E-Newsletter

Digital Magazine

Archive

Why Tension?

Why is tensioning such a crucial first step? What are the benefits of a well-tensioned web? What is the right amount of tension for your product? Don’t slack off now...keep reading for these answers and more.

In Defense of Control Freaks

Control freaks, flaunt your obsession! You will be doing yourselves, your companies, and your customers a huge favor.

CAN SPAM Laws & E-Mail

Many members of the converting industry have been following the new CAN SPAM law and its impact on e-mail communications. CAN SPAM covers unsolicited electronic mail messages in which the primary purpose is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service (including content on an Internet Web site operated for commercial purposes).

Evolving Ink Jet Technology

T he concept of forming droplets of liquid in a stream was studied by Lord Kelvin and Lord Rayleigh and other technologists as early as the late 1800s. However, it was not until 1951 that it was patented for the first practical ink jet device based on Rayleigh’s concept.

E-Clips Top 10

Read on to see the materials and products that most captured our readers’ attention last year, based on the click-through response they generated in our E-Clips e-mail newsletter.

On the Move...

News from: Raflatac, Curtis Packaging, Colbert Packaging Corp., PAF, Monadock Paper Mills, Rex Corp., ABB Automatic Technologies, CB Mfg., Print Council, F.L. Smithe Machine Co., Eckart America, Creo, Orion Packaging Systems, Jetrion, Dover Flexo Electronics, and Kurz Transfer Products.

Narrow Web What's New

Narrow web new products from: Axion CodeMaster, Computer Productivity Services, Omet, Tailored Solutions, and Comco.

Reporter Clips

Narrow web news from: Freedonia Group, TLMI, Sato America, MPI Label Systems, MACtac, Printex Packaging Corp., XericWeb Drying Systems, and Appleton.

How to Gain Ground

Last December I wrote an editorial about "Finding Our Footing" and asked readers to share their personal experiences regarding jobs lost to China. It was my second request for this information, leading me to suspect that maybe I was imagining a problem that didn’t exist. Then, one brave soul, followed by a second, stepped forward to tell their stories.

ERPs Tricky for Converters

Most consumers are skeptical when they hear the sales pitch "one size fits all." However within the converting industry, many operations are falling into the one-size-fits-all trap when it’s time to purchase Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP).

Converting Industry News, Part 1

News from: Nordmeccanica, Zip-Pak, Curwood, Adhesives Research, Kodak, Bemis, Michelman, CMM, EnfiPlast, and Ipack-Ima.

Converting Industry News, Part 2

News from: EDANA, FFTA, PCMC, Bobst, CAC, ANI Printing Inks, Presstek, Flex Solutions, Kampf, Ion Industrial, and Cal Poly.

New Products

New products from: RK Print Coat, Kurz Transfer Products, Plastisoft, Lansa, Bobst Group, Papersoft, Maxson Automatic Machinery, Hardy Instruments, and Eagle Technology.

Kodak Acquires Creo

Eastman Kodak has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Creo, a supplier of prepress systems for commercial printers. Kodak will pay approximately $980 million in cash ($16.50 per share) for all the outstanding shares of Creo on a fully diluted basis.

Converters Predict an Improving Economy in 2005

According to a recent survey conducted by CMM Intl., worldwide converting professionals project 2005 will be a year of solid economic growth. The almost 100 converters and converting machinery and materials suppliers polled also expressed opinions on company sales, hiring plans, industry challenges, and the CMM show in an e-mail survey conducted in December 2004.

Gidue Appoints New Distributor for Italy

With the appointment of Fabrizio Decio, GIDUE has named Outsoucing, Gallarte, Italy, a new distributor for Italy.

Centrexpo Announces Changes to Show Line-Up

Centrexpo’s board of directors have decided to discontinue GEC and extend the time interval between Graftalia and Converfelx to reflect the industry’s economic situation. The dates for Graftalia/Converflex are now May 2006 and May 2009.

Interpack 2005 is Larger Than Ever

interpack 2005, the 17th Intl. Trade Fair for Packaging Machinery, Packaging and Confectionery Machinery, has already booked over 2,200 exhibitors from 56 countries, reserving 1.7 million sq. ft. of net exhibit space in 18 halls. Messe Dusseldorf, the show’s organizers, reports the show has never before been so big.

AVT Wins FlexoTech Prize for Innovation

Advanced Vision Technology (AVT) has won the award for innovation in Printing Press/Finishing from the European Flexographic Technical Assn. (EFTA). EFTA presented the award for AVT’s SpectraLink system at the 2004 FlexoTech Intl. Print and Innovations Awards ceremonies in London.

ANI Reports Raw Material Supply Crisis for UV and Water-Based Inks

Based on recent negotiations with its key suppliers, ANI Printing Inks reports a drastic shortage of acrylic acid, one of the key base raw materials used to produce binders for UV and water-based inks. ANI further reports the short affects supply capabilities and prices.

New Report Focuses on Worldwide Nonwovens Industry

The Assn. of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and the European Disposables and Nonwovens Assn. (EDANA) have compiled and published "Worldwide Outlook for the Nonwovens Industry," a report intended to guide manufacturers, suppliers, and converters of nonwovens into the future of the market--expected to grow more than seven percent a year through 2009.

Omron Donates Nearly $1 Million Towards Asian Tsunami Relief

Omron Corp., a leader in automation, sensing, and control technology, will donate 100 million yen (close to $1 million US dollars) through the Japan Community for UNICEF for victims of the Asian tsunami. Local Omron offices and affiliated companies will also offer donations.

Pamarco Will Become Exclusive UK and Ireland Distributor for Rotec

Effective February 1, 2005, Pamarco Global Graphics will become the exclusive distributor in UK and Ireland for Rotec, a member of the Day Intl. Group. Pamarco will sell the full range of Rotec sleeves, Greyback buildup material, and PRC plate cleaning machines.

EMA Opens Up Membership to Non-European Metallizers

Members of the European Metallizers Assn. at the autumn general meeting approved an amendment that will—for the first time—allow paper and film metallizers from outside of Europe to join the association.

Ipex 2006 Adds 6000 sqm to Broaden Reach

To accommodate expanded prepress coverage, Ipex 2006, sponsored by IIR Exhibitions, has secured tenancy of Hall 20 at Birmingham’s NEC.

ASC Announces Call for Papers: Collaborating for Success in the New Economy

The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) announces its Call for Papers for the ASC Spring 2005 Convention and Exposition. The abstract submission deadline is Friday, January 28, 2005.

Frank Romano to Speak at Cal Poly

Frank Romano, a leading authority on the impact of market and technology forces on the graphic communications industry, will provide a public presentation at Cal Poly on January 19, 2005, at 8 p.m. in room 209 of the University Union. He will discuss technology trends influencing printing and publishing markets. The event is free to the public.

Sun Chemical Forms New Business Unit, Sun Chemical Security

Printing ink and organic pigment manufacturer Sun Chemical has formed Sun Chemical Security, a new global business unit that will provide a range of products with incorporated security measures to print packages, documents, and currency. The unit will also market forensic security systems to ensure the authenticity of the products themselves.

Maxcess Offers Training Modules for Fife, Tidland, and MAGPOWR Products

Maxcess Intl. has introduced a new series of "Tech Tips," online training modules intended to teach customers how to conduct routine maintenance and offer better understanding of the theory behind Fife, MAGPOWR, and Tidland products.

Profit for Printers

Full-day seminars sponsored by ANI Printing Inks covered trends in the narrow web market.

Subscribe to PFFC's EClips Newsletter