Show Preview: Heroes Welcome-Labelexpo Americas 2010
- Published: August 01, 2010, By By Claudia Hine, Managing Editor
Superheroes come in many shapes and sizes, especially when they represent myriad technological advances designed to save converters from inefficient or wasteful processes. Coming to the rescue September 14-16 is Labelexpo Americas, which will provide access to some 300+ exhibitors at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, located outside Chicago in Rosemont, IL.
According to Roger Pellow, Labelexpo managing director, “This year's show has a host of new features that reflect the changes and opportunities taking place in our industry. If you want to be successful, profitable, and stay ahead of your competitors, it is essential that you and your team attend this show.”
Calling all Superheroes
PFFC joins Labelexpo with a superhero of our own: Flash Drive-Media Powerhouse. In addition to this sneak peek at the show, which includes a map of the show floor and complete conference program — PFFC will cover more technology advances in our Labelexpo New Product Digest coming in September. During the show, be sure to visit Booth 5625 to meet the staff and pick up our handy Pocket Guide to exhibitors.
Presses Face Off
In Hall F, attendees can compare print quality and performance at Technology Workshops. Four working presses — Nilpeter (HD flexo), EFI-Jetrion (inkjet), HP (liquid toner), and Xeikon (powder toner) — will be set up to produce the same job on identical substrate qualities. Attendees also will learn how to assess new product and market opportunities.
Beyond Labels
Label converters planning to expand will want to visit Hall C, dedicated to growth opportunities such as flexible packaging and medical products. Labelexpo reports more than 26% of label converters in North America also produce flex-pack.
Delta Industrial, Minneapolis, MN, will exhibit in this hall in Booth 3523. Delta will demonstrate two systems: a medical process web converting solution with in-line heat seal packaging and a finishing system for a digitally printed web.
Gather on the Green
Also in Hall C is an area for suppliers to display environmentally friendly products. Learn the latest green initiatives and strategies to help reduce your company's impact on the environment.
Concurrent Conferences
Digital technologies will be explored during the two-day conference, organized in collaboration with the Tag & Label Mfrs. Inst., Gloucester, MA. Organized in three tracks, other session topics will include brand protection, flexible packaging, color management, acquisition strategies, and more. For a complete conference program, see p32.
For an in-depth look at digital printing, Labelexpo's Mike Fairley will chair a three-hour “How To” Masterclass. Industry experts will cover a range of subjects from understanding the importance of digital prepress to off-line finishing.
Technology to the Rescue
In Booth 1539, NewPage Corp. will feature new additions to its OptiPrime family of pressure-sensitive facestocks. OptiPrime Matte and OptiPrime Digital Matte are designed for applications requiring a high-end durable paper, like gloss, but minus the glossy look.
Martin Automatic will debut its MBSC splicer in combination with the STR rewinder in Booth 811. The new combo provides roll automation for label presses at an economical cost.
Domino Amjet will launch the N600 piezo inkjet digital label press in Booth 6523. It offers 1,200 dpi nominal print resolution with a native resolution of 600 dpi and four grayscales operating at 50-75 mpm and using durable ultraviolet (UV) inks.
Mark Andy will bring the P5 and P7 models from its Performance Series of flexo presses to Booth 319. The more than 30 machines installed globally are running premium wine labels, light cartons and packaging, RFID insertions, and unsupported films.
In Booth 6413, Spartanics is offering immediate, on-site, no-cost materials analyses with its mobile Laser Die-Cutting Applications Laboratory for Materials Research. Converters are invited to bring sample materials to learn if they are suitable for laser finishing.
In Booth 5925, Collano Adhesives will show new product lines for wash-off, self-adhesive labels; an adhesive for difficult substrates, such as car tires; and specialty security adhesives.
Flint Group Narrow Web will host the Sixth Annual Narrow Web Print Awards at Booth 840 on September 15 at 4 P.M. The first Force Award, dedicated to entries printed with Flexocure Force UV ink, also will be announced.
AB Graphic Intl. will feature the latest developments in its Omega and Vectra range of label converting and finishing lines at Booth 3226. The lineup will include the Digicon Series 2 with a flatbed screen module, flatbed foil or embossing, and flexo unit for producing wine labels.
Primera Technology will show the FX1200 Digital Label Finishing System in Booth 6547. The off-line production machine accepts up to 12-in. O.D. rolls of printed output for lamination, digital die-cutting, waste matrix removal, slitting, and rewinding.
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Omet will show its new change on the fly system on an X-Flex line at Booth 3123. It allows the insertion and register of new text or graphics while the machine continues to run at full speed.
Label Traxx-Tailored Solutions, Booth 6017, will demonstrate the Digital File Planner, said to dramatically reduce file preparation time for label printers using conventional and digital presses, including the HP Indigo W6000. It enables prepress operators to automatically arrange grouped labels into files or plates for press.
AVT and GMI will present a range of 100% automatic inspection, quality assurance, and remote ink control solutions in Booth 711. An iPrint mobile application enables users to get real time information from the production floor on an iPhone.
In Booth 143, MACtac Printing Solutions will unveil a line of durable films designed for long-term exposure to chemicals and extreme environmental conditions.
Karlville Development, Booth 158, will show the UHS range of slitter/rewinders. They come with an excellent tension control system via AC vector motors with closed loop pulse feedback.
Beta LaserMike will demonstrate its range of LaserSpeed noncontact encoders in Booth 3743. The company says length and speed measurements are captured with better than +0.05% accuracy.
Nilpeter will show five prsses in Booths 3105 and 3205. An eight-color FG-4200 UV flexo machine will run a film package during the event.
BST Pro Mark will illustrate the impact its web guiding and web inspection systems can have on optimizing performance. The new Powerscope 4000 digital video inspection system will be shown in Booth 837.
Prati will introduce its VEGAplus Booklet converting line in Booth 717. The line can produce standard, coupon, flat, curved, and thick booklet labels.
In Booth 1629, Bunting Magnetics will present a magnetic printing cylinder featuring a new spiral formation. This design allows the cylinder to be used for both die-cutting and printing applications.
Meech Static Eliminators, Booth 357, will display its ShearClean noncontact web cleaning system. It is suitable for label printing, converting, food packaging, and pharmaceutical applications.
In Booth 6013, Prism will introduce mobileMIS. This technology allows performance monitoring on mobile phones and browsers.
MPS Systems will show three press lines. The EC and EF presses are designed specifically for short runs; the EXL-packaging press also will be shown in Booth 927.
To navigate the show, see our show floor map on p30. When you're at the show, be sure to visit PFFC at Booth 5625 to pick up our handy Pocket Guide to exhibitors.
