What's New in Narrow Web
- Published: May 01, 2001, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Thermal Transfer Ribbons Safe for Toy Labels
Sony Chemicals Corp. of America, Mt. Pleasant, PA; 724/696-7500
A line of thermal transfer ribbons reportedly meets the stringent requirements of toy labeling applications. Wax, wax/resin, and resin ribbons are approved for use in all toy labeling applications and are said to be ideal for product safety label instructions, lot codes, and inventory and pricing labels. Said to print on a wide range of materials including PS, polyester, cellophane, and paper, and meet strict government regulations for toxicity, irritants, and flammability.
Synthetic Material Resists Many Hazards
Russell-Field Paper Co. Inc., Bellwood, IL; 708/544-6123; 800/737-2737
DuraTherm coated synthetic generates exceptionally durable and crisp images on a variety of direct thermal printers, co. says. Single-ply film is available through co.'s RF Xpress Roll Program in weights of 3.2 mils; other weights are in development. Coating is said to resist water, chemicals, mars, scuffs, and UV rays.
Film Liner Helps Keep Labels “On Track”
FLEXcon Co. Inc., Spencer, MA; ph: 508/885-8200; flexcon.com
TRACrite 150 film liner can be used on a product construction that requires tight registration using a film liner. This 1.5-mil product reportedly is ideal for primary and secondary packaging labels and offers the traditional benefits associated with a polyester liner (an excellent die-cut base for flexible substrates, superior wetout, etc.) along with improved tracking. Co. reports this means fewer web breaks, reduced waste, and improved press efficiencies.
Slitting/Winding System Cuts Downtime
Independent Machine Co., Fairfield, NJ; 973/882-0060; independentusa.com
The 15-in.-wide Smartwinders system slits and spools what are said to be exceptionally long lengths of labels, papers, films laminates and foams. According to mfr., spools effectively eliminate production and machine downtime caused by constant roll changeovers/splicing of conventional pads/pancakes in downstream processes. System features an auto edge guided unwind, slitter, and computerized six-position traverse winding modules. Cantilevered unwind has programmable tension control and end-of-roll detector. Slitter has entry and exit “S” wrap pull rolls with adjustable “draw” control; IMC interchangeable slitting assemblies for shear, score, and razor slitting; vacuum edge trim removal; and auxiliary winder to take up extra-width product not slit and spooled.
Opaque OPP Label Films Have Hiding Power
Dunsirn Industries, Neenah, WI; 920/725-3814; dusirn.com
Two white, opaque OPP label films, designated 240 WTL and 240 WTML, offer superior stiffness, opacity, and moisture resistance, according to co. This added stiffness is said to provide outstanding hiding power, concealing the ribs on food and beverage cans, as well as the ridges or corrugations on hot-fill PET bottles. Films are designed for use in a lamination as a base ply, and both are compatible with roll-fed labeling equipment.
Polyimide Films Resist Harsh Conditions
Avery Dennison, Painesville, OH; 440/358-4936; averydennison.com
Fasson polyimide films are suited for extreme durable applications such as circuit boards and electronic component labeling. Co. reports that films resist temperatures to 500 deg F, resist harsh solvents, and are able to withstand harsh manufacturing processes. Available in both 1- and 2-mil thicknesses and white and matte tan colors, films offer a permanent acrylic adhesive. Can be used with thermal transfer, flexo, dot matrix, or laser printing.
Ink Jet Printer Marks with Quality
Diagraph Corp., St. Louis, MO; 314/739-1221
The I.V./700 NP ink jet printer is for marking on nonporous surfaces such as films, plastics, and coated corrugated. Compact, single-line ink jet solution combines quick setup and ease of operation with value, says mfr. Patented Integrated Valve (I.V.) printhead technology reportedly allows printer to deliver a consistent, high quality mark. Controlled through keypad, each dot size can be fine-tuned for clarity, readability, and maximum ink economy. Printhead is repositionable and is independent of the controller so it can be oriented for top, side, or inclined printing.
Hot Foil Stamping Units Are Highly Functional
Griffin-Rutgers Corp., Ronkonkoma, NY; 631/981-4141
Metronic hpdPRINT Series hot foil stamping units reportedly are designed for continuous daily use, high functionality, optimum reliability, and easy integration/installation with f/f/s machines, labeling systems, and packaging machines. The miniature, modular, compact, and cassette hot foil stamping units are said to provide high quality, exact print images on almost all types of materials. All prints are immediately abrasion- and smudge-proof and resist all environmental influences, says co. The color pigments used are recognized as safe and emission-free. The units feature infinitely variable controls; simple feeding of the stamping foil; electronic temperature control; adjustable time delay; impulse stop; and a secure clich locking system. Many options and accessories are available.
