The April edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news and events!
Inside April’s GravurExchange:
- Association for Roll-To-Roll Converters joins Wisconsin Green Tier Charter.
- Cal Poly Graphic Communication provides update on its Gravure process training.
- Article on barrier coatings for fiber-based (paperboard) substrates by Katherine Graham of Bobst.
- GAA-Committee members support career awareness to High Schools through:
- Phoenix Challenge High School Competition.
- Career presentations and tours for High Schools.
- EPA and Environmental News
- Upcoming Events and other gravure-printing news
This year’s members-only event is shaping up to be a truly exceptional experience, all designed to educate and inform you about the latest industry trends while providing unique opportunities to connect with colleagues and gain valuable insights from expert speakers.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
- Valuable workshops: Three days of inspiring presentations on attracting and retaining young professionals, management best practices, and manufacturing megatrends.
- Learn from industry leaders: Our carefully crafted agenda is filled with insights from roll-to-roll industry leaders in packaging, consumer electronics, digital twin solutions, and battery manufacturing.
- Unique networking events: Networking opportunities include a golf scramble at the serene Furman University Golf Club and a thrilling networking experience at BMW’s Performance Driving School.
- Factory tours: A behind-the-scenes facility tour at BMW North America and a specialty tour and presentation from The Packaging School.
- View the full schedule here.
WHEN AND WHERE IT’S HAPPENING:
- May 16-18 in beautiful Greenville, South Carolina.
- Receive a preferred room rate when you book at the stunning AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville by May 2.
- Click here to book your room!
Special Announcement!
The Association for Roll-To-Roll Converters (ARC) (formerly AIMCAL) has been added to the Wisconsin Printing Industry Green Tier Charter, joining the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, the FTA, PRINTING United Alliance, TLMI and the Great Lakes Graphics Association.
The GAA & GAA-Committee has participated in the WI Printing Industry Council for several years. After the merger of GAA into AIMCAL, ARC Executive Director Chris Kerscher saw it was advantageous for the association to become a member of the Green Tier Charter for Superior Environmental Performance within the WI Printing Industry Council.
Wisconsin is home to more than 30 ARC member companies, and the Wisconsin Printing Industry Council has been a leader in promoting open communication between the regulatory agencies and the printing/converting community. As society pushes for sustainability and a circular packaging economy, communication among the affected parties is more important than ever. The State of Wisconsin and all the signatories of the charter ratified the amendment to include the Association for Roll-To-Roll Converters. Chris stated that being included in the charter shows the association’s support to sustainability efforts for a better environment.
About the Wisconsin Printing Industries charter | | Wisconsin DNR
The charter provides a vehicle to improve sustainable business practices within the printing industry, while increasing regulatory efficiency in return. The charter contains commitments of value to both the department and the printing industry that provide environmental and economic benefits. This charter includes several overarching goals to:
- Identify opportunities for improving compliance and regulatory efficiency. This includes streamlining current environmental regulations, creating new approaches to meet regulatory obligations, and developing and updating support and guidance documents.
- Explore and promote alternative approaches to beyond-compliance environmental activities. This includes outreach to the industry about the Green Tier and SGP programs, sustainable green-printing practices and new technologies, new or revised regulations, and other resources.
- Encourage printing companies to participate in Green Tier and SGP programs to take advantage of additional benefits [PDF]. This includes:
- Recognition at the state and national level
- Ability to apply efforts to both programs, including:
- Working toward the same objectives and continuous improvement projects;
- Providing progress updates in one annual report format; and
- Conducting one audit to satisfy requirements of both programs.
- A fact sheet [PDF] summarizes additional benefits for Wisconsin printers participating in both programs.
Cal Poly Graphic Communication provides update on its Gravure process training.
The K-Proofer was generously granted to Cal Poly Graphic Communication by the Gravure Education Endowment (GEF) and the Print Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) in Fall 2021. Since then, it has been used for teaching, research, and extra-curricular activities. The K-Proofer was integrated into hands-on learning activities for over 200 undergraduate students.
Students were taught the differences in gravure, flexography, lithography, and silkscreen printing processes. In particular, gravure was briefly introduced in GrC 101 Introduction to Graphic Communication. With the addition of the K-Proofer, we could incorporate more in-depth explanations of gravure in multiple classes, including GrC 211 Materials for Graphic Communication Applications, and GrC 328 Digital and Offset Printing Methods.
In GrC 211, with the help of the K-Proofer, students had hands-on experience with gravure ink by measuring ink viscosity and making proofs. In GrC 328, students get a deeper understanding of the differences between analog-printing processes. Students are introduced to the printing principles, press technologies, sustainability challenges, substrates, and inks considerations of the Gravure process. Consequently, students will thoroughly understand how gravure is different from flexography, as gravure controls both the area of ink coverage and ink-film thickness in the same print unit.
In the lab activities, students could observe the gravure plate from K-Proofer under the microscope. Then they are provided with real-world print samples to analyze the print features, quality, and volume. At the end of the class, students felt more comfortable analyzing different print samples and associating them with specific printing methods by identifying the end-use of the sample and analyzing the print features, such as halo edge from flexography and serrated edge from gravure.
Moreover, students also learn color-matching by using the spectrophotometer on the print samples from the K-Proofer.
Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department is very thankful that PGSF and GEF support schools like ours. With the K-Proofer in our labs, students are empowered with hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of gravure technology.
We want to thank Ruoxi Rachel Ma, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Graphic Communication, California Polytechnic State University, for providing the article and supporting the gravure process to her students.
GravurExchange asked BOBST to provide our readers with the latest R&D concerning increased pressure to make packaging more sustainable using paper-based substrates.
Sustainability through fiber-based substrate adaptability
These projects are identified by two umbrella terms – oneBARRIER and “One” complete solution – and address two key focal points for the flexible-packaging industry: the recyclability / circularity of packaging, and the transformation of the production workflow. Both are crucial and connected. As an end-to-end packaging solution provider, BOBST needs to consider the entire production process.
oneBARRIER – recycle-ready flexible packaging
oneBARRIER represents one of the most exciting milestones in the journey toward truly sustainable packaging – a family of new alternative and sustainable solutions. These include oneBARRIER PrimeCycle – polymer-based monomaterial substrates that are EVO and topcoat-free – and oneBARRIER FibreCycle – full fibre/paper-based monomaterial structures coated with functional layers that can be recycled in the existing paper wastestream. Both are viable replacements for metallized-polyester, non-recyclable substrates.
“The validity and viability of the oneBARRIER family of recycle-ready high-barrier substrates was firmly established in 2022, as they were converted and printed on real scale equipment,” explains Sara Alexander, marketing and communications mgr.-Flexible Packaging Industry at BOBST. “BOBST has worked closely with an ecosystem of leading industry partners to create recycle-ready monomaterial, high- and ultra-high-barrier, duplex and triplex substrates as an alternative to non-recyclable metallized packaging for packaging designers.”
The oneBARRIER PrimeCycle PE AlOx monomaterial has been certified by the German institute Cyclos-HTP (cyclos-HTP – Institut cyclos-HTP), with a recyclability level of 98%, which exceeds industry guidelines and is an extraordinary achievement for high-barrier films. The oneBARRIER FibreCycle AluBond structure has also recently been tested by the German PTS institute (Papiertechnische Stiftung: Fibre-based research & development | PTS Website (ptspaper.de) and has been assessed as recyclable.
“Making recycle-ready flexible packaging a reality for our converting customers has been a priority objective for BOBST,” says Sara. “It is a journey that reached a major milestone achievement last year. In 2023, we are continuing to work on other developments and structures in polymer- and fibre-based applications and will also intensify our collaborative R&D on the third type of sustainable packaging, namely compostable/biodegradable solutions. We will also continue to submit the oneBARRIER different structures for assessment and add certifications by independent certification institutes.”
One complete solution – dedicated workflows for seamless production
BOBST has announced the launch of One complete solution, portfolio of end-to-end workflows for seamless quality production, from application management guidance and production of functional substrates to prepress setup, printing, converting, quality control and services. As the needs of converters become more unique due to diverse market factors, One complete solution provides everything converters need, tailored to their specific needs.
“The One complete solution for the production of the oneBARRIER FibreCycle recycle-ready substrate is a good example,” explains Sara. “The solution comprises the Expert K5 vacuum metallizer for deposition of AlOx or AluBond and the oneBARRIER Expert Coater for the primer and topcoating processes. It is everything the converter needs.”
The advantages for converters of having integrated equipment for production through One complete solution are manifold. These include integrated package solutions delivering process-machine-output in one flow; in this case, guaranteed barrier properties of the full structures (pre-coat + metallization + post-coat + eventually lamination, printing); knowledge of all technologies – coating, vacuum metallizing, gravure printing, flexo printing from narrow- to ultra-wide web, lamination equipment and processes from a single supplier; and different kinds of raw material specifications, coatings, adhesive chemicals and inks.
“Through oneBARRIER and One complete solution, BOBST is adding to its comprehensive portfolio of end-to-end solutions to help converters achieve complete and seamless quality production for more sustainable and productive flexible packaging,” concludes Sara.
Katherine Graham, regional marketing and communications mgr.-Bobst NA:
katherine.graham@bobst.com
Education member Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Hosts the 2023 High School Phoenix Challenge
On March 22-24, the 2023 Phoenix Challenge High School Flexographic Skills Competition, organized by the Phoenix Challenge Foundation (PCF), was held at CPCC in Charlotte, NC, in the Harper Campus graphics and printing labs.
The competition includes skills and testing on press operation (2-color job), prepress, platemaking, FTA Level One Certification, and a printing-related math skills test. ARC members Harper Corporation, SGS (Southern Graphics) and Sun Chemical always step up to provide judges and presentation to teachers. In addition to the five-element competition, the students and teachers receive hands-on ink training including mixing and proofing to match a Pantone color. This year we had 11 (two-member) teams from five states. The winner was Career Technical Center of Lackawanna County PA. High School Program — Phoenix Challenge Foundation
We want to thank CCL-Label and Evelyn Cruz for hosting tours with the students and teachers from the Phoenix Challenge to view label production first-hand. Seeing the multi-process printing operation is a great plus while they are in Charlotte.
To see more pictures and information from the 2023 PCHS go to: https://aimcal.sharefile.com/d-s3cf4233693944059b1a4ac3281cac6fb
Education member Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Hosts Palisades High School Graphics Field Trip
The PHS students and teachers were able to tour the CPCC Harper Campus Graphic Arts and Image Technology (GAIT) labs while the Phoenix Challenge High School Flexo Competition was taking place. The field trip had two major purposes: First was to introduce the students to the Phoenix Challenge Foundation High School Flexo Challenge. This provides incentive to the class to put together a team to compete in the 2024 Phoenix Challenge. The second purpose was to introduce students to the graphic industry and its career opportunities. Printing industry association representatives Jeff Stoudt of PICA, Dale Coates of TLMI, Robb Firming of FTA, Caitlin Salaverria of ICPF, Tony Donato of ARC, and Bettylyn Krafft of PCF all addressed the students’ questions on career possibilities.
Aaron D. Freeman, Palisades High School, CTE HS Graphics & Digital Design, Web Development Instructor, commented that the 19 students found the field trip was eye-opening to an industry they were unaware of. They were also excited to learn of the GAIT-available training at Central Piedmont Community College and the numerous industry scholarships.
Following are pictures from the March 23 field trip.
To read the full article and see more pictures go to the following link to download: https://aimcal.sharefile.com/d-s552823231aaa405fae5ae0c7b46b3638
On April 6, CCL-Label Charlotte NC hosts Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Class of Olympic High School
Eighteen students and faculty members were able to tour the CCL-Label facility. Matthew Wykoff, Academy of Engineering NBCT instructor, was very impressed and did not realize the technology and engineering disciplines needed to produce roll-to-roll labels. The students were able to see first-hand the career potential in the printing/converting industry.
Seeing the technology and cleanliness when touring CCL’s fleet of 18 R2R label presses left a lasting impression on the students. This tour is part of the effort of Evelyn Cruz, operations director, to have CCL-Label become involved in the local educational community to engage students with awareness of the careers available in printing/converting. Cruz gave a PPT presentation reviewing the printing processes the attendees saw during the tour and where they learned about CCL and its 204 worldwide facilities.
Jim Garvey, chair of the GAA Committee, commends CCL-Label and Evelyn Cruz for reaching out to the next generation that will be joining the workforce and promoting careers in printing and converting. Jim encourages all members to get engaged with your local community to help promote our industry.
Free Webinar
“Strategies for Managing Episodic Hazardous Waste Generation”
Presented by:
Jennifer A. Birkholz
Environmental Business Support Coordinator Sustainability & Business Support | Green Tier
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The webinar is hosted by the Wisconsin Printing Industry Superior Environmental Performance Charter along with its member organizations; Great Lakes Graphics Association, TLMI, FTA, Association of Roll-to-Roll Converters, Printing United, the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, and the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources.
Download flyer: https://aimcal.sharefile.com/d-s9232856b231a4fe1a5127286218b3b7a
Registration link is on flyer.
Article from April edition:
New Source Performance Standards Review for
Industrial Surface Coating of Plastic Parts for Business Machines
The US EPA is finalizing amendments to the new source performance standards for Industrial Surface Coating of Plastic Parts for Business Machines pursuant to the review required by the Clean Air Act. For affected facilities that commence construction, modification, or reconstruction after June 21, 2022, the EPA is, in a new subpart, finalizing volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limitations for prime, color, texture, and touch-up coating operations. We are also finalizing a requirement for electronic submission of periodic compliance reports. This final rule went into effect March 27, 2023. Read the rule in the Federal Register.
Full April 2023 issue is available at: SmallBiz@EPA April 2023 (mailchi.mp)
For the Latest Member News go to:
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For the Latest Member Announcements go to:
For upcoming Roll-to-Roll Industry Events go to:
Our industry event calendar includes all events. To view the Association for Roll-to-Roll Converters conferences & events, they are listed on the bottom of this page.
The 2023 R2R USA Conference & Expo
is going to Milwaukee, WI from October 2-5
https://www.rolltoroll.org/2023-r2r-usa-conference
Read the article on the 2023 R2R USA Conference
Call for Papers for the 2023 R2R USA Conference R2R Call for Papers (rolltoroll.org)
There will be six technical-presentation tracks plus keynote speakers. Topics are Web Handling, Coating & Laminating, Gravure (Printing), Sustainability, Vacuum Coating, and Breakthrough Markets (Printed Electronics/Battery). Presentations are 25 minutes w/ 5 minutes Q & A.
Todd Luman of Interprint is the “Gravure Track” Coordinator for the 2023 R2R USA Conference, and he is asking to all who aspire to be a presenter to begin preparing an abstract. Gravure Track topics need to focused toward “printers,” especially in the gravure process. Presentations need to be technically oriented and non-commercial. Submission deadline is May 31, 2023.
If you have questions, please contact Todd Luman tluman@interprint.com or Tim Janes tjanes@rolltoroll.org
Jim Garvey, chair of the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee, encourages all members to participate by joining a committee Go To: Committee Submission Form | AIMCAL
The association exists only through the participation of its members. The association has seven other committees in addition to the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance, so there is no reason for any member’s employees involved in Printing/Converting not to find a committee that will be beneficial to them in new knowledge and networking. Become active and join a committee!
The Online “Entry Level Technician” Course Available!
This course continues to be very popular with members and non-members. The ELT course contains 10 modules covering Pressroom Safety, Gravure Process Strengths and Distinctions, Gravure Market Segments, Print Station Components, Doctor Blades, Inks and best practices, Web Basics (Unwind-Splice-Outfeed), Web (Tension-Temperature-Treatments), Registration Fundamentals and Pre & Makeready practices. ELT also contains 13 recorded presentations from Gravure Seminars and conferences. All GAA-Committee online courses along with the Gravure textbooks are all available at www.aimcal.org, click on “Resources” tab, then pick “Products” from the dropdown. You will also see all the training courses and other products that are offered by AIMCAL.
The official technical journal of the Association for Roll-to-Roll Converters, is a great source of information and curent news from members and the industry. Go to https://www.convertingquarterly.com/ to subscribe to the quarterly print magazine, the digital edition, the weekly CQ eNews…or all three.
For all the news you may have missed, go to Archived News.
If you are looking for new employees or are looking for employment
We encourage you to use the new resources on the AIMCAL website: (Jobs: RolltoRoll.org). Members may post jobs at NO CHARGE. We invite you to see how easy it is to post jobs online today. To maximize your job posting, you should also post on the GAA website at Job Openings | Gravure Association of the Americas (gaa.org)
Go to the following link to: Meet the Team | Association for Roll-to-Roll Converters
Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic
association of companies that are promoting the Gravure process,
please go to: Member Benefits & Values | Association for Roll-to-Roll Converters
Questions? contact Tim Janes, Member Outreach Director: tjanes@rolltoroll.org
If you an idea or article for the GravurExchange email them to Tony Donato at: tdonato@gaa.org
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