What's New in Narrow Web
- Published: March 01, 2003, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Machinery, Accessories, Services, Materials
High-Strength Ink System Suited for Many Jobs
Arcar Graphics, West Chicago, IL; 630/231-7313; arcar.com
The Ultraforce ink system is described as a high-strength, multi-purpose, water-based flexo ink system created for narrow web converters. It is called ideal for tags and regular and p-s (pressure-sensitive) abels for beverage, personal care, cosmetic, toy, and retail shopping bag applications. Ink's strength also allows printers to operate with finer anilox rollers and achieve crisp, high-definition images, co. says.
Mechanically Stable Adhesives Resist Humidity
National Adhesives, National Starch and Chemical Co., Bridgewater, NJ; 800/797-4492; nationalstarch.com
NACOR 38-503A water-borne, p-s adhesives provide optical clarity and resist water and humidity, co. reports. Formulated for prime label applications and decals, adhesives are suitable for replacing some solvent-borne adhesives, can resist heat and coat well at high line speeds, and are said to be mechanically stable. Recommended for clear film labeling and graphic arts applications. Other reported benefits include good adhesion to low-surface-energy substrates and high performance in a wide range of environmental conditions.
Uncoated Paper Delivers Quality on Digital Press
Eastern Paper Inc., Amherst, MA; 608/256-4540; easternpaper.com
“Inspire” untreated paper is engineered for HP Indigo presses. The paper, said to substantially cut both paper and total print job costs, has been certified by the Rochester Institute of Technology and runs on HP Indigo 1000 and 3000 presses. Mfr. says the paper has more stiffness and body than treated papers of comparable weights. Initially it will be offered in 70# and 80# text weights, with variations to follow. This recycled paper meets the US government standard for 30% post-consumer waste equivalency, mfr. adds.
Vacuum Roll Adjusts to Narrow Widths
Webex Inc., Neenah, WI; 920/729-6666; webexinc.com
Vacuum rolls adjust easily to varying narrow web widths on-line without tools. Adjustable models are available with center, left, or right justified vacuum fields and can be configured for between frame or cantilevered. Rolls also provide web control and support without marking or patterning the web material. A specially engineered double-helix grooved and drilled surface can be specified from 30-180 deg. Available in a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Rotary Forms Cutter Designed for High Volumes
Energy Saving Products, Burlington, CT; 860/675-6443; espcorp.com
ESP703 rotary forms cutter can process pin-fed and pinless forms at speeds to 350 fpm, or more than 1,200 images/hr. It is designed to meet the needs of high-volume continuous form printers, as well as near-line and off-line finishing solutions. Cutter is friction-fed with the use of a simple paper path to allow processing of a wide range of paper weights and styles. Superior cut accuracy reportedly is achieved by the use of an advanced servo-controlled blade system solution.
Shafts Suited for Narrow Web Operations
Convertech Inc., Wharton, NJ; 973/328-1850; convertechinc.com
Lateral motion shafts and chucks reportedly incorporate advanced technological capabilities in diameters of 70 mm and larger. Said to be suited for printing presses, inspection machines, and collators that support light loads and utilize webs of 20 in. and under.
UV Flexo Inks Keep Odor Low
Akzo Nobel Inks, Plymouth, MN; 763/559-5911; aninks.com
Flexocure Gemini low-odor UV flexo ink is designed for printing labels and unsupported materials. Reportedly it offers low odor, good color strength, excellent printability and dot reproduction, good chemical resistance properties, and adhesion to a wide range of materials. It can be used in all narrow and mid-web flexographic print units, with negative and chambered doctor blades, and is suitable for a wide variety of applications, including unsupported films, sleeves, wraparound, and in-mold labels.
Cut-to-Length Unit Improves Efficiency
Chase Machine & Engineering Inc., West Warwick, RI; 401/821-8879; chasemachine.com
Soni-Cut V/H is a modular version of a cut-to-length machine using ultrasonic plunge weld technology. It reportedly offers narrow web converters fast setup and changeover, superior edge sealing gained with ultrasonics, consistent length indexing capability, and maximum affordability. Machine is designed for web widths to 6 in. and intended for speeds to 25 cycles/min.
