|
Our links
Featured Sponsors
 |
 |
| If adhesive gets on the rollers when laminating, clean it off before continuing to work. Use a hard rubber eraser or a moistened white Scotchbrite pad to clean the adhesive off a warm roller. Then wipe the roller down with a clean cloth and some glass cleaner. |
| Click to share your top tip |
 |
 |
"As an individual who undertakes to live by borrowing, soon finds his original means devoured by interest, and next no one left to borrow from - so must it be with a government."
- Abraham Lincoln - |
 |
|
25 years ago in 1983...
Personal computers were all the rage, with 64k RAM and a 290 disk capable of word processing and playing chess.
A 750ml bottle of Bundaberg Rum cost $9.79.
Children could earn pocket money by collecting and selling aluminium cans to recyclers for 60 cents a kilo.
|
|
| This week at Printers Post: |
|
|
| |
 |
Converting and finishing solutions on show at Heidelberg Open House
|
Heidelberg Australia and New Zealand (HAN) will hold a two-day Converting and Finishing Open House its Melbourne Print Media Academy on October 15-16, 2008.
In line with the company’s global commitment and investment in the packaging sector, HAN intends to show packaging printers and
|
 | converters a selection of finishing equipment including die cutting and box gluing relevant to carton manufacturing. On show will be the Varimatrix 105CS automatic die cutter, Easygluer 100 carton folder-gluer and the GATF award-winning Polar PACE cutting system recently seen at drupa (see full story below).
Conceived as a flexible machine solution, the Varimatrix (pictured above) represents an economical way to enter professional die-cutting and embossing as it is ideally suited to running the smallest orders. Its variable chase can take different cutting die sizes, and it is even possible to re-use the existing die-cutting tools, thus assuring maximum flexibility. The menu-driven touch screen makes the Varimatrix 105CS comfortable to operate and paves the user’s way to economy die cutting at an excellent price/performance ratio.
Easygluer 100 is Heidelberg’s latest addition to the existing ECO 80 and ECO 105 models, rounding off the company’s offering for customers wishing to move into professional folder carton gluing. A wide range of high quality products from straightline folding cartons, lockbottom cartons and folding cartons with lids to 4- and 6-corner collapsible cartons can be produced with maximum productivity. The lockbottom module can also be equipped with fixed folding elements for special cartons or a CD cover device.
The Converting and Finishing Open House will be of interest to commercial and industrial printers who are considering bringing finishing operations in-house or upgrading their capacity in the finishing area. The event is a great opportunity to meet Heidelberg’s packaging product experts, as well as to see its highly automated carton manufacturing solutions in action.
| |
 |
New signature measuring device makes Primera even easier to operate
|
Operators of the new Primera saddle stitcher family from Müller Martini will find their job even easier in the future. The automatic signature measuring device that now comes with the Primera 130 and Primera 140 saddle stitchers ensures fast set up and short makeready times. Recording the job size data is much simpler and accomplished in next to no time.
|
 | The operator places the signature against the stop and moves the measuring head so that the measuring device, which is designed according to ergonomic principles, can read in the spine length, signature width and thickness of the product to be stitched. After every measuring operation the values are automatically shown in millimetres on the display. These can then be acknowledged or altered and saved.
Reliable feeders on Primera 130 and Primera 140 saddle stitchers guide the signatures extremely efficiently due to the four gripper principle and are quickly ready via the set-up wizard. They’re mounted on a solid, vibration reduced universal base, can be arranged in any order and are movable within a very short time. The flat pile feeder processes all signature types with low folio, high folio and without lap. The feeder and gathering chain are automatically synchronised. Before the start of production the optimum coupling position of the feeders is calculated via the sizes entered. They are automatically engaged in the calculated position and in the preset timing ratio via a pneumatic coupling.
The operating concept of the Primera 130 and Primera 140 models has been created in accordance with the most recent ergonomic guidelines. The operating units and central touchscreen operation provide a high level of comfort. Operation is very conveniently arranged and simply structured. This means the units can be changed over quickly and in a short time reach high net outputs.
| |
 |
The eMax feeder (right) can either be attached as an integrated system to the MK6 inserter or run as a standalone unit.
Australian mail handling and inserting systems now represented in NZ
BFH Services Ltd, specialist New Zealand supplier of equipment for continuous forms and mail processing, is now the local agent for Milcon Pty Ltd. The Australian-based company manufactures mail handling and inserting equipment with customers in every state of Australia and an installation base of over 60 intelligent and non intelligent mailing systems.
Founded in 1990 by Andy Mills to offer maintenance and rebuilding services for paper folding machines, the business soon branched out into the acquisition and rebuilding of swing arm style inserters. In 1998 in response to customers’ requests for reliable, robust, low maintenance and cost-effective inline folding solutions, Milcon started development of the eMax intelligent sheet folding system.
The eMax is designed for standalone operation with fixed count or barcode controlled modes, or integrated to any swing-arm inserter with collation track extension, such as the Mk6 inserter. Control buttons are conveniently located in two positions on the envelope table allowing the operator to start the system without having to physically start the feeder unit in a separate process.
The Mk6 is also manufactured by Milcon in Australia using a mechanically built base supplied by Kalmar Mailpro AB. Milcon is the sole dealer in the Asia-Pacific region for Kalmar, the Swedish manufacturer of versatile mail inserters that are installed at over 150 production sites worldwide. The machines can insert anything from stamps to thick books and CDs with or without intelligent support.
In addition to hardware development, Milcon also develops software to control the hardware functions. As such Milcon has its own proprietary barcode structures which are used predominantly by corporate in-house operations and mail house customers who like to maintain unique control of their document sets.
Dale Lupi, managing director of BFH Services Ltd, says the fact that Milcon equipment is designed and manufactured in Australia gives an advantage to New Zealand customers as the parts supplier and factory backup support are only a few hours away. He is planning to visit Milcon later this year to undergo training on all its equipment. “This training will insure there is a factory trained technician in New Zealand for installations and back up service,” he observed.
| |
 |
PACE leads the running for globally respected technology award
|
For the second time since 1999 Polar has been awarded the hotly sought-after PIA/GATF InterTech Technology Award. Nine years ago Polar gained the trophy for its Compucut system for linking-up prepress. This time, the future-oriented PACE automation process of Polar’s cutting systems impressed the judges.
For over 20 years, Polar has been producing complex cutting systems that are now used in many plants worldwide. Such semi- or fully-automated processes are of increasing importance in the finishing process, especially for industrialised
|
 | nations. Since 2002, the Hofheim-based company has been offering the so-called PACE systems that meet these demands. The word ‘PACE’ stands for ‘Polar Automation for Cutting Efficiency’.
Using the Autoturn turning gripper the PACE system positions reams on the rear table and aligns them which makes it capable of performing, for example, a four-side trim fully automatically. The removal of cutting waste is also done automatically. In this way, the system either saves one operator on the conventional two-man operation or it doubles the efficiency of a system operated by one single person. The jogging process can be carried out without any operator by integrating the fully automated Autojog jogging system into a cutting system.
More and more customers are realising the excellent added value provided by automated installations. The rule applies: the larger the formats and the less number of labels cut from the sheets, the more attractive it is to invest in a PACE system. Polar's PACE systems provide highly-efficient and innovative solutions for both printed and unprinted materials, which means an enormous potential for saving personnel costs while increasing productivity.
| |
 |
Building on proven technology, the GBC 7580 is the perfect choice for medium to high volume finishing environments.
A workhorse with added horsepower to handle heavy workloads
Now available in Australia is GBC’s powerful commercial 7580 celloglazer, which was released at drupa. The new machine represents a huge advancement on the successful Voyager series. Its well-engineered design integrates a state-of-the-art Mabeg feeder and a pneumatically controlled separator to move sheets through the finishing process with precision and efficiency for accurate, efficient workflow and consistent results.
New features include a superior heater design to maintain roller temperature and optimum adhesion even on long runs using a variety of commercial thermal films. Large diameter nip, pull and snap rollers provide better web control to produce flat, wrinkle-free output, even with lightweight stock. An adjustable decurling bar also assists in the production of flat sheet output. With the user-friendly electronic control panel, a single operator can control all major functions.
The extra sturdy design of the GBC 7580 includes extra thick, stabilising side frames to accommodate the rigours of demanding daily production. In addition, the laminator features a 5.5 horsepower drive with a SEW Eurodrive inverter, motor and gearbox to handle the heavy workloads of today’s professional finishers.
The GBC 7580 is the perfect choice for quality and value in medium to high volume environments for finishing of book covers, folders, brochures and bags. Operating at speeds up to 60 metres per minute, the GBC 7580 can accommodate sheet sizes from 216 x 280mm up to 812 x 1020mm. It runs GBC’s high speed commercial films including Digital Lay-Flat, Lay-Flat, Scuff-Free, Hi-Tac, HBS and ‘Green Film’.
| |
 |
The professional trade appearance of the Gämmerler stand at drupa 2008 coupled with the right portfolio proved a winner.
Finishing lines attract high interest at drupa
For Gämmerler the first drupa under new management has been very positive. The high number of visitors on the company’s booth and the quality of discussions were a striking feature of this exhibition. Purchasing contracts of several million euros were announced on site and subsequently numerous other projects initiated at the exhibition have been concluded successfully. The main bulk of the visitors came from commercial printing, but Gämmerler's newspaper and bindery exhibits also attracted attention.
“During discussions with visitors it became evident that Gämmerler products meet the current needs of the printing industry exactly. Not only did our finishing lines and exhibits create high interest, but also the whole trade fair appearance was well received and reflected the high importance Gämmerler is attaching to quality and innovation,” remarked Paul Semrau, director sales and marketing.
Particular interest was shown in the new bumpturn EM 140. Due to its 45° technique, it is able to optimally convert kinetic energy and therefore allows smooth operation, even at high speed and with various copy formats. Customers were also impressed by the easy and safe accessibility of the rotary trimmer RS 164, in which the latest double-knife cutting technology eliminates shingle nick.
The compensated stacking area was represented by the newspaper compensating stacker ZL 810, the most important feature of which is its high flexibility. The possibility of processing high or low page count products by means of a separating shovel or finger makes this machine unique and offers the customer a great advantage.
Many visitors to the booth availed themselves of the opportunity to learn about the LS 500 logistic system which was demonstrated at drupa 2008 for the first time. This system offers an increase in productivity due to a central control system and monitoring of the entire post-press area, including precise copy tracking, analyses of waste volumes and numerous other functions that afford a considerable improvement potential.
| |
 |
Dimension 1’s dedicated board sheeter (left) and paper sheeter (right) are now fully operational at its Smithfield plant.
A new dimension in in-house sheeting
NSW-based Dimension 1 is now set up for sheeting in-house, with the commissioning of two Marquip top-of-the-line sheeting systems earlier in the year. This follows the purchase of sheeting services company, Southern Cross Converting, in June last year. Since then Dimension 1 has moved the sheeting operation to its Smithfield plant.
Featuring dual rotary knives, the sheeting machines are believed to be the first such machines in NSW. Twin knife technology provides the super clean and accurate cuts required by today’s offset presses. The dedicated paper sheeter has four unwind stands, while the board sheeter has two unwind stands.
The sheeting systems also feature three bar rotary decurlers, four web guide aligners, four tension controllers and an ink pad marking system. Each sheeting system has a dedicated A3 size label printer to provide large size labels for each pallet of converted sheets. Sheet length capability ranges from a minimum of 280mm to a maximum of 2080mm and sheet width of 1650mm down to 430mm. Accuracy is an impressive + 0.38mm.
“We chose the Marquip machine because it is not only the latest design but also for the superior quality it offers,” says Ashley Goldsbrough, director, Dimension 1. “We can now produce extremely accurate sheets that are of mill quality. It also means that customers, who are importing paper or board already cut to size, are able to reduce their stock sheet levels and cut to order.”
Together with the sheeting systems, Dimension 1 has installed an automated pallet handling and wrapping system. Its current reel handling and wrapping system has also been upgraded. In addition, as part of the plant-wide upgrade, Dimension 1 has recently completed the construction of an air-conditioned clean room to house the company’s film slitting section.
| |
 |
Silvercoat ink process helps science fiction artists show their talent
|
Ciba Corporation subsidiary MetalFX Technology is the design and printing medium of choice for designers at ImagineFX, a UK magazine targeting science fiction and digital artists. A recent ImagineFX issue featured front and back covers prepared using the MetalFX Technology process printed with MetalFX Silvercoat ink. The universal process and spot metallic colour system allows millions of metallic colours to be printed, all by adding only the one base silver ink to the usual CMYK mix.
Each issue of ImagineFX contains an eclectic mixture of in-depth work-shops from the world's best artists,
|
 | galleries and interviews, features, community news, software and hardware reviews, and the latest sci-fi and fantasy films and comics. In the July 2008 issue, guest artists H. R. Giger and Syd Mead are featured for their illustration style. According to the publisher, MetalFX was used to improve the impact of the publication on newsstands, and to increase potential sales.
Rob Carney, ImagineFX editor, commented, "What better way to showcase two of the world's leading sci-fi artists than by enriching their artwork using MetalFX inks. The production process was simple and the results absolutely stunning. By integrating the MetalFX process into our covers, we have definitely created the wow-factor." Paul Tysall, ImagineFX art editor added: "The huge creative potential provided by the MetalFX process provides more colour, subtlety and control of metallic ink – perfect for our July covers.”
| |
 |
The Spartanics Smart Laminator - Die Cut System requires only one single lightly trained operator.
Smart system cuts waste and labour costs
Converters and plastics printers handling applications involving expensive core stocks or similarly high-priced laminate films can now significantly cut material waste costs by equipping with the newly released Spartanics Smart Laminator - Die Cut System. State-of-art machine intelligence tightly synchronises roll lamination and die cutting operations, eliminating typical causes of stock and laminate production waste.
The smart sensors provide several production line advantages among which is the elimination of core sheet waste. If sheet misfeeds, improper laminating or film splices are detected the system automatically stops so that corrective measures can be taken. The Smart start and stop lamination controls and sensors for missing sheets or film splices further minimise wasted overlaminate. The system also detects low laminate film supply or broken laminate rolls and automatically stops thus minimising downtime from laminator fault conditions.
Tom O’Hara, Spartanics president, comments, “Cutting material waste costs is often one of the best ways to boost the bottom line for the growing number of converters that are using expensive overlaminate materials and high-priced substrates. Now we have taken Spartanics optically-registered die cutting technology that provides unsurpassed registration precision accuracy and married it to smart controls for laminator and sheet feeder inputs to the die cut system. Because the Spartanics Smart Laminator - Die Cut System can be operated by one single lightly trained operator it also helps converters cut labour costs or redeploy workers to other production line duties.”
| |
.jpg) |
UV systems manufacturer scores certificate for sparing use of energy
|
At drupa 2008, the German trade association for printing and paper processing, BGDP, awarded the IST Metz group’s new BLK-5 UV system (pictured right) a certificate for ‘energy-minimised UV printing’.
The energy-efficient BLK-5 UV system was developed specifically for applications in web printing in which high process speeds often
|
 | have to be achieved. It uses the available energy very sparingly, yet still achieves a high drying performance. Its increased efficiency means that instead of the equipment previously required for a machine (three type BLK-2 UV units at 200 W/cm), two of the new BLK-5 type of unit at 180 W/cm are sufficient to achieve the same drying results.
There has to be a reduction in energy consumption of at least 30 per cent for approval for the trade association's test symbol. The new UV system from IST Metz actually exceeds this requirement, as managing director Dirk Jägers explained during the official presentation at drupa. The BGDP examination had found an increase in efficiency of 40 per cent. The reduced energy consumption of the UV system also represents a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
| | |
Printer Friendly
Email a friend about this newsletter ?
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
