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Ink Changes in Flexo Printing

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The flexographic printing market isn't slowing down—due to the wide range of package applications, cost and environmental concerns, more and more companies are using flexo printing for their final products. As a result, printers are trying to find innovative ways to take a better final product to their clients, at a more affordable rate, while cutting down on their own waste and ink use. The solution for printers across the globe is Gelflex EB ink . The revolutionary ink has been engineered by Techno Solutions and supported by Energy Sciences Inc. (ESI), the world leader in electron beam (EB) systems and solutions. The idea behind Gelflex EB ink was simple: provide a new ink for CI flexo that will provide year over year cost reduction, while eliminating excess waste, and producing less dot gain. Gelflex-EB increases the productivity of the printing operation, by being liquid enough for all CI flexo printing operations, but at the same time can thicken rapidly, which eff
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Electron Beam Cross-Linking of Polyolefin Film Packaging Applications

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Radiation cross-linking comprised of gamma rays from a Co60 source and even high-energy electron cross-linking from > 1 MeV accelerators have been commercial since 1960s. These applications were mostly for the wire and cable industry, rubber tires and some high-barrier shrink film applications for meat packaging introduced by Cryovac.  Since the development of low-voltage electron beam accelerators in the range of less than 300 kV – in particular in the 125 kV range – EB cross-linking has found new applications and markets, particularly in the packaging industry. This report will discuss these markets, along with the properties achieved by electron beam irradiation of polyolefin films used in packaging. In addition, the theory of  electron beam crosslinking will be discussed in detail. Introduction When irradiated either by gamma rays from a Co60 source or high-energy electrons generated by electron accelerators, polymers either cross-link or undergo chain scissi
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Location: Beverly Farms, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
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Wide Web Flexo and Ebeam Inks for Short Runs

Digital print for packaging has gotten a lot of attention of late, and for good reason. Digital printing allows short runs, quick turnarounds, and customizable prints. Despite the many advantages of digital printing, research from a Dutch company shows that wide-web flexo is still the best solution.  Located in the heart of the Netherlands' flower region, the family-run Dutch company was faced with a decision. Their market was shifting, demanding newer lamination and printing techniques, and they needed to decide the future of their press. The Van Kesteren brothers who run the company had seen many other printing firms switching over to digital and were tempted to do the same. Digital does have its benefits, including: • No die cuts or print plates needed • Small runs are easy • High print quality and speedy turnaround However, Van Kesteren's weren't completely convinced that they should leave their current system. They first calculated the cost of job
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When you add electron beam crosslinking  to VSP skin you enhance the package as a whole and make it an even more attractive option for retailers and consumers. Benefits include: 1. Shrink Ability EB crosslinking on skin packaging improves the overall "shrink ability" of the skin. This allows it to shrink closer to the product and eliminate more oxygen, guaranteeing a final product that lasts a long time on the shelf. 2. Heat Resistance Heatproof packaging is a necessity for some items, like chocolate, poultry, dairy, and other perishable products.  EB crosslinking upgrades a product's heat resistance and enables the product to maintain its unspoiled state for a long time when exposed to warmer temperatures. 3. Puncture Resistance By the time a product reaches the shelves of a supermarket, it's been through the supply chain, transported on multiple trucks, and passed between stockers at the local store. Puncture resistance is a key trait to e
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