ICE forecast

Thanks to a late flurry of new exhibiting companies signing up, next month's ICE 2007 will be “the largest ever dedicated European based trade show for the converting industry”, according to event director Michael Boyle. More than 250 manufacturers and suppliers from 15 different countries have confirmed participation, he reports. “New exhibitors are still signing up on a daily basis,” he says. “The level of enthusiasm being expressed in the show is not only promising as far as visitors to ICE are concerned, but also underlines an upbeat mood of optimism across the industry. Europe is getting ready for ICE.”

The range and variety of exhibitors can be seen from the following selection.

The “most versatile CO₂ laser system for labels on a bobbin” will be displayed by AM. The PapeR-r2r allows “one-step performance” of complex kiss cutting and cutting geometries, marking, progressive codification, microperforation and perforation, “not possible with current mechanical punching machines”. Interaction of the laser with organic and synthetic materials, coatings and inks, is said to obtain special chromatic effects that open new labelling applications for the beverage, food, pharmaceutical,and fashion industries. Stand 4-E08, hall 4.

The AIMCAL Pavilion will feature products and services of association members who focus on coating, laminating and metallizing of paper and film substrates. Stand 4-C02, hall 4.

Corona, plasma and flame treatment units for various materials are Arcotec's speciality. For a given treatment problem, tests can be performed in the arcotec lab to decide which method is best suited and the proper treatment parameters. Besides an increase in surface tension, deburring/deflashing of edges, smoothing, fine cleaning or warming up of surfaces can be achieved. The compact units can be easily integrated into existing production lines, it is claimed. Stand 2-N17, hall 2.

Bimec is to display the latest model in the STM/63 duplex slitter rewinder range, configured for streamlined production and reduction of machine downtime. Features include automatic female knife positioning, an automated rewind roll unloading system, automatic tension control, a programmable touchscreen control system, and a redesigned ergonomic operator control panel. The machine on display will offer maximum rewind diameters of 600mm and feature an integral shaftless unwind stand with a maximum roll diameter of 1,000mm. Stand 1-V13, hall 1

With the theme 'Economy of Scale', Brückner Formtec will present its “highly efficient” cast film lines for CPP and LLDPE stretchwrap with a width of up to 6m, and APET lines featuring rollstack technology up to 2.7m width. Lamination of PET/PE structures can be included in-line to the extrusion process. Twin screw technology is an important feature for PET extrusion, eliminating the need for raw material pre-drying. More than 150 Brückner Formtec production lines are installed worldwide. Stand 3-D27, hall 3.

The focus for Collano will be on innovative adhesive systems for security and medical applications. Collano 'safety adhesives' are used in the manufacture of passports and visas, smart cards, RFID, security and hologram labels, safety seals, as well as smart packaging and trademark protection. This includes use in concealed or encrypted security features, as well as high performance adhesive tapes. Special adhesive systems with security and protection features are based on the company's wide range of technologies: reactive hotmelt, moisture curing hotmelt, UV curing hotmelt adhesives, thermoplastic adhesive films, heat reactivated adhesives, water based adhesives, and rubber based hotmelts. The company has ISO 13485 certification and has increased the availability of latex-free and solvent-free adhesives for medical applications. Stand 1-T13, hall 1.

In response to market demand for high quality, high performance polyester liners, Cotek claims to have combined the advantage of significantly cheaper unprimed polyester film with the proven release performance of solventless silicone technology. “Release properties are accurately controlled to meet customer requirements, which has not been possible with traditional solvent based silicones used on polyester liners,” according to the company. New clear films from 12-125 micron, one or two-side siliconized with easy, modified or differential release are available for high technology applications such as medical dressings and specialist adhesive tapes. Cotek has the ability to back print or print under the silicone in one colour to customer requirements. The range of filmic liners includes HDPE, metallized PET, blown coloured PP, MOPP and BOPP. Stand 1-X04, hall 1.

With the new KNH35/KNH65 high voltage generators, Eltex offers universally usable, heavy duty power supply units for its DC powered static charging bars, which can be employed in a wide variety of high voltage industrial and laboratory applications. Outstanding features of the KNH35/KNH65 are said to be its exceptionally low space requirements, high performance and ease of use. A Profibus DP/V0 interface allows simple connection to a PLC or central control console. Using the Eltex CAN bus, up to 20 generators and remote controls can be networked together and centrally controlled. An interface is also provided for analogue operation and monitoring. By adding a KNHV distributor box, an even greater number of electrodes can be connected. Stand 2-K07, hall 2

Flexo Wash will exhibit some of the latest developments in its wide range of automatic cleaning equipment for rotogravure cylinders, anilox rolls, sleeves and parts. Both the anilox and gravure roll cleaners as well as the sleeve washers are fully automatic and have an efficient cleaning process that only takes 5-15min and is said to leave rolls and sleeves “totally clean” and ready for immediate use. The gentle cleaning process “will cause no wear or tear”. The Flexo Wash system uses an environmentally friendly cleaning liquid which is recirculated in a closed circuit system. Stand 1-R02, hall 1.

UV systems manufacturer GEW will exhibit its new ISO-cure UV curing lamphead designed for processing a wide variety of substrates on printing and converting lines up to 2m wide. ISO-cure features the 'energy saving' e-brick electronic power supply for reduced operating costs, and a new reflector design with all-electric shutter operation for maximum performance and cure efficiency. Applications include UV silicone release (standard and oxygen reduced cross linking), UV cross linking of hotmelt PSA, matt and high gloss varnishing (inert and non inert UV curing), decorative foil adhesives and all the major UV printing processes. Managing director Malcolm Rae states: “With its fully water cooled design, ISO-cure represents a new departure for us in UV curing. We are currently refining development to include some ground breaking features in UV curing to be unveiled in Munich”. Stand 3-GO9, hall 3.

Italian producer of web coating and adhesive application systems Hip-Mitsu supplies melters, pumping units for polymers, contact and contact-less application devices, and calenders/coaters. Its Mitsu and Cappuccino units are used to apply polymers, adhesives and sealants in web coating and laminating. The company has numerous global patents and an R&D laboratory and service centre with full scale pilot lines for testing substrates, polymers and adhesives. Its web coating and lamination systems will handle hotmelt adhesives, UV curable and PUR, and a wide range of polymers, water based and/or solvent based adhesives. Working widths are from 0.3-6,000mm, coating weights from 0.02-1.500g/m², and line speeds from 2-900m/min. The calenders/coaters are said to be fully compatible with all types of winder and unwinder, and all systems can be easily installed into new or existing lines, the company states. Stand 2-H03, hall 2.

The benefits converters can achieve by the use of Teflon roll covers will be promoted by Holscot. The heat shrinkable sleeves offer a surface that can be easily cleaned - avoiding costly downtime and reduced contamination from sticky build-up, it is claimed. They can be fitted to any substrate on any roller, including spreader rolls, and are used in a wide variety of applications, such as printing, label manufacturing and lamination. Holscot says the covers are of particular value on nip rollers in extrusion lamination, where high temperature resistant PFA material is used, bonded with special adhesive systems. Stand 2-M13, hall 2.

Contract manufacturer of coated and laminated products for high performance applications InteliCoat offers “wide ranging experience and technical capability that provide an excellent fit for the requirements of many outsourced coating and finishing applications”. With shorter product life cycles and rapidly developing technologies, outsourcing coating and converting requirements allows customers to respond rapidly to market changes without significant investment in equipment and workforce, it explains. Core technologies for hardcoats, primers, breathable materials, inkjet receptive coatings and optically clear adhesives are also available, suiting InteliCoat to partner companies in the optical film, digital imaging, wound dressing component and electronic films markets. Stand 3-C19, hall 3.

The Smash 100 per cent web inspection system will be presented by Isra Vision. Optical in-line inspection systems will find defects such as coating defects, holes, gels, black spots and insects at high processing speeds, it is claimed. Cameras with a frequency of 60MHz scan the entire roll width without interruption, even at high track speeds. They can be used in various camera channels, in transmission or in reflection. High speed frame grabbers evaluate the data found, while a sturdy steel frame protects the inspection system from vibration and dirt. Combined with optional intelligent software modules, they are capable of boosting the production process with information on quality. For example, an intelligent classification using the QuickTeach module only needs a short time to be “taught” by the operator to distinguish between defects such as holes and contaminations. A special algorithm is capable of detecting stripes with low contrast levels in the roll material. The system also recognizes repetition defects, and the Data Mining software tool makes it possible, for example, to email shift and production reports to selected staff at any time. Stand 1-U11, hall 1.

IST Metz is presenting the new URS cold mirror reflectors - said to combine the benefits of aluminium reflectors and the proven CMK reflector technology. The advanced geometry of the reflector profile “increases the yield of UV energy onto the substrate whilst the heat generated is efficiently removed through the water cooled absorber profile”. The new ELC electronic control units have a light, compact design and are said to offer a high electrical efficiency and increased production safety while reducing operating costs. The FLC lamps offer considerable time savings, the company says, by reducing lamp changes to a matter of seconds, as there are no screws to undo or cables to disconnect. The BLK UV system, when combined with IST's portable UV measuring instrument, gives “complete control over the production parameters and the UV output of the lamps”. The BLK-U can be operated in a closed cycle and can cure in either an oxygen or oxygen reduced environment. Stand 3-G01, hall 3.

The WWCMR multi roll wide web contact cleaning system from AB Kelva is designed to prevent printing defects and reduce machine downtime by removing loose contamination from the web surface. It provides easy side pull access to the twin adhesive rolls with a high level of safety for the operator. The multi roll system keeps handling weights to a minimum. The system is suitable for web widths of 1,000-2,100mm and speeds to 500m/min. Double or single-sided cleaning is possible and active anti static equipment is incorporated. For high contamination environments, a vacuum pre-cleaner can be fitted to reduce adhesive change and handling costs. Stand 1-R12, hall 1.

A new Kirion MDO (Machine Direction Orientation) line from Kiefel-Wintech is designed to help plastics processors reduce film thicknesses. Other machines available include low cost surface winders, multifunctional surface/centre/gap winders and orbital (circulatory) winders. Most applications can be covered, the company boasts. In addition to blown film applications (especially for sticky and technically demanding films), the lines are used increasingly for high speed winding of non woven (fleece) film, thermoforming film and paper. The winders also serve in calendering and further processing, in coating or laminating and in printing of all web materials in widths of 500-6,000mm and thicknesses of 6-4,500 micron. “Perfect winding” is enabled by the patented Perfect Cut system, in which the blade is introduced from the outside into a groove in the winding reel. This innovative cross-cutting system is said not to disturb the incoming material web, so there are no fluctuations in the take-off and no external introduction of cutting blades during the running process is necessary. Stand 3-C27, hall 3.

Laem System will show the new generation TR Series dual-shaft slitter rewinder. The “robust mechanical structure” of the TR Series allows high speed handling of various flexible packaging materials at up to 600m/min with rewinding diameters to 800mm. Automation is said to cut downtime to “an unprecedented minimum”. The TR 415, with automatic change-over turret system, has the same lay-out and slitting technology as the TR 115, but offers “the highest levels” of productivity thanks to an automatic change-over cycle that includes extraction of the finished reels on Laem's SC 30 unloading device. Both models have motorized laser systems for core positioning, and various handling options. Stand 3-C15, hall 3.

'Engineered by Macchi - Powered by Siemens' summarizes Macchi's strategy to “accelerate the use of the torque motor by combining with the worldwide strength of Siemens to increase the use of gearless systems, not only for extruders, but for all web path and winding drives”. Macchi is developing gearless systems based on the use of AC synchro motors for extruder drive, as well as haul-off and winding drive systems. It says this offers clear advantages that have already been field proven in extrusion line drives on machines built “for both sides of the Atlantic”. The company is to switch the design of all haul-offs, web path drives and winders to gearless-only, “without price surcharge to the market”. In extruder configurations, gearless technology will be offered as an option, available only for machines up to 100mm screw diameter. Stand 2-L09, hall 2.

Werner Mathis will feature the RRC Reverse Roll Coater and the LTE-S Labcoater. The RRC will reproduce production conditions in a coil coating installation on small samples. This eliminates time consuming and expensive trials on production installations, the company states. The coater is also suited to producing series of samples, and for the application of grounding agents and lacquers in various compositions and viscosities on a variety of carrier materials. The Labcoater LTE-S combination of coating device and dryer unit provides a range of application possibilities in the laboratory, on textiles, paper, plastics or metal material samples. The coating is applied either with floating knife, roller knife, rubber blanket knife or Meyer bar. Even multiple coatings which do not require reloading of the material samples are possible, says Mathis. In addition to the doctor knife coating, material samples can be laminated with the corresponding devices. The entire process is automatic but can be interrupted manually at any time. Stand 3-E03, hall 3.

Said to be ideal for bag making and core pinning applications, Meech International's new Model 992v3 can generate a controlled level of static charge that will create a temporary bond between a diverse range of materials, resulting in maximum pinning effect without the risk of overload. For large scale applications, multiple generator bars can be connected, and an internal switch mode power supply accommodates different input voltages and frequencies. Meech will also exhibit the Series 1000 contact web cleaner, which combines ionizing bars, brushes and vacuum to improve both product yield and quality. Also displayed will be the 915Ex and 976Ex models for use on solvent coating heads and gravure presses. Certified by both Baseefa for use in Europe and UL in the USA, Meech claims to be the only company that has both close and long range approved ionizers that do not require airflow. Stand 2-N11, hall 2.

Optima Control Solutions claims to have saved clients hundreds of thousands of Euros by upgrading obsolete control systems on ageing machinery, to avoid high value investments in replacement equipment. Optima’s InfoServe365 manufacturing execution system delivers real-time production information, empowering users to make significant business decisions and “dramatically increase overall equipment effectiveness”. Stand 4-C02C, hall 4.

The new Actiflex 240 programmable paper tube index recutter can be seen on the Pack' industrie stand. This automatic single cut system is designed to recut heavy paper tubes and cores. Easy operation, low re-tooling costs and “great flexibility” are said to suit the machine for small to medium volume jobs “with a high cutting quality”. Capable of up to 250 cuts/min, it will handle diameters from 18-250mm, parent tube lengths of 2,400 or 3,050mm, and thicknesses of 1-20mm. Cut length tolerance is said to be within 0.1mm. Stand 2-K09, hall 2.

PBI-Dansensor is to present an enhanced model of the L80-5000 water vapour permeability tester, for measurement of high barrier films and foils with very low levels of water vapour transmission rates. The L80-5000 LP is capable of testing WVTR down to 0.001g/m²/day at tropical conditions (30degC and 90 per cent RH) - even lower than the standard L80-5000. It also offers short measuring times on a stabilized system and stable results in a few runs. The improved measurement sensitivity has been achieved by using a special upper chamber element with an anti absorption coating, significantly reduced internal volume, a new sensor design and placement, and special design air inlet and outlet valves. This design is said to minimize the air volume around the sensor and possible sources of measurement variation. Stand 2-M03, hall 2.

Polytype Converting equipment for paper, film, and foil includes complete coating and laminating lines, unwinds, rewinds, coaters, dryers and laminators. The company also partners with Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering, of the USA, to provide the latest in web handling and extrusion technology. Converting capabilities are also available in two pilot lines. Techma I is designed for thermal drying/curing with a maximum line speed of 1,000m/min; Techma II is dedicated to radiation curing technology (UV and EB) with a maximum line speed of 1,524m/min. Stand 3-B15, hall 3.

In the past two years, Planatol has extended its position as a pressure sensitive adhesives specialist through strategic investments and a new production hall at its location in Thansau. Current sales volume is about 10,000t of special adhesives/year. The company provides HMPSA, PSA dispersions, and solvent borne PSA for the coating industry. Subsidiary Biolink makes adhesive tapes and films using an in-house developed solvent-free UV crosslinking technology with pure or modified acrylate adhesives. Enhanced adhesive performance, low ageing indications and absence of air bubbles or solvent occlusions are said to suit these tapes for applications where conventional adhesive tapes are insufficient. The product range includes transfer films, double-sided and foam adhesive tapes, re-positionable and scrim reinforced adhesive tapes. Customlink are customer specific developments. Stand 3-C05, hall 3.

A modular machine system for winding and cutting tapes, and production of blank and plain labels will be displayed by Raantec. It has a ‘user friendly’ colour touchscreen, a speed regulator, metre and label counting features, and automatic stop after reaching a pre-set number of metres or labels. Other features include an adjustable slowing down function, an encased control box, optional remote maintenance by modem, service hours and order counters, automatic machine stop in the case of tape breakage, detection of tape end and misprints, and add-on control panels on the clamping bar and unwinding unit. Stand 3-F13, hall 3.

In addition to PrevEx FTA flammability analyzers, specialist for solvent vapour monitoring in dryers Scima Prozesstechnik will present an LEL monitoring instrument for less demanding applications. The new AcuPro IR sensor from Control Instruments is said to adapt the established measurement principle of NDIR absorption to the special requirements of the LEL monitoring of drying processes. Multiple IR wavelengths and detectors measure the typical solvents used in printing/coating applications “with minimal variations in sensitivity”. This allows accurate measurements even when solvents vary or when solvent mixtures are used, it is claimed. Mounting the sensor directly on the dryer wall or duct is said to result in extremely fast response times. PrevEx FTA analyzers and AcuPro sensors share the same dimensions and electrical signals, so that both technologies can be used in combination, for instance in different sections on the same dryer, and can be exchanged easily should the process parameters change. The new AcuPro system is currently in the process of being approved according to the ATEX directive 94/9/EC. Stand 3-F01, hall 3

Visitors to the MRS Seitter stand will see the new MultiPerm permeability tester from ExtraSolution, an instrument that allows simultaneous measurements of the barrier of two different samples. The MultiPerm has two sensors to select oxygen, water vapour or carbon dioxide. It is said to offer high accuracy and an extremely broad testing range of 0.01-80,000cm³/m²/day/bar for oxygen permeability, 0.002-500g/m²/day for water vapour permeability and 1-18,000cm³/m²/day/bar for CO2. Measurements are completely automated without preliminary preparation of the sample. Stand 4-E06, hall 4.

Soma Engineering will feature the latest version of its Venus II slitter rewinder, a high performance, servo driven machine said to be cost effective for slitting a wide range of films and foils at speeds up to 700m/min. A full specification machine will be showcased with the latest laser scanner technology for zone protection of both unwind and rewind areas. It will also include reel unloading, a rotary stand and a Kongskilde external trim removal system. The Venus II operates from an unwind diameter of 1,500mm and is available in widths of 1,100, 1,350, 1,600 and 1,850mm. Features include automatic knife positioning, automatic laser core positioning, intuitive touchscreen controls and an automatic web holding system said to ease splicing. Stand 3-B11, hall 3.

The ValueLine 1300 machine will represent Starfoil's spooling and slitting equipment ranges, which can be built to meet individual requirements and budgets. Machine widths vary from 840-1,620mm. Options include waste rewinds, touchscreen control and motor driven rewind rollers. All machines are said to offer accurate tension control and are equipped with razor blade slitting technology. Primarily developed for converting hot stamping foil, the machines are also suitable for converting various flexible packaging films. In a new development for 2007, the machine has been equipped with three individual motors with clutches. Advantages are said to be excellent tension control, minimal mechanical wear and the possibility for combination spooling of rolls with different diameters. Stand 3-E09, hall 3.

To be featured by Vetaphone will be the DHP high voltage corona treatment system for use on wide webs of metallized film running at more than 450m/min. Use of this patented system is said to eliminate the possibility of metallization evaporating from the edges of the web. According to Vetaphone, it is also able to solve problems such as micro perforation in the metallized surface and burndown of the metallized layer in the border of the film. The treatment is also claimed to “guarantee” a constant, high dyne level with minimum decay at high production speeds. Stand 2-K23, hall 2.

Based on 70 years’ experience, Vits drying technology can be used for materials such as decorative and special papers, finishes, foils, cartonboard, aluminium foils, metal strips, films, non woven material or woven fabrics. With its novel Lay-On-Air technology, the company supplies thermal units for continuous metal treatment and coil coating lines. Stand 3-D03, hall 3.