Jan Westerheim

The wide range of substrates and ink systems being used makes corona treatment a key tool for package printers. by Tom Polischuk PACKAGE PRINTERS ARE dealing with a multitude of market conditions that have them pushing the envelope when it comes to the materials they run. Because of the need to hold onto business, replace lost business, or grow sources of new business, package printers are routinely running a wider variety of substrates, along with new inking systems. This includes a continuing trend toward the use of film substrates (including thinner gauge films and conductive foils) and new inks such as UV and water-based

Flexibility—via stretches in compatibility and power—is the most sought-after surface treatment. by Susan Friedman How physically fit is surface treating technology? Package printers continue to find out, as suppliers heed the push to achieve higher power, higher treatment levels, and increased configuration flexibility. Jeff Opad, V.P. of sales and marketing at Pillar Technologies, confirms converters' demand for a flexible corona treating approach—particularly in the form of "convertible" or "universal" systems—solidly outweighs extruders' demand. Marc Nolan, sales manager at Sherman Treaters, views the convertible unit—one that affords transitioning between a bare roll and a covered roll system—as a practical system for converters having to deal