Dies & tooling

Zecher and Chromos Group expand their partnership

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:16:15 +0000

Zecher and the Chromos Group have expanded their long-standing partnership. From February 1, 2025, the Chromos Group will take over the exclusive sales of Zecher's high-quality anilox rollers for the label sector in the regions of Baden Württemberg, Saarland, Bavaria and Austria.

The Chromos Group has been a proven and successful sales partner of Zecher in Switzerland for decades. This successful cooperation is characterized by a high level of expertise, sales strength and a shared passion for quality and innovation. The expansion of the partnership is therefore a logical step towards offering customers in parts of Germany and Austria the first-class advice and comprehensive service of the Chromos Group. Chromos will be supervised by Heike Ott, who was previously responsible for managing the territories at Zecher.

‘We are delighted to be building on the proven partnership with Chromos in Switzerland and now extending it to other regions,’ explained Thomas Reinking, sales director at Zecher.

‘Our aim is to support our label customers in the regions of Baden-Württemberg, Saarland, Bavaria and Austria with tailor-made solutions thanks to the additional expertise of the Chromos Group and to rely on bundledsales skills.’

The Chromos Group also sees the expansion of the partnership as an exciting opportunity to open up new markets.

'The long-standing collaboration with Zecher has always been characterized by mutual trust and innovative strength. We are convinced that we will be able to further expand and strengthen our joint market position in the additional sales regions,’ added Marcus Ruckstädter, head of material sales at Chromos.

Customers will be able to benefit from an even closer exchange, intensive consultation and many years of expertise thanks to the Chromos Group's involvement in sales.

Zecher and the Chromos Group see the expansion of their partnership as a strong signal for the future and look forward to continuing their success story together in the new regions.

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6 days 21 hours ago

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Zecher and Chromos Group expand their partnership

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Customers will benefit from closer collaboration, expert consultation, and Chromos Group’s extensive experience in sales.

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Customers will benefit from closer collaboration, expert consultation, and Chromos Group’s extensive experience in sales.

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CTS Industries makes key personnel changes

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:16:07 +0000

CTS Industries has made strategic personnel updates for 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Amanda Sherbert recently joined as a sales representative for the Midwest and West Coast, bringing a strong sales background that will be key to strengthening customer relationships.

Katie Childers has stepped into the role of support specialist, marketing, and events coordinator, where her contributions are expected to drive operational excellence.

Pamela Branch has been promoted to sales director, tasked with leading the sales team and shaping the company’s sales strategies.

Destinie Reece has assumed the role of clerical specialist, providing vital support for daily operations and administrative tasks across the organization.

Misty Hamrick, with a decade of dedicated service, has been elevated to chief administrative officer, reinforcing leadership within the company.

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2 weeks 6 days ago

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CTS Industries makes key personnel changes

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Amanda Sherbert, Katie Childers, Pamela Branch, Destinie Reece and Misty Hamrick take on new roles in the company.

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Amanda Sherbert, Katie Childers, Pamela Branch, Destinie Reece and Misty Hamrick take on new roles in the company.

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Rotometal celebrates 10 years of manufacturing printing sleeves

Selah Zighelboim — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:33:23 +0000

Rotometal, a European manufacturer of rotary equipment, is celebrating 10 years of manufacturing printing sleeves. Since its inception, Rotometal has consistently evolved to meet the demands of the printing industry.

'We are incredibly proud of our 10-year journey in the printing sleeve market,' said Grzegorz Dołbniak, CEO of Rotometal. 'We have consistently focused on providing our customers with the latest technologies and best-in-class service.'

Rotometal began its journey in 2006 as a toolmaking plant. In 2013, the company expanded its offerings to include lightweight aluminum sleeves, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional printing cylinders. Recognizing the growing need for lighter and more efficient technology, Rotometal partnered and later brought sleeve base production in-house in 2017, gaining complete control over the manufacturing process.

Sustainable development is at the core of Rotometal's operations. The company leverages UV curing technology to accelerate production while minimizing environmental impact. The company's eco-friendly sleeve options, such as the rotoSLEEVE ECO Antistatic, are crafted from natural and recycled materials.

'“We are for print” – this is not just our motto; it’s the driving force behind everything we do,' Dołbniak said. 'We are excited about the future of Rotometal as we continue to develop innovative new products and services that help our customers succeed.'

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3 weeks ago

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Rotometal celebrates 10 years of manufacturing printing sleeves

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Rotometal began as a toolmaking plant in 2006 and later expanded into manufacturing printing sleeves.

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Rotometal began as a toolmaking plant in 2006 and later expanded into manufacturing printing sleeves.

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Mark Andy and Wink partner on MA Performance Flex Die

Selah Zighelboim — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:29:51 +0000

Mark Andy Print Products is partnering with Wink, a global precision die-cutting tools company, to launch the MA Performance Flex Die powered by Wink.

Mark Andy Print Products has been awarded exclusive distributorship of the MA Performance Flex Die in the US, Canada and Mexico, as well as additional rights in England and Ireland.

'The MA Performance Flex Die partnership with Wink is yet another way we’re driving home our commitment to being a one-stop-shop for converters,' said Duane Pekar, CEO of Mark Andy. 'At Mark Andy, our customers’ growth is our growth, and we are committed to supporting converters with high-performance tools and solutions that improve their bottom line.'

Benefits of the MA Performance Flex Die include a streamlined ordering process, expedited two-day delivery, precision engineering and advanced materials for quality results, responsive customer service and competitive pricing.

'This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation and customer success,' said Dave Telken, senior vice president of Mark Andy Print Products. 'Together with Wink, we have spent the past year perfecting every aspect of this partnership, from seamless ordering and expedited delivery to unmatched quality and technical support. The MA Print Products Performance Flex Die is a game-changer for converters looking for precision, reliability and cost-effectiveness.'

With over 400 years of combined experience in the flexographic industry, the Mark Andy Print Products sales team has undergone specialized training at the Wink Academy to ensure customers receive the highest level of guidance and support.

'This collaboration with Wink is more than a product launch; it’s a commitment to elevating our industry’s standards,' Telken added. 'We invite converters to experience the difference with the MA Performance Flex Die and see how we can help take their operations to the next level.'

'We at Wink are equally excited about this strategic collaboration and look forward to its success,' said Oliver Rabe, CSO of Wink Group. 'Wink’s fully automated and quickly manufactured high-precision dies are an ideal addition to the Mark Andy Print Products organization. With their extensive expertise and strong market access, MAPP will provide customers not only with flexible dies of the highest quality but also with a comprehensive performance package for die-cutting technology.'

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4 weeks 1 day ago

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Mark Andy and Wink partner on MA Performance Flex Die

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Benefits of the MA Performance Flex Die include two-day delivery, technical support and precision engineering.

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Benefits of the MA Performance Flex Die include two-day delivery, technical support and precision engineering.

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Labelexpo Americas 2024: Dies and tooling

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 03:35:00 +0000

Dies & tooling 12 December 2024

Labelexpo Americas 2024: Dies and tooling

Dies and tooling suppliers are increasingly adopting automation to shorten setup times, reduce human error and improve waste management.

Dies and tooling suppliers are increasingly adopting automation to shorten setup times, reduce human error and improve waste management, streamlining production processes for label converters.

In recent years, the printing industry has seen a growing emphasis on automation, efficiency and waste reduction. After reaching record flexo and digital printing speeds, the focus has shifted to dies and tooling manufacturers, who are responding with improvements in setup time, ease of use and faster cleaning to contribute to overall productivity gains.

Apex International showcased the GTT 2.0 anilox technology. This product, developed over nearly 10 years, is specifically engineered to mitigate liquid turbulence, resulting in a calm liquid surface that increases quality and performance at high press speeds. According to Apex, it reduces ink spitting, mottling, pinholing, plugging and dot gain. The company states that the GTT 2.0’s improved engraving ensures up to a 50 percent reduction in cell wall surface area across the anilox while also decreasing the required channel depth by an average of 25 percent. Additionally, the company introduced ultra-shallow Apex UltraCell engravings designed for greater ink release and easy cleaning.

CTS Industries promoted the pro-lite HD laser-engraved ceramic anilox roller, developed for ease of care and cleaning. Dubbed an ‘operator-friendly anilox,’ this product is up to 76 percent lighter than conventional bases, resulting in lower shipping costs, easier lifting, and less susceptibility to damage. The company also showcased its EZ View Pro engraving specs, which help operators easily view details such as LPI, BCM, and serial ID to better identify and protect anilox inventory.

Dies and tooling manufacturers introduce improvements in setup time, ease of use and faster cleaning to contribute to overall productivity gains.

One of the highlights of the Kocher + Beck stand was the Gapmaster EM (Electronic Move), a servo-driven adjustable anvil system that allows users to adjust increments as small as 0.25 microns using a rotary dial and digital input with haptic feedback for the operator. The Gapmaster em also features user-friendly calibration, a home/start function, job history storage, and limits on adjustments if needed. The EM retrofit, with the same capabilities, can be retrofitted to all existing Kocher + Beck gapmaster units on-site by replacing the mechanical handle with an electrical drive unit.

Kocher + Beck also showcased its latest innovations in die-cutting, including the new industry 4.0-ready digital KMS Pressure Gauge System, which is equipped with various sensors and offers greater stability under load changes.

Maxcess introduced rotometrics’ new flexible die portfolio, re-engineered with automated manufacturing processes for enhanced precision and reliability. Additionally, chrome coating processes double the lifespan and durability of the dies. Maxcess promoted its award-winning rotorepel anti-adhesive performance coating, which provides comprehensive adhesive control benefits and improves overall die and press performance by reducing adhesive buildup and minimizing die wear and damage.

Rotometrics’ intelligent adjustable anvils offer the reliability of AccuAdjust, which can be upgraded with RotoAdjust for additional features such as job recall and operator interface. The company also showcased RotoScan, an intelligent die station providing fully automated anvil adjustments to cut perfect labels while delivering industry 4.0 analytics for smarter operations. RotoScan will be available commercially in 2025.

Maxcess also introduced the Fife guiding systems, featuring the new Fife SmartDrive Actuator and GuideLine Digital Sensor for maintaining precise web alignment. Webex tension control products, with advanced Magpowr technology, allow press operators to monitor and control web tension, ensuring consistent material handling and waste reduction. Additionally, Maxcess launched Tidland SmartSlit, an automated slitting system designed to minimize manual adjustments.

Rotometal showcased its Alulite Magnetic Cylinders, manufactured from aerospace-grade aluminum, offering up to a 50 percent weight reduction. This translates to time savings and improved ergonomics. The company also promoted its Antifriction Print Cylinders, which undergo a unique surface treatment that allows tape to be peeled off in one piece. This treatment simplifies preparation and changeovers, enables quicker tape changes, and enhances durability, adhesion, and scratch resistance.

Rotometal also introduced ultra-lightweight rotosleeves made from composite materials or aluminum.

Wilson Manufacturing highlighted its expanded line of accessories, including the Cylinder Inspection Tool, which accurately measures the undercut in magnetic cylinders and assesses cylinder surfaces for wear and irregularities. The company also presented newly designed magnetic-base bearer wipers.

Wink unveiled its latest developments in SuperCut flexible dies, including advanced coatings and optimized cutting angles designed for various label applications. The company also demonstrated its SmartGap system, featuring the newly developed SmartGap advance. All SmartGap versions utilize extra-wide bearing rings to support the anvil cylinder body. While the Advance version is controlled mechanically using adjustment knobs, the touch digital version is managed through a control unit and display that provides several powerful functions.

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S Kumar closes multiple deals at Labelexpo India 2024

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 12:26:29 +0000

Zonten, with its exclusive distributor, S.Kumar Multiproducts, has demonstrated slitter rewinders and flexo presses at Labelexpo India 2024, and reported 21 deals made at the show.

The company sold 3 flexo presses in 4 days. New Mumbai-based Dinsons Self Sticks purchased a Zonten 370-mm flexo 8 color fully loaded two-servo machine with cold foil and a multi-substrate press with lamination and die-cutting, along with a stacker conveyor with LED and UV properties. The machine incorporates flower-type technology along with delam-relam. This is Dinsons’ third Zonten flexo press as the company delves deeper into the labelling business.

Another 8 color 430mm dual servo, fully loaded flexo press was picked by Sayona labels.

Hindustan labels of Nashik and Shri Om booked HFQ 450 servo-driven, high-speed slitter rewinder with 3 tension control and web-guide control.

Hapur-based Aroosh Stickers booked high-speed HFQ 350 slitter rewinder for its new digtial plant.

Ideal Seal Tape acquired a high-speed HMQ 350 die cutter with reversible hot foil and sheeter conveyor.

S Kumar sold another three high-speed HMQ 450 die-cutters with reversible hot foil, lamination, sheeter and conveyor. It also sold three more slitter rewinders.

One intermittent, full rotary die cut, sheeter and slitter conveyor was sold to Shri Om printers in Maharashtra.

S Kumar also sold two HMQ 450 flatbed die-cutting with lamination, reversible hot foil and a conveyor with sheeting and slitting, single pass, machines. One was sold to Hyderabad-based Vimal Packaging, who also bought a high-speed HFQ 450 slitter-rewinder. The other machine was sold to Ahmedabad-based Prakash Printers and Coaters.

Two more HMQ 450 machines were sold to Surat-based Krutika Coatings and Hyderabad-based JK Labels.

Another high-speed HFQ 450 slitter-rewinder was sold to Ahmednagar-based Accur8 Bizcom. It also bought a ZMQ 450 intermittent/full rotary multifunctional converting machine for labels and IML. This machine was also picked by Mohali-based United Labels.

Commenting on the company's success at the show, Manish Hansoti, managing director, S Kumar Multiproducts, said:
'We had a tremendous time at Labelexpo. We are extremely proud to have done so well. We booked so many machines, which is the first time in the history of our participation in Labelexpo. This shows the booming Indian economy and incredible growth in the label industry. The show has exceeded our expectations and we hope to come back bigger and stronger in the next edition.'

Posted date

2 months 1 week ago

Short title

S Kumar closes multiple deals at Labelexpo India 2024

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S Kumar Multiproducts, which represents Zonten in India, sells 21 machines.

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S Kumar Multiproducts, which represents Zonten in India, sells 21 machines.

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Maxcess launches plasma coatings for Webex and Componex

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:27:32 +0000

Maxcess has launched its new line of plasma coatings for Webex and Componex precision and performance rolls suitable for the most challenging tag and label, paper, film and packaging converting.

Available in a variety of surface finishes, the Webex and Componex series of coatings offering excellent adhesive and ink release, suitable for the most challenging tag and label, paper, film and packaging converting, including water-based adhesives and in applications where enhanced solvent resistance is necessary.

‘Our customer and industry research identified converters were looking for an alternative to existing plasma coating offerings,’ noted Robyn Mazas, Americas product manager Maxcess precision and performance rolls. ‘We invested in processes and machinery to develop better plasma coatings, hardfaced release and traction coatings from a single source.

‘Additionally, converters were looking for better quality and faster, more reliable lead times. Our new Componex and Webex plasma coatings ship in seven days or less compared to other suppliers’ timelines of up to three to four weeks. Also, by bringing the process in house, we can offer better consistent quality at a better value.’

Posted date

3 months 2 weeks ago

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Maxcess launches plasma coatings for Webex and Componex

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New coatings are suitable for the most challenging tag and label, paper, film and packaging converting.

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New coatings are suitable for the most challenging tag and label, paper, film and packaging converting.

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Zecher launches Zecher C.T.P engraving optimization

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:30:51 +0000

Zecher, an anilox rollers and sleeves specialist, has launched Zecher C.P.T. (Cell Polish Treatment), an optimization method in engraving technology raising print quality to a new level.

Zecher C.P.T. is a thermal finishing process that is carried out after laser engraving. The process-related sub-microscopic irregularities, such as pores and nano-cracks, which occur during engraving, are thermally eliminated. This short but precise thermal treatment ensures a ‘polished’ cell structure and strengthens the mechanical stability of the roller surface.

The advantage of C.P.T. lies in the optimized characteristics of the cells created by the thermal process. By smoothing the inner walls and strengthening the bridges, the service life of the anilox rollers can be increased while at the same time their performance can be improved. The optimized cells offer a higher mechanical load capacity, which is particularly invaluable when printing at high speeds and with intensive use.

According to the company, printing validation and initial customer feedback confirm the outstanding results of the new technology. Compared to conventional anilox rollers, the gravure optimization offers better emptying behavior, easier cleaning, consistent ink transfer and fewer imperfections.

Zecher C.P.T. is suitable for all ceramic anilox rollers and sleeves, regardless of their specification. The technology is integrated directly into the production process and complements Zecher's existing portfolio without requiring any additional adjustments from printers.

‘The constructive development work at the interface between anilox roller production and application technology has enabled us to further optimize the Zecher anilox roller with C.P.T. technology in line with customer requirements,’ said Sven Krause, head of product development at Zecher. ‘We are convinced that this technology will set new standards in the printing industry and look forward to continuing to convince our customers of the quality of Zecher products through the advantages of C.P.T.’

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3 months 3 weeks ago

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Zecher launches Zecher C.T.P engraving optimization

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The new technology for anilox rollers offers benefits in terms of quality and performance.

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The new technology for anilox rollers offers benefits in terms of quality and performance.

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Rotometal showcases AluLite Magnetic Cylinders in Chicago

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:41:53 +0000

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Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 23:22:28 +0000

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Dies & tooling

Zecher and Chromos Group expand their partnership

CTS Industries makes key personnel changes

Rotometal celebrates 10 years of manufacturing printing sleeves

Mark Andy and Wink partner on MA Performance Flex Die

Labelexpo Americas 2024: Dies and tooling

Piotr Wnuk

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S Kumar closes multiple deals at Labelexpo India 2024

Maxcess launches plasma coatings for Webex and Componex

Zecher launches Zecher C.T.P engraving optimization

Rotometal showcases AluLite Magnetic Cylinders in Chicago

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