Heidelberg

ADI International In-line folder/gluer integrates with any printer/slotter for cost-efficient production. Write 842, Visit www.arcdoyle.com American International Machinery North American supplier of the Signature™ brand of folder/gluers with 24 models in sizes from 24˝ to 57˝. Write 843, Visit www.aim-inc.net B. Bunch Company Offers a wide range of equipment for in-line use with label, tag, and forms presses. Write 844, Visit www.bbunch.com BOBST GROUP Extensive range of folder/gluers produce a great variety of boxes in a wide range of sizes at high production speeds. Write 845, Visit www.bobstgroup.com Brandtjen & Kluge Complete line of automatic folding and gluing equipment for the finishing of

The role of digital printing is starting to take shape in the package-printing industry. by Tom Polischuk, editor-in-chief DIGITAL PRINTING FOR packaging is out of the starting blocks. It's new; it's exciting; it's expensive; and it's here to stay. As with any new technology, some are jumping in and some are watching from the sidelines, waiting to see if it's right for them. Kevin Karstedt, president of Karstedt Associates, a consulting firm for the consumer product and package-printing industries, is in close touch with the movement of digital printing into packaging. He easily rattles off a number of recent installations including a range

Terms define technology, but for package printers, wide-format presses are enabling them to define their industry. by Joy English, Assistant Editor THE PACKAGE-PRINTING industry is filled with numerous terms and definitions, spelling out the processes that form its daily functions. Although these definitions help with understanding and categorization, in the end, it's the equipment that must perform. Today's wide-format presses do this well, providing the converter with everything from ease of operation and increased speeds and widths to customization. Functionality Multifunctionality, especially in regards to press capabilities, is vital to a converter's ability to add value to its customers' printing jobs. And top press

Open-systems workflow solutions are redefining prepress operations for today's package printers. by: Marie Alonso, Prepress editor PACKAGING SERVES THE dual purpose of holding and protecting a product, while effectively presenting and selling the brand. Accordingly, the expectations placed on package printers are very high. Putting today's creative design ideas into practice calls for innovative, flexible solutions. As Heidelberg phrases it, the production process is characterized by seamless workflows, automated handling systems, in-line and off-line coating and finishing, and flexible formats. As workflow solutions move beyond commercial printing into the packaging environment, many companies are jumping on the JDF bandwagon with their automated, integrated

Dunwoody College of Technology proves that matching a color proof to the press isn't purely academic. LAST FALL, DUNWOODY College of Technology instructor Pete Rivard and his students set out on a mission. Armed with a new color halftone proofer, spectrophotometers, and color management (CM) software Rivard set out to prove just how close a proof can match a press—in this case a narrow-web flexo press, running UV inks on pressure-sensitive label and paper stocks. Rivard's experiment is meaningful for a number of reasons. First, he showed that yes, it is possible to define a set of conditions under which a proof can match

Input J Agfa Packaging Solutions The AgfaScan XY-15 Plus is an oversized A3 format CCD flatbed scanner designed for high-productivity scanning. A hand-selected, premium 8,000-element CCD allows the system to achieve a maximum density of 4.1 and resolution of up to 15,000 pixels per inch. Visit www.agfa.com Artwork Systems ArtPro®, PackFlow™, LabelFlow™, FlexoCal™, and Hybrid Screening. System platforms include Macintosh and Windows NT. Support multiple output devices. Visit www.artwork-systems.com J Creo Creo offers everything you need to deliver high-impact packaging: from creative software tools, superior scanners, and scalable production workflow solutions, to proofing options and proven, reliable output devices. Now you can go

Check below for this *Web exclusive* listing of companies supplying such corollary press accessories as temperature control systems, cleaning solutions and equipment, replacement knives, and grinders: AAA Press International Web cleaners, corona treaters, auxiliary dryers, print stations, roll handling devices, tension controls, strobes, slitter assemblies, static neutralizers, rewind tables, platemounters, etc. Visit www.aaapress.com Adheso-Graphics Manufactures and distributes pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes—sticky back, transfer, and D/C—to the printing industry. Visit www.adheso-graphics.com Alliance Knife Straight and circular machine knives for paper converting, graphic arts, business forms, pulp and paper, plastic, rubber, metalworking, and woodworking. Andantex USA Your complete source for high-precision motion control

The integration of digital print into conventional press formats sets the road to the future in comfortable surroundings. by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor AS YET, DIGITAL print isn't installed in an overwhelming number of packaging plants. Suppliers realize, however, that the nature of the market will require the integration of digital techniques in the not-too-distant future, and are preparing accordingly. "The converter is being forced by their customers to advance print capabilities to match market demands," observes Chris Faust, digital sales manager, Chromas Technologies. He identifies the common reason for investing in digital print capability as the pressure to deliver packaging on-demand, with new

Sheetfed offset press manufacturers key in on efficiency, larger formats, and specialty needs, and wave off flexo competition. by Susan Friedman, Editor One of the best competitive edges carton converters can develop these days is the capability to get product out the door faster than the other guys. "Our customers are focusing strictly on productivity," says Bob McKinney, director of marketing for KBA North America, Sheetfed Division. "Converters want to increase margins through efficiency." Sheetfed offset press manufacturers are well aware of this fact, and each is ready with a game plan. "With run length continuing to drop, faster, more accurate makeready with less

Expansion and equipment purchases have readied General Converting, Inc. to provide strong value-added services in 2002. by Susan Friedman, Editor Carton converters and equipment manufacturers alike have steadily touted the need for converters to implement more complete services; develop value-added products; and establish strong market niches in order to avoid commoditization and achieve higher margins. General Converting, Inc. (GCI), based in Bolingbrook, Ill., is more than a textbook example of these carton production strategies at work. In addition to continually building the value of its printing and converting services with new equipment investments, the company has established unique service philosophies to maximize customers'