Smart Converting: SPC for Webs
Although many roll goods manufacturers and converters have attempted to implement statistical process control (SPC) in their production areas, few have been successful. The reasons behind this problem lie with the basic statistical assumptions in the calculation of process capability and the use of Shewhart Control Charts....
Die Options Explained
The wide range of specialty packaging items now being ordered by customers often makes optically registered die-cutting systems the better method for cost-effective and high quality die-cutting. However, new types of dies make it important to reacquaint yourself with your options when using an optically registered die-cutting system....
Web Tension 101
Typically, tension is measured in PLI (pounds per linear inch) in the US. If you know PLI and you want to know total tension applied to the web, multiply PLI times the width of the material in inches. If you know total pounds of tension applied to the web and you want to know PLI, divide the total pounds of tension across the web by the width of the web in inches....
Eliminate Pesky Bubbles
How do bubbles form, and how can we eliminate them? Avoid introducing air into the coating fluid....
Mechanics of Tension Control, Part II
For this basic tutorial in the mechanics of web tension control, tension is defined as the force applied to a continuous web of material in the machine direction....
Extrusion Dies
Due to the intense competition in today's marketplace, extrusion-coating converters face greater challenges than ever....
Lasers Beam
Digital converting is on the verge of widespread adoption in flexible packaging applications due to compact carbon dioxide lasers....
The Rx for RH
Remember the converting problems you had last winter? Reducing them this year might be easier than you think....
Weight Control
The quality and performance of a coated product depend on obtaining the desired coating weight and maintaining its uniformity in all the rolls of manufactured product....
Optimum Release
Successful use of film liners calls for selecting the right release coating....
A Secure Alternative
Micro-optic films have been developed to respond to the ever-diminshing security provided by holograms and DOVIDs....
CMYK=RGB—The Digital Color Revolution
Our printing industry is experiencing rapid changes. Yet the most obvious change that needs to be made has been overlooked for decades....
Mixing It Up
Analyze your mixing process to root out the cause of poor performance....
Just Rolling Along
Optimize production rates and control costs with a rolling ring linear driver system....
Pay Attention to Tension
Our web handling expert reveals the subtle secrets of the slitting/rewinding process....
What's Ahead for Industrial Ink Jet?
What are the best uses for ink jet in an industrial setting? An expert answers questions about the basics of ink jet technology....
Standardizing Anilox Rolls
Streamline your anilox roll inventory to increase your bottom-line profits....
Retrofitting Older Sheeters
A dual rotary knife retrofit on an older sheeter can improve equipment productivity and reduce waste effectively....
Model Behavior
Computer modeling is a relatively new tool converters can use to improve the quality and productivity of coating and drying operations....
Winding Better Rolls
It's not obvious how winding adds value to your product (it does), but it is obvious when it's done poorly....
