What's New in Narrow Web
- Published: December 31, 2000, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Machinery, Accessories, Services, Materials
Pinstripper Removes Waste, Lowers Tooling Costs
Comco International, Milford, OH, USA; 513/248-1600; markandy.com
A rotary pinstripping unit for removing die-cutting waste during folding carton production was designed for use with lower-cost magnetic rotary die cylinders. System features an outboard stripper with drillable pins said to pose no danger of damage to the magnetic cylinder. The pinstripper, with adjustable vacuum and delivery units, can be configured onto any of co.'s ProGlide portable, slide-out die cassettes and can be set up entirely off-line. Available for any new or previously purchased ProGlide MSP Multi-Substrate Press.
Thermal Transfer Ribbon Is Opaque and Durable
Sony Chemicals Corp. of America, Mt. Pleasant, PA, USA; 724/696-7500
TR3370 white thermal transfer resin ribbon is said to offer superior smudge and scratch resistance for electronic product ID and coding using traditional printers. Also suited for direct packaging, retail tags, decal signs, and banners. Co. reports ribbon is highly opaque; prints well on silver, black, blue, and clear substrates; is suitable for shrink-wrapping applications; withstands temperature exposure to 270 deg F; and has a backcoating that reduces static and prolongs printhead life.
System Verifies All Common Bar Codes
Web Techniques, Fenton, MO, USA; 636/343-0806; webtechniquesinc.com
Developed as an add-on device for co.'s WT-25LCI roll label rewind machines, this verifier system consists of a bar code scanner/decoder, operator interface control, mounting hardware, and associated connecting devices. The standard scanner/decoder is programmed to read all codes commonly used in commerce and industry, according to mfr.
Color Proofing Material Offers True Matching Capabilities
A.B. Dick Co., Niles, IL, USA; 847/779-1900; abdick.com
DryMatch Proof color proofing material is said to be cost-effective and time-efficient. Dry process material eliminates the need for processors, processing chemicals, toners, and water, co. says. Available in SWOP process colors, spot colors, and special colors.
Gravure Press Is Vibration-Free
ADI International, Matthews, NC, USA; 704/845-1540; arcdoyle.com
Rotogravure press features automatic trolley printing system and sturdy bed plates to ensure a vibration-free press that can handle delicate material, mfr. says. Can reportedly change from one job to another in minutes.
Change-Over Quickly with Slide-On Die Station
Propheteer Intl., Palatine, IL, USA; 847/359-8988; propheteerintl.com
A quick-change die station complements the quick-change print stations on co.'s Ultra UV flexo press. According to mfr., a complete changeover (print and die) on the five-color Ultra 1800 press now can be done in about 15 min; heavy-duty die frames on the Ultra are designed to roll out of the press easily to a transport cart; and the transport cart has a wide base for stability and smooth rolling wheels to transport the heavy die set to the set-up area.
System Speeds Cleanup and Changeover
Conversource, Chesterfield, MO, USA; 636/537-1565
The SpeedWash system mobile cart can be moved from station to station during a color change on Mark Andy 2200, 4150, and 4200 converting systems. Will thoroughly clean the anilox roll, meter roll, and small print station parts in 120 sec, mfr. says. When used in conjunction with disposable ink trays, complete color change will take less than 5 min/station. With the proper cleaning solution, system can be used with water-based, solvent-based, or UV ink systems.
Label Slitting Station Has Quick-Loading Core Chuck
Labelmate LLC, Henderson, NV, USA; 702/435-8535
The heavy-duty Model S-100 tabletop slitting station for label webs up to 6 in. allows narrow labels to be printed several across, then slit and rewound in one easy operation, co. says. Slitting station includes two blades and every-thing needed except labels and rewind label cores. Included is co.'s Cat-2-Chuck rewinder with Quick-Chuck quick-loading core chuck. The rewinder pulls labels through the cutting blades of the S-100 slitter as they feed off the UCAT-1 label unwinder. Co. notes that slitting at speeds to 30 in./sec is possible, and a perfectly smooth cut is assured at any speed with a proprietary blade stabilization system.
Service Program Debuts
Flexo Concepts, Hingham, MA, USA; 781/749-4644; 888/78blade; flexoconcepts.com
A Narrow Web Service Program offers co.'s "TRU-Point" plasteel doctor blade material for process printing cut to size for shipment within 24 hr. Included in the program are blades for Aquaflex, Mark Andy, Webtron, Allied Gear, Zig-Zag, and Comco presses. Other presses may be added upon request.
Modular Press Offers Maximum Flexibility
Matik North America, West Hartford, CT, USA; 860/232-2323; matik.com
The Goebel Combiprint modular, multiprocess web press is for in-line production of p-s labels, wet glue labels, in-mold labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and more. Platform design is said to ensure flexibility and optimum accessibility. Offers offset, flexo, screen, and hot foil stamping, in line and in any configuration. Designed for a working width of 20.5 in.
Print Bar Codes at High Speeds
Sato America Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA; 408/745-1300; satoamerica.com
Industrial tabletop CL408e is said to deliver fast label throughput with a reliable, rugged design that makes it ideal for industrial applications. Allows for data transfer rates to 450 kb/sec and reportedly delivers virtually instantaneous "time to first label out" regardless of changes in label size, text, and/or graphic images between labels. Prints label formats from virtually any Windows- or web-based application.
Adhesives Are FDA-Compliant
Northwest Coatings Corp., Oak Creek, WI, USA; 414/762-3330; northwestcoatings.com
Water-based laminating adhesives are designed to be applied in-line on high-speed equipment. One-part liquid adhesives reportedly provide excellent bonding characteristics on a variety of substrates. Products are FDA-compliant for indirect food applications and are formulated for extremely low odor.
