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GravurExchange Newsletter – August 2022

August 1, 2022

The August 2022 edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news and events

Happy Anniversary!
August 1st is the one-year anniversary of the GAA merger into AIMCAL

As of August 1^st, 2022 it will be one year since the GAA merged into AIMCAL. The merger brought companies that are primarily “Printers” and their suppliers into AIMCAL. With the addition of the packaging and décor/product “Printers” merging into the Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (Converters), AIMCAL’s membership is now one of the most all-encompassing Printer/Converter associations worldwide. AIMCAL being Internationally oriented was one of the reasons that attracted the GAA to them.

Of the GAA members that merged, 10 of them were already AIMCAL members and 75% of the others renewed for 2022. The majority of those who did not renew were themselves involved in acquisitions and or their target business has changed. We anticipate over time some will return when training and networking needs require. So, all in all the merger that brought the GAA members expanded benefits and networking as becoming AIMCAL members has had a very good first year.

The GAA “Legacy” members have participated in the 2020 USA R2R (virtual), 2021 USA R2R, the 2022 Executive Leadership and the 2022 R2R Europe conferences and are involved in the 2022 USA R2R preparation. Our members have provided speakers for all of the above and the 2021 Gravure Fundamentals and we have held a Gravure Basics Webinar. Rod Sosa (FresCo) and Todd Luman (Interprint) both active in the Gravure Association are now on the AIMCAL Board of Directors combining “Printers” concerns with the “Converters”. AIMCAL having many diverse committees has allowed some of the legacy members personnel to join other committees. Go to Committees | AIMCAL to review and join other committees that can help in networking. As Lou DeFlaviis declared when the merger was completed “Together we are stronger” has proven to be spot on.

The Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee is looking for those who want to be involved in the committee’s leadership.

We cannot thank Lou DeFlaviis, JD Harris and John Edwards enough for being the leaders who steered the GAA into AIMCAL and lead us through the first year. However, now they are ready to pass the torch on to a new leadership team. What we need now are those dynamic leaders who want to become the GAA- Committees Chair, Co-Chair and Secretary.

The GAA-Committee members have been able to keep the GravurExchange being published each month, have come forward as needed to participate in the Golden Cylinder Awards as entrants and judges and participated in Steering Committees, nominate Cylinder Society members, participate in Gravure Days and conference agenda committees. To keep these features happening and adding new features the GAA-Committee needs leaders. Getting volunteers to help is not the issue, we have members pitch in as needed but we need those who can plan and be the visionaries to keep the GAA-Committee working to the future. For those interested to take the reins, contact tdonato@gaa.org or tim@aimcal.org

It is time to register for the AIMCAL R2R USA Technical Conference

Members are registering for the AIMCAL R2R USA Technical Conference for September 26-29 in Orlando, FL. Go to 2022 R2R USA Conference (aimcal.org) to register and to review the agenda and schedule. The R2R USA is a multi-track conference plus multiple Keynote speakers. The in-person 2022 R2R is looking like a pre-COVID conference. For Sponsorships and exhibitor registration go to: Sponsorship Opportunities | 2022 R2R USA (aimcal.org) We encourage the GAA-Committee members to show your support by becoming sponsors.

For answers to your questions please contact Tim Janes at tim@aimcal.org as soon as possible; spaces are limited. The Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee has been lining up speakers for the Gravure Track that will provide the gravure community with the latest in technologies and best practices.

As the opening article stated the GAA-Committee brought “Printers” into AIMCAL and for the R2R the Gravure track the committee approved sessions that would inform attendees on digital and rotary screen printing. The reality of packaging and product printing for many of our members, is they use different printing processes. With that in mind and having meaningful topics that support our members, it was decided to add other printing processes to the track. A live Gravure Basics webinar was held in May and a Gravure Fundamentals course at the 2021 R2R, so it was decided not to hold a Gravure Fundamentals in 2022. GAA-Committee members Bill Poulson and Tony Donato will present a Flexo-101 course on Monday September 26^th. For those who need a Gravure Basics course go to: Gravure Basics an overview of the gravure process (aimcal.org).

Important notice for all who are using “1-Bromopropane” it is found in some degreasers.

The EPA has added CAS# is 106-94-5 (1-Bromopropane (n-propylbromide or nPB) is an organobromine compound with the chemical formula CH3CH2CH2Br) to the list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) listed in Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. There are air permitting and air pollution control implications associated with this action. Companies using degreasers should have your EHS coordinator to check it is being used and or emitted. HAPs have to recorded and reported. I am not sure if it is being used in the printing industry but did not want to assume all were aware of the EPA action. If you have questions please contact tdonato@gaa.org

New Jersey Adopts Greenhouse Gas Rule Impacting Some Printing Operations

This article originally appeared on the PRINTING United Alliance First to Know page and is republished with permission. To learn more about PRINTING United Alliance and its vast member benefits, including access to veteran Alliance industry experts like Gary Jones who provides insight on critical issues such as these, please visit: www.printing.org.

As part of a new package of regulations, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has adopted several new rules requiring more rigorous monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions in certain situations and one of them impacts printing operations. The rulemaking is part of a comprehensive strategy to address greenhouse gas emissions statewide. The rule effecting printing operations requires facilities that use 50 pounds or more of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in refrigeration systems to register and report their equipment and use of refrigerants.

NJDEP reports that refrigeration system leaks comprise up to 35 percent of the State’s estimated overall halogenated gas emissions. The proposed registration and reporting program allows NJDEP to identify the use of high-GWP refrigerants in refrigeration systems in the State, providing a more accurate baseline inventory of these pollutants.

NJDEP defines a “refrigeration system” at N.J.A.C. 7:27E-1.2 to mean stationary, non-residential equipment that:

1) is an industrial process refrigeration (appliances linked to an industrial process), commercial refrigeration (appliance used in the retail food or cold storage warehouse sectors), or other refrigeration appliance; and

2) the equipment has a single refrigerant circuit that requires 50 pounds or more of any combination of high-GWP refrigerant to maintain normal operating characteristics and conditions.

Under this definition, a refrigeration system that requires 50 pounds or more of a high-GWP refrigerant or combination of refrigerants, at least one of which is a high-GWP refrigerant, will have to comply with N.J.A.C. 7:27E-2. Excluded from the definition are systems used for comfort cooling such as air conditioning systems, excluding chillers. Chiller used for comfort cooling or industrial process cooling are included in the new requirements.

NJDEP defines a “high-GWP refrigerant” to mean a compound used as a heat transfer fluid or gas that is a chlorofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a hydrofluorocarbon, a perfluorocarbon, or any compound or blend of compounds with a 100-year GWP value equal to or greater than 150. The rule incorporates by reference the “GWP value” as published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The 100-year GWP values are published in table 2.14 of the 2007 IPCC AR4, at https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ar4-wg1-chapter2-1.pdf, and in Chapter 8 of AR5, pp. 731-37, Appendix 8.A, at https://archive.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/wg1/WG1AR5_Chapter08_FINAL.pdf. These values are also published on the NJDEP website at: https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/ghg/refrigerants-100-gwp.pdf.

The owner or operator of a covered facility with one or more refrigeration systems must register and submit a facility registration fee. Registration is through the Department’s online business portal at NJDEPonline.com. Registration is valid for five years. Prior to the registration expiration date, the facility will receive a renewal invoice.

Initial registration is due by October 1, 2022. If the owner or operator has its first refrigeration system installed after the operative date of the rulemaking, the registration is due 90 days after installation.

Once the facility is registered, the owner or operator of the facility must submit an annual Facility Refrigeration System Report in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:27E-2.3. Among other information, the report is to include the refrigeration system identification number and information for each refrigeration system at the facility, including equipment type, manufacturer, model or description, model year, serial number, date of installation, temperature classification, the full charge of the refrigeration system, and the identity of the high-GWP refrigerant. The report is also to include the quantity of each high-GWP refrigerant purchased, the amount of each high-GWP refrigerant charged into the refrigeration system that is not considered part of an initial refrigerant charge, and the amounts recovered, stored, or shipped by the facility to be reclaimed or destroyed in a calendar year. This information will be used to calculate refrigerant leakage and subsequent emissions from each facility.

Annual reports are due starting April 1, 2023, and all subsequent years on April 1, for the previous calendar year. The time period of refrigerant use for the initial report for existing systems is October 1, 2022, or the first month 90 days after the installation of a new system.

The owner or operator of a registered facility must also maintain records, as provided at N.J.A.C. 7:27E-2.4. Records to be kept include all refrigeration system service and refrigerant leak repairs, items required to be reported in the Facility Refrigeration System Report, and refrigeration system component data, measurements, calculations, and assumptions used to determine the full charge. The facility must keep the records at the facility for five years and must make them available to the Department, on request.

For more information, please see https://dep.nj.gov/ghg/ghgmr-rule/refrigeration/.

PRINTING United Alliance seeks to keep the printing industry updated on workplace requirements related to environmental compliance. For more information, or if you have questions on this or any other state regulatory program, please contact Marci Kinter, mkinter@printing.org or Gary Jones, gjones@printing.org

From the July Issue of SmallBiz@EPA

Below are a couple of articles from the July 2022 issue and to download the July issue PDF go to: https://aimcal.sharefile.com/d-saf30c337d0a04e95b47a25acc3669bd5

EPA Announces Winners of the 2022 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards

On June 6, 2022, EPA announced the winners of the 2022 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances. This year’s winners have developed new and innovative green chemistry technologies that provide solutions to significant environmental challenges and spur innovation and economic development. In support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackle the climate crisis, EPA added a new award category this year that recognizes technology that reduces or eliminates greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the winners that is of interest to Printing community is

Professor Mark Mascal of the University of California, Davis, California, in partnership with Origin Materials, for a technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by producing chemicals for making polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic from biomass derived from sugar fructose rather than petroleum. This novel chemistry could have significant climate impacts by replacing fossil-based products with carbon-neutral, biobased products, especially when the technology is scaled to an entire industry.

The other winners can be found in the PDF

https://aimcal.sharefile.com/d-saf30c337d0a04e95b47a25acc3669bd5

EPA Seeks Small Businesses’ Input on Development of Proposed TSCA Data Reporting Rule

EPA is inviting small businesses to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. This Panel will focus on EPA’s development of a proposed rule to collect data to inform each step of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) risk evaluation and risk management process.

The proposed rule would establish a framework of reporting requirements based on a chemical’s status in the TSCA Section 6 Risk Evaluation/Risk Management Lifecycle. Additionally, this new data reporting rule would enhance the exposure-related data collected through the TSCA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) process. EPA is interested in ensuring its data collection strategies provide information to better meet the Agency’s basic chemical data needs, such as information related to exposure, health and eco-toxicity. Collecting data geared specifically towards prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management would help ensure the Agency has relevant and timely data to inform each step of the process for reviewing potential risks from existing chemicals.

The proposed rule is intended to create a framework to obtain information about potential hazards and exposure pathways related to certain chemicals, particularly occupational, environmental, and consumer exposure information.

The potentially regulated community consists of entities that manufacture, import or process chemical substances, potentially including when the chemical substance is manufactured as a byproduct or is part of a formulated product or article (including import and processing). Learn more about potentially regulated entities.

EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs. Self-nominations must be received by July 20, 2022. Nominate yourself as a SER: www.epa.gov/reg-flex/potential-sbar-panel-tsca-section-8-rule-tiered-data-reporting-tdr-and-recordkeeping. Read the press release.

Time is running out to nominate your colleagues or those you consider who have helped advanced the knowledge of the Gravure industry to the Cylinder Society Class of 2022. “The Cylinder Society is a way for those who are helping to advance the Gravure process and association to be recognized,” Hubert says.

Nominations for the Class of 2022 must be received no later than August 26, 2022. See the list of Cylinder Society members at Cylinder Society Members – GAA. The nomination form is available for download: GRAVURE CYLINDER SOCIETY (gaa.org)

As GAA continues to integrate into AIMCAL, the 2023 Golden Cylinder Awards are scheduled to coincide with the AIMCAL AWARDS that will have a January 31, 2023, entry deadline

The entry form will be available soon. So those who want to enter the 2023 GCAs, it will cover work performed between June 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022.

New Online “Gravure Basics” Video Course available

This course and 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 from AIMCAL.

The Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee NEEDS YOUR HELP! The GAA-Committee is looking for individuals who want to become involved in the committee and its sub-committees. We need those who want to become part of the leadership team as well as those who can help with the GravurExchange, promoting the associations to companies that use the gravure process, article writers, conference track topics and speaker recruitment, attending virtual meetings w/other association and on and on. If interested, contact Tony Donato tdoanto@gaa.org or text to 704-905-5178.

The GAA Committee reviewed the plans for the Basic and Advanced Seminars and decided it would be best to move them to June 2023. The Basic and Advance “live” Seminar is being held at Interprint in Pittsfield, MA. It was felt moving to 2023 would be better for the members who need to budget the training. The COVID-19 years have caused items that were routine budget lines to be left out, and time is needed to reschedule. More information will be available soon.

Converting Quarterly, the official technical journal of AIMCAL, is a great source of information and current 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 (aimcal.org)

“Ask the Gravure Experts” is a feature where members from the GAA-Committee review your questions and reply directly to you, publishing the Q&A in the next issue of GravurExchange. One of the important benefits of being part of an association is the ability to network with members, and the “Ask the Gravure Experts” provides the opportunity to all readers of GravurExchange to collaborate. Send your question, subject line: “Gravure Experts” to info@gaa.org

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 (aimcal.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)

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

Bob Kikkert and Mike Gaffney are ready to help with on-site and/or hybrid virtual training and consulting. Those in need of these services, please contact info@gaa.org using subject line: “Consultant Services.”

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks. They can be purchased at Shop (www.aimcal.org)

Gravure Certification:

Members continue to use the online gravure training program. There are four levels of Certification training. Information and registration for all four levels are available at https://gaa.org/services/training/online-gravure-certification-training/. Special Member pricing has been established for the certifications. For pricing and to register, email info@gaa.org and use subject line: “Certification.”

Want to become a member?

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to: Become a Member | AIMCAL

Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at tim@aimcal.org

GravurExchange Newsletter – May 2022

May 26, 2022

The May 2022 edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news for the Gravure Industry!

We Speak Gravure!

The deadline has been extended to June 24.

Show us what you got! This is your opportunity to show the gravure community your creativity and ingenuity in what can be produced using the gravure process. 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards entries are being received. There are four primary award categories with sub-categories that reflect the best execution of the Gravure-printing process and supporting innovations giving 35 categories. All entries need to represent work performed from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022.

To learn more and see past winners: https://gaa.org/awards/golden-cylinder-awards/

To download the entry form, go to GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form-EXTENDED-Rev-B.pdf

The GCAs are sponsored by the GAA Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee and ACiMGA, Italian Manufacturers Assn. of Machinery for the Graphic, Converting and Paper Industry, thus making the awards a truly international competition.

We need your help! The annual R2R USA technical conference is in its planning stage, and your input is needed. AIMCAL R2R USA Conference on September 26-29 in Orlando FL. R2R USA is a multi-track conference giving the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee an opportunity to provide technical and timely information to its members. The GAA Committee has formed a R2R sub-committee to select topics and speakers for the Gravure Track at R2R USA. If you have a topic or idea, please contact Tony Donato at tdonato@gaa.org

It’s time to nominate your colleagues or those you consider the people who have helped advanced the knowledge of the Gravure industry to the Cylinder Society Class of 2022. Cylinder Society Chair Hubert Metzger took the stage in Charlotte (NC) at the AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference to address the importance and relevance of the Cylinder Society. “The Cylinder Society is a way for those who are helping to advance the Gravure process and association to be recognized,” Hubert says.

The 2021 inductees have been notified; they and the 2022 inductees will be pinned at the 2022 R2R USA Conference (aimcal.org).

How do we attract students to consider Graphics-related careers? Do a “Show & Tell!”

On May 6 on the Harper Campus at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte (NC), a career “exploration and awareness” event was held for a group of Olympic High School Business Academy students. The students were mostly sophomores and juniors with a couple seniors, who were unaware of the career possibilities in Graphic Communications. The “Show” program was organized for the students to see and touch prepress, flexo platemaking, press operation, ink formulation, and screen printing. Each student printed their own two-sided T-shirt. In addition to the “Show” portion of the program, a “Tell” portion had young professionals from printing companies sharing why they chose our industry and described the available careers and how to get started.

Thanks to the individuals of the organizations, associations and companies who helped to make the event happen: AIMCAL, CPCC Harper Campus, Clemson University, Flint Group (Poteet Ink Systems), Harper Corporation of America, ID Images, JR. Cole Industries, Imagine Charlotte, Olympic High School, PICA (Print industries of the Carolinas), Phoenix Challenge Foundation, SGS (Southern Graphic Systems), Tri-Blends.

What’s on the Minds of our Members: by Tony D.

“Management of Change”! During the Gravure Track R2R USA Sub-Committee meeting last week, the majority of time was spent discussing all the challenges the COVID-related supply-change crisis has and is causing. Then add consumer-influenced sustainability concerns and John Edwards of Sun said that we are all dealing with the “Management of Change.” The reality check in making the needed delivery dates involves everyone from the printer and their customers combined with the suppliers making decisions in an ever-changing environment. One discussion was around who has the APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) Guidelines on what paper labels can be on a plastic bottle with what inks and can then be recycled. It all comes down to contingency plans for the contingency plans. I do not have the answers, but in the words of Red Green (the onstage character of Canadian comic Steve Smith): “Remember. I’m pullin’ for ya–we’re all in this together.”

For Wisconsin printers:

“It’s “Time to Get Back Together” says the Wisconsin Print Industries Council

The council has scheduled a meeting that will address critical environmental, health & safety, and sustainability updates. The program, “Changing Regulatory Landscape Workshop for the Printing Industry,” will feature speakers from industry, the US Dept. of Agriculture, and the WI Dept. of Natural Resources. The program will be held June 22, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT at Waukesha County Technical College.

More information including registration: https://glga.info/registration/changing-regulatory-landscape-workshop-for-the-printing-industry/

This month’s featured article: Why Brand Owners have endorsed color management by using CxF (Color Exchange Format) data

By Rachel Malley, Product & Application Specialist for CGS ORIS AMERICAS

Printers, let’s talk color…

Your customers have invested in their brand identity, and they recognize that customer loyalty is strengthened by pleasing and consistent branding across all platforms. After carefully selecting colors and imagery for their products, companies put their packaging and printed material into your professional hands. With the supply-chain crisis affecting accessible material, substitutions are the new normal, and print jobs are often shared between various print shops and technology to meet delivery dates. So, how do you ensure that your printed materials reproduce consistently to the specifications of the brand owner?

Color is often defined with a physical swatch or a Pantone value. Both methods have associated risks, such as damage to the original sample, referencing different editions of swatch books, or even poor viewing & measurement conditions. Digital communication of color expectations is one major way to save time, money, and stress throughout production. Brands of all sizes across the globe are embracing the latest standard for communicating brand colors – Color Exchange Format, or CxF.

CxF is a non-proprietary, standard method for digitally communicating all aspects of an individual color. At the heart of CxF data is spectral information, which numerically defines exactly how color measures to a spectrophotometer. Objectively defining color eliminates a wide variety of factors that we currently encounter in print color management.

In addition to spectral data, a CxF file can contain a variety of other information including name, substrate, measurement condition, opacity, tints, and much more. All this information is embedded into one little file for easy transportation to various vendors.

For a moment, let’s assume you’ve done step one and created CxF data defining your colors. What comes next? Where is this information used? This powerful data can first be used in design and prepress. Once embedded into a PDF, a single file can be sent to proofing to produce improved overprint & tint reproduction. Once approved, the data is supplied to the ink lab to generate the perfect formulation. This formulation is specific to the desired substrate and print technology and optimized for metamerism*. The approved ink is then sent to production. At each of these steps, certification is performed to ensure accuracy to the original definition and brand tolerances.

With proper tools and training in place throughout the workflow, brands can implement CxF technology and feel confident that the highest-quality print production is entering the world, all without needing to travel on-site to have eyes on press.

CxF is a powerful tool already being used across the globe by top brands and suppliers. Once implemented, CxF can simplify your production process and ensure clear communication of expectations across the entire workflow.

*Metamerism defines the phenomenon that occurs when two samples appear to closely match under one lighting condition but look different under another.

To learn more about CxF, contact rachel@cgsoris.com, https://www.cgsoris.com/products/cxf-tools/

GAA-Committee Gravure Basics Webinar on May 10-11
“Was a Great Success!”

The GAA-Committee wants to thank Mark Glendenning of Inland Packaging; Prof. D’Amico of RIT; Felice Sciscioli of Sun Chemical; J.D. Harris of Point 3, Inc.; Mike Gaffney of GAA-Committee; Bill Warner of Allison Systems; Dan Comerford of WRE Color Tech; Rod Sosa of Fres-co Systems; Kevin McNally of Bobst; Allan MacKinlay of i2M; Ernest Schneider of BST NA; and Joe Steingraeber of Steingraeber LLC for being presenters and sharing their expertise and experiences during the May 10-11 “Gravure Basics” AIMCAL Webinar.

For those who could not attend, the presentations were recorded, and AIMCAL will be offering a self-paced online course. Interested? Email to gaa@aimcal.org, subject line “Gravure Basics.”

For all the news you may have missed, go to Archived News (aimcal.org)

Save the date! Live four-day intensive Gravure Training is back. On August 8-11, 2022, trainers and experts will be at Interprint in Pittsfield, MA, which will host the “Gravure Basic and Advances Seminars.” More information to come soon!

“Ask the Gravure Experts” is a feature where members from the GAA Committee review your questions and reply directly to you, publishing the Q&A in the next issue of GravurExchange. One of the important benefits of being part of an association is the ability to network with members, and the “Ask the Gravure Experts” provides the opportunity to all readers of GravurExchange to collaborate. Send your question, subject line: “Gravure Experts” to info@gaa.org

Thanks to all who have renewed their membership. The following link will help all to understand how to make use of the valuable benefits available from being a member of AIMCAL. Video Walk Through of Login Process + Member Resources.

University and College Gravure Day: This program helps students understand all the industry segments that use the Gravure process and provides awareness of all the careers in printing and converting. Interested in holding a “Gravure Day?” Email info@gaa.org, subject line: “Gravure Day.”

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks. They can be purchased at Shop (www.aimcal.org)

Gravure Certification:

Want to become a member?

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to: Become a Member | AIMCAL

Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at tim@aimcal.org

GravurExchange Newsletter – April 2022

April 26, 2022

The April 2022 edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news for the Gravure Industry!

We Speak Gravure!

There is still time to enter the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards!

The deadline has been extended to June 24.

With the supply-chain challenges affecting our industry, the entry deadline date for the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards has been extended to June 24. We have heard from a number of members how the logistics crisis is keeping them scrambling, so this is our way to help the situation. There are four primary award categories that reflect the best execution of the Gravure-printing process and supporting innovations: A. PACKAGING AND LABEL, with nine sub-categories; B. PRODUCT, with eight sub-categories; C. PUBLICATION, with 10 sub-categories; and D. TECHNICAL INNOVATION, with eight sub-categories; for a total of 35 categories.

Additional changes affected by deadline extension: The materials to be judged needs to be received no later than July 1, 2022. All entries need to represent work performed from June 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The judging will be held in mid-July, and the awards presented at the AIMCAL R2R USA Conference in Orlando, FL 2022 R2R USA Conference (aimcal.org). Winners will be notified the first week in August.

To learn more and see past winners: https://gaa.org/awards/golden-cylinder-awards/

To download the entry form, go to GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form-EXTENDED-Rev-B.pdf

We want to thank all who attended the recent AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference in Charlotte on April 4-5.

It was great to be back in person for a live conference. The NASCAR Hall of Fame was a terrific venue, and the business topics covered by the speakers were timely and very informative. We also want to thank the sponsors Daetwyler, INX International and Steingraeber-Enulec.

The next live conference will be the annual technical-themed AIMCAL R2R USA Conference on September 25-29 in Orlando FL. For all you who have technical information, methods and innovations and want to share a non-commercial presentation, it is time to file the “Call for Papers” form by June 1. 2022 R2R USA Conference (aimcal.org)

Gravure Basics Virtual Seminar May 10-11
“Save your spot by registering Today”

The “Gravure Basics” virtual seminar is designed for those new to Gravure Printing and Coating. The program with live speakers takes place over two days, May 10-11, 2022. Each webinar is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EDT, and will feature six speakers each day with 30-minute presentations and 5 minutes for Q&A. Moderators will facilitate Q&A sessions, and there will be a 20-minute break halfway through each webinar.

The presenters are all members of the GAA Committee (Gravure AIMCAL Alliance) and bring countless years of experience to share with the attendees.

Sessions on May 10 will be “The valued and unique qualities of Gravure Printing”, “Gravure Market Segments”, “Gravure Print Station Components”, “Pressroom Safety”, “Cylinder Basics” and “Doctor Blades, Holders and related topics”. May 11 sessions will be “Pressroom Perspective of Gravure Inks”, “Color Management as related to Color Theory”, “Press Registration and Drying Fundamentals”, “Films/Foils and Paper Substrates Applications”, “Web Inspection” and “ESA and Web Static Control”.

Member registration is $299, and $399 for non-member for both days. Click Here To Register

“Gravure Printing and Converting Corner”

DOCTOR-BLADE SYSTEM CHALLENGES FOR WIDE-WEB CYLINDER METERING – Part 3 “Efficient Blade Changes” by Bill Warner of Allison Systems, Riverside, NJ.

Wide-web gravure applications can have doctor blades with lengths greater than 100 in. When doctor blades are that long, setting them correctly and consistently to achieve effective metering can be more difficult because slight variations will be compounded over the length of the blade. Part One of this article focused on challenges with setting the doctor blade at an appropriate position and angle; Part Two centered on applied force control. This month will cover the barriers to efficient blade changes.

Quick and easy blade-change capability is essential when working with long doctor blades. Slow, difficult, and potentially dangerous blade changes were the norm with a very wide-web application that required a +200-in.-long doctor blade. The existing bladeholder was a prime example of everything you don’t want in a very-wide-web blade holder. It needed to be removed from the press and carried to a remote location to clean the holder and install new doctor blades. Carrying such as long, heavy, steel doctor bladeholder with a used, sharp doctor blade installed could be challenging for the three operators typically needed to accomplish the task. To install the new blade, dozens of bolts had to be loosened and then carefully re-tightened so that the blade did not have any wrinkles. The blade holder was worn from all the years of being carried in and out of the press so that, even on a good day, it was difficult to install the doctor blade without producing wrinkles in the blade. Assuming the blade was installed without wrinkles, often the blade would have wrinkles after the bladeholder was carried back and installed on the press due to deflection of the holder while being carried. Wrinkles in the doctor blade typically lead to poor metering and printed waste. Upgrades with this project provide new components with the ability to be able to perform blade-change operations on-press, in less than 10 minutes, and without having to use tools or deal with bladeholder bolts and their associated issues.

This three-part article was intended to briefly reveal common issues seen particularly with wide-web gravure doctor-blade systems. However, the same issues could apply to any width blade system. If you have chronic poor metering issues, the first component to consider would be the doctor blade. Contact your doctor-blade supplier to help determine if you are using an appropriate blade for your application and that the blade is being set properly. If it is determined that the blade is appropriate for your application and any of the points presented in these articles sound familiar, then it might be time to look at upgrades or replacement of the doctor-blade system. If you need help, the press manufacturer would be a good place to start or consult with an aftermarket blade-system manufacturer.

The GravurExchange wants to thank Bill Warner and Allison Systems for providing the three-part article. “DOCTOR BLADE SYSTEM CHALLENGES FOR WIDE-WEB CYLINDER METERING.”

Next month’s technical article will feature Rachel Malley, Product & Application Specialist for CGS ORIS AMERICAS explaining why Brand Owners have endorsed color management by using CxF (Color Exchange Format) data.

Here is a preview: “Remote color management is a hot topic in our modern print and marketing world. With business travel less common, brand owners are looking for solutions to ensure their spot colors reproduce accurately and consistently across the entire workflow. Color Exchange Format (CxF) is becoming a major part of this solution as printed material is produced globally on various substrates and print technology. Tune in to next month’s newsletter to learn more about how CxF has helped brand owners across the globe ensure the highest print quality, without having to leave their home office.”

In an effort to catch up for the lost year, we have closed the Class of 2021 and will announce new inductees at the AIMCAL R2R USA Conference 2022 R2R USA Conference (aimcal.org) along with the Class of 2022.

It’s time to nominate your colleagues or those you consider the people who have helped advanced the knowledge of the Gravure industry to the Cylinder Society Class of 2022. Cylinder Society Chair Hubert Metzger took the stage to address the importance and relevance of the Cylinder Society at the AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference earlier this month. “The Cylinder Society is a way for those who are helping to advance the Gravure process and association to be recognized.”

For Wisconsin printers:

“Save the date June 22 as it’s “Time to Get Back Together” says the Wisconsin Print Industries Council.

We’re excited to announce that we are having an in-person meeting for the printing industry in Wisconsin that will address critical environmental, health & safety, and sustainability updates. The program, Changing Regulatory Landscape Workshop for the Printing Industry, will feature speakers from industry, the US Dept. of Agriculture, and the WI Dept. of Natural Resources.

The program will be held June 22, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT at Waukesha County Technical College. More information including registration go to https://glga.info/registration/changing-regulatory-landscape-workshop-for-the-printing-industry/

EPA Seeks Input on Revision to Air Emissions Reporting Requirements Rule

The US EPA invites qualified small businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations to participate as Small Entity Representatives (SERs) for a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel. The panel will focus on the agency’s development of proposed revisions to the existing Air Emissions Reporting Requirements (AERR) rule that was last revised and published on February 19, 2015 (80 FR 8787). The proposal may add reporting requirements to gather data about hazardous air pollutants, emissions-rate test results from facilities, emissions from facilities in Native American areas that are not currently reporting emissions data, and emissions from small electricity-generating units used intermittently, such as to meet demand on high electricity-use days. The panel will include federal representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and EPA. Panel members ask a selected group of SERs to provide advice and recommendations on behalf of their company, government, or organization to inform panel members about potential impacts of the proposed rule on small entities. EPA seeks self-nominations directly from the small entities that may be subject to the rule requirements. Other representatives, such as trade associations that exclusively or at least primarily represent potentially regulated small entities, may also serve as SERs. Self-nominations must be received by April 19, 2022: Nominate yourself as a SER. Read the full press release.

The February 2022 issue of SmallBiz@EPA covering Policy & Regulations, Key Dates & Upcoming Opportunities, Ask SBEAP and Spotlight can be read by clicking: gaa.org/wp-content/uploads/SmallBiz@EPA-April-2022.pdf The Website epa.gov/resources-small-businesses/asbo is a resource for environment-related information. The following link provides some sustainability downloads: Smart Steps to Sustainability 2.0 | US EPA

For all the news you may have missed, go to Archived News (aimcal.org)

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks. They can be purchased at Shop (www.aimcal.org)

Gravure Certification:

Want to become a member?

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to: Become a Member | AIMCAL

Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at tim@aimcal.org

GravurExchange Newsletter – March 2022

March 30, 2022

The March 2022 edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news for the Gravure Industry!

The Place to Network!

April 4-5: Executive Leadership Conference Global Summit

The conference agenda covers three business themes: Monday “Leadership and Operational Excellence, ” Tuesday starts off with “Financial Analysis and Market Outlook” and winds down with “The Future of Manufacturing and the Roll-to-Roll Industry.” Well, this is your chance to combine touring the NASCAR Hall of Fame and seeing your fellow Printer/Converter Industry members. The Executive Leadership Conference is a “Members 0nly” event. Look forward in seeing you there! 2022 Executive Leadership Conference (aimcal.org)

Gravure Virtual Basics Webinar May 10-11

The GAA second-annual Virtual “Gravure Basics” Webinar will be held May 10-11. The program is designed to explain the gravure market segments and the press components and materials used in the printing process. Speakers are all experts in their respected areas with many years of experience. Training is four hours each day. $299 for members and $399 for non-members.

“Gravure Printing and Converting Corner”
DOCTOR-BLADE SYSTEM CHALLENGES FOR WIDE-WEB CYLINDER METERING – Part 2: Force Control

Wide-web décor printing, coating, and hot-melt gravure applications can have doctor blades with lengths greater than 100 in. (254 cm). When doctor blades are that long, setting them correctly and consistently to achieve effective metering can be more difficult as slight variations will be compounded over the length of the blade. Part One of this article focused on challenges with setting the doctor blade at an appropriate position and angle. This month will highlight the challenges of force control.

Many blade systems, especially on older presses, are mechanically actuated. That is, a manual hand crank is used to move the doctor blade into position and meter the cylinder. The fundamental flaw with this mechanism for doctor-blade control is that there is no way to measure or repeat the amount of force being applied to the doctor blade. Narrow- and mid-web blade systems with mechanical actuation can be effective with good operator training. However, with wide-web applications, it is more difficult to gauge the amount of mechanical force being applied and, most of the time, too much force is used. The extra force over-deflects the doctor blade resulting in flat blade angles, poor metering performance, and increased doctor-blade and cylinder wear. An upgrade to mechanically actuated systems is pneumatics.

Pneumatic air cylinders of appropriate size and quantity coupled to an engineered control system will provide repeatable doctor-blade force that is easily controlled, measured, and recorded.

Regardless of actuation method, mechanical or pneumatic, it is critical in wide-web applications that the doctoring force is applied uniformly across the entire face of the gravure cylinder. Applying force with one or two mechanical mechanisms or pneumatic cylinders located randomly somewhere on the system will not result in an even distribution of force over a 100-in. (254-cm) or greater span. Uneven force distribution over the span of the doctor blade could result in print-density variations across the web.

A good wide-web doctor-blade system will be actuated by multiple, appropriately sized, pneumatic cylinders to provide even force distribution. In addition, the pneumatic-cylinder controls need to be engineered to deliver smooth, predictable motion that doesn’t slam the blade onto the cylinder. If your blade system doesn’t currently have these features, it may be time to investigate how to achieve them.

April GravurExchange with have Bill Warner’s conclusion to his article on DOCTOR BLADE SYSTEM CHALLENGES FOR WIDE-WEB CYLINDER METERING – Part 3: Efficient blade changes.

USPS information for the direct mailer segment

Highlights from the March 9th USPS Industry Alert:

As passed by the House and Senate, the key elements of the Postal Service Reform Act are that it eliminates the unfair, outdated, and burdensome retiree health-benefit prefunding requirement, and it integrates the retiree health-benefit program with Medicare in a manner that is fully consistent with private-sector best practices. The bill also formalizes the obligation to deliver mail and packages six days per-week through an integrated delivery network, and includes accountability, transparency and reporting requirements.

This legislation was an important component of the Delivering for America 10-Year Strategic Plan, which was announced in March 2021. Together with the operational reforms that are also a part of that Plan, the Postal Service will be able to achieve its two primary goals of financial sustainability and service excellence.

Further information about the necessity and merits of this postal reform is contained in the factsheet at the link below:
https://about.usps.com/who/government-relations/assets/psra-postal-101-02282022.pdf

Highlights from the March 18th USPS Industry Alert:

The 2022 National Postal Forum (NPF) Catalog is available for download in digital format. You can access it HERE.

The catalog outlines the NPF schedule of events and educational offerings taking place May 15-18, 2022, at the Phoenix Convention Center. Included in the catalog are an overview of the Postmaster General’s Keynote Address, the Executive Leadership team and Postal Officer sessions, and the five workshop tracks with all workshops listed. You will find information on two certification courses being offered this year: Executive Mail Center Manager, and Mail Design Professional. The NPF Exhibit Hall will feature more than 100 booths, a consultation area, and the Mailing Industry Resource Pavilion. Many networking events are available including Peer-to-Peer, the Welcome Reception, Postal Customer Council Reception, Exhibitors Reception, and the Closing Event. NPF is the premier shipping and mailing conference of the year. To find out more details about NPF, refer to the catalog and share with colleagues.

The catalog also provides information on how to register for NPF, or you can visit NPF’s website: NPF. If you need assistance with discount codes, please send an email to NPFFeedback@usps.gov.

Facing the Future Together is May 15-18, 2022 in Phoenix, AZ.

Time is running out to enter the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards.

Entries are accepted until May 7, 2022.

There are four primary award categories that reflect the best execution of the Gravure-printing process and supporting innovations: A. PACKAGING AND LABEL, with nine sub-categories; B. PRODUCT, with eight sub-categories; C. PUBLICATION, with 10 sub-categories; and D. TECHNICAL INNOVATION, with eight sub-categories; for a total of 35 categories.

To learn more and see past winners: Golden Cylinder Awards – GAA.

To download the entry form, go to GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form.pdf

Observations by Tony Donato

In walking the aisles of my local grocery store, I noticed one of the major snack-food brands has moved from using a plastic bag to market a variety pack to a folding carton. I also was surprised when I bought a box of pancake mix and upon opening the box to find no inner bag. I got a puff of mix in my face; the mix was directly loaded into the carton.

These are both examples where brand owners are listening to consumers and reducing the use of plastic in packaging. Whether this is good or bad is not my point; the packaging changes are impacting printing processes, substrates, inks and supply chains. My point is, we need to do what we can to add our voices to the conversation. Please send to tdonato@gaa.org your thoughts and suggestions to be printed in the April 2022 GravurExchange.

With continued disruptions to worldwide supply chains and now the war in Ukraine, brand owners are forced to move printing work from country to country, and this is causing brand-owner concerns with controlling color from process to process and printing facility to printing facility. CxF Color Exchange Format is a way to control color with digital data. CxF has been discussed for 20 years now but is more than ever being seen as more important than ever. At the March Brand Owners Counsel meeting, a number of the BO delegates expressed using CxF data and not color chips; this will also reduce the need for “proofs” and give them a means to control color. Are you ready to use CxF data?

I have been invited to speak at the Brand Owners May 2022 meeting to present what changes have been made to improve gravure workflow. Please send me your thoughts and suggestions at tdonato@gaa.org.

Converting Quarterly, the official technical journal of AIMCAL, is a great source of information and curent news from members and the industry. Go to https://www.convertingquarterly.com/ to subscribe.

For all the news you may have missed, go to Archived News (aimcal.org)

To try to catch up for the lost year, we have closed the class of 2021 and will announce them at the R2R Conference 2022 R2R USA Conference (aimcal.org) along with the class of 2022. It is time to nominate your colleagues or those who you consider the people who have helped advanced the knowledge of the Gravure industry to the Cylinder Society Class of 2022. Gravure Cylinder Society members are men and women chosen by our industry to be honored for their contributions to the gravure processes measured in accomplishments and years of service. Some members are actively involved in activities throughout the year that promote and support gravure. Hubert Metzger is the Cylinder Society Chair will take the stage and address the importance and relevance of the Cylinder Society at the AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference. Nominations for the year class of 2022 must be received no later than August 26th, 2022. See the list of Cylinder Society members at: Cylinder Society Members – GAA The nomination form is available for download: gaa.org/download/2022-golden-cylinder-nomination/

“Ask the Gravure Experts” is a feature where members from the GAA Committee will review your question and reply directly to you and publish the question-and-answer in the next issue of GravurExchange. One of the important benefits of being part of an association is the ability to network with members, and the “Ask the Gravure Experts” provides the opportunity to all readers of the GravurExchange to network. Send your question, subject line: “Gravure Experts” to info@gaa.org

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 (aimcal.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 Americans (gaa.org)

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks. They can be purchased at Shop (www.aimcal.org)

Gravure Certification:

Want to become a member?

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to: Become a Member | AIMCAL

Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at tim@aimcal.org

GravurExchange Newsletter – February 2022

February 24, 2022

The February edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news for the Gravure Industry!

Gravure is alive and well!

Coming Soon! April 4-5: Executive Leadership Conference Global Summit

Members have been expressing they are tired of virtual meetings and want to get back to live networking. Well, this is your chance to combine seeing the NASCAR Hall of Fame and seeing your fellow Printer/Converter Industry members. The agenda is being finalized with GAA members providing input on the topics that affect today’s business reality: 2022 Executive Leadership Conference Landing (aimcal.org)

Cylinder Society Class of 2021: It is time to nominate your colleagues or those who you consider the people who have helped advanced the knowledge of the Gravure industry.

Gravure Cylinder Society members are men and women chosen by our industry to be honored for their contributions to the gravure processes measured in accomplishments and years of service. Some members are actively involved in activities throughout the year that promote and support gravure. New Society members will be inducted at the AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference and given the distinctive GCS membership pin. All nominations for the year 2021 must be received no later than March 15, 2022. See the list of Cylinder Society members at: Cylinder Society Members – GAA The nomination form is available for download: https://gaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021-Cylinder-Society-Nomination-Form.pdf

Keeping the Printing/Converting Industry as a viable career option for the next generations!

Looking for an intern or filling an opening? Below is an opportunity to see potential employees in-person.

Clemson GC Spring 2022 Internship & Career Fair

The Graphic Communications Department will be hosting its next, twice-annual Internship & Career Fair on March 7-8 at Clemson University. If you have an upcoming internship or full-time position to fill, this is a great opportunity to get in front of more than 200 graphic-arts students, and the graduating class at a reception the evening before the main event, to recruit top talent.

Internships & Careers (clemson.edu)

Career-Snapshots Helping Students with Career Discovery.

Career-Snapshots www.career-snapshots.com is a tool that came out of necessity from the COVID-19 pandemic to give high-school students a way to virtually do career exploration and awareness. Mike Realon, Career & Community Development Coordinator at Olympic High School in Charlotte, NC, working with industry volunteers, built the Career-Snapshots tool. The site has received 2.3 million hits since its launched one year ago. The link was spread through the CMS school district and is being passed across the Carolinas and beyond. In an effort to promote careers in printing/converting and related industries, the Gravure AIMACL Alliance and other associations were asked to invite members to contribute a video. A career video is simply a way to tell students how you found your career, how you learned (apprenticeship, certificate, degree), why you like it and a potential salary range. There are easily 10 careers associated w/printing/converting (Prepress, Graphic Design, Production, Inks/Substrates, Finishing, Inspection, Package Design, and so on.) Please visit the CS and pass it on. If interested in contributing a video, go to www.career-snapshots.com, click the “Contribute” tab, or email tdoanto@gaa.org.

OSHA Increases Penalties for 2022

Over many years, Gary Jones, dir-Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs of the PRINTING United Alliance, has presented current updates concerning OSHA and EPA at the GAA Global Summit. The following article originally appeared on the PRINTING United Alliance First to Know page and on PIWorld.com, the website of Printing Impressions magazine, a NAPCO Media publication and entity of PRINTING United Alliance, and is republished here with permission.

Inflation is hitting just about every product and service available, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties. In 2016, Congress gave the US Department of Labor, which has authority over OSHA, the ability to increase its penalties on an annual basis based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

OSHA’s New Penalties for 2022: The US Department of Labor has just published its yearly increases to the maximum civil penalties that may be assessed via citations (OSHA) arising from a workplace safety and health inspection.

The new penalties were effective January 15, 2022, and the minimum and maximum penalties for workplace safety violations issued by OSHA are as follows: OSHA Penalty Increase 2022 with permission statement

The February 2022 issue of SmallBiz@EPA covering Policy & Regulations, Key Dates & Upcoming Opportunities, Ask SBEAP and Spotlight can be read by clicking: SmallBiz@EPA February 2022

The Website: epa.gov/resources-small-businesses/asbo is a resource for environment-related information. The following link provides some sustainability downloads: Smart Steps to Sustainability 2.0 | US EPA

Converting Quarterly, the official technical journal of AIMCAL, is a great source of information and curent news from members and the industry. Go to https://www.convertingquarterly.com/

For all the news you may have missed, go to Archived News (aimcal.org)

Gravure Virtual Basics Webinar May 10-11

The GAA second-annual annual Virtual “Gravure Basics” Webinar will be held May 10-11. The program is for those new to the Gravure Industry. Presentations will cover “The valued and unique qualities of Gravure Printing,” “Gravure Market Segments,” “Gravure Print Station Components,” “Pressroom Safety,” “Cylinder Basics,” “Doctor Blades, Holders and Related Topics,” “Press-Side Ink Basics,” “Color Management as Related to Color Theory,” “Press Registration and Drying Fundamentals,” “Films/Foils and Paper Substrates Applications,” “Web Inspection,” and “ESA and Web Static Control.” The training is four hours each day. Fee is $299 for members and $399 for non-members. Registration will be available soon.

DOCTOR-BLADE SYSTEM CHALLENGES FOR WIDE-WEB CYLINDER METERING – Part 1: Doctor-blade angle control. Author: Bill Warner Vice President of Allison Systems

For gravure applications, doctor-blade control needs to be both fast and foolproof with no guesswork, mechanical problems, or startup waste that is attributable to doctor-blade performance. While this statement is true for any gravure press, it is particularly important for wide-web applications including décor printing, coating, and hot-melt gravure. These applications can have doctor blades with lengths greater than 100 in. (254 cm). When doctor blades are that long, setting them correctly and consistently to achieve effective metering can be more difficult. This is Part One of a three-part series. This month will briefly comment on challenges relating to doctor-blade angle and position control.

Often the doctor blade systems found in these very-wide applications do not offer the doctor-blade position and angle control needed to provide consistent and uniform metering of the gravure cylinder. The blade system must be adjustable so that the blade contacts the cylinder at a position on the cylinder relative to the web nip point that doesn’t allow the ink or coating to dry on the cylinder before it is transferred to the web. The blade angle must also be set to an appropriate angle for gravure doctoring. Again, many blade systems do not have the appropriate adjustments or, if adjustment mechanisms are available, they are either damaged or completely nonfunctioning. Even if the adjustment mechanisms are in good working order, they can still be problematic because often there is no way of indicating the positions so that the setup can be repeated the next time the job is run. Assuming the blade system can achieve a nominal good blade position and angle, there is no guarantee that the same blade angle will be achieved along the entire doctor blade. A small amount of blade-holder deflection can have a big effect on blade angle from one side of the press to the other. Additionally, if the doctor blade is not installed precisely in the blade holder, slight blade-position variation will also be magnified on wide-web presses. For these reasons, it is extremely important to have and use the capability to adjust the doctor blade so that it is running parallel to the cylinder every time a new setup is made. If not, cross-web print variations will likely be produced.

A good doctor-blade system will have multiple degrees of adjustment mechanisms that work smoothly, include position indicators, and can apply the doctor blade at industry-acceptable blade angles and positions for all cylinder sizes that are used. If your blade system doesn’t currently have all those capabilities, it is likely time to start investigating how to achieve those functions.

DOCTOR BLADE SYSTEM CHALLENGES FOR WIDE-WEB CYLINDER METERING –
Part 2: Force Control in the March 2022 issue.

Sustainable Flexible Packaging – The Big Challenge:

On February 8, Tony Donato attended the FTA Tech Talk Webinar titled, “The Future of Flexible Packaging.” The webinar featured a video produced by Bobst Italia. The video’s examples were primarily using Gravure processes and, even though primarily commercial in content, Tony believes it is worth the time to view. Bobst Marketing and Communication Manager Sara Alexander kindly provided this link:

Webinars | BOBST Media Center

“Ask the Gravure Experts” is a feature where members from the GAA Committee will review your question and reply directly to you and publish the question-and-answer in the next GravurExchange. One of the important benefits of being part of an association is the ability to network with members, and the “Ask the Gravure Experts” provides the opportunity to all readers of the GravurExchange to network. Send your question, subject line: “Gravure Experts” to info@gaa.org

It is time to participate in the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards. Entries are being accepted until May 7, 2022. There are four primary award categories that reflect the best execution of the Gravure-printing process and supporting innovations: A. PACKAGING AND LABEL, with nine sub-categories, B. PRODUCT, with eight sub-categories. C. PUBLICATION, with 10 sub-categories. D. TECHNICAL INNOVATION, with eight sub-categories; for a total of 35 categories. To learn more and see past winners: Golden Cylinder Awards – GAA.

To download the entry form, go to: GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form.pdf

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 (aimcal.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 Americans (gaa.org)

We want to thank all the past-GAA / now-AIMCAL members who have renewed their membership for 2022. “The number of GAA renewing members are growing daily so don’t be left behind. “Renew Today”:

Walter Vail, GAA Chair Emeritus, and AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes have put together a group from the GAA Committee who will be calling members to be able to answer questions on the benefits of continuing to stay a member. Video Walk Through of Login Process + Member Resources.

University and College Gravure Day:

This program helps students understand all the industry segments that use the Gravure process and provides awareness of all the careers in printing and converting. Interested in holding a “Gravure Day?” Email info@gaa.org, subject line: “Gravure Day.”

Was your company once a member or do you know a past member?

Walter Vail is chairing a committee to reach out to past GAA members to inform them of the expanded benefits now available with the AIMCAL merger. To support Walter, email info@gaa.org, subject line: “Membership.” This subcommittee supports the GAA Committee’s Mission Statement by connecting those who use and recognize the importance of the Gravure printing and coating process.

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks. They can be purchased at Shop (www.aimcal.org)

Gravure Certification:

Want to become a member?

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to: Become a Member | AIMCAL

Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at tim@aimcal.org

GravurExchange Newsletter – January 2022

January 28, 2022

The January edition of the GravurExchange
Your source for news for the Gravure Industry!

Welcome to 2022

2022 AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference/Global Summit set for April 4-5:

The second AIMCAL/GAA combined conference will be held in-person at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte, NC. Historically the GAA has held its winter/spring “Summit” event as the business topic-oriented conference. With the GAA merging into AIMCAL, this works out perfectly with the AIMCAL winter/spring event that has the same business theme. The GAA (Gravure AIMCAL Alliance) Committee has already begun with content ideas that can be integrated into the AIMCAL ELC Conference. For more information: 2022 Executive Leadership Conference Landing (aimcal.org)

The following is from an attendees perspective: Anamika Huq, a Print and Graphic Media Sciences MS Student, attended the R.I.T. Gravure Day Virtual Event and the following are her comments:

“On December 1, 2021, RIT students were provided a wonderful opportunity to meet with various leaders in the Gravure community. Each of the presenters provided a glimpse for students into the print industry. Personally, I was awed to hear the efforts different companies, Inland Packaging in particular, make to find sustainable options. I really enjoyed hearing Tammy Polovic of Laminates & Performance Films go over how gravure-printing technologies are used in manufacturing applications. Additionally, I think all students, myself included, found great relief to hear the different options for both co-op and career opportunities that lay beyond the school gates, as each presenter took some time to detail different roles within their companies and potential career paths. Overall, this was a wonderful experience for students for exposure into practical Gravure applications.”

The following was the December 17, 2021, United States Postal Service “Industry Alert”: New 2022 USPS Mailing Promotions Documents and 2022 Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion Documents Update

We are excited to announce the release of the new promotions requirements guidebooks for 2022. The guidebooks have been simplified and streamlined for each of the six mailing promotions, and can be found on the “Promotions” PostalPro page at https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions.

The promotion guidebooks provide a quick and easy way for users to access content for each promotion. Each guidebook contains promotion requirements information, content from the “General Participation Guide,” as well as a new look and feel. Key information regarding updated discounts, important dates, enrollment, eligibility, and more is accessible through new clickable links to facilitate finding content easier. With these improvements and enhanced visuals, the guidebooks clearly demonstrate the value the promotions can add to your mail.

If you are looking for a specific guidebook containing promotion requirements, please click on the relevant PostalPro link below.

The 2022 Informed Delivery Guidebook with promotion requirements will follow soon. Please check for updates on PostalPro at https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions.

New features of to the GravurExchange newsletter “Ask the Gravure Experts” and the “Gravure Printing and Converting Corner:'

“Ask the Gravure Experts” is a feature where members from the GAA Committee will review your question and reply directly to you and publish the question-and-answer in the next GravurExchange. One of the important benefits of being part of an association is the ability to network with members, the “Ask the Gravure Experts” provides the opportunity to all the readers of the GravurExchange to network. Send your question subject line: “Gravure experts” to info@gaa.org

“Gravure Printing and Converting Corner:” The following are the comments of Tony Donato from the GAA Committee. “As I attend virtual meetings and Webinars and talk to members, it is apparent change is constant. The days of continuing to do business as usual are long gone and, now we must keep our ears and eyes open to not be passed by. Brand Owners are investigating what advantages come from digital printing, especially on multiple printing substrates, metal (cans), film, paper, corrugated. Many printer members are adding the digital process not just for prototyping but into production. As digital packaging and production presses are being added to printing facilities, states like Wisconsin are developing permit criteria to be specific to the technology. Digital-ink costs and supply have been talking points on its adaption into production, reading news releases more ink companies are coming into the digital market. To show how interest in digital ink is growing, I just had a recruiter ask me if I knew any digital-ink chemist who could apply for an open position in Charlotte.

“Brand Owners, as they get pressure from consumers, are investigating which printing process is the most environmentally friendly and uses materials and processes that can be classified as ‘sustainable.’ Solvent-based inks still come up as an environment issue, but the uninformed and so many are unaware that many Gravure printers use water-based inks for packages. Also, Brand Owners looking to control print quality across the different printing processes are wanting to use PQX (an XML print-quality exchange specification) and are asking the 11 print-quality reporting tool providers to make their equipment PQX-compatible. Virtual press approvals are another challenge between printers and their customers.

“All involved in the Gravure community need to shamelessly promote all new inks, dryers, presses, workflows, water-based inks and adhesives, proofing and so on for all technologies that are helping Gravure printers to become more sustainable. For all our members, if you have news releases that support the sustainability and environmental advances in the Gravure processes, please send them to Mark Spaulding, Editor-in-Chief of Converting Quarterly, at email (mark@aimcal.org). Questions? Please call 262-914-4021.

“Because all our members at looking on how to add production employees, Printed United Alliance has worked with the state of Wisconsin to put together a “Printing Apprenticeship” program and to promote it to high-school students. They have reviewed many printing tacks to see where a student could work and not be in danger or violate safety standards. As I talk to our members, many went through apprenticeship programs, but there was a good number of years when such programs fell out of favor. They need to come back, in my opinion. We have four new students this week from member companies using the GAA online Entry-Level Technician course. The members are repeat users of the training. https://gaa.org/services/training/online-gravure-certification-training/

“Last week I was on the MTAC (Mailers Technical Advisory Committee) to the USPS annual meeting (virtually). Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, coming from New Breed Logistics as its chairman and CEO, is seriously looking at how to improve the efficiency and financial viability of the USPS. He spoke for over an hour and made it clear he is not leaving any stone unturned and taking his task very seriously as he sees the USPS as more than the mail service. From the breakout industry call for mass mailers, they are see substantial increases in shipping rates and changes in discount programs. Many attendees are positive on what they have seen so far.

“We have several members working on technical articles and will have one in the February 2022 edition.”

Cylinder Society:

It is time to nominate your colleagues or those who you consider the person who has helped advanced the knowledge of the Gravure industry. This can be the expert that is the go-to person for Gravure process and technology help. The next class of Cylinder Society inductees will be welcomed into the fold at the 2022 AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference. Nominations are still being accepted at gaa@aimcal.org, put in the subject line: “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee. An application form will be sent to you. Learn More Cylinder Society Members – GAA

It is time to participate in the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards. Entries are being accepted until May 7, 2022.

There are four primary awards categories that reflect the best execution of the Gravure-printing process and supporting innovations: A. PACKAGING AND LABEL, with nine sub-categories, B. PRODUCT, with eight sub-categories. C. PUBLICATION, with 10 sub-categories. D. TECHNICAL INNOVATION, with eight sub-categories; for a total of 35 categories. To download the entry form, go to: GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form.pdf

If you are looking for new employees or are looking for employment, we encourage you to use the new resources on the AIMCAL website:

We want to thank all the GAA/AIMCAL members who have renewed their membership for 2022. We are approaching 60% renewed and renewing:

Walter Vail, GAA Chair Emeriti Walter Vail and AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes have put together a group from the GAA Committee who will be calling members to be able to answer questions on the benefits of continuing to stay a member. Video Walk Through of Login Process + Member Resources.

University and College Gravure Day:

We have heard back from several universities that are scheduling a virtual “Gravure Day.” The program helps students understand all the industry segments that use the Gravure process and provides awareness of all the careers in printing and converting. Interested in holding a “Gravure Day?” Email info@gaa.org, subject line: “Gravure Day.”

Was your company once a member or do you know a past member?

Walter Vail is chairing a committee to reach out to past GAA members to inform them of the expanded benefits now available with the AIMCAL merger. To support Walter, email info@gaa.org, subject line: “Membership.” This subcommittee supports the GAA Committee’s mission statement by connecting those who use and recognize the importance of the Gravure printing and coating process.

Above are more pictures from the December 11, 2021, Mecklenburg County Council of the Scouts Graphic Arts Merit Badge Article that was in the December issue: The event to give printing-career awareness and experiences to the participating scouts. GAA members and others from the printing community conducted the event that introduced 18 scouts both boys and girls, to several different printing processes including Screen, Flexo, Gravure and Digital at Central Piedmont Community College Harper Campus in Charlotte, NC.

The December and previous issues are available at The Latest News | Gravure AIMCAL Alliance (gaa.org)

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

Will resume as soon as restrictions are lifted. In the interim, we continue to deliver mentored training and consulting, featuring our technical experts, Bob Kikkert and Mike Gaffney. Virtual and hybrid training is also available. Those in need of these services, please contact info@gaa.org, subject line “Consultant Services.”

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

We continue to receive orders for the Gravure Process and Technology and for the Gravure Specifications and Tolerances (GST) textbooks, so we decided to extend the half-price sale through the end of the year. Both books are US$50 each plus freight (FOB Greenville, SC) and in addition to English-language versions, the Process and Technology book is available in Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. Purchase at Shop (aimcal.org)

Gravure Certification:

We are happy to announce that we had two students complete and receive their certificates, and more students started the online training in August. The training consists of lessons, downloads, videos and quizzes. Each student has to pass a quiz that tests what the student learned in each lesson before they can advance to the next lesson. All quizzes and lessons have to be completed before receiving the certification; this ensures students truly earn their certificates.

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 pressroom experience)

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. For pricing and to register, email info@gaa.org, subject line “Certification.”

Want to become a member?

Anyone interested in having their company become a member of this dynamic association of companies that are promoting the gravure process, please go to: Become a Member | AIMCAL Questions? Contact AIMCAL Member Outreach Director Tim Janes at tim@aimcal.org