Products
- Published: February 01, 2003, By Deborah Donberg, Associate Managing Editor
“Galactic” Family of Slitters Is Available
Macro Engineering & Technology, Mississauga, Ont., Canada; 905/507-3000; macroeng.com
Co. offers Soma slitters, including the “Planet” family. The Pluto (pictured) is the compact unit; Saturn is a larger and faster, general-purpose machine with added features; Venus is designed for slitting very thin films and includes an AC servo drive for the unwind brake; Jupiter is designed for rewinding large slit rolls to 1,000 m (39.4 in.) dia.
Rubber-Covered Rolls Stop Web Wrinkles
Webex Inc., Neenah, WI; 920/729-6666; webexinc.com
Web Spreader idlers are grooved, rubber-covered rolls designed to reduce or eliminate web wrinkling. A variety of rubber elastomers are available with physical properties said to endure strong solvents, excessive heat, and web hardness, mfr. says. Grooving capabilities include web spreading, dewrinkling, nonslip, tracking, air elimination, and more.
Control Static on Bagmakers with Automatic Wicketers
Ion Industrial, Windsor Locks, CT; 860/292-6847; ion.com/industrial
Virtual AC Intelligent static neutralizer is said to provide highly effective, long-range static neutralization on bagmaking machinery where automatic wicketers restrict the placement of ionizing bars. Patented system uses low-voltage cabling to daisy-chain multiple bars to a single power source. Quick-disconnect wiring simplifies installation, maintenance, and replacement, co. notes.
Get Quality Flexo Proofs with Hand-Held Unit
RK Print Coat Instruments, Royston, Herts, U.K.; +44 (0) 1763-852187; rkprint.com
Esiproof sample preparation system is a hand-held precision unit in which an anilox roller, EPDM stereo roller, and doctor blade are fitted to enable user to get high quality flexo proofs up to 1 m long, co. says. All flexo inks, including high-viscosity, UV-curable inks, reportedly can be proofed. System can be fitted with ceramic, laser-engraved rollers from 140-800 cells/linear in. or with mechanically engraved steel (QCH type screen) and chrome-plated anilox rolls.
Lease a Densitometer
GRIPdigital, LaGrange, IL; 708/588-1150; gripdigital.com
Mfr. of Centurfax Digital DotMeter densitometer product line announces a lease program available through graphic arts dealers across North America. Printers or trade service organizations can stretch purchase over 36 months and then buy out the lease for $1 at the end of the lease term.
Dual-Web System Is Slitter Option
Jennerjahn Machine, Matthews, IN; 756/998-2733; jennerjahn.com
JLS-73 slitter/rewinder converts web widths from 24-73 in. A dual-web option, which can double machine's output for many trim-cut applications, is said to process two separate unwind rolls to 30 in. wide at the same time, utilizing just one shaftless unwind stand. Additional center rewind chuck mechanism is added when running dual web.
Inspect for Zero Defects with New System
Futec Europe, Hertfordshire, U.K.; +44 (0) 1442 241700; futec.co.uk
F-Max is a 100% surface inspection system that provides image archiving and data collection. The latest addition to co.'s SubZero (zero defect) range of inspection systems can be configured to spot missing coatings, damaged and scratched surfaces, contamination, streaks, and holes.
Slitter/Rewinder Offers Automated Features
Deacro Industries Ltd., Mississauga, Ont., Canada; 905/564-6566; deacro.com
T18C automatic slitter features a turreted rewind said to provide maximum throughput by allowing off-loading of finished rolls and setup of cores, while the slitter is running. Automated functions include taping to the inside or outside of the web; web cutting; web transfer to cores; and optional auto knife positioning. Other options are available.
Color Management Program Offers Global Solutions
GretagMacbeth, New Windsor, NY; 845/565-7660; 800/622-2384; enterprisecolormanagement.com
Enterprise Color Management (ECM) is a program said to provide color development and management expertise to help global enterprises work more effectively with their supply chains to bring products to market faster and more profitably. Program features four integrated business areas: ECM Measure; ECM Control; ECM Communicate; and ECM Compliance.
Torque-Activated Chuck Is Efficient
Rimor Ltd., Hampshire, U.K.; +44 2392 26406; rimor.co.uk
7500 Series torque-activated chuck incorporates a single cam pin/lug design to create the lift necessary for gripping the core. Feature is said to provide better torque efficiency for gripping and to require very little maintenance. Operation is said to be simple, and there is no physical stop to the cam action, which can rotate 360 deg.
Dotmeter Gives Accurate Readings
Plastotype, Gloucestershire, U.K.; +44 (0) 1594 837474; plastotype.com
FlexoDot is a hand-held dotmeter for measuring flexographic film and plates. Based on the range of CC Dot digital dot meters, it incorporates a patent-pending technique using PosiDot fluid and intense blue LEDs to illuminate the non-dot area. This is said to give the best possible image of the printing surface for accurate readings.
Center Winder Offers Modular Benefits
Elite Cameron, Piscataway, NJ; 732/627-0400; elitecameron.com
Vision center winder is modular in construction and allows a typical change in less than 3 min, with one operator, co. reports, including slit changes, cut cores, roll change, and resetting of machine parameters. Flexibility is achieved through the control system, which utilizes Flex IO. Maximum speed is 500 mpm and overhead web path is said to offer cleanliness and improved inspection.
Slit/Rewind Board at Speeds to 5,000 fpm
Webco Engineering, Westborough, MA; 508/366-7384; webcoeng.com
TDS STD 100-in. board winder trims to 120 in. wide on a 72-in. unwind/rewind diameter. This two-drum surface slitter/rewinder features speeds to 5,000 fpm. With 20-in. drums, a programmable rider roll, and adjustable bowed rolls, it is said to be ideal for heavy materials. Reportedly is easy to operate and maintain.
Screen Accurately in Gravure Printing
Beijing Founder Electronics, Beijing, China; +86 (10) 6298 1440
EagleAGS2.0 is a new version of co.'s software RIP, with screening designed for the gravure market. AGS (Accurate Gravure Screening) is said to include leading-edge technologies for the advanced control of dot shape and screen angle, as well as image enhancement capabilities. Reportedly, this technology can reduce moiré caused by four-color overprinting and provide accurate reproduction of image colors. The 2.0 version includes additional methods of describing screening and dot shapes.
Rheometer Is Easy to Use
Brookfield Engineering Labs, Middleboro, MA; 508/946-6200; brookfieldengineering.com
YR-1 rheometer is described as a simple-to-operate, low-cost alternative to complicated lab rheometers. Featuring push-button operation, unit is designed to be used in the QC lab or on the production floor to measure the yield stress behavior of materials. Test results are displayed as a single yield stress number.
Fast Changeover Printer/Coater
Ghezzi & Annoni S.p.A., Milan, Italy; +39 2 937 574 1; ghezzi-annoni.com
OMW 600/2 water-based flexo printer/coater for self-adhesive tapes allows small/medium runs of printed rolls with fast changeovers, co. says. Has low energy consumption and prints one to four colors. Maximum print width is 630 mm.
Metallizer Works with Redesigned Slitter
Valmet Converting, Bedford, U.K.; +44 123 4852553; valmetconverting.com
New General K Series metallizer is designed to run in conjunction with co.'s Atlas CW800 slitter/rewinder, which has been redesigned to operate successfully with the metallizer. Metallizer offers larger-diameter rolls and high coating speeds to improve output over older machines by up to 50%, co. says. Features extensive soundproofing and Windows NT touchscreen computer console to help minimize downtime in the event of machine failure.
Software Eases Maintenance Tasks
Bosch Rexroth Corp., Hoffman Estates, IL; 847/645-4073; boschrexroth-us.com
WinPRM add-on software for System200 CNC and PLC controllers provides an overview of maintenance intervals, on-line help for maintenance operations, and detailed maintenance documentation. User can utilize existing data with common formats such as HTML, PDF, and AVI files and easily integrate it into the control system, co. says.
Raise Production Rates with Valve Bag Machine
Amplas Inc., Green Bay, WI; 920/496-0525; amplas.com
M790-SVB Dry-Sak valve bag machine, designed for the free flow industry, includes a discreetly formed filling valve without the need for additional material inserts or auxiliary applicators. According to co., product rates climb as high as 50 cpm while capital investment is less than 25% of traditional valve bag production lines. Servo motor drive systems are said to provide accurate film advancement, rapid on-the-fly length adjustments, and precise tension control in the auxiliary section.
Slit, Traverse Wind Nonwoven Materials
Independent Machine Co., Fairfield, NJ; 973/882-0060; independentusa.com
A 14-in.-wide system for slitting and traverse winding hook and loop and other nonwoven material features 16 computerized Smartwinders-2000 modular traverse winding cubes capable of different winding patterns through Smartwinders software. The slitting station and separate two-position unwind are modular and completely separate from the spooling station. Each unwind supports a maximum 48-in.-dia roll and has programmable tension controlled by ultrasonic diameter measurement. Slitter offers speeds to 1,000 fpm and accommodates interchangeable assemblies for reciprocating razor, score, and shear slitting, mfr. reports.
Slit, Rewind with Versatility
Phoenix Machine, Flanders, NJ; 973/691-8029; phoenixmach.com
Model 625C is designed to slit and rewind paper, films, foils, label stock, nonwovens, and laminates efficiently. The duplex, center-surface/center minimum-gap winder is available with lift-out and cantilevered rewind mandrels. AC drive systems offer flexibility and high-speed processing. Standard models process webs to 62 in. wide and rewind rolls to 24-in. dia. Said to be versatile and easy to operate and maintain.
Slit Sealer Aids Poly Bag Operation
CMD Corp., Appleton, WI; 920/380-8239; cmd-corp.com
Model BSS Bubble Slit Seal System is designed for high-speed, high quality poly bagmaking. Used in the formation and sealing of gusseted poly bags, system reportedly is built to exacting standards for rugged, continuous performance and smooth operation. Available in four standard web widths: 51, 63, 80, and 100 in. High-output slit sealer module is said to be capable of reaching high temperatures for fast line speed sealing applications.
Eliminate Static Electricity, Dust Quickly
Exair Corp., Cincinnati, OH; 800/903-9247; exair.com/ssiaj.htm
Stay Set Ion Air Jet delivers a concentrated flow of ionized air to remove dust and other contaminants from a charged surface. Said to be ideal for benchtops, machine mounting, and hard-to-reach spaces that require a focused airstream of static eliminating ions. Minimizes compressed air use by inducing surrounding airflow at a ratio of 5:1. Carries ions to targeted surface, eliminating the charge in less than ½2 sec, says mfr.
Reduce Printing “Hickies” in Sheet Operation
Maxson Automatic Machinery, Westerly, RI; 401/596-0162; maxsonautomatic.com
Pen Mam dust collector sheet-cleaning system was developed to relieve sheeting operators of dust-related blemishes. Suction headers have easily adjustable orifice openings, said to allow operator to vary the suction flow from zero to thousands of cubic fpm. Removing debris after cutting allows more webs to be cut at one time, mfr. reports.
New Line of Slitters Offers Custom Options
Burris Machine Co., Hickory, NC; 828/322-6914; burrismachineco.com
Profit-Master slitters, offered in three models, are said to deliver maximum productivity with minimum operator training. Each is powered by a variable-speed inverter motor and has electric speed controls, adjustable tension, and skew controls. All slitters, in score or shear cut designs, can be customized with various options and upgraded with a full line of add-ons and accessories.
Make Flat Crepe Paper Packages Automatically
Elsner Engineering Works, Hanover, PA; 717/637-5991; elsnereng.com
Model ACR-500 machine is designed to produce retail packages of flat crepe paper automatically at speeds to 50 finished products/min or five 10-count piles/min. Working from a single 39.3-in. (1-m) master roll, machine slits, folds, and stacks finished products. Finished product size is approximately 19.6 × 3.5 in. (500 × 90 mm) flattened. Cut length range is electronically adjustable from 4.9 to 8.2 ft (1.5 to 2.5 m).
Slit, Rewind Fragile Materials
ADI Intl., Matthews, NC; 704/845-1540; arcdoyle.com
Co. offers the Giave RG160 slitter/rewinder designed for fragile materials used in flexible packaging. Features centralized process management and parameter memorization for each job using a PLC and built-in touchscreen.
Coat with Many Different Methods
Werner Mathis AG, Zurich, Switzerland; +41 1 852 50 50; mathisag.com
Labcoater LTE-SM combines a coating table with drying oven for direct and indirect coating of PVC, PU, acrylates, and dispersions. Types of coating include roller knife, floating knife, rubber blanket knife, meyer bars, back coatings, two-side coatings, laminations, etc.
In-Line Slit, Sheet, Stack
Contech, Goddard, KS; 800/961-6449; contech-usa.com
Slitter/sheeter/stacker is automation-engineered to operate in-line and nonstop, fitting perfectly into existing production processes, co. says. Slits and sheets material at high speed and stacks it using a reciprocating-finger-tray stacking station. Stack then is delivered to a conveyor for continuous auto-unload, reportedly working seamlessly with the next operation in the line.
Anilox Protection Program Enhancement
HarperScientific, div. of Harper Corp. of America, Charlotte, NC; 704/588-3371; 866/588-8686; harperimage.com
HarperScientific.com added the new Maxi-Science pH Meter to their line of engineered technologies and printing supplies. According to mfr., the meter is easy to use and care for, as well as waterproof, and easily fits into a pocket.
Ultrasonic Loop Controller Is Noncontact
Waddington Electronics Inc., Cranston, RI; 401/781-3904; waddingtonelectronics.com
Sona-Trol ST-6 ultrasonic loop controller provides true diameter measurements for controlling speed or tension of paper, film, foils, and heavy stock. A sensor head can be mounted from 18-20 ft above the stock and measures changes in distance as small as 0.010 in. for controlling the unwind and rewind tension. Capable of performing up to 100 loop measurements/sec, this noncontact controller prevents stock from dragging on the floor.
Chuck Designed for Safety, Productivity
Goldenrod Corp., Prospect, CT; 203/758-0100; goldrod.com
930 Series safety chuck design, featuring pneumatic open/close operation, is available in flange- and foot-mount styles. Core shaft support and torque transmission system can be operated with an air gun or fully automated by adding simple valving, co. notes. Reported benefits include increased safety and productivity and reduced fatigue.
