Water Ink Technologies

With the use of shrink-sleeve labeling for product decoration growing at a double-digit rate, suppliers of shrink film inks are developing a steady stream of products to carve out a piece of the action. But in addition to the normal adhesion issues that are common with non-porous film applications, shrink inks have several other factors to contend with that make their development more challenging. Some of these issues include distortion (cracking, delamination, etc.), blocking, coefficient of friction (COF), and in food and beverage applications, low odor. Demanding applications Shrink labeling is growing in popularity because it offers brand managers at least two advantages. It

FIRST PLACE Rotocolor, Hayward, Calif. Marilyn Merlot Press: Mark Andy Plates/Screens/Cylinders: DuPont, Flowdrive, Wilson Anilox: Harper Dies: Wilson Substrate: Fasson Ink: Water Ink Technologies SECOND PLACE Collotype Labels, Mile End South, South Australia Stamp of Australia Press: Gallus Plates/Screens: DuPont, Gallus Anilox: Harper Dies: RotoMetrics Substrate: Raflatac Ink: UV Flint Group THIRD PLACE Hammer Packaging, Rochester, N.Y. Peregrine Hill Press: Comco Plates/Cylinders: DuPont, RotoMetrics Dies: Wilson Mfg. Substrate: Raflatac Ink: Wikoff, Sun Chemical, Eckart, Rad-Cure

Specialty inks are just that—special. They can perform a multitude of functions for a package or its contents—from protection to jazzing it up, providing enhanced value in form, function, or both. In discussing this topic with Bob Lorenz, vice president of business development for Sun Chemical, what comes across loud and clear is the excitement that this category can generate, even when looking at the specialty inks that are more functional in nature. Sun Chemical offers a full gamut of specialty inks that can meet virtually any need. One can just imagine a brand manager sitting across from Lorenz as he runs down

LINCOLNTON, N.C.—Early in June the Lincoln Economic Development Association presented Water Ink Technologies, Inc. with the Milestone Award in recognition of Water Ink's twenty-year anniversary. According to Laura Foor, Business Coordinator for the association, "We are pleased to recognize Water Ink Technologies' twenty-year commitment and contribution to the city of Lincolnton and Lincoln County. Over the past twenty years, Water Ink has not only made an economic impact, but the company and its employees have been very active in the civic life of this community." Water Ink Technologies manufactures UV and water-based flexo inks and coatings. Its headquarters are in Lincolnton, NC with nine

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.—Graphics of the Americas and Xplor International today reported that the "who's who" of the document communications and graphic arts industry have already contracted exhibit space for the co-located event with Graphics of the Americas held February 3-5, 2006 in Miami Beach, Florida. Projected to be one of the most successful to date, the combined exhibit is expected to host over 500 exhibiting companies, cover 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and draw over 22,000-plus print providers, technical and creative professionals from around the world. With the addition of Xplor's well-known educational curricula, attendees can also choose from over 200 conference sessions,

ACCEL GRAPHIC SYSTEMS The Sentinel Ink Management System is an electronically-controlled, completely automated cartridge-based ink dispensing system. Write 900, www.accelus.com, Alden & Ott Printing Inks Co. A total ink company, small enough to formulate custom solutions, but large enough to serve the needs of the most demanding industry giants. Write 901, Visit www.aldenottink.com American Water Graphics Ammonia-free flexo inks. Water-based ink systems flexo printing applications. Write 902, Visit www.awg-ink.com ANI Printing Inks Water-based/UV Inks and coatings for the narrow-web, label, and packaging industries. Ink systems include: water-based flexo, UV flexo, UV letterpress, UV offset, UV rotary screen,

Today's packaging needs to sell itself, and metallic inks and metallized paper and films are making that job a little bit easier. IT'S BEEN SAID, "All that glitters is not gold." However, a glittering package can defy that age-old adage. With the help of metallic inks and metallized substrates, a package can pop off the shelf, attracting consumers and leading to sales. In the end, that's money in the brand owner's pocket and repeat business for a package printer. But how important is it really, to add glitz and glamour to a package of razors or a bottle of iced tea? Very, according to

Improved raw materials help spur growth of energy-curable inks. LUCK IS WINNING the lottery with a million-to-one chance, or catching the winning homerun ball in the deciding game of the World Series. But luck rarely has anything to do with success, as is the case with energy-curable inks, which have been increasing in demand thanks to the results of a lot of money, time, and energy spent in R&D. In the last few years, use of ultra-violet (UV) and electron beam (EB) inks has continued to grow with the introduction of new curing technologies, better inks, and lower costs for both. UV inks have

Growth is key to any converter's success, and Weber Marking Systems is flourishing. TAKE ONE CONVERTER, add in Mark Andy presses and accessories from such companies as AAA Press International and RotoMetrics and stir. Sprinkle in a variety of label substrates and inks, and allow to grow. Following such a recipe has proven to be a successful mix for Weber Marking Systems, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. Weber Marking Systems, established in 1932 by Joseph Weber Sr., began with the production of stencils, addressing machines, and hand printers for print-and-apply labeling. But today, it has grown into a multi-faceted label and coding company serving

Recipe for Success - Growth is Key