Max Daetwyler Corp.

When assessing the differences between photopolymer and elastomeric printing plates, there are several aspects to consider for each, including materials, speed and cost.

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.—The FFTA's Annual Forum & INFO*FLEX Exhibition, to be held May 4-5 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. will feature a new TEST (Technical Education Services Team) Education Pavilion.

Many of us have relayed the line, “it’s the little things,” in response to something we find funny or which made us feel good. It’s the same for your print jobs—“little things” play crucial roles. Critical components of flexographic or gravure print jobs are the anilox rolls or gravure cylinders and the doctoring systems that work to control the ink that lays upon the finished product. Properly installed and maintained doctoring systems also go a long way toward improving your bottom line, as they can directly impact whether or not your rolls or cylinders last as long as they should. “Eighty percent of all

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.—MDC Max Daetwyler AG of Bleienbach, Switzerland has confirmed a deal with Interprint USA to equip their new Pittsfield, Mass., manufacturing facility with Direct Laser Technology in the form of a fully automated Direct Laser Processing Line (DLS). Through the utilization of MDC’s exclusive laser engraving equipment, Interprint USA will solidify its position at the head of the decorative paper printing industry by enabled their designers to explore opportunities, take advantage of optimized design concepts, and experiment with unique imaging approaches. The installation will be the second deployment of Daetwyler’s pioneering technology for Interprint, serving as a complement to the initial line previously

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C .—The Max Daetwyler Corporation has developed an enclosed chamber test machine used for the research, development, and testing of steel and plastic doctor blades, end seals, cleaning chemistries, inking system magnets, and filters. This test machine can simulate the conditions on a flexo press to help to facilitate and promote products that will improve printing processes while replicating results seen in the actual pressroom. Keeping up with the demand for higher graphics and specialty printing, longer lasting doctor blades and end seals play an important role in the printing process. The new MDC Enclosed Chamber Test machine gives Daetwyler the ability to

Anything in excess is never a good thing. Just like overdoing it by stuffing down that last bite of pie or filling your home with unnecessary material indulgences, printers can also overdo it with an excess amount of ink. Fortunately, this is where doctoring systems come in to save the day, and the printed material. But, like any piece of printing equipment, these systems are not problem-free. That is why converters need to be armed with the knowledge and skills necessary to make sure doctoring systems run properly and efficiently. Happy medium A doctoring blade can only do its job of wiping away excess

Several factors contribute to long doctor blade life. Coatings, proper setting of the blade, and properly selecting a blade for your application/press will go a long way toward prolonging the life of the blade, as well as other press components such as anilox rolls. Considering the plethora of coatings and materials available to printers, blade selection today goes far beyond simply considering price. According to Perry Lichon, president of Retroflex, “While blade materials should be judged by their ability to doctor, they should also be judged for ease of handling, blade life, impact on roll wear, and overall cost.” According to Anthony Foley, vice

Maxcess International recruited Lee Nanney to provide local sales and support for Fife, MAGPOWR, and Tidland. Also, Scott Haney joined the Maxcess management team as product manager. Presstek, Inc. appointed Klaus Schleicher to director, international business development. Ernie Stokes Sr. joined Lederle as director of international sales. Harper Corporation America announced that Ron Case was promoted to production supervisor at the company’s Charlotte, N.C. facility. The Montalvo Corporation promoted Joseph Croyle to the position of applications specialist. Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group has named Michael K. Howard vice president of marketing for its Digital Printing Solutions business. Davis-Standard, LLC promoted Robert M. Armstrong to vice president and chief financial officer. Sandvik

Every package printer strives to produce packaging of the highest quality for its customers. Aiding in that effort is today’s higher anilox roll line counts. Line counts upwards of 1,000 have given printers the ability to reach realms of quality impossible with older, lower cell count aniloxes. The only drawback to these higher counts is the delicate nature of the anilox cells, which can be easily damaged during cleaning. This is a conundrum printers need to consider and take seriously if they plan on reaping the full rewards attainable through these newer rolls. “Higher count anilox rolls, in response to the need for higher

Much research and development has gone into the design of modern doctor blades and systems, and knowing what is needed is the most important factor in choosing the correct blade. AUTOMATION. SIMPLICITY. PARTNERSHIP. These three elements are important to the converter involved in any aspect of the printing process, and doctor blades are no exception. "Fundamentally, the job of the printing doctor blade has not changed over the years. A doctor blade must remove excess ink from the ink transfer process without causing other problems," said Paul Sharkey, president, FLXON Inc. "What has changed is that more and more printers realize the doctor blade