Inks, Coatings & Adhesives - Package Printing

Water-resistant flexo coating

UVitec Printing Ink, Inc. introduces 22422-87 Water Resistant Flexo Coating. This product prints a clear high gloss overprint that will provide excellent water resistance for both hot and cold water.  Works best when applied with low line count anilox cylinders (below 180 and above 5 BCM).      This product is durable enough to be used in high contact situations and will provide a reasonably good amount of rub resistance.  This product is ideal for high end folding cartons and prime labels that will be exposed or immersed in water.

This product is designed to cure at reasonably high speeds and is comparatively resistant to scuff and rub. While this coating is designed to seamlessly integrate with UVitec’s premium offset, letterpress and flexo series of inks, it is manufactured to complement most other ink systems available, including water based ink systems.

For more information, visit www.uvitec.com or contact UVitec Printing Ink at 14 Mill Street, Lodi, NJ 07644; phone: 800.478.6330; fax: 973.778.5981.

posted on: 08/20/2009

Single-coat, primerless heat seal solution

Michem Flex HS-100 is a self-priming heat seal coating that can be applied directly to a wide variety of stock and untreated films using only corona, plasma or flame pre-treatment.  A converter with a single coating station and a supply of Michem Flex HS-100 can produce heat sealable films according to “just-in-time” needs.
One of Michelman’s “Converter Ready Solutions”, Michem Flex HS-100 features a very low seal initiation temperature (SIT) and a broad heat seal temperature range with high hot tack throughout the range.  Low SIT allows faster packaging speeds and lower energy consumption, while a broad temperature range is more forgiving of fluctuations in jaw temperature and pressure. 
Michem Flex has the ability to seal to itself from a low temperature of 60º C all the way to above the melting point of polypropylene.  This allows it to be used with a wider variety of substrates with low or high melting points.
Requiring just 1-2 dry microns of coating, Michem Flex HS-100 dries quickly, and keeps material costs low.  It has been tested on a wide variety of films including BOPP, BOPET, BOPA, Cellulose, and PLA and offers excellent adhesion without the need for a separate primer coating.  It produces a clear and transparent finish, and is food contact compliant.  www.michelman.com

posted on: 08/20/2009

Drop-on-demand inkjet printing press

Requests like variable imprints, flexible batch sizes and short term-promotions have made printing on packaging materials an increasingly difficult task. Linoprint, an innovation project by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, is further expanding its product range to meet such requirements. The first four-color printing systems have been available on the European market since mid-2009. Linoprint will offer modular systems under the name ‘DriveLine’, which will function as stand-alone solutions and can be employed independent of existing packaging lines, e.g. for web printing with various substrates. DriveLine systems can print on labels, films and board with a high degree of variability and quality. The maximum resolution of 720 dpi makes it possible at the present time to print web widths of up to 340 mm. The maximum print speed is 60 meters per minute. First customer installations of a pilot series of DriveLine printing systems for four-color printing were taken into operation in June 2009.

The one-color integration solutions for installation in existing or new packaging lines – which Linoprint launched in 2008 – are now undergoing further development under the name ‘FixedLine’. With a maximum resolution of 720 dpi, the system is ideal for decoration and variable printing in production and packaging lines. The range of substrates stretches from paper and board to aluminum and plastic films.

“The latest additions to our product line make Linoprint even more flexible,” explains Karl-Heinz Walther, Head of Linoprint. “Customized top-quality four-color printing is now available for the shortest label and packaging runs. And, depending on motif, ink coverage and type of inks used, Linoprint systems are superior to traditional flexographic printing in terms of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for quantities of up to several 100,000 printed motifs.” In other words, it is far more expensive to use flexographic printing rather than integrated Linoprint technology for printing large numbers of motifs or content for industrial packaging and label printing.

The DriveLine modular concept makes it possible to adapt the system precisely to individual customer requirements. Printing is possible from reel to reel, reel to production, pile to pile or pile to production. The units for reel to reel printing also feature Heidelberg components, which have been further developed for use in Linoprint solutions.

Linoprint product experts provide customers with know-how about which ink is best suited for a particular substrate, specific requirements or motifs. Depending on the customer’s requirements, web printing systems can also be supplied with extra large reels, longitudinal cutters and perforating units. DriveLine is designed for four-color printing but can also be used for one-color printing.

As a compact printing unit, FixedLine can be integrated into a large number of existing production and packaging lines. What’s more, it can usually be deployed at the most useful point in the process. The print head works just as effectively on inclined and vertical surfaces as it does on horizontally transported objects, which means that erect and filled packages, molded parts and sealed tablet blister packs can also be printed “at the last minute”. If necessary, small batches or individual product packaging can be uniquely identified to ensure their traceability. FixedLine can also be connected to existing ERP and MIS systems. E-mail: linoprint@commha.de

posted on: 08/17/2009

UV soy coatings

Printers taking advantage of UV’s ease, speed and energy savings along with a notable lack of VOCs, now can add a few additional cards to their Sustainability deck.  Three new ProCure UV Soy coatings from INX International Ink Co. include standard gloss, imprintable gloss, and matte are formulated with varying amounts of domestically produced and renewably sourced soy content.

“These high-performance coatings easily match conventional UV options while also providing a more sustainable product,” said Mike Sajdak, Senior R & D Chemist for INX International.  “By formulating with renewable soy, it supports domestic farming while reducing our dependence on foreign oil.”

The new low-odor coatings perform well over virtually all sheetfed and flexo inks, and can be used on an extensive range of substrates, including films as well as paper and board.  Typically used as a last-down UV coating, the standard ProCure Gloss Soy formulation contains 25 percent renewable-resource product.  Excellent flow and leveling ensure uniform coating with a high gloss finish, slip properties, rub resistance and resistance to water and organic solvents.  Sajdak said this formulation has already run commercially with excellent results.

Similar performance can be expected from ProCure UV Soy Matte coating, providing a low gloss finish that does not burnish.  Besides its 10 percent soy content, this coating is 100 percent VOC-free, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

The silicone-free ProCure UV Gloss Soy Imprintable coating is specially formulated for foil stamping, solvent ink jetting or other secondary applications.  It is also VOC-free and contains 20 percent renewable-resource soy material.  Application over a wide variety of inks provides a high gloss finish with excellent resistance properties.

The new trio of ProCure UV Soy coatings is another example of results achieved by INX International’s extensive R & D investment and ongoing commitment to developing greener, more sustainable products to help advance its customers’ environmental as well as productivity and profit agendas.

INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks in North America with over 30 facilities in the U.S. and Canada, and is a global supplier as part of Sakata INX worldwide operations.  For more information, visit the Website at www.INXinternational.com

posted on: 08/17/2009

Pressure-sensitive adhesive

Developed by Franklin Adhesives & Polymers, the new Covinax 462 permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is ideal for clear film applications, such as glass surfaces, that demand no hazing or blushing of the adhesive-coated film. This non-yellowing formula also withstands outside and UV exposure.

Label manufacturers who are looking for an invisible pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) will be glad to see Covinax 462 – a permanent PSA launched by Franklin Adhesives & Polymers, a division of Franklin International.

Covinax 462 is a clear, styrene-acrylic copolymer for permanent pressure sensitive applications that require high water- and blush-resistance. Its high transparency makes it ideal for use in clear film labels used on glass and plastic surfaces, including auto glass and bath and shower product containers.

While Covinax 462 performs well on labels for indoor use, it is also the clear choice for labels that will be exposed to the outdoor elements. It withstands UV, weather and outside exposure without unsightly yellowing or water damage even over time. Lab testing performed with a Colorimeter showed only a negligible increase in yellowing on Mylar and paper.

Although invisible to the eye, Covinax 462 is noticeable for its strength: As a permanent PSA, it offers peel adhesion strength of 2.50 pounds (180° peel adhesion testing), shear strength of 1,251 minutes (178° shear adhesion test) and a loop tack of 2.10 pounds. The high shear properties equate to good high temperature performance in the range of 100 degrees to 150 degrees C.

Covinax 462 also coats well in both direct coating and transfer processes, meeting individual production demands at label manufacturing facilities.  It also meets demands for environmental friendliness: Like most pressure sensitive adhesives from Franklin Adhesives & Polymers, Covinax 462 is water-based.

Covinax 462 is one of a broad line of high-performance permanent, removable and specialty pressure sensitive adhesives offered by Franklin Adhesives & Polymers under the Acrynax, Covinax and Micronax brands. These products offer varying combinations of peel, tack and shear strength for specific applications - from packaging frozen foods to labels that can withstand the heat under the car hood.  

Additional information about Covinax 462 or other PSA products from Franklin Adhesives & Polymers is available through the division’s marketing team, (800) 877-4583 ext. 1466 or marketing@franklininternational.com

posted on: 08/07/2009

UV-flexo inks

INX International is having success in the marketplace with INXFlex, a premium line of UV Flexo inks.  Specially formulated to provide minimal plate swell, clean color and high strength with fine Anilox (up to 1800 line screen), this line was developed for tag and label, pressure-sensitive, in-mold and shrink applications.  It provides good adhesion to a wide array of substrates that includes prime label, metalized polyesters, films (PE,PP, OPP, and Mylar), SBS, clay and foil coated paper and boards.  TYVEK and Kimdura ITX-free versions are available.  INXFlex is both V-Pyrol and HDODA-free.

“INXFlex UV flexo inks are optimized for maximum press speeds when runs at normal ink densities.  They are also designed to run with all flexo presses at all speeds, as long as there is sufficient UV lamp energy,” said Jonathan Graunke, Director of Energy Curable Systems for INX International.

For more information, visit www.inxinternational.com

posted on: 08/03/2009

Vendor Moves

Web-inspection systems provider BST Pro Mark (www.bstpromark.com) and web-cleaning equipment maker SDI (www.sdi-inc.com) have agreed to astrategic alliance. According to BST Pro Mark, it will begin marketing SDI-branded web-cleaning systems throughout the US, Mexico, Canada and parts of Central and South America. The SDI line of cleaners containing sticky-roller and vacuum technologies will better complement BST Pro Mark's full line of web-guide and inspection systems.

Web-control systems maker The Montalvo Corp. (www.montalvo.com) has "responded to demand from customers in the People's Republic of China," says president Ed Montalvo, "by establishing Montalvo (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd." The office will also serve customers throughout other Asian and Pacific-region countries. Branch manager David Weng can be reached in the US at 207/735-7398 (cell), email: wdw@montalvo.com

Ink-pump manufacturer Graymills (www.graymills.com) celebrates 70 years in business. The supplier thanks "all our customers whose loyalty and trust have enabled Graymills to work with the flexographic- and gravure-printing industries. When we introduced the first true ink pump in the 1950s, you welcomed us into your pressrooms, and together we changed an industry by putting our heads together on new products and processes."

German specialty chemicals group ALTANA acquires Water Ink Technologies, Inc. The company produces primarily water-based and UV inks, coatings and varnishes for narrow-web package and label-printing applications. Water Ink had 2008 sales of $34 million.

posted on: 08/01/2009

Henkel, LBP Mfg. to unite R&D resources

Bridgewater, NJ, July 31, 2009 – Henkel and LBP have launched a partnership which will leverage the extensive resources of Henkel with LBP’s innovative product line to provide unique packaging solutions while meeting market demands for more environmentally responsible packaging. 

Henkel and LBP Manufacturing will combine R&D resources to develop market-changing coatings, barriers, laminates and adhesives.  These products will represent the next generation of environmentally responsible packaging solutions for the foodservice industry and allow both parties to expand their presence in foodservice markets.

Today, more foodservice brand owners are environmentally conscious and seeking new packaging options that offer high performance while being environmentally responsible.  “Through this partnership, the foodservice industry will see the onset of a new breed of packaging, focused on new uses of bio-based materials and source reduction”, said John Meccia, Vice President – Paper Converting for Henkel North America.

"We are very excited about this partnership.  The combined vision and resources of both companies will produce a new level of future innovation in packaging performance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility", added Matthew Cook, President of LBP.

LBP Manufacturing, Inc. specializes in designing and converting a wide range of paper-based food and beverage packaging for quick service restaurants, specialty coffee retailers, catering and convenience retail market segments of the food service industry.  With product innovation leading the way, LBP produces unique packaging solutions including Coffee Clutch® hot cup sleeve, Beverage on the MoveTM bulk beverage carrier and Soup n’ ServeTM bulk soup carrier.

For more information about Henkel and LBP Manufacturing, visit www.henkelna.com and www.lbpmfg.com

posted on: 07/31/2009

Primer for HP Indigo printing

DigiPrime is an environmentally friendly digital printing primer designed specifically for use with HP Indigo presses. It enhances the quality of ink transfer, ink adhesion and rub resistance on paper, film and foil substrates, is available worldwide, and is recommended by Hewlett-Packard.
The eco-friendly primer is a very low VOC, low odor, water-based formulation. It is non-flammable and can be applied using traditional coating equipment, including flexo, gravure, rod or roll systems.
With an extremely long shelf life, DigiPrime reduces environmental and financial waste. Optimized substrates can be used with confidence many months later, unlike other primers which can lose their ink adhesion rapidly in high humidity or temperature storage conditions, and must be discarded.
DigiPrime is the primer of choice by paper mills around the world for their sustainable paper substrates because it is repulpable, allowing them to get the most from their valuable renewable wood fibers while providing reliable products for the HP Indigo market.
Michelman Global Headquarters, Cincinnati, OH, 1-800-333-1723 (US & Canada); (513) 793-7766 (Worldwide), www.michelman.com

posted on: 07/28/2009

Narrow Web Print Awards entries due Aug. 10

Flint Group will host the 5th Annual Narrow Web Print Awards celebrating the excellence and entrepreneurship in the wider world of narrow web printing. Label converters from all over the world are invited to submit sample labels of their choice for evaluation by a panel of industry judges. Criteria for judging includes: registration, smoothness of dot/vignette, overall print quality, and degree of difficulty. New for the 2009 award is a special focus on the creative use of inks as the jury will be rewarding the aspect of making use of inks and colourful images.

Niklas Olsson Brand Manager, Flint Group Packaging & Narrow Web comments the direction with; “We are of the firm belief that the right use of colours (i.e. inks) is an essential part of the overall marketing that the label / pack has to do. We know that the right inks can make a product “stand out” on any crowded shelf – and we would like to reward this in our own competition.
We are preparing several examples of Print Solutions that we hope can educate, inform and inspire marketers and printers to use printing inks better”. Entries will be placed in categories relating to print technology and application.

This competition adds to the successful events held in recent years, where Flint Group Narrow Web awarded label printers from all over the world in different categories relating to technology and application. Commenting on the success of these awards, Mr. Olsson said; “It is a journey filled with joy to see the elegance of what's best in the art of fine label and narrow web printing.” He continued, “Over the years, since the beginning of this competition, we have seen the excellence of the entries in each category improve. Last year the judging panel had to use all their experience and skill to separate out the winning entries. In some categories we had to make a near impossible choice between two print samples, and eventually had to decide to honour several entries as being ”highly commended” due to the exceptional quality level involved.”

The Award winners 2008 were; Consolidated Label (USA), Label Works (USA), Axiom Label Group (USA), Center Fix Etiquetas Adesivas Ltda. (Brazil), McDowell Label & Screen Printing (USA), Winson Press Pvt. Ltd. (Singapore), MPI – Texas (USA), Brazicolor Industria Grafica Ltda. (Brazil), Pacman (UAE), Smyth (USA), Automacao Ind. Com. De Rotulos Ltda (Brazil), Smyth (USA), SENAI – Theobadldo De Nigris -Technical School (Brazil), and Dunwoody Institute of Technology (USA).

The 2009 award winners will be announced at the Print Award Ceremony at the Flint Group booth #5B45 at Labelexpo Brussels on Thursday, September 24th, at 16.00.

The following Entry Guidelines will be applied for the award:
1. Each entry must be printed using inks from Flint Group Narrow Web
2. Entries can be a commercial label, or a promotional label.
3. Entries can be sent in roll or sheet form with no less than 100 of each label – converters will be contacted to verify if rolls can be displayed in the Flint Group booth #5B45.
4. Entries should be received no later than August 10, 2009.
5. Entries should be submitted direct to Flint Group Packaging & Narrow Web. For more information, please contact Lotta Sjoberg in Europe at lotta.sjoberg@flintgrp.com or Deanna Whelan in the United States at Deanna.whelan@flintgrp.com
 

posted on: 07/21/2009

TAPPI PLACE 2010 calls for abstracts

PLACE 2010, set for the Albuquerque Marriott next April 18-21, calls for papers to be presented at the flexible-packaging technical conference. The 2010 PLACE Conference, organized by TAPPI, is the premier North American event for the flexible packaging industry and will have something for the whole supply chain including suppliers, converters, extruders, retailers, and brand owners.

The 2010 PLACE Program Committee is actively seeking technical presentations, panels, tutorials, roundtables and case studies from the packaging and academic community to be presented at the conference. Extended abstracts will be accepted anytime before Aug. 10. Final papers will be due on or before Feb. 10, 2010. Conference subject matter will include:

New Technology Showcase
Continually voted as one of the most popular ways to deliver new ideas, this session will have a somewhat relaxed commercialism policy to allow presenters to provide new, emerging, and cutting edge technology that are vital to the packaging industry, to conference attendees. Do you have new technology or products that you would like the packaging industry to be aware of? If so, then you are invited to present in the PLACE 2010 New Technology Showcase!

Advances in Materials and Equipment
Explore new materials and additives that are shaping the flexible packaging industry and providing improvements in physical properties, processing, and even sustainability. Combine advances in materials with the latest equipment technology and/or equipment upgrades to maximize efficiencies and profitability in processing and converting. PLACE 2010 is looking for technical papers that highlight the many recent advances in both materials and equipment servicing the flexible packaging industry.

Product Design Innovation
Do you have some real-world experiences on how new product design has been used to improve flexible packaging structures and has been used to meet the ever-changing and challenging demands of the flexible packing industry? If so then come share you success stories and highlight these innovations at PLACE 2010.

New Applications & Product End Use
Explore many new flexible packaging applications at PLACE 2010 and obtain insight as to how these new products are being used and viewed by the end user. PLACE 2010 will bring together processors, converters, brand owners, and end-users to explore all aspects of flexible packaging including new applications and product end use.

Sustainability
The Countdown to the 40th anniversary of Earth Day has begun and will coincide with PLACE 2010, providing a perfect opportunity to examine how the flexible packaging industry is approaching sustainability. PLACE 2010 will focus us sustainability and information related to the use of renewable polymers and look at case studies for sustainability in flexible packaging.

Additional targeted topics for PLACE 2010 include: 
Primers & Tutorials for Extrusion Coating, Film, & Flexible Packaging
Interactive Troubleshooting
SPE Antec & European Exchange
Printing & On-Line Inspection
Analytical Testing Techniques
Flexible Packaging Regulatory Issues 

Submit your abstract now at: www.tappiplace.org
 

posted on: 07/20/2009

Cure Prime technology

Mica Corp. introduces Cure Prime tech for converters using two component urethanes for adhesive lamination. The water-based primer and adhesion promoter can be applied to plain and printed films prior to the adhesive lamination step. The result: the adhesive cures up to five times faster than normal. As an out-of-line primer coating, Cure Prime does not affect the pot-life of the adhesive. Benefits of cure acceleration include: improved productivity, quality determination within hours after lamination, less interactions between adhesives and inks, less chances for wrinkles and telescoping, and no need for a hot room. 
For more information, email info@mica-corp.com

posted on: 07/17/2009

New-generation infrared-ink technology

London, UK − Companies and brand owners using ultra-violet (UV) invisible ink technology to protect their products against counterfeiting could be leaving themselves open to problems due to the widespread, illegitimate availability of the technology. 

This is the view which as been expressed at numerous specialist security conferences attended by marketers and security experts over the last 12 months, and has led to the emergence of a new generation of Infra Red (IR) security inks and coatings.

Standard invisible UV fluorescent inks have traditionally provided a basic level of product and brand security. However, the presence of these fluorescent inks is easy to detect as UV lamps, which act as the detection equipment, are widely available. Some pigments are even available online, making the technology available to counterfeiters. Although UV inks do still provide a basic level of security, the wide availability of the technology greatly reduces their effectiveness against serious counterfeiters. 

To meet current and future anti-counterfeiting requirements, some companies have turned to IR as a security solution. Sun Chemical, the world's leading producer of printing inks and pigments and a leading provider of materials to packaging, publication, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, and other industrial markets, is one such example. The company recently launched SunGuard Apollo, an effective, affordable brand protection solution which helps to fight the ongoing battle against counterfeiters.

SunGuard Apollo is the entry level technology which uses specialist pigments from a secure supply chain and offers a highly intelligent, unique combination of security features.

In addition to an increased level of security, this technology is compatible with current printing practices.

If the printer or converter is already using UV fluorescent inks, SunGuard Apollo can be integrated into these types of inks to form an enhanced UV/IR protection. This will enable printers to offer their customers a security enhanced product without compromising on current style, design or color. The SunGuard Apollo portfolio is available either within the ink or as a clear varnish.

The detection devices that work in conjunction with SunGuard Apollo, are available from Sun Chemical only after the intended use has been clarified, so the distribution can be monitored closely. It makes the best use of security technology, and counterfeiters largely do not have the relevant detection equipment.

"Sun Chemical is proud to have launched cutting-edge technology which, in the long run, will have significant benefits for brand owners, printers and converters,” said Philip Berrie, Sales Manager, Sun Chemical Security Division. “Sun Chemical SunGuard Apollo inks have a unique combination of security features and provide a total solution. We are very excited to offer our customers an effective, good value security ink solution – all from just one supplier."

Sun Chemical is offering an audit process for brand owners which will allow the company to provide an analysis of how secure a product, and suggest a plan of action to achieve a higher security level without increasing costs significantly. This process is very quick and easy.  Companies should send their name, name of brand/product, contact number and print process used to www.sunsecurity.com and the company will notify them of the address to send their packaging to. For more information, please visit our Website at www.sunchemical.com

posted on: 07/17/2009

ALTANA acquires Water Ink Technologies

WESEL, Germany--The specialty chemicals Group ALTANA has entered into an agreement to acquire the business of the North American company Water Ink Technologies, Inc. The company produces primarily water-based and UV inks, coatings and varnishes for narrow web applications at three sites in North Carolina (U.S.). Among others, these applications are used for packaging printing and labels. In addition, Water Ink Technologies provides extensive customer service through several mixing stations in the U.S. and Canada. With consolidated sales of about $34 million (€27 million) in 2008 and almost 150 employees, the company is one of the leading manufacturers of the mentioned products in North America. 

With the acquisition of Water Ink Technologies, ALTANA underlines its continued commitment to complement organic growth also with selected acquisitions as it did successfully in the past. Within the Group, Water Ink Technologies will be integrated into the ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants division under the new name ACTEGA WIT. The existing Water Ink Technologies management team, under the leadership of Michael C. and Patrick S. Hague, will continue to run the operations also under the roof of ALTANA.

“The acquisition of Water Ink Technologies underlines that even and especially in difficult economic times we are fully committed to continue our growth course through suitable acquisitions and to further create value for the company,“ stated Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA. “The company fulfills our strict acquisition criteria in an exemplary way; it is not only an excellent strategic match, but will also further enhance our profitability.“

“For ACTEGA the acquisition of Water Ink Technologies means a sustained strengthening and the expansion of our market position in the specialty segment of narrow web printing with water-based as well as UV-curing coatings and inks,“ said Dr. Guido Forstbach, President Division Coatings & Sealants, adding that there would also be synergetic effects with other business fields of ALTANA. “The acquisition is therefore not only positive for ACTEGA, but also opens opportunities for further development of other divisions.“

“I am pleased that with ALTANA we found an excellent new parent for our business,“ stated Michael C. Hague, President of Water Ink Technologies. “ALTANA stands for a clear strategy, stability and continuity. I am convinced that we will prosper and our success story will continue under its new owner. ALTANA’s global presence and its competence in the graphics industry are an excellent basis to expand our product offering and our business also in Europe and Asia." 

posted on: 07/16/2009

Scanning varnish compound

Lodi, NJ  - UVitec Printing Ink introduces a scanning varnish compound (#14147-17) for all UV curable ink systems (Flexo, Letterpress, Litho, Screen, etc.). This compound can be added to any UV curable ink and will enable that ink to have luminance under a black light. Developed in-house, using a proprietary manufacturing process, the scanning varnish compound is extremely well suited for pharmaceutical labels, check printing, and any other application requiring a high quality security ink.
In addition to the standard formulation, UVitec can customize the scanning varnish to meet individual customer needs. Experienced UVitec technicians will work with customers to determine the requirements, and adjust the formulation to achieve the proper features for the specific printing job.
For more information, visit www.uvitec.com

posted on: 07/13/2009

Metallic coating

New York, NY - Shorewood Packaging, a business of International Paper, has expanded its repertoire of value-added packaging treatments  with  the  addition  of  a  new  high-luster
metallic coating, Shorebrite II.

According  to  Robert  Anstine,  vice  president  of marketing and business development  for Shorewood, "Shorebrite II enables us to raise the bar once again  when  it  comes  to providing our customers with dynamic choices for their  packaging.  This new metallic coating provides an extreme level of brilliance that enhances multi-color graphics."

The Shorebrite II  coating  is  applied  first,  followed  by up to seven translucent  ink colors and optional coating finishes. The process produces rich, high-luster colors with consistent coverage.

The development of  Shorebrite II is the result of collaborative teamwork between Shorewood's in-house Corporate Inks & Coatingsspecialists, leading coating suppliers and Shorewood's  manufacturing, creative and innovation/product   development   teams.  This value-added finish joins Shorewood's  growing portfolio of "Packaging for the Senses" embellishments for  packaging  that  includes  special effects for sight, touch, scent and sound.

For more information on Shorebrite II or other Shorewood "Packaging for the Senses" finishes, such as Cast & Cure and Soft Touch, contact Linda Lombri, director, marketing services at 212.508.5662 or linda.lombri@ipaper.com

posted on: 07/13/2009

New BIL UV inks offer fast track to savings

San Leandro, CA - INX Digital International Co. has introduced fast-curing BIL UV inks specifically designed for high-speed production on HP^®/NUR XP5300^™ printers, with superior performance on woven polyethylene (PE) media as well as vinyl and other substrates.

“This is the ink set the industry needs now,” said Michael Armstrong, Enterprise Sales for INX Digital Americas.  “The new Triangle brand BIL UV inks fit seamlessly into the faster runs needed to meet the demand for 30 and 60-day, 30-sheet billboard postings.  They offer better adhesion to lighter, recyclable polyethylene (PE) media.  Plus, they are faster curing than OEM ink options and more flexible, a major advantage in moving printed posters out to the marketplace.”

The inks’ flexibility allows the lightweight 30-sheet recyclable PE posters to be folded down and shipped in small cartons without surface cracking.  “INX Digital specialists have been working with this recyclable media from its inception,” Armstrong said.  “The BIL ink set, formulated VOC-free and available worldwide, is specifically designed to adhere to and flex with woven polyethylene.  This gives it the same advantage when printed on other flexible media.”

Armstrong said Triangle’s BIL acrylate-based UV curable inks are optimized for extremely high pigment density and wide color gamut.  They provide a higher chroma magenta and cleaner yellow, and are designed to work with HP/NUR XP5300 printer technology.  The run speeds and coverage with these inks are equal to, if not better than, OEM options

.

“With most operations running on tight margins, the potential cost savings of up to 25 percent or more with Triangle BIL inks can make a significant difference on the bottom line,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong said users who have already converted to BIL inks report that printer jets stay open and jet more consistently, and the print heads require less maintenance. 

“When periodic print head cleaning is required, Triangle’s exclusive, patent-pending HeadCure^™ cleaning technology typically achieves 100 percent recovery compared to half with other methods, and for a small fraction of the cost of new replacement heads.”

As more shops alter their production flow to accommodate new media and methods, these are the ink systems and technologies that can make it easier as well as more profitable.

“When they are ready to evolve POP production to the next level, we have a new Triangle EXP ink set specifically designed to deliver high-quality output on HP/NUR XP5300s at slower speeds.  There are other advantages similar to those provided by BIL inks in billboard mode,” Armstrong said, noting that

contacting an INX Digital representative may lead to additional HP/NUR XP5300 user savings.  “Those who asked our representatives about sources for key components tell us they have found UV lamps, water pumps and other equipment for as much as 50 percent less.”

Armstrong says that in today’s economy, everything adds up.

“Better performance with BIL inks on recyclable PE means lighter weight, better-looking 30-sheets more quickly, easily and inexpensively printed and put up on boards.  With ink savings and machine maintenance savings at every step, shops can also realize a much-needed boost to the bottom line.”

For more information, visit the web site at www.INXdigital.com.

posted on: 07/09/2009

Graymills celebrates 70 years in business

Graymills employees, and our worldwide sales organization, want to thank all our customers whose loyalty and trust have enabled Graymills to work with the flexographic and gravure printing industries for the past 70 years.

Some of you have been with us since the 1950s, when we introduced the first true ink pump. You welcomed us into your pressrooms, and together we changed an industry by putting our heads together on new products and processes. 

As a family business, we answer only to our customers. Earning your satisfaction and trust has been – and will continue to be – our only goal.

To learn more about Graymills, visit our Website: www.graymills.com
 

posted on: 07/09/2009

Energy curing of flexo inks on PLA film

Download the full technical paper at the link HERE.

posted on: 07/01/2009

Packaging ideas ahead at PRINT 09

More than a dozen new package-printing developments were revealed Tuesday and Wednesday at PRINT® 09 Media Days—a gathering a suppliers and industry editors held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Major exhibitors at the quadrennial show as well as 50 journalists from across the globe met to discuss these new products that will be on display at PRINT 09 Sept. 11-16 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The breakthroughs run the gamut from prepress software and digital-inkjet printing systems to high-tech coatings and traditional sheetfed-offset presses.

Among the announcements:

The Xerox iGEN Automated Packaging Solution (left) unites digital printing with coating and diecutting (plus foil stamping in a second pass) for cartons. Originally developed by substrate provider Stora Enso and branded the Gallop in European markets, the iGEN APS runs 6,600 sph, 14.33x22.5 in. sheets, and prints in four colors. It is fed by output from the Xerox iGEN digital printing press and can UV- or aqueous-coat varnishes or apply cold foil to materials up to 18-pt paperboard. Xerox is marketing it to converters as well as commercial printers to serve primarily the pharmaceutical and high-end cosmetics carton and labeling markets. 

Kodak Graphic Communications Group’s ColorFlow software is said to assure consistent color quality no matter the output device: halftone or inkjet proofer, scanner, monitor, digital press, flexo plates or offset press. Kodak’s streaming inkjet technology is now branded as the Prosper S10. A press platform is due for release in Q1 2010. The highly successful Flexcel NX digital flexographic-platemaking system (left) for label, carton and flexible-packaging printing has new environmental benefits with low-solvent washout solution with lower VOCs. 

Presstek’s DI-UV digital-offset press in 52- and 34-cm-wide models fit the label, POP and short-run packaging markets for film, foil, vinyl and lenticular printing. The press has UV-waterless output that dries instantly, 300-dpi resolution, FM screening, low dot gain and speeds of 8,000 sph in four-color mode, says co. Two Beta test sites for package printing include Taishin Inpack in Korea and LSD G.Neumman GmbH in Hamburg, Germany. Neumann (at left) prints HBA and cosmetic packaging for Procter & Gamble. Also new at PRINT 09 will be the 52DI-AC digital-offset press with aqueous coating in flood and spot modes. It will be ready for delivery in 2010. On the printing-plate side of the business, Presstek’s new Aurora Pro chemistry-free CTP offset plates will debut in a newer version next year with 300-dpi direct-imaging method and 10-min processing time. 

The EFI Jetrion 4000 digital UV-inkjet printer for p-s labels now has applications on six continents with strong interest in Latin American countries such as Colombia, Chile, Brazil and Mexico. New capabilities will be announced at Labelexpo Brussels. The EFI Commander Workstation 5 software won a packaging design award at the PacPrint show in Australia earlier this spring. Fiery XF PSI Flexo workflow software for labels and packaging augments the company’s PACE product line.

MGI’s US launch of its JetVarnish digital-inkjet spot UV coater system will take place at PRINT 09. It handles 20x29 in. sheets for folding-carton packaging applications vs. using screen/offset UV-coating methods. The unit (left) runs at 2,500 sph to serve the high-end cosmetics, perfume, liquor and consumer-goods packaging markets. JetVarnish recently won awards at Grafitalia from the European Digital Printing Assn. and the Oscar de l’Emballage at Emballage 2008 in Paris. While it runs offline now, custom inline units tied to digital-offset presses are said to be possible through future development.

DiMS!’ ERP/MIS systems dedicated to printing will launch a new .NET version. The totally Web-enabled application will feature data automatically going to the right production person, workflows that are more graphical, intuitive navigation for easier learning, and access via the mobile Web. Currently, 28 plants of Mayr-Meinhof Packaging are using DiMS! for carton-package printing.

Henkel’s MiraFoil® foil coating is UV-curable, overprintable with no primer, contains no VOCs and is said to be as brilliant as vacuum-metallized paper substrates. It is applied in a flexo or offset coating station on press and thus allows spot coating, doesn’t interfere with EAS-tag and RFID-label functionality and can be united with holographic patterns to boost brand security or package decoration. MiraFoil reportedly cuts material costs by 15-35 percent compared to cold or hot foil stamping and can applied to paper, board or plastic. While it can replace foil-laminated materials in appearance, it has no barrier properties like foil.

Lake Image Systems’ IntegraVision online print-inspection unit checks text, linear and 2D barcodes and pharmacodes on labels and packaging at press speeds. On a label rewinder, it is being used by a South African apple grower to confirm readable barcodes for UK grocery Tesco. Only 3 errors are allowed per million labels. At PRINT 09, Lake Image Systems will demonstrate ANSI code grading, ePedigree label tracking, ERP job tracking and inline inkjet printing. The IntegraVision PQ will debut specifically for print-quality control on press with PRINT 09 press partners.

Konica Minolta’s new bixhub PRO color-print engine will be on the market in mid-2010. Offering high-speed digital print targeted to specialty-printer markets, the new engine is based on a new polymer toner that fuses at lower temperatures, a new developer and new algorithms to get the color right.
 

posted on: 06/18/2009