Inta-Roto

Web handling is a broad category of products that can range from slitters/rewinders, web guides, register, tension controls, and web inspection. Web guiding and tension control are two factors that help converters control waste as well as the web’s “wobble” as it comes off the roll. In the case of tension control, sensor selection is a major factor. Using low-cost sensors that require constant recalibration is no longer acceptable to converters. Tension Control Issues Although some converters may be intimidated by the tension control concept, the waste reduction and improvement in product quality are more than worth the investment. “Tension control is perhaps

Facing off in the laminating ring are in-line vs. off-line laminators; and while each has their own punches to throw and to receive, it is the converter who decides the champion. by Joy English, Assistant Editor JUNE 19, 1936 MARKED the day that heavyweight champion Joe Louis and Max Schmeling squared off in what would be a boxing match to remember. Schmeling entered the ring as the underdog, but claimed the titled when he handed Louis his first ring defeat. It wasn't until two years later that Louis would reclaim his heavyweight title from Schmeling. Today, squaring off in the laminating ring are in-line

Terms define technology, but for package printers, wide-format presses are enabling them to define their industry. by Joy English, Assistant Editor THE PACKAGE-PRINTING industry is filled with numerous terms and definitions, spelling out the processes that form its daily functions. Although these definitions help with understanding and categorization, in the end, it's the equipment that must perform. Today's wide-format presses do this well, providing the converter with everything from ease of operation and increased speeds and widths to customization. Functionality Multifunctionality, especially in regards to press capabilities, is vital to a converter's ability to add value to its customers' printing jobs. And top press

Stamping and embossing experts reveal how to get the best results from the package-enhancing processes. by Kate Sharon, Associate Editor THE VALUE OF stamping and embossing equipment is well known. In today's retail world, where it's hard to walk down a grocery store aisle without seeing several packages enhanced by the glimmer of foil, stamping and embossing capabilities are a converter's key to value-added products. "Increasingly competitive markets create a larger demand for differentiation in product, packaging, and promotion, which is perfect for foil stamping and embossing," according to Jim Hutchison, senior vice president of sales of Universal Engraving Inc., a foil stamping and

J AAA PRESS INT'L Doctor blade assemblies and parts for all narrow-web presses. Blade compounds: fiberglass, metal, and plastic. Sizes from 0.4˝ to 2˝ wide and custom lengths. Visit www.aaapress.com Allison Systems Advanced doctor blade systems/ holders, specialized steel, laser-hardened alloy, composite, lubricant plastic blades. Visit www.allisonblades.com J ARC International Offers a complete line of Xcalibur steel doctor blades in various sizes and configurations, including the X-90 linear edge blade, the X-91 beveled blade, the popular X-92 extra smooth radius blade, the X-95 lamella blade, and X-97 synthetic retainer blades. Visit www.arcinternational.com J MAX DAETWYLER CORP. High quality, custom-made blades available from MDC include:

Time is money and wide-web flexo suppliers continue to try and save as much of each as they can. LIKE IT OR not, society has become a place where everybody wants something now (or better yet, yesterday), leading to fax machines, cell phones, PDAs, laptop computers, and microwave ovens. Time is money and any wasted time is the same as playing three card monty in Times Square, i.e. wasted money. With the cost of operating wide-web flexo presses still relatively high, converters must find ways to increase press uptime and efficiency. How and where to find this improved productivity is the $64,000 question,

Wide-web press manufacturers are adding features to make these big guys more nimble and easier to operate. By Tom Polischuk, Editor WIDE-WEB PRESSES offer many scale advantages for package printers that can provide great returns for their businesses. The downside, however, is that this scale also translates to higher costs for downtime, waste, and job changeovers. Press manufacturers know well the issues faced by their customers. In addition to print quality and material usage, Jim Coddington, vice president for BHS Printing Machinery, sites productivity for short and long runs, and flexibility of the process as important issues for operators of wide-web presses. Features incorporated

The following suppliers offer coating and laminating equipment, from traditional flexographic and gravure coating machines, to hot melt, slot die, and reverse roll units, and solvent-based and solventless laminating equipment: Acumeter Modular roll or slot die coating modules that can be press- or floor-mounted in an existing process line. Coating widths available from 6˝ to 80˝ . Visit www.acumeter.com American Int'l Machinery The Signature brand of sheet-to-sheet laminators accommodate single- or double-faced corrugated board up to 8,000 sph and stock sizes up to 63˝. Visit www.aim-inc.net Bachofen & Meier Coaters (gravure, five- and six-roll, slot die, curtain,

Gravure industry insiders tackle key issues for optimum ink transfer and reveal equipment developments aiding the cause. by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor Blade basics Though gravure printing's consistency and dependability as a printing process are well-publicized, press operators should keep a close eye on doctor blade configuration. Max Daetwyler Product Sales Manager Marty Cansler affirms, "What is often crucial for consistent print quality is the ability of the doctor blade to provide clean and even ink application during the entire print run." As he elaborates, maintaining the blade contact area is integral to controlling such print defects as hazing and color variation. Contact area

AapexX Coating and laminating machines for paper, film, foil, or paperboard, using solvent or water-based coatings and adhesives. Solvent-based machines are available. Widths range from 20 in. to 100 in. and speeds from 20 fpm to 2,000 fpm. Also available, NCR coater, self-adhesive coater, and solventless coater/laminator. Visit www.aapexx.com ADM Tronics Unlimited Develops and manufactures diversified line of water-based, environmentally safe chemical products for the converting, food packaging, printing, and related industries. Visit www.admtronics.com American Int'l Machinery The Signature brand of sheet-to-sheet laminators are built to accommodate single- or double-faced corrugated board up to 8,000 sph. Visit <a