Kennesaw, Ga. August 3, 2023 – Impact Printing, a wholesale printer located in Hayward, CA, recently installed a new Versafire EP with Prinect Digital Front End (DFE) from HEIDELBERG. The new Versafire produces a variety of projects for print brokers and other print facilities including short run booklets and brochures and variable data mailings. For Impact, the Versafire offers better uptime over its previous digital press and an extended banner feeder size of 27.5”, which allows the company to expand the digital offerings for its customers.

“We remind our team that there is a printer on every corner,” said Eric Elder, Production Manager at Impact Printing. “We want to provide a higher level of service and commitment for our customers than our competitors down the road.” The Bay Area printer, who was previously equipped with a digital press of competitive technology, was pleased with its machine’s capabilities but frustrated with its reliability and maintenance costs. “It was affecting our production,” said Elder, “and our ability to meet the expectations our customers have for us, which include 1-2 day turnarounds on digital products.” Deciding to make a change, Impact selected the Versafire EP due to its ability to print with a matte finish and its versatile substrate range up to 24 pt. board. According to Elder, “After seeing the Versafire in action at another location, we were confident in its print quality and our ability to change presses without disrupting our customers.” Additionally, the company chose to add the extended banner feeder option, which means Impact can print substrates up to 27.5” long – giving the company “the opportunity to offer something new” to its customers.  

Running a variety of stocks including coated and uncoated, synthetics up to 18 mil, and board up to 24 pt., Impact has been pleased with the ease in which its operators can switch between substrates on the Versafire. “They can move efficiently between jobs and are able to complete more jobs during a standard workday,” said Elder, “which means we’ve been able to increase our workload digitally.” Since installation late last year, the company has experienced significantly better uptime and less necessary maintenance compared to its previous press – all resulting in higher production speeds. In addition to lower maintenance costs, Elder says the company has saved money thanks to HEIDELBERG’s lower lease and click rates.

Impact, looking to maximize the efficiency and quality of its new Versafire, decided to install the machine with HEIDELBERG’s Prinect DFE. Equipped with the performance for complex variable data applications that other controllers have, Prinect DFE was designed especially with commercial printers in mind – enabling automated and standardized print production for excellent efficiency, greater transparency, and faster job flow. According to Elder, “We love the built-in color management technology of Prinect DFE, but my operators love the ease of being able to set-up and correct multiple jobs at the machine on the fly – ensuring every job prints the way it was intended.” 

While equipped with a variety of HEIDELBERG offset presses, the Versafire is Impact’s first HEIDELBERG digital purchase. The company has been impressed not only with the quality and operator-friendliness of the engine but with the thoroughness of the installation and training process from the HEIDELBERG service technicians. Additionally, Elder said, “Response to maintenance calls is prompt, and the field technicians have all been knowledgeable and great to work with.” 

About Impact Printing

Impact Printing was founded on the belief that high quality services could be made available at a competitive price with timely delivery. Throughout the years, the company has expanded its knowledge and capabilities to meet the demands of the ever-changing technology. Impact Printing’s clients vary from designers to print brokers. Its consistent quality, experience, and service have enabled its customers to rely on Impact Printing as an integral part of their company. Impact Printing is proud to say that its first customer is still one of its customers.

Wausau, WI — Wausau Coated Products Inc., an independent family-owned and operated, leading manufacturer of adhesive-based label products, is excited to announce the launch of Castile Bright Silver Foil – Dual Metal. 

Castile Bright Silver Foil – Dual Metal is similar to our existing Castile Bright Silver Foil with the added benefit of seeing “metal” on both sides of the label. This product is ideal for clear liquids like tequila, vodka, or gin that you can actually see the back of the label through the liquid. It is a perfect option for brands wanting to create a premium, unique look without the added cost of metallic label material. Castile Bright Silver Foil – Dual Metal allows for the use of traditional label materials, coupled with the stunning visual effects of metallic foil, giving your brand that extra shine and sophistication that will make it stand out amongst its competition. You can easily take your creativity to the next level by adding texture to your label designs through embossing, debossing, & stamping. 

Not only is this product visually stunning, but it also provides durability and resistance to moisture and heat, ensuring that your label stays intact and legible even under extreme conditions. 

If you’re looking for a label material that offers a unique and high-end look, Castile Bright Silver – Dual Metal Foil is a must-try. Whether you want to add a touch of glamour to your product or create a sense of luxury, this dual metal foil label material is the perfect choice. 

“The launch of Castile Bright Silver – Dual Metal is another exciting example of Wausau Coated Products innovative approach to expanding the possibilities for pressure sensitive labeling. We are passionate about helping printers and brands create unique packaging,” states, Adam Frey, Director, North American Sales, Wausau Coated Products. “Dual Metal has all the benefits of pressure sensitive labeling with the authentic look of a metal nameplate no matter which side of the label you are viewing.” 

About Wausau Coated Products: 

Wausau Coated Products, Inc. is an independent family owned and operated manufacturing company with distribution facilities located throughout the USA and Mexico as well as distribution channels throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Australia. As a leading manufacturer of adhesive-based products, Wausau Coated is a one-stop resource worldwide for premium quality stocked products and custom engineered constructions to meet customer specific applications and end user needs. For more information on Wausau Coated Products, visit our website: http://www.wausaucoated.com. 

Irvine, Calif., Aug. 3, 2023 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of large-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, has announced that its TrueVIS™ MG Series UV printer/cutters now support “One Pass Multilayer printing,” which allows for three layers of ink to be printed simultaneously. One-Pass Multilayer Printing enhances the capabilities of these next-generation printer/cutters, providing productivity and efficiency advantages when undertaking a variety of jobs, such as printing large window displays, producing large quantities of labels, and other applications.

Existing MG-300 and MG-640 users can add this function free of charge by upgrading their printer/cutter’s firmware (to version 1.60 or higher) and installing the latest version of Roland DG VersaWorks® 6 output software (version 6.18).  

“Our expanded TrueVIS family of printers and printer/cutters, which includes the value-packed MG Series models, offers print professionals a choice of state-of-the-art eco-solvent, resin, and UV devices that combine unsurpassed image quality, color, and ease of use with legendary Roland DG reliability,” said Roland DGA’s UV Printer Product Manager, Jay Roberts. “The addition of One-Pass Multilayer Printing for the MG Series further increases the functionality and efficiency of these advanced, easy-to-use machines, saving users time, effort, and money.”

MG Series printer/cutters are highly versatile, value-packed inkjets that can both print and contour-cut in one smooth, seamless workflow. They use Roland DG’s specially formulated wide-gamut ECO-UV 5 (EUV5) CMYK, Red, Orange, Gloss, White, and Primer inks, which deliver outstanding image quality and vibrant color, while also enabling users to incorporate unique dimensional and textural effects into their prints. They are widely used in the production of labels, decals, packaging, and other design prototypes, large-scale advertising and signboard production, and interior decoration.  

To learn more about One-Pass Multilayer Printing for the TrueVIS MG Series printer/cutters, click here. For more information on Roland DGA Corporation or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com 

About Roland DG Americas

Roland DG Americas serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, trophies, and giftware; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.

North Kingstown, Rhode Island (August 2, 2023)—Toray Plastics (America), Inc., announces that Lisa A. Ahart has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, U.S. Corporate Human Resources at Toray Industries (America), Inc. In this new role, Ahart will manage the consolidation of employee benefits and HR best practices for Toray U.S. Group’s ten companies and will retain her responsibilities for high-level HR and environmental health and safety compliance management at Toray Plastics (America). Ahart most recently served the Toray organization as the Vice President of U.S. Corporate Human Resources and Environment Health and Safety for Toray Plastics (America), Inc. She joined Toray in 2003.

Ahart holds an MS in Labor Relations and Human Resources from the University of Rhode Island and several professional certifications, including SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®), and Empowering People Leader (EPL). She is also a certified DiSC® instructor. Ahart has received two General Manager Awards from Toray Industries, Inc.’s International HR Department.

“We are very pleased with this expansion of Lisa’s responsibilities within the Toray U.S. Group companies,” said Mike Brandmeier, Deputy Chief Representative for Toray Industries (America).  “Lisa brings a tremendous amount of experience and expertise within the HR discipline and will be a strong contributor to the future growth of our organization and our people as we expand our business in the United States.”

 Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a leading manufacturer of polyester, polypropylene, and metallized films and polypropylene and polyethylene foams. The company is committed to environmental, social, and corporate governance. It aims to contribute to society by creating new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products that help address global issues. R&D is focused on developing fossil fuel-free, compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials. The company’s sustainability initiative, launched in 2004, includes operating two solar farms and two cogeneration systems, energy and water conservation, recycling, and zero landfill. For more information about Toray Plastics (America)’s products, contact James Ota, Torayfan® Product Manager, at james.ota.e7@mail.toray or 401-594-5837. Toray Plastics (America), Inc., headquarters is 50 Belver Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7500; telephone 401-294-4511, fax 401-294-3410. Visit the Toray Plastics (America), Inc. website at www.toraytpa.com.

Toray Industries (America), Inc., was established in 1965, eight years after Toray opened its New York City office. Since then, Toray Industries (America) has provided holding company services, consolidated tax payments, technical support, market research, and business support to the Toray Group companies in the United States. For more information about Toray Industries (America), Inc., contact Yuriko Hosogaya, Director, General Administration/Marketing & Communications, at contact.tam.mb@mail.toray or (212) 922-3712.  Toray Industries (America), Inc., is located at 461 Fifth Avenue, 9th floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 697-8150, fax (212) 972-4279. Visit the Toray Industries (America), Inc., website at https://www.toray.us/us/.

Toray Plastics (America), Inc. and Toray Industries (America), Inc., are subsidiaries of the Toray Group, which believes that materials change lives and provide real solutions to world challenges. The Toray Group is the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance films and has annual sales exceeding US$18.4 billion.

Roland DG Enters the Digitally Printed Wallpaper Market and Expands Its Business

Hamamatsu, Japan, Aug. 1, 2023 – Roland DG Corporation (Headquarters: Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan; President, Representative Director: Kohei Tanabe), a global manufacturer and distributor of wide-format inkjet printers for advertising and signage and 3D tools for manufacturing, today announced the acquisition of shares for UAB Dimense print, a subsidiary of UAB VEIKA, a manufacturer and vendor for wallpaper-related products headquartered in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Share Acquisition Background and Objective

Roland DG has set the goal of pioneering the future through “Digital and Co-creation” in the midterm business plan (FY2021-23) which focuses on transforming into a lean and nimble organization and transitioning the business portfolio. This includes examination of growth investments through M&A to establish new core businesses. Roland DG has decided to acquire 50.1% stake in UAB Dimense print, a subsidiary of UAB VEIKA, which excels in chemical technology and offers a unique digital printing embossing solution for wallpaper industries. The digitalization of wallpaper printing has not yet fully penetrated the market, but growing demand for personalization and upcoming market expansion present the perfect opportunity for Roland DG to make its official entry into the market. Furthermore, this embossing technology has great potential as it can bring texture and dimension to various printed applications, such as gypsum molds. Roland DG aims to strengthen the presence in the wallpaper market through the continued development, sales, and support of DIMENSE™ and Ecodeco™, both proprietary technologies of UAB Dimense print. Leveraging UAB VEIKA’s excellent technical capabilities and combining them with Roland DG’s manufacturing expertise and global-scale sales network, Roland DG will drive the development and sales of unique and high-value-added new digital printing solutions, with the goal to further expand the market by capitalizing on these strengths. 

About UAB VEIKA and UAB Dimense print

VEIKA is a family business founded in 1991 in Vilnius, Lithuania by Jakov Etin and it is well known as a producer of a wide range of materials for the wallpaper industry. VEIKA has earned its reputation as a reliable and trusted supplier to partners, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of wallpaper production. After the second generation – Dr. Aleksey Etin, has joined the company in 2007, while recognizing the pivotal role that continuous research and development play in the achieving lasting success, VEIKA has established an impressive range of laboratories dedicated to innovation in inks, polymers and coatings.

Since 2012, their focus has shifted to digital printing, and production began on solvent inkjet printers and PVC wallpaper. Now, with an eye on protecting the environment, the company has gone PVC free, inventing and patenting Ecodeco™, a plasticizer-free base for traditional hot embossed wallpaper production. Their digital solutions also include the DIMENSE™, a cutting-edge wide-format inkjet printer, which has gained high recognition for its unique structure printing capability, environmentally-friendly inks & substrate, and facilitation of original expressive designs in wallpaper printing. Through acquisition of UAB Dimense print shares, Roland DG will gain access to the combined ink and wallpaper related technological capabilities of the company and its parent company, UAB VEIKA.

Message from the President

Kohei Tanabe, Roland DG Corporation President and Representative Director stated:

“I still vividly remember the day I first saw DIMENSE’s wallpaper solution in 2019. Today’s announcement marks a momentous fusion of our mission, “Bringing new opportunities to society through digital technology,” and our purpose, “To Empower Creativity and Excitement Worldwide,” with DIMENSE’s unique and innovative digital embossing printing solution. Throughout the negotiations, I have felt the desire to join forces with them and inspire excitement worldwide. Roland DG has consistently grown through digitalization and market creation. Now, I am honored to move forward together, fostering the market for embossing, including wallpapers, through the acquisition of UAB Dimense print shares.”

Aleksey Etin, UAB VEIKA CEO stated:

“VEIKA and Roland DG have been business partners since 2015. I believe that this joint adventure with Roland DG will be a great opportunity to benefit from the best that the two companies have: Roland DG’s expertise in printer development and distribution capabilities around the world and VEIKA’s know-how in inks and media development. This partnership will allow us to speed up the progress of DIMENSE™ and Ecodeco™ technologies, as well as take them to a new level. It is great honor to be trusted by such an outstanding partner like Roland DG and I am very happy that we have reached this agreement. I believe it will be highly beneficial for everyone, including our valued partners, customers and suppliers.” 

Future Plans

The current business structure will continue for the foreseeable future as both companies work on integration. No changes are planned for our valued clients and suppliers. Details on the timing and method for new product launches will be provided as they are determined.

Impact on Financial Performance

We forecast this acquisition and its related activities having minimal impact on consolidated performance for the current fiscal year.

Roland DG has a long history of combining analog and digital technologies to create new value. Now, the company strives to enter niche markets and draw out the wonderous possibilities hidden within, and by doing so, integrate imagination and creativity with cutting edge technology to deliver revolutionary solutions that meet customer needs.

About Roland DG Corporation

Roland DG Corporation is the world’s leading provider of digital printing solutions. The company’s inkjet printers, printer/cutters and cutting machines are widely used to create a broad range of promotional items including banners, signs, vehicle graphics, stickers, and labels, and to provide customization services for apparel and personal items like smartphone cases. Recently, Roland DG has embarked on a promising new digital transformation frontier with the launch of its cloud-based service called Roland DG Connect which improves customer satisfaction and success by providing a more comfortable and stable operating environment, improved workflow efficiency, increased business development and profitability. The company has also developed proprietary design and print management software which offers an unforgettable creative experience by enabling customers to design their own gifts, apparel, and treasured mementos.

For more information, contact:

Roland DG Corporation

Corporate Division

+81 (0)53-484-1200

E-Mail：rdg-pr@rolanddg.co.jp

Renewed partner agreement creates better service and support for customers

Oak Brook, IL – Maxcess International, a global leader in automated web handling solutions, and Valley Grinding & Manufacturing, an industry leader in the manufacture, sales and service of industrial knives and cutting blades, are pleased to announce a new agreement to leverage their complementary strengths to bring exceptional benefits to their customers in the manufacturing and converting industries.  

The strategic partnership combines Maxcess’ expertise in automated precision web handling technologies with Valley Grinding’s renowned blade sharpening and grinding capabilities. It allows the organizations to provide everything from local aftermarket support and services, such as technical assistance and blade sharpening, to complete state-of-the-art slitting systems and a multitude of services and products in between. Combining the strength of the Maxcess Tidland brand with the exceptional industrial knowledge of Valley Grinding, slitting customers will appreciate the expanded service offerings and opportunities, including blade manufacturing, die sharpening, pickup and delivery and slitting system solutions. The partnership brings a new level of convenience and elevated service to customers in the U.S.

“Combining our passion and people with the extended reach of Maxcess brings a whole new level of service and support to customers,” Valley Grinding President TJ Utschig noted. “And that is only part of the expanded services we can offer. There are opportunities for customer training seminars with the industry’s best subject matter experts, faster turnaround times for repairs and services, and the potential to create new services and slitting solutions. We are excited to see where our partnership with Maxcess and our enhanced offering of Tidland slitting solutions takes us as we expand our ability to rebuild, repair, recondition, retool, and reinvent slitting solutions.”

“We at Maxcess couldn’t be happier to announce this new partnership with Valley Grinding & Manufacturing,” said Rob Stoebick, Regional Vice President of Maxcess Wide Web Solutions. “Both of us can now offer a more complete suite of products with greater convenience and unparalleled support so Valley Grinding and Maxcess customers can work better, faster and smarter.” 

The organizations plan to leverage technical expertise to educate customers on best slitting practices, provide keys to improve productivity and create new sustainable solutions and systems with end-to-end technical support, education, increased operator safety and enhanced customer service options. 

Visit www.Maxcessintl.com or call 1-844-MAXCESS to learn more about our solutions to help you work better, faster, and smarter.

Press Contact: Keith Laakko – Global Vice President, Marketing & Business Development

klaakko@maxcessintl.com

About Maxcess: Maxcess saves you time and money by optimizing your peak output performance. We do this by leveraging the world’s best web handling brands, offering customized, automated, end-to-end sustainable web handling solutions. Maxcess helps its customers maximize productivity through innovative products and services worldwide by combining global service and support across the storied product brands of RotoMetrics, Fife, Tidland, MAGPOWR, Webex, Valley Roller, Componex and Maxcess Vision Systems. Maxcess offers an unrivaled network of application experts and end-to-end web handling solutions to help you work better, faster, and smarter. Visit them online at www.maxcess.com

About Valley Grinding & Manufacturing: Founded in 1987, Valley Grinding is a nationwide blade grinding and manufacturing company headquartered in Little Chute, Wisconsin. Products and services include sharpening and grinding services, knife and blade manufacturing and sales, OEM knives and blades, knife holders and slitting systems, training, and consultations. The company serves a wide range of industries including construction, corrugated, flexible packaging, food, medical, paper, plastics, nonwoven and more. Valley Grinding & Manufacturing proudly places a strong emphasis on diversity in its workplace culture and operates with a mindset to Go Beyond Blades. More information can be found at www.valleygrinding.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department has been re-accredited for another six-year cycle after a unanimous vote by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC). The department has been accredited since the ACCGC’s inception in 1998.  

 “Accreditation is extremely important. The process of going through a self-study and having academic and industry professionals vet your program ensures that what we are teaching to the future leaders of the industry is relevant,” Graphic Communication Department Chair Colleen Twomey said. “Accreditation matters to employers who can be assured that the skills and problem-solving techniques our students are learning enable these graduates to contribute to the industry immediately. This process recognizes that Cal Poly is a top tier school to study graphic communication.” 

 The accrediting process included a self-study — a yearlong examination of curriculum, assessment, laboratory work and faculty research — which was provided to a team of two universities and an industry representative. The team visited campus to observe classes and coursework, speak with students and advisory board members and converse with alumni. Interviews with the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office and the Cal Poly Office of the Provost were also conducted. 

 According to the ACCGC, the purpose of accrediting graphic communication programs is threefold: assuring curricular and instructional relevancy within a system of quality improvement; stimulating the exchange of ideas between academia and industry; and providing internal and external recognition to collegiate programs meeting accreditation standards. 

 The 15 rigorous standards for accreditation and compliance that were reviewed include: 

• Program mission. 

• Learning outcomes. 

• Program and administrative leadership. 

• Financial support. 

• Available equipment and facilities. 

• Support services. 

• Overall curriculum. 

• Teaching quality of faculty. 

• Industry experiences for students. 

• Industry advisory board assistance. 

• Academic preparation of faculty. 

• Faculty evaluation process. 

• Records kept and advisory assistance to students. 

• Career placement services. 

• Diversity, equity and inclusion within the program. 

 Cal Poly is one of eight accredited programs in the United States that offer curricula in graphic communication.  

About Cal Poly Graphic Communication 

Founded in 1946, the Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department represents one of the best-known programs of its kind in the nation. The discipline includes media and mass communication involving the creation, production, management and distribution of advertising, marketing, web sites, books, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, packages and other media in printed and digital form. 

About ACCGC 

ACCGC has a dedicated board of directors comprised of business, industry and academic professionals who share a belief in the value of college-level graphic communications programs. Through the volunteer efforts of the board and many other professionals, ACCGC accreditation helps ensure that associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs meet modern professional standards within a system of continuous improvement. 

Links: 

— Graphic Communication Department: www.grc.calpoly.edu   

— Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications: https://accgc.org/ 

ST. LOUIS, Missouri — July 25, 2023 — TimsonsCPI, the new joint venture between two of the oldest and most respected names in book press manufacture and print, is developing new, upgraded and retrofitted presses to meet the demands of a return to growth in book-publishing with the assistance of Baldwin Technology.

Established in 1896, the Timsons Group has been at the vanguard of printing press design and manufacture

since the 1950s. Its machines set the gold standard for modern book presses. CPI is a leading print service provider in lithographic and digital printing.

The companies joined forces in 2021, following Timsons’ bankruptcy in 2015, during a prolonged downturn in physical book publishing. TimsonsCPI is well positioned to respond to the rebound of printed books and serve the book printers still operating 250 Timsons presses in operation around the world.

According to Booksrated.com, more than 788.7 million copies of printed books were sold in the United States in 2022, more than 100 million copies above the pre-pandemic period – the second-highest sales mark for printed books in the 21st century.

The first project of the TimsonsCPI joint venture is the upgrade and refurbishment to an existing T48 single-unit Royal format press to zero-make-ready. The second project, with Canada-based Friesens, consists of the manufacture and installation of a brand-new press, due for installation in 2024. It will be the first new Timsons press manufactured in more than 10 years.

Friesens is Canada’s premier book, yearbook and packaging manufacturer. Its press will be a completely new version of the Timson T48A, will be equipped with a new operating system and new features and productivity enhancements, including Baldwin’s Impact Fusion blanket-washing system, AMS Spectral LED UV and spray dampening and ribbon-control systems.

“With Baldwin technology we are able to make major improvements in the design, health and safety and productivity,” said Matthew Baldwin, Director, TimsonsCPI. “As the physical book business has returned to growth, publishers will be looking for printers that can provide speed, quality and value; upgrades and new investments will be required for them to remain competitive.”

Baldwin components include:

Impact Fusion CW™ Blanket Wash System

The Impact®Fusion is a fully automated blanket-cleaning system. Its full coldset and heatset capability with a wide choice of consumables offers application flexibility. The system’s shorter cleaning cycles ensure increased production time and less waste. The state-of-the-art wash bar design – which incorporates all vital components in the unit – provides easy installation, tool-free simplicity in handling, convenient cloth removal, precise spray distribution and minimal waste.

LEDUV X0+

With nearly 20 years of LED UV development and the largest install base of large-format high-power LED UV systems worldwide, Baldwin will supply the latest LED UV system for this application. The 100% water-cooled XO+ system uses patented technology and patented optics to ensure an ultra-uniform pure UV light beam to guarantee 100% cure at any speed. The XO+ system includes the ability to switch off LED arrays where there is no substrate or no ink, to offer enhanced energy savings in a compact package 

World 3 Spray Dampening System

The EvenSpray World3 features optimized flow nozzles and a valve design with high-frequency spray cycles, enabling precise water volumes and uniform dampening over the plate cylinder. Moreover, a short reaction time means the required dampening level is quickly reached, leading to a reduced start-up waste. Optimized flow nozzles enhance the accuracy of correct damp level, even at low web speeds.

Ribbon Control System

Ribbon Control with MultiCam delivers precision across the full range of ribbon-control tasks — including everything from cutoff, print-to-cut, print-to-fold and crossover register to the most complex challenges. Its color-to-color and folder registration, combined with the world’s fastest register camera, delivers reduced makeready and improved performance.

“This is an exciting time for book publishing and the entire industry,” said Lee Simmonds, Baldwin’s sales director, UK and Nordic regions. “With TimsonsCPI leading this resurgence we are delighted to partner with them and help them bring added value to their publishing clients.”

More information: https://baldwintech.com/for-printers

ABOUT BALDWIN TECHNOLOGY COMPANY INC.
Baldwin Technology Company Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of innovative process-automation equipment, parts, service and consumables for the printing, packaging, textile, plastic film extrusion and corrugated industries. As a total solutions provider, Baldwin offers our customers a broad range of market-leading technologies, with a focus on improving the economic and environmental efficiency of production processes. Through a global footprint of 21 company-owned locations and an extensive network of partners, our customers are supported globally, regionally and locally by dedicated sales and service team members who add value by forming long-term relationships. For more, visit baldwintech.com.

ABOUT BW FORSYTH PARTNERS
BW Forsyth Partners is the investment arm of multibillion-dollar global manufacturing and engineering consulting firm Barry-Wehmiller. Established in 2009, BW Forsyth Partners blends Barry-Wehmiller’s unparalleled legacy of value creation and people-centric culture development with keen investing experience to help companies realize their true potential. With a focus limited to areas known well, BW Forsyth Partners seeks to partner with leadership teams to acquire small- to middle-market companies in the capital and component equipment, and professional services sectors. In each of our operating companies, BW Forsyth Partners deploys operational improvements and strategy development without compromising the autonomy, strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit of their leadership teams. For more information, visit bwforsyth.com.

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Sign Ink, LLC, located in Ashland, Va., provides wholesale large-format signage solutions, such as banners, cut vinyl, roll decals, wraps, displays, floor and window graphics as well as plastic, wood and metal signage. To meet growing demand for unique, creative and highly technical products, the company recently invested in SEI Laser’s Mercury plotter and FLEXI BLU high-speed laser system. The combination of Mercury and FLEXI BLU provides Sign Ink with a fully automated laser production system. Mercury delivers a large cutting area for diverse substrates, and FLEXI BLU offers precision engraving, etching and other details.

Sign Ink’s previous laser system was underpowered and unable to cut thicker materials and metals, which resulted in lost opportunities and revenue. Known for being innovative and having advanced technologies, Tom Matherly, chief financial officer of Sign Ink, began to research alternative laser systems. In addition to lasers for the printing industry, he investigated large lasers used in manufacturing. These technologies were not engineered or built to meet the speed, flexibility and footprint requirements for a signage manufacturer.

Matherly discovered SEI Laser at the Printing United show. SEI’s equipment is distributed and serviced in North America by Matik, Inc. During his visit to the SEI Laser/Matik booth, Matherly saw a live demonstration of the Mercury wide-format laser cutting and marking machine.

“We didn’t realize that there was a company with laser machines compatible with the sign environment,” says Matherly. “We wanted a machine that could cut and engrave metals, plastics and other materials. We were pleased to see laser equipment engineered to meet our specific needs.”

Faster and more productive than competitive machines, SEI Laser’s Mercury high-speed laser plotter replaces traditional methods for cutting, kiss-cutting, engraving, marking and dot etching. This system is compatible with a wide range of materials. They include acrylic (PMMA) and other plastics, paper and paperboard, textiles, glass, wood, leather, marble, metals, steel and more. Delivering increased throughput and better quality, Mercury offers the flexibility needed to finish signage, displays, POP, LED light guide panels (LGP) and many other products. Mercury is available in various configurations equipped with laser power sources from 150 to 2000 watts and work areas from 61 x 39 inches (1500 by 1000 mm) up to 78.75 by 157.50 inches (2000 by 4000 mm). The 800-watt laser system purchased by Sign Ink also has a sliding table configuration and enclosure that covers the entire bed, which minimizes the footprint as well as concerns for indoor air-quality and safety.

“Our previous laser was unable to cut thicker materials and metals,” says Matherly. “We were forced to turn down jobs because it was unable to cut certain substrates. Engraving on our old system was extremely slow, making it too expensive. As an alternative to engraving, many of our customers had been choosing UV ink and vinyl laminate.”

Sign Ink’s customers prefer the durability of engraving with its rich depth and texture. SEI’s FLEXI BLU galvo laser system delivers precision engraving, dot etching, intricate cutting, marking and other details of diverse substrates. Up to 10 times faster than conventional machines, FLEXI BLU also provides high-speed production of LED LGP for backlight applications.

When the SEI laser systems that Sign Ink purchased were built, Tom and Lisa Matherly traveled to Italy to see the two machines in operation and for preliminary training. There was a half day of learning and practicing with Mercury and another half day with FLEXI BLU.

“The acceptance run-off went extremely well,” says Matherly. “One of the big selling points of the SEI systems is that they are well-constructed. Additionally, SEI has developed a robust, proprietary application for their laser equipment that allows you to do virtually everything in one platform. Our old laser required us to use a graphics program to get a file ready. Then it needed to be sent to the print driver provided by the laser manufacturer, which is an extra step and very inflexible. Some things you couldn’t even do without using other programs.” 

The Mercury and FLEXI BLU laser systems further distinguish Sign Ink in markets that require more creative solutions. As part of this process, the company is researching and identifying the distinct substrates that they will be offering. Once defined, the company will be adding their new product line to the website. These new capabilities will allow Sign Ink to work with many new customers in the high-end design segment.  

To accommodate the new lasers, Sign Ink is adding two bays to the seven bays they already have, increasing capacity significantly. The company also plans to construct a new building soon.

For additional information, a video and article about SEI Laser equipment, and to request a sample kit or virtual demo, visit www.matik.com/wide-format/, call 860-232-2323, or email sales@matik.com.  

Matik, Inc. is the North American distributor of premier European technologies for the printing, packaging, large-format signage, pharmaceutical, textile and other industries. With headquarters in West Hartford, Conn., and several regional sales and service offices in the United States and Canada, Matik offers the widest range of signage, printing, converting and packaging equipment in the industry. Matik also provides experienced parts and service support. www.matik.com