Materials
- Published: August 01, 2002
Tobacco Board Offers Quality
International Paper, Memphis, TN; 888/815-4873; ipbleachedboard.com
Starcote premium tobacco board is said to offer consistently high quality in both traditional tobacco board and in Starcote HiBrite, whose structural suitability for round-cornered boxes enables brand differentiation while providing a brighter white without the need for optical brightners.
Nonwoven Offers Superior Uniformity
BBA Filtration/Reemay, Old Hickory, TN; 615/847-7000; reemay.com
Reemay Elite, a premium-grade PET nonwoven, is designed for applications that demand spot-to-spot uniformity such as medical applications; diagnostic devices; and nano, ultra, and micro filtration uses, such as reverse osmosis. In casting applications, product's uniformity is said to result in fewer defects and higher operating yields. Available in weights from 0.5-1 oz/sq yd (17-34 gsm) and in a calendered offering from 0.5-3 oz/sq yd (17-102 gsm). Meets US FDA regulation 21CFR177.1630 for food contact.
Micropellet Foaming Agents in Seven Formulations
Clariant Masterbatches Div., Charlotte, NC; 401/438-4080; clariant.masterbatches.com
Co. is expanding its family of Hydrocerol chemical foaming agents (CFAs) with seven new formulations in micropellet form. New masterbatches are typically in the diameter range of 1.2 mm and will disperse more evenly in the polymer. Designed for use in polyolefins, PVC, and styrenic resin applications, masterbatches include three endothermic, two exothermic, and two endo-exo blends.
PSA Laminating Adhesive Improves Opacity
FLEXcon Co. Inc., Spencer, MA; 508/885-8200; flexcon.com
COLORtape V-12 is a white pigmented, general-purpose, opaque laminating adhesive. Said to be ideal for subsurface printed graphic applications including graphic overlays, nameplates, and decals. Permanent acrylic PSA is laminated to the graphic to improve the degree of opacity. Available in coatweights of 2 mil (TT 200) and 4 mil (TT 400), adhesive is said to eliminate need for additional passes of digital offset or screen inks.
UV Flexo Inks Offer Sharp Images
Uvitec Printing Ink Inc., Lodi, NJ; 800/478-6330; uvitec.com
The 87 Series of UV flexo inks is developed using a proprietary process that results in the inks having outstanding press performance and cured film properties, co. reports. Inks are said to have excellent cell release characteristics and proper viscosity, resulting in clean, sharp images; excellent adhesion to a variety of different substrates; and improved hot stamping quality.
UV, EB Inks Speed Up Printing
Sun Chemical, Northlake, IL; 708/562-0550; sunchemical.com
WetFlex EC flexographic printing process utilizes UniQure inks, co.'s line of wet trapping UV and EB flexo inks. Process is said to eliminate the need for interstation curing while printing multicolor jobs on a nonabsorbent substrate. Printing can be as fast as 1,000 fpm, says co.
Lamination Inks Produce Strong Bonds
Flint Ink, Ann Arbor, MI; 734/622-6000; flintink.com
Sterling lamination inks are a high-performance flexographic system that enables flexible packaging converters to achieve strong bonds on demanding solventless adhesive laminations. Inks are said to produce superior printed results on a wide range of films with very low retained solvents. Reportedly ideal for stand-up pouches, outdoor packaging applications, and food packaging and snack food packaging.
Films Resist Moisture
Klöckner Pentaplast of America Inc., Gordonsville, VA; 540/832-3600; klockner.com
Pentapharm ACLAR SO3 film (PVC/ACLAR/PVC) line is designed for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products requiring outstanding moisture protection and enhanced performance. Films are available in all ACLAR formulations from moderate to ultra-high-moisture barrier.
Synthetic Paper Suited for IML Applications
Yupo Corp. America, Chesapeake, VA; 888/USE-YUPO; yupo.com
IML (in-mold label) synthetic paper is said to help packaging, labeling, and converting professionals improve line speeds, enhance printed graphics, and create a seamless appearance for IML bottles. Paper is said to be “super-smooth,” to allow the reproduction of colorful images, and to resist moisture, chemicals, and scratches for an enduring quality edge.
