LED inspection-strobe line now in wider formats
Unilux, maker of stroboscopic inspection lights for the printing and converting industries, will introduce the LED 2X2, a compact unit available with flood or spot capability, and the LED 15X2 and LED 20X2, a pair of new units that extend the capability of the LED 10X2, at next month’s Labelexpo Americas 2010. LEDs’ softer light eliminates the need for operators to dial down inspection-light intensity or use frosted glass to avoid harsh reflections when working with foils, metalized substrates and other labels or packaging with highly reflective coatings on high-speed lines. Combining the lights with specific reflector designs provides even illumination across the entire web surface. www.unilux.com/
Carbon-fiber bridge mandrel adapters fit flexo presses
The flexible-packaging industry can now get NimCor replacement carbon-fiber bridge mandrel adapters for sleeve-style presses without enduring the long lead times and premium pricing common with offshore press OEMs. NimCor adapters are produced in-house using the highest quality carbon fiber and engineered to meet the exacting demands of today’s high-speed flexographic presses. Worn or damaged bridge-mandrel adapters can also be refurbished to “like-new” condition at significant cost savings versus purchasing new bridge mandrel adaptors. Refurbishing includes resurfacing the body and replacing worn stainless-steel inner rings and critical components for maintaining TIR. www.nimcor.com
Water-washable flexo plates available in digital version
Flint Group Flexographic Products’ new digital version of its nyloflex Sprint water-washable, flexo-printing plate is designed to meet the high-quality requirements of the narrow- and the mid-web market. Sprint Digital offers high resistance to UV inks and UV varnishes and capability to print fine elements up to 150 lpi. Due to excellent ink-transfer characteristics and low dot gain, Sprint Digital shows outstanding performance in halftone printing, says co. Washout of Sprint Digital is with simple tap water and does not requires any additives or solvents. www.flintgrp.com
Water-borne matte coating boosts packaging shelf appeal
Whether seeking to increase a product’s shelf appeal or simply increase scuff resistance, Mica Corp.’s water-borne matte coating for films can take packaging to a new level, says co. Applied by most typical printing and coating operations, T-605-C is a single-pass, two-part, aqueous, matte coating that can be used on most plastic film. It withstands heat-seal temperatures up to 350 deg F. When properly applied, the coating is scuff-resistant, heat-resistant (above 250 deg F) and has a 60-deg gloss of about 10 units. www.mica-corp.com
Automatic core cutter increases converting productivity
Appleton Mfg. Division’s A301 core cutter reportedly boosts productivity during tough economic times. The powered core pusher combined with programmable PLC eliminates the need for full-time operator attention. Operators can simply enter the length and quantity of cuts, load the core and press start. The machine will automatically cut cores while the operator is free to perform other duties. Its versatility means that you can achieve even greater output in less time by adding automation features such as Auto Loading, or Parent and Cut Core Handling. www.appletonmfg.com
Microsphere adhesive provides for repositionable PSAs
Franklin Adhesives & Polymers will launch Micronax Microsphere adhesives (for repositionable pressure-sensitive products) at Labelexpo Americas 2010. Micronax fits numerous applications such as product decoration, wall graphics, temporary signage, repositionable notes, advertising pieces, arts and crafts and food packaging. Franklin will also debut two environmentally-safe adhesives technologies: Covinax APE-free permanent PSAs; and Acrynax acrylic polymer hot- melt PSAs (an alternative to solvent-based adhesives). www.franklinadhesives.com
