Paper Converting Machine Co. (PCMC)

Thanks to servo and sleeves, today's wide-web presses are a far cry from similar technology produced only a few years ago. THE LAST FIVE years have seen significant innovation in technologies in nearly every arena. The first commercially-available hybrid car was introduced in North America. DVD players were given the capability to record. A camera was added to cell phones—anything and everything that could in some way give consumers extra benefits and capabilities has become the goal of R&D departments, and not just in the car and electronics industries. Wide-web presses have also undergone advances. The shift in technology incorporated in wide-web presses

ADI International In-line folder/gluer integrates with any printer/slotter for cost-efficient production. Write 812, www.arcdoyle.com American Int'l Mach. Supplier of the Signature™ brand of folder/gluers with 24 models in sizes from 24˝ to 57˝. Write 813, Visit www.aim-inc.net B. Bunch Company Offers a wide range of equipment for in-line use with label, tag, and forms presses. Write 814, Visit www.bbunch.com BOBST GROUP Extensive range of folder/gluers produce a great variety of boxes in a wide range of sizes at high production speeds. Write 815, Visit www.bobstgroup.com Brandtjen & Kluge Complete line of automatic folding and gluing equipment

With no gears to wear down or adjust, gearless presses help reduce maintenance in the printing process. PRESS MAINTENANCE IS a four-letter word. It's essential for high-quality printing results, but the more time a printer spends on maintaining the condition of its equipment, the less time it spends printing—meaning lost profits. There may be an answer to the evils of maintenance, however, for those companies willing and able to front a hefty capital investment. Gearless presses, driven by servo-motor technology, hit the market about 10 years ago, boasting such advantages over conventional presses as infinite repeat sizes, easier registration, and improved quality control

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

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

Coating and laminating in-line takes a few imaginative turns. By Susan Friedman For package printers, the basic equation for in-line coating and laminating installations—flexographic printing plus flexible packaging—remains the same. At the same time, though, active "additions" for coating and laminating are on tap: more applications, more accuracy and ease-of-use, and, likely, more creative retrofits. In 1999, in-register cold-seal adhesives received a good deal of in-line application buzz, but now other uses are angling for attention and elbow room. Hans Deamer, senior vice president at Windmoeller & Hoelscher, confirms in-line coating/laminating's continuing importance, and cites additional layers of growth within the flexible packaging arena.