Supplier News - November 2011
Avery Dennison, Gallus Reduce Release Liner Waste
BRUSSELS, Belgium—A new diecutting technology, called Avery Dennison ThinStream™, allows the diecutting of labels with a liner as thin as 12 microns. The technology is also designed to eliminate die strikes, one of the industry's top quality concerns. The patented technology for ThinStream has been licensed to the Gallus Group, which has created the Gallus Cold Die Unit to accomplish this latest advance in diecutting technology.
According to Avery Dennison, until this development, diecutting liner with calipers below 23 microns was virtually impossible. With conventional kiss-cutting, the die can cut through the liner and cause operational and quality problems during converting and dispensing. To address this challenge, ThinStream separates the face stock from the liner before diecutting, cuts the label shape through the adhesive, and then reassembles the label. In order to make a clean cut, the machine uses a cold die unit, which is kept below freezing to prevent the adhesive sticking to the die.
Avery Dennison ThinStream is a result of the company's collaborative innovation strategy. "Creating real breakthrough products by engaging with label converters, machine manufacturers, designers, brand owners, and raw materials suppliers is the core of this strategy," says Don Nolan, group vice president, label and packaging materials.
"Liner was a top item on our innovation agenda," Nolan continues. "We wanted to combine our extensive material manufacturing expertise with technologies that allow us and our customers to further enhance label performance while also reducing liner waste and providing environmental and cost benefits. ThinStream is proof that collaboration across key industry disciplines places Avery Dennison and our partners at the center of a whole new wave of innovations in the label and packaging industry."
Avery Dennison collaborated with machine manufacturer Gallus to develop commercially available diecutting units using the ThinStream technology. Klaus Bachstein, CEO of Gallus, says, "We see a continuing trend of label printers seeking out and using thinner label materials to meet the environmental requirements of brand owners around the world. We are delighted to partner with Avery Dennison to develop the Gallus Cold Die Unit and bring this exciting new technology to the marketplace."
AB Graphic Offers Streamlined Label Cutting
ELGIN, Ill.—AB Graphic International has announced software upgrades to its Digicon SabreXtreme laser label cutter that further streamline overall production and expand on converting applications. The new software upgrades were featured at Labelexpo Europe 2011 running three jobs with non-stop digital die changeover and variable data capability. This system featured a digital cold foil application using inkjet technology to apply the adhesive without the use of printing plates, along with a Tidland automatic slit change pattern system for non-stop operation.
The SabreXtreme laser technology eliminates the need for conventional diecutting tools and the costs associated with production and storage. It meets the increasing demand for shorter print runs and is capable of producing hundreds of different die patterns a day. The system offers network connection enabling a company's art department to directly load a library of label cutting patterns to run. The patterns are selected by the operator using bar codes printed on work orders.
"The software on the SabreXtreme is continuously being upgraded in line with the availability of new technology and applications," says Al Spendlow, VP of the company's U.S. operation. "Sales of the system are increasing and new opportunities are being identified. For example, we recently supplied a SabreXtreme to a digital printer that enabled them to eliminate die charges and move from outsourcing and drop shipments to in-house production with significant cost savings."
With digital printing becoming more commonplace within the label industry, customer demand for even shorter production runs, usually only a few hundred labels, is increasing. This is true of labels, tags, and tickets, as well as web fed, folding cartons. Almost any company with more than one digital press is experiencing the trend. Currently, these ultra-small jobs are difficult to take on because of the cost and set-up times associated with conventional metal dies.
Montalvo Tension Ugrades for
Mark Andy Presses
GORHAM, Me.—The Montalvo Corporation has installed upgrades to Mark Andy 2200 presses that have provided many user benefits including: increased production, minimized waste, reduced set-up time, and more flexibility with the ability to run a variety of products. For example, the Montalvo upgrade system allows for tension control on extensible materials from full roll to the core.
Many older systems have a drive belt and pulley system that are heavy and create too much torque for accurate web tension control. The Montalvo system uses a Montalvo C-Series brake assembly that weighs less than the old pulleys and will control web tension down to one psi or 0.57 lb.-in. of torque. Also, a Montalvo load-based S-3100 Digital Tension Controller replaces existing dancer control systems and a Montalvo TNT tension sensing roll fits in place of existing idler rolls and can be installed in just minutes. PDA switches control individual brake modules on the press.
Hutchison Miller Sales Co. Rep for Multi-Plastics OPS Films
HAZLETON, Pa.—Multi-Plastics Extrusions, Inc. announced the signing of the Hutchison Miller Sales Company as a manufacturers' representative for oriented polystyrene (OPS) films to the pressure-sensitive coater market. The experience of Hutchison Miller Sales Company with technical sales representation of facestocks in this market aligns is aligned with the strategic plans of Multi-Plastics Extrusions, Inc. These products include OPS film in clear, matte, and white in gauges ranging from 0.0015˝ to 0.010˝, along with EnviroSafe® products.
"Hutchinson Miller will elevate our Spectralite® brand of OPS film within this market, and allow us to focus on innovation and R&D projects," says John Parsio Jr., president of Multi-Plastics Extrusions, Inc. "Their reputation and experience will increase our exposure and awareness about our extrusion capabilities. We look forward to the opportunities this alliance brings."
Martin Automatic Adds Rep for Middle East, North Africa
ROCKFORD, Ill.—Martin Automatic Inc. has signed a cooperation agreement with XOL Automation to distribute Martin's automatic splicing, rewinding, and tension control equipment. Based in Beirut, Lebanon, XOL Automation is a leading engineering company serving the converting and web handling industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
"We pride ourselves on the quality of service that our team of engineers provides to our valued customers. With the world's best products at hand, we've been able to help customers run faster, smarter, and better," says Marcel Hage, chairman of XOL Automation. "I've always had the highest respect and admiration for Martin Automatic's people and products. Having them in our portfolio will greatly enhance our ability to help customers improve their productivity."
Gavin Rittmeyer, vice president of sales and marketing for Martin Automatic, adds, "We are happy to partner with XOL in the MENA region. Their sales engineers provide a consultative approach toward capital equipment sales—sales are based only on solid technical merit, helping customers identify web handling issues and making sure that the customer's return on investment is worthwhile. We look forward to working with them to meet the splicing and web handling needs of printers and converters in this important and growing region."
TLMI Honors Pat Hague, Avery Dennison
GLOUCESTER, Mass.—At the association's recent annual meeting held in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) awarded Pat Hague, ink industry executive, Supplier of the Year honors, and Pasadena, Calif.-based Avery Dennison with an Environmental Leadership Award.
Presented on an annual basis, the Supplier of the Year Award honors and recognizes an individual for his or her ongoing volunteer service and dedication to TLMI, and to the greater industry. Hague has been one of the most influential forces in the North American narrow-web ink industry. He began his career with Wikoff Color Corporation and later joined Water Ink Technologies in 1985. In 2009, along with his brother, he sold Water Ink to ALTANA and his most recent position prior to his retirement was vice president of sales for ACTEGA WIT.
Frank Sablone, TLMI president, comments, "Pat Hague has been one of TLMI's most dedicated and influential supplier members. Over the decades, he brought his vast industry experience and professional network to his work with TLMI, and he was a dedicated Board member. I speak for myself and all TLMI members in congratulating Pat for achieving this honor, and in thanking him for his years of dedication to our association."
Avery Dennison was presented the award for Innovative Technologies for creating an internal environmental process, Enterprise Lean Sigma, to reduce waste, energy, material, and time usage. The integration of this program led to increased productivity, quality, and profits. Avery Dennison developed an energy Kaizen process, reduced fuel consumption, and substantially reduced greenhouse gas emissions, while focusing on thinner materials and product designs that helped reduce waste and enable recycling.
"Our focus on sustainability comes from our company values and has long been part of our approach to business," said Darrell Hughes, Avery Dennison's VP and general manager, label and packaging materials – North America. "It drives us to work collaboratively to create value for our customers by developing solutions that enable us all to be more sustainable and competitive."
Calvin Frost, CEO of Channeled Resources Group and TLMI Environmental Committee Chair, commented, "This is our ninth year in presenting these awards and recognizing leaders of environmental awareness in our industry. Without a doubt, this activity further reinforces TLMI's position on sustainability."
ALTANA Acquires Metalure Pigments
WESEL/HARTENSTEIN/ SCHERERVILLE, Germany—ECKART Effect Pigments, a division of ALTANA AG, has agreed to acquire the production of Metalure pigments from Avery Dennison. ECKART has been the worldwide distributor of these "PVD-Type" aluminum pigments manufactured by Avery Dennison for more than 20 years. ECKART will acquire the production operation located at the premises of Avery Dennison in Schererville, Ind., the technology, and approximately 40 employees. The new production unit will be managed by ECKART America. The transaction is subject to approval by Germany's Federal Cartel Office.
ECKART uses Metalure pigments in the coatings, graphic arts, and cosmetics business lines. Dr. Christoph Schlünken, president Division ECKART Effect Pigments, says, "With this purchase, we are underscoring our focus on high-quality metallic pigments and our strength in innovation. The takeover of Metalure production from Avery Dennison assures our customers of the routinely high quality they are used to from ECKART."
PEOPLE
LUXEMBOURG—Flint Group announced the appointment of Doug Aldred as president of Packaging & Narrow Web – Europe and North America. In addition to this new role, he will also assume responsibility for the global packaging and narrow web strategy and will report directly to Antoine Fady, chief executive officer.
WURZBURG, Germany—The supervisory board of Koenig & Bauer AG (KBA) has appointed Claus Bolza-Schünemann to follow the retiring President and CEO Helge Hansen as company president. Bolza-Schünemann has most recently served as deputy president with executive responsibility for engineering and web press manufacturing. In addition, the supervisory board has announced that CFO Dr. Axel Kaufmann is to take on the duties of deputy president alongside his financial responsibilities. KBA has also appointed Jens Maul as the group's new head of web press after-sales services for customers worldwide.
TORONTO—Bob McCrea has joined manroland Inc. as a regional sales manager for Toronto and Canada's western provinces. He will be responsible for sheetfed sales in the greater Toronto metropolitan area, as well as the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
MILWAUKEE, Wis.—Label Traxx has named Katy Nightingale as European market manager. In addition to her responsibilities for business development in the region, she will have responsibility for customer support and managing the efforts of European agents. In addition, Andrew McKerlie has joined the company with responsibility for sales in the UK.
GREENWICH, Conn.—Presstek, Inc. has restructured its North American sales organization. In the U.S., Kurt Hamlin has assumed the role of director of sales for Digital Printing Systems. In the computer-to-plate (CTP) business, John Meyer, most recently Presstek's Midwest Regional Sales Director, moves into the role of director of sales, U.S. CTP Business. In Canada, Todd Phillips will continue to manage sales for both the DI and CTP product lines in his role as national sales director for Canada.
MCHENRY, Ill.—Chroma Corp. has hired Jay Grizzle as business development manager for the Midwestern Territory. He will be responsible for new business development at existing customers, new customers, and end users from Ohio to Minnesota.
CHICAGO—GPA announced that Dawnielle Balli was recognized as Woman of the Year through the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW). Balli is a territory sales manager, serving the print markets of the Southern United States and the Latin Americas.
ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Dr. Dinesh Tyagi, Kodak's senior research associate of advanced development, Electrophotographic Printing Solutions, has been honored by the Society of Imaging Science and Technology with the 2011 Chester F. Carlson Award. The award is presented annually to one individual whose work advances the state of technology in electrophotographic printing. pP
