Hammer Packaging (www.hammerpackaging.com) of Rochester, NY, installs a narrow-web, UV-flexo press from Nilpeter (www.nilpeter.com). The advanced, 10-color system is intended to complement Hammer's customer base and expand its presence in pressure-sensitive label markets.

The servo-driven press handles an extremely broad range of multi-substrate materials and features extensive printing options such as flexo print, rotary silkscreen, lamination, hot-stamping and cold-foil capabilities. The press also has easy-load sleeve technology for rapid makeready.

“This new flexo-print capacity allows Hammer to offer exceptional flexo-print quality as well as superior registration with low waste and setup times, providing multiple solutions for our customer's package decorating needs,” says James E. Hammer, president.

This investment, along with the recent installation of a Drent Goebel variable-sleeve, web-offset press earlier this year, reinforces the company's commitment to reinvesting with state-of-the-art printing technology, Hammer says

Packaging purchasers increasingly demand UV coatings to top off their printing with increased scuff resistance and a glossy shine. To fill that bill more cost effectively, Marrs Printing and Packaging in City of Industry, CA, has added a six-color ROLAND 700 press (www.manroland.us.com) with in-line UV-coating capabilities. The new sheetfed-offset technology expands Marrs' business base and positions the company for ongoing productivity gains.

Before the arrival last year of the new ROLAND 700, UV coating was an offline proposition at Marrs, requiring a separate, dedicated coating run. The extra step cost considerably in lost time and missed opportunities. Now, with the 41-in. press, UV coating is no longer a postpress operation at Marrs. The integrated UV application and curing capabilities of the ROLAND 700 turn it into a one-pass process.

“It's been a real positive,” says Scott Marrs, vice president of the family-run business. “The ROLAND 700 helps us speed up our production schedules because the in-line coating and drying process is quicker. And UV coating is much more durable than straight aqueous, which expands the variety of packaging jobs we can complete.”

In fact, Marrs Printing and Packaging has already acquired a new packaging application thanks to the new UV-coating capabilities. But it's not just UV alone that is making the marketplace sit up and take notice. The time-saving features on the ROLAND 700 are also turning heads.

“Believe it or not, we haven't taken full advantage of the press' high level of automation yet,” Marrs says. “Our press operators will be trained to optimize their use of the 700's printnet [automation and networking] operating system. The press is productive already, and once we finish the printnet training, we expect to get even more out of it.”

Niles, IL-based finisher Graphic Technologies (www.jbcgraphics.com) recently installed a second Bobst SPanthera 106-LER Autoplaten® diecutter with in-line blanking. The addition came just three months after the installation of its first SPanthera (www.bobstgroup.com).

“Technologies and consumer trends are continually changing, so you're never quite sure what the customer may want next,” says Graphic Technologies general manager Tim Uchwat. “With the SPanthera, we can convert everything from light papers up to 30-pt paperboard and micro-flute corrugated. Combine this with the machine'sin-line blanking, quick makeready, registration capabilities and speed, and it's easy to see how 30 29 versatility and efficiency becomes a valuable asset to our operation and a benefit to our customers.”

The SPanthera offers enhanced print-to-cut registration and 9,000-sph speed. Its in-line diecutting, stripping and blanking capabilities streamline production, bringing high-speed efficiency to the diecutting operation. Precision design and the latest generation of high-accuracy optical registration systems provide high cut-to-print capability. The SPanthera's micrometric adjustments and Quick-Lock tooling system simplify and minimize changeover times further adding to the efficiency of the die-cut operation.