New Products

Corrugator-system upgrade presentation

Watch this Montalvo Corp. PowerPoint to learn how a customer upgraded a Langston corrugator line with the supplier's V-Series brakes.

posted on: 03/12/2010

Compact inspection features split-screen for print-color comparison

The InPrint Video Web Inspection system reportedly delivers an increased field of view, reduced glare when viewing reflective materials and additional software features that...

posted on: 02/04/2010

Pulsed-LED strobe inspection checks reflective labels, coatings, foils

New pulsed-LED versions of co.'s widely-used stroboscopic inspection lights are available in sizes from less than 18 in. up to 118-in. long.

posted on: 02/04/2010

Package Recycling Services

Badger Plug offers a Package Recycling Service for many of the company's roll protection products. Large roll suspension systems are particularly easy to recycle. Endboards, Sleeve Plugs, Channels & Clips, and Pallets are readily recyclable for re-use and/or re-manufacturing. Be friendly to your bottom line and the environment - recycle. Call Badger at 920/757-7300 for all the details.  Visit us at www.badgerplug.com.

posted on: 12/08/2009

Multilayer labels in translation

LABEL PRODUCTIONS OF CALIFORNIA, INC., 888/309-4729, www.labelproductions.com
SUPPLIERS:
MARK ANDY, INC., 636/532-4433, www.markandy.com
AGFA GRAPHICS, 201/440-2500, www.agfa.com
KELLEIGH USA, 732/248-1161, www.kelleighusa.com
OLEC CORP., 714/258-5600, www.olec.com

posted on: 08/20/2009

Infrared sensors

NDC announces the launch of its updated 710 series of Infrared sensors for continuous web processes. The new family of gauges, designated as 710S, retains all of the excellent features of the current 710 line while achieving complete integration with NDC’s TDi (Total Distributed Intelligence) system family.  NDC have maintained the superb, unmatched 710 optical bench while integrating the Ethernet networking and high-powered DSP computer present in our TDi system. 

The 710S sensor utilizes a D-BRIC distributed control engine that incorporates the computational power of an entire process control system into a small 4” X 6” (10 cm x 15 cm) circuit board – the same D-BRIC used in NDC’s TDi system products.  Use of its high speed Digital Signal Processor results in enhanced measurement performance, the ability to handle more Infrared wavelengths, and support for additional measurement outputs (up to six separate measurements per gauge).  This new design further enhances end user benefits, such as reduced material usage and scrap, improved product quality, and reduced customer returns.

Configuration and diagnostics are easily managed by onboard graphical software via the standard TDi interface and can be locally or remotely accessed over an Ethernet or Internet connection.  With these enhanced diagnostic tools, maintenance is simplified; and since the gauge emits no ionizing radiation, the 710S is user-serviceable.

The 710S infrared sensor is available in the following versions to meet any web process application need:

·                                 FG710S for plastic films

·                                 TFG710S for ultra-thin plastic film (less than 12 microns)

·                                 NW710S for basis weight and moisture measurement of Spunbond Nonwovens

·                                 FS710S for moisture in paper

·                                 NDC710S for coating and moisture measurement

·                                 SR710 for measuring thin coatings on metallic webs

More information is available on NDC’s website at  www.ndcinfrared.com

posted on: 08/20/2009

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

Register control system

eltromat’s product lines stand for high efficiency as well as customer value and are the result of a technically mature product line concept, which relies on high-quality, state of the art technology from one source, comprehensive process knowledge as well as user-specific project planning combined with a global service network. The new eltromat platform concept based on in-depth integration provides innovative, tailor-made system solutions for all current printing machines and – in comparison to competitor’s systems – maximum flexibility for the future.

eltromat recognizes, like no other, the demands of their customers and features attractive solutions for cost savings for both new as well as retrofit projects.

To improve the performance of printing presses so that less operational effort is required, less waste is generated, and set-up times are reduced, eltromat has developed and introduced the new register control system regi_star 20 – the successor to the renowned dgc_650, dgc_655 and dgc_700.

The new real time system with XFC technology (eXtreme Fast Control) offers even higher ease of operation and a maximum of automation. With the regi_star 20, register is achieved quickly which means a considerable reduction in waste and set-up time, at the same time taking the pressure off the operators. This leads to increased productivity and reduced costs per job. This is especially important today when job run lengths continue to be cut and printing plants have to struggle with more and more job changes per day.

The operation is intuitive and carried out via a touch screen monitor with a simply structured Human Machine Interface (HMI) and integrated online support. Operators can view a live image of the register marks on the screen in their actual colour. This unique feature makes life for the operator even easier, saves time and thus reduces waste.

The adaptive RGB register sensor in use even recognises inks with extremely low contrast, metallised inks as well as transparent lacquers. Due to the range of depth of focus of the fibre optics it is not necessary to change the scanning angle or to amplify the signal strength. The patented single head measurement enables the register marks to be measured in any sequence and guarantees that the mode of register control is optimally suited to the printing situation, e.g. during start-up, regi_star 20 operates in sequential mode to bring all the print units into register as quickly as possible,

An automatic register mark search to set the measuring gates as well as register mark centering are also part of regi_star 20‘s considerable range of functionalities. In addition, especially developed algorithms such as the patented automatic adaptation to press speed changes and web flutter make for quick compensation of these types of misregister. Repeat jobs can be prepared on regi_star 20 even while the present job is still running which means job changes can be carried out without delay.

The system has several options, e.g. the ability to make overall adjustments from each print unit; a waste protocol module that informs the operator once the set tolerance values have been exceeded and – provided a tagging system is available – marks the defective print; an external protocol module provides a comprehensive report for the complete job.

With Automatic Pilot Control the control parameters and correction speeds are automatically adapted to the different press states. This also leads to a considerable reduction in waste during make-ready, start-up, splice and speed changes. RGB camera systems can be installed instead of the previously mentioned fibre optics. This allows for the use of miniature dot shaped register marks and ensures the highly precise absolute measurement of the register without the previously required zero adjustment – even if the distance between web and camera should vary strongly – and still provide for secure register control and waste reduction. If required, the system can be fitted with various pre-setting modules enabling the register on the press to be set while it is stopped thereby reducing set-up time and waste considerably.

By means of intelligent linking of the regi_star 20 together with the new web viewing system webvideo_star 2000, it is possible to achieve completely automatic fine adjustment of the register whether it be for side register variations or skew-sensitive materials. Once the correct measurement time has been determined by regi_star 20, the webvideo_star 2000 measures the exactness of register on both sides of the web, the print width, as well as the amount of skew with a high degree of accuracy. The resulting fine corrections are then taken over by regi_star 20. Automatic fine tuning (_aft) enables a perfect register fit to be achieved automatically and with each job change, saving several hundreds of meters of waste. Another highlight is the automatic skew control (_sc), which is used in combination with motorised skew rollers in gravure printing units. The combination of automatic fine tuning and skew control is the optimal solution for all types of fine adjustments. Also, this is accompanied by a tremendous waste reduction at every press start-up and splice. info@eltromat.de

posted on: 08/20/2009

Labeling substrate

3 Sigma Corp., a leading supplier of pressure-sensitive and other materials to the label industry, has added two new options for converters producing affixed or integrated cards. The two new 3 Sigma options to the Sigmature product line include a three-up landscape configuration available from inventory, and a three-up portrait version available as a custom product with a five-day lead time. Like all Sigmature products, these new offerings feature a smudge-free writeable backside, clean removal with no adhesive residue, and excellent converting and press performance.

The landscape product, on 11.25-inch 10,000-foot rolls, increases converter press efficiency by 50 percent over conventional configurations.  A four-roll minimum applies. 

The 3 Sigma portrait product—a modified version of the popular Sigmature 2378 three-up portrait product—enables converters to increase press efficiency and to service business forms manufacturers running products on 11-inch wide by 8.5-inch tall configuration.

3 Sigma Marketing Manager Terry Cudney, discussing the new card products, said: “3 Sigma has once again broadened the options available to converters producing complex products.  These products increase the productivity of converters while reducing raw material costs—exactly what converters need in current economic times.”

Since 1980, 3 Sigma has been a fast-growing, resourceful innovator of specialty pressure sensitive adhesive coated products.  3 Sigma offers expertise in solvent, emulsion, and hot melt technologies, to provide the optimum solution for any label need.  Quality teams monitor and inspect material throughout the manufacturing process according to ISO 9001:2000 guidelines, to ensure that 3 Sigma customers receive the best label stock available.  For additional information, log on to www.3sigma.cc or call 927-440-3400 or 800-347-3091.

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

Splice-detection technology

R.K.B. Opto-Electronics, Inc. parent to S.D.T., announces the release of its new “Sentinel” Splice (Joint) Detection Technology.  The Sentinel is designed to monitor 1-16 webs of material and will detect any splice or joint that may exist within the web based process.  It is applicable to manufacturing processes that require the culling out of splices or joints prior to shipment. As a control in subsequent conversion processes, it prevents damage to sensitive equipment. Examples of these include soft rolls, print heads, coater applicators and print blankets.  Immediate detection, rejection and control of splices or joints create savings of up to tens of thousands of dollars per annum.

Unaffected by printed surfaces, material color, grade changes and process speeds the Sentinel guarantees 100% reliable detection every day; every shift.  The Sentinel is a self-calibrating system that is powered by 24VDC. It provides an opto-isolated, digital electronic output with a pulse width selectable for 1, 10 or 100 milliseconds. The re-designed alarm indicators are low power, low voltage LEDs that are clearly visible to machine attendants. The unit can be mounted anywhere along the web at any angle and either right side up or upside down.

The Sentinel can be connected directly to PLC control devices or interfaced into existing marking systems or directly control devices.  Modular in design, the new Sentinel requires 50% less energy to operate and can be equipped with auto tracking of the web edge eliminating operational intervention of deckle (web width) changes.  The Return on Investment (ROI) is most often as little as 24 hours of operation. Contact Bruce.Dobbie@usa.rkbopto.com

posted on: 08/20/2009

High-force load cell

The Montalvo Corporation, international specialists in industrial web control systems, announces its U-120 series load cell made for large-scale operations. The cells are commonly used for measuring and monitoring tension in high force applications such as wet felts, dryer felts and wires, extrusions and laminates such as aluminum and steel foils and sheets.
President Ed Montalvo says, "It's been designed from the ground up to replace Montalvo¹s UPB (under pillow block) Series load cells but with a lower profile. We've simplified the mechanics and made it easily accessible for repair or replacement."
The U-Series load cell is made of stainless steel construction and features a water and corrosion resistant housing. They are available in three sizes with load ratings ranging from 100 to 22,000 pounds. This product uses tension and compression strain gauges; as tension bends the beams slightly, the gauge resistances change and produce an output signal proportional to web tension. And they have built-in overload stops.
www.montalvo.com 

posted on: 08/20/2009

Digital printing boards

GPA announces their new collection of Ultra Digital C1S and C2S Board Papers. The unparalleled variety of board papers is creating new marketing opportunities for digital printers across the country. Digital printers are finally enjoying the same flexibility as offset printers when printing on heavy stock, but have the added advantage of producing short runs with variable text and images.

Ultra Digital C1S and C2S Board Papers are GPA’s answer to a wide variety of demanding applications including folding cartons, point-of-purchase displays, specialty items and beyond. Their excellent printing properties give brand owners the freedom to express a brand’s individuality and attract the customer’s attention.

GPA’s collection of board papers are available in a wide variety of basis weights and finishes in 18” x 12” and 19” x 13” sheet sizes, and are optimized and RIT certified for HP Indigo digital presses. Their 93 brightness and uniform surface provide the ideal backdrop for vivid colors, beautiful contrast and sharp image reproduction.

These papers offer a superior converting performance for a variety of finishing processes including: laminating, UV coating, die cutting, scoring, folding, gluing, embossing, debossing and foil stamping. Due to its layered structure and mix of short and long fibers, it can be folded in either direction without cracking, also allowing for deeper impressions when embossing or debossing. And since Ultra Digital Board Papers are made with virgin fibers, they offer maximum stiffness with relatively low weight.

GPA’s Ultra Digital portfolio contains a blend of substrates to fit a wide range of results-driven applications. For samples, more information on Ultra Digital C1S and C2S Board Papers, or to request a copy of GPA's Ultra Digital catalog, contact GPA Customer Service at 800-395-9000 or e-mail GPA at info@askgpa.com

posted on: 08/20/2009

ROI calculator

A new ROI calculator from pneumatic conveying system manufacturer Precision irConvey, automatically reveals the cost savings and overall financial returns to be realized by installing the company's automated trim handling and reprocessing systems. Devised to support plastic film and sheet processors, converters, printers and other companies where cutting costs while boosting productivity are paramount, the ROI calculator considers dozens of input parameters to compare a facility's current operating conditions to the streamlined conditions enjoyed following trim system installation.

posted on: 08/20/2009

Thiele Technologies acquires Hudson-Sharp Machine Co.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Larry Smith, President and CEO of Thiele Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-speed integrated packaging equipment solutions headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., has announced the acquisition of The Hudson-Sharp Machine Co. of Green Bay, Wis., and Brussels, Belgium, a world leader in the design and manufacture of plastic bag machinery, pouch making equipment and reclosable packaging solutions.

posted on: 08/18/2009

Kroenert Corporation

The new HSC BMB high-speed curtain coater offers a cross profile of coating thickness that is superior to any other coating method (including gravure), allowing for the reduction of coat weight for a given adhesive. Realistic speeds of 3,000 fpm are possible. Shear forces of the adhesive in roll gaps are eliminated, thus reducing foaming, and machine-direction uniformity and consistency is unmatched.

posted on: 08/17/2009

AVTs PrintVision Jupiter

Advanced process control and automatic inspection solution for packaging converters.
PrintVision/Jupiter automatically detects process faults, reduces the cost of quality by tracing defects early in the process, eliminating print waste and enhancing press productivity and utilisation.
PrintVision/Jupiter value-added modules:
Presco: automatic pressure control
pRegister: automatic register control
IΔEal: inline color management
ABC✓: automatic Barcode Verification module

posted on: 08/17/2009

Harper GraphicSolutions

Pull more profit from your flexographic business.

- Needs Assessment Analysis
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Materials Management Systems
- Full Production Process Tracking
- Return on Investment Reports

posted on: 08/17/2009

3M Converter Markets

3M's innovative line of label materials is designed for today's fast-paced digital printing environment. Choose from a selection of HP Indigo-optimized polyester and polypropylene facestocks. Materials are pattern-coated with adhesive, leaving a dry edge that prevents adhesive ooze. Available in small minimums -- ideal for short run jobs.

posted on: 08/17/2009

VETAPHONE Corona-Plus TOU20

The Corona-Plus TOU20 is the treater that guarantees optimal surface adhesion at the highest speeds. It contains VETAPHONE's Quick Change system that minimizes maintenance downtime. The rugged Corona-Plus design is remarkable for its ability to perform in extreme environments. Contact Kroenert Corporation at 262-925-9595 for more information.

posted on: 08/17/2009