Ancillary equipment

Insignia wins Pinnacle Product Award

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 02:20:40 +0000

The Pinnacle Product Award competition is only open to Printing United Alliance members and evaluates products that will be available for sale in 2024. A qualified panel of judges across the printing industry evaluated the annual contest’s over 160 entries in more than 58 categories spanning analog, digital, output and non-output technologies.

‘Our team is honored to receive another award acknowledging the significant benefits the Insignia series die-cutters bring to the marketplace. Its well-thought-out design, and unique features paired with an affordable price point give printers and MSP’s the ability to enter the growing market of folding cartons and packaging,’ said Susan Corwin, director of marketing at Rollem International.

‘I see continued demand for Insignia’s type of technology that replaces traditional cylinder style die-cutters which require hard-to-find skilled workers. In contrast, Insignia requires just one operator with moderate training to operate and deliver finished products faster, with multiple processes completed in one pass,’ added Kevin Corwin, product manager of the Insignia Series. “The Insignia offers models for a range of customers. It now includes four models with sheet sizes to fit all types of press outputs, plus automatic matrix removal, two types of deliveries, and standard key functions including die-cutting, kiss-cutting, creasing, embossing/debossing and perforating.’

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Insignia wins Pinnacle Product Award

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Rollem’s die-cutting series wins the Printing United Alliance 2024 award.

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Rollem’s die-cutting series wins the Printing United Alliance 2024 award.

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E&R specifies Vetaphone for Innovation and Application Centre

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 23:55:14 +0000

E&R, formerly known as Emerson & Renwick, and one of the UK’s leading engineering companies in printing and coating, has installed Vetaphone corona treatment technology at its Innovation and Application Centre in Burnley, Lancashire.

Founded in 1918, E&R has a proven track record for developing new equipment for emerging technologies and refinements to existing processes across a variety of market sectors.

‘We moved into the automotive market in 1991 with our heat exchanger technology, which coincided with our first ISO accreditation,’ said E&R’s sales director Andrew Jack. ‘Ten years later, following an acquisition, we took on the design and manufacture of specialized coating and lamination equipment, and most recently, we further diversified into vacuum coating technology and created our highly specialized Genesis line of coaters.’

Now much diversified and with a reputation for innovation and engineering excellence, E&R sought to add ancillary equipment manufacturers to its list of accredited suppliers. As a pioneer of engineering technology, the company looked to find kindred spirits among other companies and a longstanding friendship between Andrew Jack and Kevin McKell, chief sales officer at Vetaphone, encouraged E&R to investigate what the Danish manufacturer of surface treatment had to offer.

‘I was aware of its long history in surface treatment but didn’t know it invented the corona process. Vetaphone’s knowledge and expertise is second to none in this sector so the decision to form a cooperative partnership with them was straightforward,’ said Jack. ‘We both understand the importance of investment in product development, from a reliability point of view and also the facility to react quickly to changes in market demand.’

Beginning in 2019 with the installation of a Vetaphone ‘A’ station Corona treater on its Pilot Coating Line, E&R subsequently added one of the more recently developed Vetaphone Web Cleaners to its in-house facility.

McKell said: ‘We developed the Web Cleaner in response to demand from the narrow web sector where our corona treaters have the market share majority. The design ensures that any dry unattached particle, as small as one micron, is efficiently removed from the web, and provides a clean substrate surface for corona treating and further processes.’

Available for single- or double-sided operation in web widths from 350 – 570mm with operational speeds of up to 250m/min, the Vetaphone Web Cleaner is simple to service and maintain with the added advantage that its control can be integrated with of the Vetaphone Corona treater for improved ergonomics.

‘It seemed sensible to test the Web Cleaner initially on our Pilot Coater so we could monitor its reliability and performance,’ said Jack. ‘It quickly proved to be successful, so we decided to use it on a production Coater that is producing touch panel displays, where it is running in combination with a Vetaphone Corona treater. Both systems are working very well, and we are delighted with them.

‘We believe that versatility, reliability, and repeatability have helped us become very competitive in diverse market sectors. Looking ahead, we need to maintain attention to detail in all we do, and that includes working closely with ancillary suppliers like Vetaphone to integrate technology and maximize efficiency.’

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4 days 3 hours ago

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E&R specifies Vetaphone for Innovation and Application Centre

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E&R adds the recently developed Vetaphone Web Cleaners to its in-house facility.

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E&R adds the recently developed Vetaphone Web Cleaners to its in-house facility.

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GSE names CyanX its agent in the UK and Ireland

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 23:34:52 +0000

GSE, a global provider of ink dispensing systems and ink-handling software, has appointed CyanX as its agent for the UK and Ireland. The agreement covers GSE’s Colorsat ink dispensing systems and its Ink Manager management software suite.

Headquartered in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, CyanX will provide sales and after-sales service to GSE’s growing customer base of label, packaging and décor converters. The company’s team of factory-trained technicians will provide installation, on-site service, training and valve revision services. Its service department also runs a 24/7 telephone support helpline.

Established in 2005, CyanX supplies the printing industry with equipment and consumable parts, with a product portfolio including brands such as Hönle, Eltosch Grafix, and Betz Flow, among others.

GSE’s Colorsat ink dispensers prepare accurate spot colors and expanded gamut inks in exact quantities, helping packaging and label printers assure consistent brand color quality, while reducing waste, ink consumption and setup times. Designed for flexo, gravure and screen inks, Colorsat ink dispensers are available for label, flexible packaging, corrugated and décor applications.

GSE Ink Manager software automates and simplifies ink handling and color processing steps including purchasing, inventory management, tracking and tracing, color formulations and calculating leftover inks into new jobs.

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4 days 3 hours ago

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GSE names CyanX its agent in the UK and Ireland

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CyanX will be distributing GSE’s Colorsat ink dispensing systems and its Ink Manager software.

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CyanX will be distributing GSE’s Colorsat ink dispensing systems and its Ink Manager software.

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Ravenwood unveils anti-reflection and deep learning tech for VXR

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 22:54:35 +0000

Ravenwood has unveiled anti-reflection and deep learning technologies for its VXR vision pack inspection system. This announcement comes on the heels of the recent integration of a seal contamination detection system.

Both software applications analyze pre-print and linerless labels on packaging. The new anti-reflection technology minimizes glare and reflections on flow wrap packs, while deep learning enhances optical character recognition by accurately decoding diverse font styles, including inkjet dot matrix fonts.

Both technologies are adaptable for retrofitting into existing vision systems. For new machine orders, deep learning is now included as a standard feature, while anti-reflection is offered as an optional addition.

According to the company, many meat packers have transitioned from MAP to flow wrap-style packaging to reduce material usage and pack weight, lower energy consumption, extend product shelf life and improve recyclability. While the overall benefits of flow-wrap packaging surpass those of MAP, the high reflectivity of flow-wrap presents challenges in capturing reliable pack images with standard imaging methods.

To solve this issue, Ravenwood has developed a novel method for reducing the effect of glare and reflection during the imaging process. Supplied as an optional extra, the process is a combination of improved image processing software combined with an enhanced method of illumination. Standard packs can still be inspected as usual.

Ravenwood has also realized that inkjet printers often generate low-quality date codes, and conventional optical recognition software can prove unreliable in reading them, thus leading to unnecessary pack rejections and contributing significantly to food waste that could otherwise be prevented.

Ravenwood is addressing this issue with advanced Deep Learning technology powered by Halcon software. The improved optical character recognition can eliminate background images, a feat traditional OCR could not achieve. This new software is user-friendly and requires less operator programming, as fonts do not need to be manually taught as required with older methods. It intelligently ignores certain fonts or text below a specific height, such as Julian date codes and line identification codes. The software has been successfully integrated into existing Ravenwood VXR machines at multiple customer sites.

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4 days 4 hours ago

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Ravenwood unveils anti-reflection and deep learning tech for VXR

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The company enhances its X-ray inspection and vision technologies to meet industry demands and comply with regulatory requirements.

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The company enhances its X-ray inspection and vision technologies to meet industry demands and comply with regulatory requirements.

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Maxcess opens new production facility in Poland

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 22:42:44 +0000

Maxcess, one of the global leaders in products and services for automated web handling applications, has opened a new plant factory in Łubowo, Poland, further expanding its global footprint and underscoring its commitment to the European region.

The grand opening event brought together customers and suppliers from around the globe, and featured exclusive plant tours, product demonstrations and networking opportunities. Attendees had a first-hand look at Maxcess' technology and the capabilities of the new facility, which promises to enhance productivity and service quality.

Following the customer and supplier event, an employee celebration gathered employees from the European region and local representatives and dignitaries from the community. Employees and their families had the opportunity to visit the new production site, participate in a meet and greet with colleagues, and enjoy an employee party.

The new Poland plant represents a significant investment in the future of Maxcess and its commitment to the European region. Equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies and designed with sustainability in mind, the facility will play a crucial role in meeting the growing global demand for Maxcess' products and services. The plant's strategic location near Poznań will enable faster delivery times and improved support for customers throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

‘Our new location in Łubowo perfectly aligns with our vision of growth and innovation. It offers an attractive, sustainable, and smart environment that will foster our capacity to develop new products and services all while benefiting from improved shipping connections and a modern, light-filled workspace. Out of Łubowo, we are at the forefront of developing and producing innovative technology products for both European and global markets, exemplifying our dedication to local growth and international impact,’ commented Alexander Haid, general manager for Maxcess Europe.

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4 days 4 hours ago

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Maxcess opens new production facility in Poland

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The new factory to increase manufacturing capabilities in Europe and beyond.

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The new factory to increase manufacturing capabilities in Europe and beyond.

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Zodiac Reprographics invests in Rhyguan Smart-450 slitter rewinder

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 03:11:35 +0000

India-based converter Zodiac Reprographics has invested in a Rhyguan Smart-450 slitter rewinder equipped with a Luster 100 percent inspection camera, supplied and installed by Flexo Image Graphics (FIG).

Jaideep Singh, who retired after 21 years of service in the army, founded Zodiac Printers with one letterpress in 1981. The company has expanded over time and transitioned into Zodiac Reprographics, which has a more dynamic and sustainable business focus.

Zodiac Reprographics has pioneered using several top-class print techniques and technologies to meet new and challenging assignments. After the first offset press in 1989, a 4-color press arrived at the company’s facility in 2005, a 5-color press in 2008, and then Southeast Asia’s first 8-colour flexo press in 2012.

‘We are determined to use only the latest and most efficient machines and technologies, such as the new Rhyguan Smart-450, to cater the richest outputs to the utmost satisfaction of our clients,’ commented Singh. ‘After thorough research and comparisons, we eventually chose the high-speed and high-precision Rhyguan Smart-450 slitter rewinder for its unique features, such as the Luster 8K 100 percent inspection camera with variable data inspection capability.

‘We decided to opt for this “smart” and one-of-its-kind unique finishing system from FIG to ensure that the labels and other prints we produce are 100 percent defect-free.’

FIG, which supplied and installed the machine, has installed several Luster inspection systems on Rhyguan and Rotoflex slitter-rewinders. It has recently installed a 100 percent detection system on presses such as Bobst and Mark Andy.

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1 week 5 days ago

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Zodiac Reprographics invests in Rhyguan Smart-450 slitter rewinder

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Indian converter introduces 100 percent defect-free production.

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Indian converter introduces 100 percent defect-free production.

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ETI Converting opens European headquarters in Spain

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:55:03 +0000

ETI Converting, a manufacturer of equipment for label printers and converters, has opened its new European headquarters in Getaria, Spain, marking a significant milestone in the company's global expansion and commitment to serving the European market.

The opening event brought together a distinguished group of guests, including suppliers, collaborators, existing clients, and potential customers eager to get a first-hand look at ETI's industry-leading technology.

The program started with a presentation by Maxime Bayzelon, president of ETI Converting, who provided an overview of the company's history and the strategic vision behind the European expansion.

This was followed by speeches from Jokin Iruretagoiena, general manager for Europe, and Szymon Ignarski, business development manager for Europe, who outlined ETI's technologies.

‘The grand opening of our European headquarters in Spain marks another pivotal moment in ETI Converting's global growth strategy,’ said Bayzelon. ‘This new initiative strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional service and support to our European customers. By fostering closer collaboration and streamlining operations, we are confident that this expansion will empower us to deliver even greater value and innovation to the European label printing market.’

During the opening event, the company ran a live demonstration of Cohesio, a 26-inch (670-mm) web printing, coating, and converting machine. The demonstration showcased its ability to produce linerless labels and laminates with an easy machine setup change.

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1 week 6 days ago

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ETI Converting opens European headquarters in Spain

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New facilities highlight global expansion and commitment to serving the European market.

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New facilities highlight global expansion and commitment to serving the European market.

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GSE appoints Foremost eMage exclusive agent in Taiwan

Piotr Wnuk — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:37:19 +0000

GSE has appointed Foremost eMage as its exclusive agent in Taiwan, to support local packaging and label converters in adopting automated methods of managing ink and meeting strict emissions-reduction targets, set out in Taiwan’s new environmental legislation.

Based in New Taipei City, Foremost eMage has 50 years’ experience in offset, flexo and gravure printing. Leveraging expertise as a security printer for Asia-Pacific banking and telecommunications markets, the company has recently opened a distribution division.

GSE joins global printing machine and equipment brands, including Xeikon and Kocher + Beck, on Foremost’s client roster.

Maarten Hummelen, marketing director of GSE, commented: ‘Foremost eMage have a deep understanding of the packaging and label printing market, making them the ideal local point of contact for technical advice, installation support and after-sales service. Foremost will be instrumental in making ink dispensing technology more easily accessible, at a time when Taiwan’s converters seek efficient solutions to meet ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, required by law.’

The Climate Change Response Act commits Taiwan to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The legislation obliges manufacturers to adhere to increasingly stricter emissions limits, introduce energy-saving technologies, report on GHG inventories and submit reduction plans.

GSE’s Colorsat dispensing systems, for flexo, gravure and screen inks, automatically prepare accurate spot colors in exact quantities, on-demand. By eliminating ink-related errors, and with the capability to recalculate returned ink blends in new colors, dispensers can cut ink consumption by up to 30 percent, while avoiding material scrap and boosting production time.

Robert Liao, sales director, Foremost eMage, commented: ‘In Taiwan, we are seeing interest in GSE’s solutions for two main reasons. First, adopting efficient, automated ink handling processes with ink dispensing is an easy first step for to take, in the journey towards lower emissions. Second, ink dispensing addresses the challenge of attracting new talent. Automated dispensing and software contribute to a clean, safe and efficient work environment, where employees can add value and be more productive. This makes the industry more appealing to young professionals.’

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2 weeks 2 days ago

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GSE appoints Foremost eMage exclusive agent in Taiwan

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Appointment to the country’s converters meet strict emissions-reduction targets.

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Appointment to the country’s converters meet strict emissions-reduction targets.

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Apex boosts global embossing offering

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 09:38:38 +0000

Apex International (Apex) has boosted its global embossing offering with a significant investment in laser engraving technology at its recently expanded Hapert facility in the Netherlands.

Announced at drupa 2024, the acquisition of the new Schepers Digilas5000 expands Apex’s capabilities to supply its customers with embossing rollers that deliver high quality standards across a wide range of end products.

‘The business for embossing is growing exponentially,’ explained Ruud Van Cuijk, CEO of Apex. ‘With this investment in the latest laser technology, we are able to drive our penetration in those new markets and meet the evolving needs of our customers around the world.’

With a maximum roller diameter of 600mm, the new machine is capable of engraving rollers that emboss material up to 3.4m in length. Apex also continues to utilize its larger laser systems, capable of engraving up to 7 meters, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all customer needs.

‘Importantly it can also engrave material from copper to steel, ensuring we can meet any customer’s particular needs,’ added Van Cuijk. ‘Embossing delivers a totally uniform pattern and with the incredible throughput speed afforded by such a large diameter roller it delivers huge efficiency gains to our customers.’

Apex recently invested in expanding its Hapert facility specifically to accommodate the new Schepers Digilas5000. This expansion also supports the growing demands in embossing and rotary screen production. ‘This investment is part of an ongoing planned program of growth,’ said Van Cuijk. ‘Following recent acquisitions, embossing has the most synergy for our business. When choosing a partner for this venture we found Schepers to be a company that, like Apex, distinguishes itself with its high-quality products. While it’s often difficult to find the optimum balance between speed, quality and cost, it was heartening to find eye-level partners like Schepers who share our values and believe in delivering a high-quality product with integrity and authenticity.’

Speaking at drupa, Schepers CEO Carlo Schepers said he was thrilled to be working with Apex on the project. ‘The deal we have agreed here is a partnership. We have the same goals and the same approach to business as Apex, and we see our future in anilox so this is a perfect example of how we can all benefit from working together,’ he said.

‘Both Apex and its customers will continue to benefit in terms of our strong knowledge and as we implement updates to the technology. This acquisition is not just about the technology, it’s about the application of that technology, and how it can be maximized. We don’t just drop off a machine and leave a customer to get on with it – we work together to build up the knowledge and ensure they are getting the most from their investment.’

The embossing market continues to grow, with the demand for tactile textured materials spreading across all sectors from household and automotive to packaging and display.

‘This latest investment in bespoke technology illustrates our commitment to embossing,’ concluded Van Cuijk. ‘Following the success of the Hapert installation we will look to roll this offering out to our other manufacturing plants across the globe.’

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2 weeks 4 days ago

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Apex boosts global embossing offering

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Manufacturer invests in Schepers laser engraving technology at drupa 2024.

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Manufacturer invests in Schepers laser engraving technology at drupa 2024.

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IMS Technologies expands production facility in Italy

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:05:54 +0000

IMS Technologies, one of the leaders in the design and production of machinery for the converting and packaging sectors, has officially opened its new production plant in Calcinate, in the province of Bergamo, Italy.

The new 5,580-square-meter building brings the group's total area to 28,500 square meters. The expansion follows the concentration of all assembly activities in Italy, which occurred in 2021 with the closure of the production plant in Darmstadt, Germany.

Currently, the company operates its headquarters in in Calcinate, with production sites in the provinces of Bergamo and Alessandria and sales offices and after-sales services in Germany, the US and China.

The expansion project, which lasted about a year, involved the construction of a new building, changing rooms and offices, a break area, an ecological island, and a new parking lot.

The construction ensured the maximum functionality of the structures, the safety of all operators and sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.

New facilities allow the company to redefine and optimize machine assembly and testing activities. A new road system that separates the flow of goods-handling vehicles has improved internal logistics.

The new building is also equipped with a floor heating system and a heat pump, which guarantees maximum comfort in the factory while being environmentally friendly. This aims to reduce consumption and increase sustainability.

A 350 kW photovoltaic panel system was installed, adding to the power already produced by the panels on the roof of the existing building for a total of 700 kW. The estimated energy saving is about 400 tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to over 20,000 trees.

Finally, the project was designed to be modular, able to accommodate any further expansions that business growth might require.

‘The new building is the perfect metaphor for a company that aspires to become a global leader, through the provision of innovative products and services and the creation of lasting value for itself and its customers,’ said Paolo Clerici, president of IMS Technologies and president and CEO of Coeclerici.

‘The inauguration of the new facility is a proud moment for IMS Technologies and represents a clear and tangible sign of our company's growth. We are excited to share this milestone with our employees, partners and the local community,’ added Stefano Bartolini, CEO of IMS Technologies.

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2 weeks 5 days ago

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IMS Technologies expands production facility in Italy

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New facilities allow the company to redefine and optimize the machine assembly and testing activities.

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New facilities allow the company to redefine and optimize the machine assembly and testing activities.

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