING WORKS, INC., 717/637-5991, www.elsnereng.com

Higher line speeds

The TOPMET™ 4450 system, reportedly the world's largest vacuum metallizer for packaging applications, employs a newly designed high-rate evaporator that enables up to 20 percent higher line speed than previous machines. It can process OPP films from 15 to 20 µm in thickness to a maximum coating width of 4.45 meters and a roll diameter of more than 1.2 meters. This high-productivity system coats 5.5 tons of OPP film at a speed of up to 3,400 fpm.

APPLIED MATERIALS, INC., 49/6023-926565, www.appliedmaterials.com

Uses embedded Ethernet IP

The latest model of the D-MAX series web-guiding systems is immediately recognized on an existing network as soon as it is connected, without the need for a separate communication card. ActiveX screens mimic the easy-to-use operator interface, providing added functionality as well as access to advanced features, ensuring standardization throughout the plant without additional programming. A user-friendly operator interface on the D-MAX displays plain text, guiding nomenclature or symbols, thus eliminating confusion.

FIFE CORP., 800/639-3433, www.fife.com

Flips or alters web direction by 90 degs

Co.'s new Turn Bays, designed to flip webs over or to change a web's path by 90 degrees, are offered in multiple styles and configurations with rugged construction. Said to be ideal for quality performance with most web materials and at any speed range, the turn bay's components are sized to meet application needs along with custom drilled and grooved surfaces. In both horizontal and vertical setups, the bay bars fit above or below other machinery and are easy to install.

WEBEX, INC., 920/729-6666, www.webexinc.com

Near offset print quality

Co. introduces a new computer-to-print solution for packaging printing with its new FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System. According to co., it provides near offset print quality on paper, film, foil and labelstock. The integrated system includes the FLEXCEL NX 830 Thermal Imaging Layer, a choice of co.'s TRENDSETTER NX narrow or mid imager, FLEXCEL NX laminator, digital flexographic plates and co.'s PRINERGY workflow system for packaging. The system can reproduce dots as small as 10 microns and the improved resolution lets printers reproduce subtle gradations.

KODAK, 800/913-6796, www.graphics.kodak.com

Automatically cuts off compensators

Developed as a complement to eXaminer automatic register control, APR™ Automatic Press Re-timing system automatically compensates for errors introduced when disengaging and re-engaging print cylinders. Prior to the introduction of APR, register marks printing out of range due to error introduced through improper re-gearing of cylinders has required manual corrections by the press operator to bring the press into register. This new system eliminates the downtime needed to correct the error.

CC1, INC., 603/319-2000

Strengthens stock product features

New enhancements to the stock product features in Label Traxx version 5.1 print management software accommodates both manufactured items and those which are resold. Other features include the ability to track the age of finished goods in the inventory, make individual cost and margin calculations for every stock product ticket and use unlimited number of locations for each stock product.

TAILORED SOLUTIONS, 414/774-9997, www.tailored.com

For surface-tension testing

Dyne-test ink indicates that a plastic substrate has sufficient surface tension for printing, coating and laminating. To avoid scrapping large quantities of substrate with poor print due to insufficient bonding, it is always advisable to check corona-treated material before printing. Pens are supplied in dyne-values from 32 to 56 dyne/cm. Red-dyne pens can be used to draw a line on the material to indicate if the dyne level is more or less than 38 dyne.

VETAPHONE A/S, 45/76300-333, www.vetaphone.com

Pressure-sensitive label facestock

Co.'s line of brushed laminating films can enhance the perceived value of hundreds of “on the shelf” items such as cosmetics, tobacco, toiletries, confections and pharmaceuticals. Pressure-sensitive label facestocks provide a sleek, durable appearance. Frequently affixed to household appliances, brushed labels can take the place of metal ID plates on everything from computers, refrigerators, electrical generators, and forklift trucks, giving the equipment a look that says quality, strength and endurance.

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

Handheld, portable

Operators of rollers, laminators, coaters and printers with rolls less than 39 in. in length can get instant spot readings of nip width using P-Nip®, the first handheld nip width measuring device. Users can get nip readings at multiple locations across the roller sets' face length using a small replaceable sensor finger that extends from the top, which is then inserted into the nip. It is designed for nips that are 1/16 to ½ in. Readings can be recorded within seconds and can be stored in the device's memory for later comparison and evaluation.

SENSOR PRODUCTS, INC., 973/884-1755, www.sensorprod.com

Over 150 new parts available

Co. now is offering more than 150 new parts along with its existing product lines of caps, plugs, edge liners, grommets, wraps, nettings and Clearview™ tubing. Co. offers more than 1,800 different custom and proprietary styles.

CAPLUGS, 888/227-5847, www.caplugs.com

Precise tension control for films

A complete line of Equalizer differential shafts now include a core-lock style shaft to suit 6-in. ID cores. This new product is said to increase profitability when rewinding multiple rolls of material that may be subject to caliper variation. The Model D4 differential shaft for converting dust-free rolls provides precise tension control, allowing converters to run ultra-thin films common in today's production environment. An unusual two-row, 12-ball, torque-activated, core-lock design insures equalized tension across any combination of roll widths.

TIDLAND CORP., 800/426-1000, www.tidland.com/profit

With interchangeable blades

The QMI SP3000 is an innovative, web driven, slit-venter that accurately cuts up to 0.5-in. vents in a variety of woven and non-woven materials at web speeds of more than 400 fpm. Interchangeable blade and pin inserts allow users to vent materials with slits or a combination of slits and pin holes. The blade profile allows unrestricted entry preventing damage to the web while its unique grind angle extends blade life.

QMI Inc., 918-825-5777, www.qmi-inc.net