Compact, rotary system

The Model 1270GBM Global Bag Machine incorporates patented, high-speed, rotary-sealing technology. The system features metric design and is CE- and ISO-certified. Its compact footprint saves on space and energy use and provides a simplified web path for easy film thread-up. Converters can run a wide range of bag sizes and lengths, in side- or bottom-sealed configurations with widths up to 50 in. and seal repeats from 15 to 147 in. Speeds to 600 fpm are possible for applications such as trash bags; wastebasket liners; T-shirt bags; lawn and leaf bags; supermarket produce bags; and random printed bags.

CMD CORP., 920/380-8239, www.cmd-corp.com

Hard-coated for narrow-web use

A new line of durable, hard-coated and cushion mounting sleeves for narrow-web applications is said to offer high memory properties via aramid fibers to eliminate the problem of slippage during printing. With a tough vinyl ester outer skin, the sleeves maintain their stability and assure total indicator reading (TIR) of within 20 µm, even under extreme humidity and high temperatures. This provides a firm basis for consistently high print-register results over a long life span. Available in all standard lengths used in the narrow-web market, the sleeves are compatible with almost all flexo-printing systems.

AKL FLEXO TECHNIK, STORK PRINTS, 49/5641-76110, www.akl.de

New MicroPiezo® AMC™ printhead

Co.'s new Stylus Pro 9880 wide-format printer for flexographic proofing reportedly achieves higher levels of print quality than previous models with its MicroPiezo® AMC™ printhead, an enhanced version of UltraChrome K3 Ink™ Technology, and new AccuPhoto™ HD screening technology. The Stylus Pro 9880 replaces the co.'s 7800 unit and prints up to 44 in. wide. Enhanced with Vivid Magenta pigments, the printer requires only eight colors to significantly raise quality levels for professional color prints.

EPSON AMERICA, 562/290-5173, www.proimaging.epson.com, www.epson.com

Debuting at drupa 2008; offers flatbed diecutting

Co.'s new ICS 670 in-line folding-carton printing and production line reportedly converts a blank web of paperboard into a finished carton in the space of a 90-ft equipment footprint at speeds of up to 1,140 fpm. Intended for mid-sized cartons in long-run lengths, the system's configuration can include HiDef flexo™, gravure, and screen printing, cold foiling, hot-foil stamping and embossing, as well as laminating. Co.'s FCL 670 flatbed diecutting unit can be used in-line or off-line with equal ease and accuracy. Print width is 26 in.; minimum and maximum repeats are 13 and 32 in., while the repeat length is infinitely variable via servomotor drives.

GALLUS STANZ- UND DRUCKMASCHINEN GMBH, 49/961-3939414, www.bhs-print.de

8- or 10-color decks; to be launched at drupa 2008

The new MIRAFLEX C central-impression flexographic printing press is designed specifically to fit the core segment of CI-flexo printing applications in terms of repeat length, printing width and output. Ease of operation, extensive automation and detail improvements, such as sleeve-type nip rolls and light weight doctor-blade chambers highlight the system. Available with 8- or 10-color decks, the MIRAFLEX C runs plastic film, paper, aluminum foil and laminates, says co.

WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER CORP., 800/854-8702, www.whcorp.com

Benefits extrusion coating, laminating

A newly patented combining adapter is said to simplify infield interchangeability of polymer flow paths from multiple extruders for improved layer uniformity, accuracy, control and quick change when processing multilayer extrusion coatings and films. The adapter [or flow velocity profiler (FVP)] features a cartridge assembly body or cassette comprised of individual cavities with precision layer inserts and divider walls to create passageways. The layering inserts form flow channels that can be individually selected or changed to accommodate polymer feed path flows. A cartridge designed with nine inserts can create or define 18 individual flow channels.

DAVIS-STANDARD CONVERTING SYSTEMS, 315/598-7121, www.bc-egan.com

Fully automatic production

The CJLS uses a specially designed, mechanically expanded rewind shaft to allow for fully automatic production of coreless products. Standard shafts between 1.75 and 3.5 in. and rewind diameters up to 18 in. are available. Typical applications include box tape, papers, and a variety of home and commercial construction products. For surface winding, the CJLS's rewind shaft works in conjunction with specially engineered mechanical chucking devices that automatically expand and contract the shafts. For sensitive products where surface winding may damage web surfaces, a specialty center winder is available.

JENNERJAHN MACHINE, INC., 765/998-2733, www.jennerjahn.com

Low VOCs, renewable content

Earth™ series sheetfed-printing inks are a low-VOC process set of inks with high levels of renewable raw materials such as linseed, soybean and other types of vegetable oils. Earth series inks reportedly produce only 2 percent VOCs, which makes them 80-percent lower in average VOCs than other standard sheetfed process inks, says co. Earth series inks offer excellent offset performance, dot fidelity, high trap efficiency and precise gray balance. These inks also provide a very wide water window and transfer well under most lithographic conditions.

SUN CHEMICAL, 630/587-5100, www.sunchemical.com

Runs films to laminated board

Available in 21-, 25- and 29-in. web widths, the Athena prints and converts materials from thin film to heavy laminated board at speeds up to 900 fpm. The servo-driven and gearless press has fully automatic adjustments for pre-register, register, pressure adjustment, substrate caliper control and tension control. It also uses the co.'s PC-controlled Intelligence system, which is engineered to allow easy connection to most management information systems (MIS) for sharing of job planning data.

GIDUE SPA, 39/029-668-181, www.gidue.com

Allows future print, finishing expansion

Custom manufacturer designs, fabricates, assembles and tests presses for a range of industries, including pharmaceutical packaging. For example, this servo-driven press, which co. identifies using the moniker Usher, has a modular design that allows future press expansion with capabilities such as screen or inkjet printing. Other options include hot- and cold-foil stamping, folding and gluing. Designed specifically to add cold-foil decoration to digitally printed candy wrappers, Usher re-registers without the use of a turnbar and can emboss and cookie-cut a range of products before delivering them to a shingle conveyor.

TELSTAR ENGINEERING, INC., 952/890-9440, www.telstareng.com

High-PLA ratio

The Apex 300 SF series is a new line of biodegradable films made with a high percentage of polylactide acid (PLA). The film passes the ASTM D 6400 standard, certifying biodegradability and compostability. It can be used as a single- or multi-layer structure, depending on application and properties. It has physical properties closer to traditional films than films made solely with PLA.

AMPAC FLEXIBLES, 513/671-1777 www.ampaconline.com

30-percent PCW

Co.'s white Printkote® Eagle, made with 30 percent post-consumer recycled fiber, is said to be ideal for a variety of packaging applications including cosmetics, toys, food and pharma. It is USFDA and ISEGA compliant and meets the Dairyman's Standard for cleanliness.

MEADWESTVACO, 804/327-5200, www.meadwestvaco.com

Four-channel outputs

Co.'s MCP-4/F series is a low-cost, adhesive pattern-control system with encoder input and integral flow control module for variable-speed applications. It offers 4-channel outputs, each capable of multiple glue patterns. Features include 4 product sensor inputs, job storage memory, and a large, easy-to read LCD display with inch or metric calibration. The controls are compact and offer “plug-and-run” connectors for fast and easy installation.

VALCO MELTON, 513/874-5581, www.valcomelton.com

Three levels of compressibility

The R/bak SA 3000 series of cushion mounting tapes now includes three levels of compressibility to accommodate the full range of flexographic printing applications: R/bak SA 3100–Soft, 15- and 20-mil for combination jobs with demanding halftone process and fine screen work; R/bak SA 3300–Medium, 15- and 20-mil general purpose for combination jobs with screen, line and solid work; and R/bak SA 3500—Firm, 15- and 20-mil for combination jobs with bold lines and solids with darker screens. Co.'s open-cell polyurethane mounting tapes provide the cushioning needed to absorb shock better and provide lower overall cost for flexo-printing operations.

ROGERS CORP., 800/755-6766, www.rogerscorporation.com