GRAVURE FORUM at AIMCAL R2R
This past year has handed us all a bunch of lemons… and it’s time we start making lemonade! Over the past year, AIMCAL and GAA have been working hard to make sure our memberships have access to the events, tools, training, and networking opportunities so important to their businesses.
Accordingly, we’re pleased to announce that we will soon be serving up the 2021 Gravure Forum.
This year, the event will be held at the 2021 AIMCAL R2R Conference going on simultaneously with the International Converting Exhibition & Conference (ICE). So, we’re officially back… ON ICE: It’s one sweet deal.
Let’s get back out there, reconnect with old friends, and make some new ones at the International Converting Exhibition & Conference 2021 October 19 – 21 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando FL.
We are staging our GRAVURE BASICS course on October 18. So, bring along those new to the industry for this one-day introductory course to the Gravure process. This will be a live version of the Virtual Gravure Basics event we held in May and will feature the same cast of experts.
Gravure AIMCAL Alliance will hold the GRAVURE FORUM on October 19 – 21: A set of six 30-minute presentations each morning will provide a total of 18 technical sessions including the latest information, techniques and methods to help your businesses.
More information coming soon!
Golden Cylinder Awards:
Thanks to our Judges, who have now reviewed all the entries and selected the winners. There are 9 category winners and 3 Best of the Best winners – Packaging & Label, Product, and Innovation. As in years past, this event had worldwide entries and we want to thank ACiMGA as being a sponsor. The winners will be announced in October at the Gravure Technical Forum being held in conjunction with AIMCAL R2R at ICEC on October 19th – 20th in
Orlando FL.
Notice Our New Look?
The GAA is Growing to Serve You Even Better
If you’ve noticed a slight change to our logo and name, that’s the first of many new developments to come. Effective August 1, 2021, Gravure Association of the Americas will become part of Association of International Metallizers Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL). Our current membership will automatically be entitled to all the benefits enjoyed by AIMCAL Basic members (visit Become a Member | AIMCAL to review the benefits). All existing benefits, products and services will continue under the banner of Gravure AIMCAL Alliance and can be found at www.gaa.org. The GAA website has been rebranded and updated to reflect the association’s integration into AIMCAL.
As part of this new merger, the Gravure Endowment Fund (Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation) will receive a new Endowment of $25,000.00 which has been established in the name of Gravure AIMCAL Alliance.
Recognizing Professional Excellence
2021 GEF Technical Paper Announced
The winner of the 2021 GEF technical paper is Chandramohan (Chandra) Seetharamiah Srinivasaraju of Western Michigan University for his research paper titled: Surface Energy and Abrasion Resistance characteristics of Conventional and New Optimized Surface for Gravure Cylinders. He will present his findings at the Gravure Forum at the AIMCAL R2R Conference in October.
Cylinder Society Nominations are Closing Soon
The Cylinder Society has been a way to recognize your colleagues and those who have been influential in the advancement of the gravure process across the industry. Time is running out to submit nominations for this year’s class of honorees.
Please send your nominations to info@gaa.org, put in the subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee Application Form will be sent to you.
Other Events & Happenings
Advanced Gravure Seminar:
We have penciled in dates in October/November for the 2021 Advanced Seminar to be held at a printing facility as COVID restrictions are changed. More information available soon.
On-site Training/On-site Consulting:
Will resume as soon as restrictions are lifted. In the interim, we continued to deliver mentored training, featuring our technical experts in a virtual format. Thanks to Bob Kikkert and Mike Gaffney, our consulting staff, who acted as moderators and presenters during the Virtual Gravure Basic Seminar.
Certified Operators are a Competitive Advantage
Teams that are skilled and knowledgeable about their work deliver strong performance for your business, and they provide a noticeable difference in terms of quality output and results for your clients. One of the best ways to ensure your team is as qualified as possible is through certification from the GAA.
GAA Online Gravure Certification
Our online certification courses allow team members to learn essential skills and steadily gain more technical knowledge at their own pace. There are four levels of certification training available online:
- Level 1 Assistant Certification (suitable for assistants and especially new hires)
- Level 2 Operator Certification (suitable for experienced press operators)
- Level 3 Application Specialist Certification (suitable for non-pressroom personnel and sales)
- Level 4 Master Operator Certification (suitable for press operators with advanced press-room experience)
GAA members have been actively utilizing the Gravure Certification Program with positive feedback. All course content is continuously reviewed and updated to reflect the latest industry developments, technologies, and techniques.
Information and registration for all four levels of the certification is available at: https://gaa.org/services/training/online-gravure-certification-training/
Special Member pricing has been established for the Certifications:
- Level 1 $1000.00 offered to members at $500.00
- Level 2 $1,500.00 offered to members at $1,000.00
- Level 3 $2,000.00 offered to members at $1,500.00
- Level 4 $2,700.00 offered to members at $2,100.00
Thank you, as always, to our DONORS. Your generosity and faith have allowed us to rebuild GAA, support the next generation, and create a brighter future.
Platinum Level @ $5,000.00:
Gold Level @ $2,500.00:
Silver Level @ $1,000.00:
Ron Deegan
Lou DeFlaviis