GravurExchange 3

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)

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:

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 – 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

GravurExchange Newsletter – December 2021

December 21, 2021

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

Season's Greetings!

Lou DeFlaviis and all members of the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee and the AIMCAL staff wish all of our members and supporters a very happy holiday season and wishes for a very prosperous new year! The steering committee also wants to thank all who became active in the association and who were involved in the merger of the GAA into AIMCAL.

Long-time GAA member Bill Warner of Allison Systems discusses the expanded benefits provided by the GAA merging to create the Gravure AIMCAL alliance:

If you had been a member of the Gravure Association of the Americas, you are likely aware of the many benefits that membership provided for you and your company. All the previous benefits of GAA membership are still available, and now the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance provides even more opportunities for education, connections, and growth.

Conferences and Training: With the expanded resources of AIMCAL, conferences offer a much larger array of information to help improve your operations.
Industry Information: AIMCAL membership includes access to quarterly market reports which provide research and data on important market trends throughout the year.
Career Advancement: The AIMCAL website has an active AIMCAL jobs section where employers and job seekers can visit to post resumes, post job opportunities, and view listings of available jobs — all at no charge.
Networking: Currently, the AIMCAL association has approximately three times the number of member companies of the previous GAA for expanded potential for networking at conferences and other association events.
Awards: Showcase your company in front of a larger audience by participating in the annual AIMCAL Awards, that are in addition to the Golden Cylinder Awards.

To read the full article from Bill Warner, follow the link: GAA membership includes expanded benefits provided by the AIMCAL alliance

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

The second AIMCAL/GAA combined conference will be held in-person at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 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 Committee has already started with content ideas that can be integrated into the AIMCAL ELC Conference. For more information: 2022 Executive Leadership Conference Landing (aimcal.org)

AIMCAL R2R “Replay” and the 2021 R2R Asia Conference was held Virtually on December 7th through 9th, Special thanks to our event partners: KRICT, KIMM, Jeonbuk National University, and KIAT:

We understand that many of you were unable to attend R2R USA in-person this year due to many unique circumstances and travel restrictions. This virtual conference included an entirely new AIMCAL ASIA track, live panel discussions and live keynotes that were very informative with great technical papers. Those who registered will continue to have access for three more weeks.

"Employment Opportunities in the Gravure Community – Now and Future" was the theme for the 2021 R.I.T. Rochester Institute of Technology Virtual Gravure Day held Dec. 1

Dr. Bruce Myers, Administrative Chair, Dept. of Graphic Media Science & Technology, College of Engineering Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, opened the program. Mark Glendenning, Chief Executive Officer & President, Inland Packaging, Product Packaging Solutions, Label Printing, presented Gravure Packaging Opportunities – Now and Future. Tammy Polovic, Global Marketing Manager for Laminates & Performance Films, Omnova a Synthomer Business, represented the product-gravure segment with her presentation Gravure Product Manufacturing Opportunities – Now and Future. Representing functional printing was Dr. Bill Ray, Chief Scientist/Founder, Nth Degree Technologies, Inc. His presentation on Additive Manufacturing of Functional Products: The Impact of Hybrid Gravure Processes presented what is possible to manufacture using printing processes as manufacturing methods. Tony Donato of the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance committee presented on The Importance of Being a Member of a Printing Association and How to Get Involved with the GAA.

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. “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 feature will have articles explaining or promoting a new technology or production method. They will be written by our members. The first article will explain “Thermal Oil” Dryers by Kevin McNally of BOBST and will be in the January 2022 edition.

On Dec. 11, at Central Piedmont Community College “Harper” Campus in Charlotte, NC, the Mecklenburg County Council of the Scouts coordinated by Al Ferrell (long-time member of the local printing community) held its Graphics Merit Badge event to give printing-career awareness and experience to the participating scouts.

GAA members Harper Corporation and Poteet Systems (a Flint Company) provided equipment as well as Sun Chemical provided conductive carbon ink to be used in the half day event to introduce 18 scouts, both boys and girls, to several different printing processes including Screen, Flexo, Gravure and Digital. They also spent time in prepress and platemaking. Zach Blackburn, Graphics Arts and Image Technologies chair, says, “I truly feel like the merit badge event was a great success. The Scouts seemed to have a wonderful time, they were attentive, asked great questions, and were fun to interact with.”

Bettylyn Krafft of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation, Zach Blackburn and Amber Dobbins of CPCC, Josh and Liz Sigmon of Harper Corporation, Perry Stacks of Poteet and Tony Donato of the GAA were the instructors.

If you're looking for new employees or are seeking 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 AIMCAL Alliance (gaa.org)

We want to thank all the GAA/AIMCAL members who have renewed their membership for 2022:

Walter Vail, GAA Chair Emeritus, and Tim Janes, AIMCAL Member Outreach Director, have put together a group from the GAA Committee who will be calling members to answer questions on the benefits of continuing your membership.

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 merger. To support Walter, email info@gaa.org subject line “Membership”. This committee is intended to support the GAA Committee mission statement by connecting those who use and recognize the importance of the gravure printing and coating process.

University and College Gravure Day:

We need more Gravure Days! Universities or Colleges with a graphic, printing and or packaging program – we are ready to support you and help you hold a Gravure Day. The program helps your students understand all the industry segments that use the gravure process and give them the awareness of all the careers in printing and converting. Interested in holding a Gravure Day? Email info@gaa.org, subject line “Gravure Day.“

Cylinder Society:

The next class of Cylinder Society inductees will be welcomed into the society at the Executive Leadership Conference. Nominations are still being accepted. Send nominations to gaa@aimcal.org, put in the subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee. An application form will be sent to you.

For the second year in a row, ACiMGA (Italian Manufacturers Assn. of Machinery for the Graphic, Converting and Paper Industry) has joined the GAA Committee as the co-sponsor of the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards:

Merging the GAA into AIMCAL extended the gravure mission internationally and with ACiMGA’s participation makes the Golden Cylinder Awards truly an international competition. Entries are being accepted until May 7, 2022. To download the entry form, go to: GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form

GAA Services, Training and Products:

On-site Training/On-site Consulting:

The Gravure Textbook Sale Continues:

Gravure Certification:

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)

Want to become a member?

GravurExchange Newsletter – November 2021

November 24, 2021

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

The GAA AIMCAL R2R “Gravure Fundamentals and Gravure Track” coordinating committee brought together a group of gravure experts to share their knowledge during the 2021 AIMCAL R2R, October 18-21 in Orlando FL: The committee, chaired by John Edwards of Sun Chemical, faced many challenges with the continued COVID travel restriction. All total, the committee reached out to over 40 potential speakers and garnered 24 commitments to fill the 29 spots (11 for the Gravure Fundamentals and 18 for the Gravure Tracks). The “Gravure Fundamentals” followed the format that was used for the Gravure Basics virtual seminar held this past May. For the gravure tracks, the committee was able to assemble speakers from brand owners, suppliers and researchers to cover trends, technologies; updates on the three gravure cylinder research products as they are all in beta testing, and methods to support the gravure process users. A big thank you to the committee members for their hard work behind the scenes. Committee members: Bill Poulson, Dan Comerford, John Edwards, Johnny Stamey, Mandee Jones, Rod Sosa, Todd Luman and Tony Donato.

ACiMGA 2021 Co-Sponsor of the Golden Cylinder Awards, Invited the GAA to present at the 2021 Roto4All conference!

ACiMGA the association of Italian manufacturers of machinery for the graphic, paper and converting industry and the 2021 Co-Sponsor of the Golden Cylinder Awards invited Lou DeFlaviis of INX International the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance chair and Tony Donato to presented virtually to the ACiMGA 2021 Roto4All conference that was held on October 22 in Florence Italy. The presentation presented how AIMCAL/GAA-Committee and its members are contributing to help and guide the Gravure community as it maneuvers through the challenges of sustainability and trends effecting our industry. To learn more about the Roto4All: Roto4All 2021, the rotogravure community meets live (convertingmagazine.it)To join the AIMCAL Sustainability Committee: Sustainability Committee (aimcal.org)

AIMCAL Roll-to-Roll (R2R) Virtual Conference

AIMCAL R2R Virtual Conference on December 7th through 9th will provide attendees ability to pick and choose from the 112 sessions that were presented in Orlando: The AIMCAL planning group utilized an on-line recording technology for the speakers to pre-record their presentation for the R2R live event. This preplanning, as a back-up for presenters who could not travel, or changes in the COVID protocols, will now allow AIMCAL to hold a virtual conference. The virtual conference provides the attendee the ability to pick from all the recorded sessions. With 6 simultaneous tracks daily, it literally made it impossible to attend all the sessions that were of interest. The virtual conference solves the issue! More Info: 2021 R2R Virtual Conference (aimcal.org)

Golden Cylinder Award Winners

A big congratulations goes out to all the 2021 winners of the Golden Cylinder awards: During the AIMCAL Awards dinner held in Orlando at the R2R event Lou DeFlaviis the chair of the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance committee announced the 2021 winners. Lou and Chris Kerscher, the Executive Director of AIMCAL presented the trophies to the winners who were present at the awards dinner: The winners are as follows: Category “A” is “Packaging and Label”: Winner of A-2 “Film /Film Lamination” is Fres-co Systems. Winner A-6 “Film-Pressure Sensitive” is Multi-Color Corporation (Batavia).

Category “B” is “Product”: Winner of B-1 “Decorative Coverings” is O’Sullivan Films; Inc. Winner of B-8 “Decorative Laminates” is Omnova Solutions Inc. a Synthomer Business.

Category “D” is “Technical Innovation”: Winner of D-1 “Image Preparation” is Fres-co Systems. Winner of D-2 “Image Carrier” is Syntek Co. Ltd. Winner of D-3 “Inks & Substrates” is Amcor Specialty Cartons, Chester, VA. Winner of D-4 “Press” is PAD INKSPEC. Winner of D-6 “Packaging” is Fres-co Systems.

The judges also picked the best of the best for each category:

Category “A” Packaging and Label “Best of the Best” winner is Fres-co Systems.

Category “B” Product “Best of the Best” winner is Omnova Solutions Inc.

Category “D” Technical Innovations “Best of the Best” winner is Amcor Specialty Cartons, Chester VA. More information: Golden Cylinder Awards – GAA

A special thank you to our co-sponsor; Italian Manufacturers Association of Machinery for the Graphic, Converting and Paper Industry – ACiMGA

It is time to start thinking about entering the 2022 Golden Cylinder Awards:

being accepted until May 7^th 2022. To download the entry form, go to: GAA-Golden-Cylinder-Awards-2022-Form.pdf

Mike Gaffney participated in ICEC USA's "Ask the Experts"

Mike Gaffney, one of the GAA’s Subject Matter Experts participated in ICEC’s “Ask the expert” on the ICE Expo floor in Orlando: Mike also participated as a speaker in the Gravure Fundamentals and Gravure track sessions. With reductions in the COVID restrictions, the GAA consultants Mike Gaffney and Bob Kikkert bring 80 years of combined printing experience to their resource bank. They are ready to assist those who need consultation. Contact us at: Contact – GAA

Anna University - College of Engineering Guindy

An inquiry into the GAA’s “Gravure Process and Technology and GST Blue Book (Gravure Specifications and Tolerances) text books turned into a new international university member: Anna University in India is Asia’s oldest technical institution, established in 1794, contacted the GAA website looking for Gravure text books for their Printing and Packaging Technology program. Anna is now a university member of AIMCAL. To learn more about Anna Universities printing and converting program go to: The Latest News | Gravure Association of Americans (gaa.org)

PGSF GEF Facilitates Donation of K-Proofer to Cal-Poly

GAA Committee PGSF GEF board members Walter Vail, Rod Sosa & Todd Luman facilitate donation of K-Proofer to Cal-Poly: The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) announces that California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo became the first school to receive a grant from the PGSF Gravure Education Foundation Endowment. With the funding, the Cal Poly Graphics Communications Department acquired a K Printing Proofer from RK Print Coat Instruments Ltd. The new equipment gives Cal Poly staff and students the ability to learn about the strengths of gravure.The read full release

Benefits & Resources in Two Combined Associations for the Cost of One

GAA members it is that time of year when membership fee invoices will be distributed: Walter Vail, GAA Chair Emeriti, and Tim Janes, AIMCAL Member Outreach Director have put together a comprehensive document that lists the expanded benefits of membership of the combined associations. The document identified all the programs, committees, training and other valuable assets now available to the GAA members. With AIMCAL being an International Association; and many of its members are suppliers to GAA members, our combined association represents an expanded supply chair to printed and converted products. To review the combined benefits that resulted from the merger into AIMCAL go to: Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Resources | Renew 2022 at Discount of $1,000 for GAA Members GAA Video Walkthrough of AIMCAL Website + Resources

Western Michigan University 37th Annual Gravure Day

GAA Committee members were presenters at Western Michigan University 37th annual Gravure Day on November 1st: Dan Comerford of WRE Color, Rod Sosa of Fres-co Systems, Tony Donato of GAA Committee were joined by Mark Fisher, President and CEO of Council of the Great Lakes Region to provide information ranging from cylinder manufacturing, packaging printing – to include color control, gravure industry segments and the challenges the industry faces to help in effort for packaging sustainability. Mark Fisher’s presentation showed all challenges that need to be addressed to protect the Great Lakes North America’s great fresh water resource: Circular Great Lakes

2022 AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference/Global Summit April 4th & 5th:

The 2^nd AIMCAL/GAA combined conference will be held in-person at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 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 Committee has already started with content ideas that can be integrated into the AIMCAL conference. For more information: 2022 Executive Leadership Conference Landing (aimcal.org)

Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee had an organizing meeting to identify those interested in participating more

The Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee had an organizing meeting at the R2R to identify those interested in participating in various committees to help organize and build programs that will promote the Gravure related industries: Lou DeFlaviis led the meeting to kick off this activity. Lou was very pleased with the large turnout and the enthusiasm of the group. For those who were not at the R2R and want to join this dynamic group of Gravure believers, review the following opportunities to participate.

A call for Gravure Technical papers and articles:

Converting Quarterly / AIMCAL are offering to include Gravure Industry papers and articles in their newsletters and perhaps also in the magazine. Anyone interested in contributing a non-commercial technical paper of 600 to 650 words please contact info@gaa.org with subject line “Article” with your idea or abstract and we will contact you. For Gravure “white” longer papers we can add them to the Technical Library – GAA on the GAA website. Also contact info@gaa.org with subject line “White Paper”.

Join the following GAA Committees:

A conference committee has been established to provide ideas to Chris Kerscher for the April 4^th and 5^th Executive Leadership Conference in Charlotte, NC. To join the committee and or suggest topics email info@gaa.org subject line “Summit”.

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 merger. To support Walter email info@gaa.org subject line “Membership”. This committee is intended to support the GAA Committee mission statement by connecting those who use and recognize the importance of the gravure printing and coating process.

University and College Gravure Day:

We need more Gravure Days! Universities or Colleges with a graphic, printing and or packaging program – we are ready to support you and help you hold a Gravure Day. The program is to help your students understand all the industry segments that use the Gravure process and give them the awareness of all the careers in printing and converting. Interested in holding a “Gravure Day”? email info@gaa.org subject line “Gravure Day”.

Cylinder Society:

The Cylinder Society has been a way to recognize your colleagues and those who have been influential in the advancement of the gravure process across the industry. Please send your nominations to gaa@aimcal.org, put in the subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee. An application Form will be sent to you.

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:

There are four levels of Certification training available online:

• Level 1 Assistant Certification (suitable for assistants and especially new hires)

• Level 2 Operator Certification (suitable for experienced press operators)

• Level 3 Application Specialist Certification (suitable for non-pressroom personnel and sales)

• Level 4 Master Operator Certification (suitable for press operators with advanced press-room experience)

Want to be a member:

The October 2021 GravurExchange will have information from the AIMCAL R2R USA and other news.

GravurExchange Newsletter – September 2021

November 10, 2021

Congratulations to the Gravure Community!
Great new benefits, under a new banner

The GAA lives on as the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee inside AIMCAL. The committee is led by Lou DeFlaviis of INX as the chair with JD Harris of Fresco-Systems vice-chair and John Edwards of Sun Chemical as secretary. The following link takes you to the GAA Committee page on the AIMCAL website: Gravure AIMCAL Alliance Committee. The page is still a work in progress.

The Mission Statement for the Committee: The Gravure AIMCAL Alliance will promote the growth of Gravure by understanding customers’ needs, demonstrating advantages of the Gravure process, developing operational efficiencies, cultivating innovation, and advocating for Gravure Education. The alliance will collect and distribute information to increase industry knowledge, while fostering an environment that builds relationships and a spirit of cooperation between member companies worldwide.

The GAA Committee is tasked with organizing subcommittees that will help to Educate, Connect and Grow the Gravure Community. The first subcommittee, “R2R Gravure Forum Track,” was assigned with finding topics and speakers to present relevant and current technical topics as specified in the mission statement for the AIMCAL R2R USA Conference’s “Gravure Forum” track. The committee of eight members led by John Edwards, including Mandee Jones, Dan Comerford, Rod Sosa, Todd Luman, Johnny Stamey, Bill Poulson and Tony Donato, compiled 18 gravure-related presentation (six a day). The following link shows all tracks for each day: R2R Agenda (aimcal.org)

AIMCAL Roll-to-Roll (R2R) USA Conference

This multi-track conference will be held in-person Oct. 18-21, 2021, in conjunction with the ICEC (International Converting Exhibition and Conference USA (www.convertingshow.com, formerly ICE USA) at the Orange County Convention Ctr. in Orlando, FL. The track session rooms are large enough for social distancing to meet attendees’ personal preferences.

The following link is the best source for information on registration and especially on the latest on Health and Safety Protocols, as the organizers address the best way to hold the conference and keep within all COVID-19 Protocols 2021 R2R USA Conference (aimcal.org), then scroll down to the “Health and Safety” shield (Updated September 16)

We are looking forward to having the first live conference since the GAA Summit in March 2020. The number of our members that have registered has been growing day-to-day and so is those planning on attending. The Gravure Community is excited to get together and attend the sessions as well as ICEC USA. Live conferences are the best way to network and learn from each other to keep the Gravure process the premium means of printing packaging, publications and products from Décor to Functional.

On Monday October 18, a Gravure Fundamentals Workshop:

Will be held by the Gravure experts who conducted the GAA Basics Virtual Seminar on May 4-6, 2021. This is a good opportunity for those new to the industry to learn Gravure process basics and ask questions. When registering for the R2R, you will see the options for signing up for a Fundamentals Course and pick the Gravure session.

R2R Conference Sponsors:

It’s good to see GAA members have come forward so far and are participating as sponsors for the AIMCAL R2R USA Conference: Amcor, Bobst, BST Group, Max Daetwyler, Flint Inks, INX Inks and Saueressig. Being a sponsor and participating on committees is a great way to embrace the merger with AIMCAL. R2R USA sponsorships are still available: Don’t be left out. R2R Sponsorships (aimcal.org)

Cylinder Society Nominations are Closing Soon

The Cylinder Society has been a way to recognize your colleagues and those who have been influential in the advancement of the gravure process across the industry. Time is running out to submit nominations for this year’s class of honorees.

Please send your nominations to info@gaa.org, put in the subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee Application Form will be sent to you.

2021 AIMCAL R2R USA Industry & Entertainment Dinner on Monday night, October 18:

Our main event will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel located directly across the skybridge from the Orange County Convention Center. Your purchase of this add-on includes admission to the event with full access to our Networking Cocktail Hour with two drink tickets, a seated Banquet Dinner, and a program full of industry updates, awards including the 2021 GAA Golden Cylinder Awards, and live entertainment. A highlight will be “The Magic of Puck” (Season 7 “America’s Got Talent” semi-finalist).

How AIMCAL/GAA Members can participate and contribute to the Gravure AIMCAL Alliance!

Call for Gravure Technical Papers and Articles:

Converting Quarterly / AIMCAL are offering to include Gravure Industry papers and articles in their e-newsletters and also in the print ad online magazine. Anyone interested in contributing a non-commercial technical paper of 600 to 650 words, please contact info@gaa.org, subject line “Article” with your idea or abstract ,and we will contact you. For longer Gravure White Papers, we can add them to the Technical Library – GAA on the GAA website. Also contact info@gaa.org, subject line “White Paper”.

Join the following GAA Committees:

A committee has been established to set the topics and recruit speakers for the April 4-5, 2022, Gravure Business Summit to be held in conjunction with the AIMCAL Executive Leadership Conference at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC. To join the committee and or suggest topics, email info@gaa.org, subject line “Summit”.

Walter Vail is chairing a committee to reach out to past GAA members to inform them of the expanded benefits now available with the merger into AIMCAL. To join Walter, email info@gaa.org, subject line “Membership”. This committee supports the overall GAA Committee Mission Statement by connecting those who use and recognize the importance of the Gravure Printing and Coating Process.

University and College Gravure Day:

One of the most important ways to ensure continued talent is available to the Gravure Industry is to participate in “Gravure Day”. Gravure Day is the day gravure professionals visit schools in-person or virtually and participate in an event that spotlights all the segments and job opportunities to students at schools with programs in the full workflow of printing processes. By participating, we ensure the message that “gravure is alive and well.” We want to acknowledge Michelle Fontaine Calkins of Amgraph (at RIT) and Rod Sosa of Fresco-Systems (at WMU) for participating last school year. WMU is having its Gravure Day on November 1 and has asked for virtual speakers. Anyone interested in being a speaker or any school interested in having a “Gravure Day”, email info@gaa.org, subject line “Gravure Day”.

Cylinder Society:

The Cylinder Society has been a way to recognize your colleagues and those who have been influential in the advancement of the gravure process across the industry. Please send your nominations to gaa@aimcal.org, subject line “Cylinder Society” and the Nominee. An application form will be sent to you.

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:

There are four levels of Certification training available online:

• Level 1 Assistant Certification (suitable for assistants and especially new hires)

• Level 2 Operator Certification (suitable for experienced press operators)

• Level 3 Application Specialist Certification (suitable for non-pressroom personnel and sales)

• Level 4 Master Operator Certification (suitable for press operators with advanced press-room experience)

Want to be a member:

The October 2021 GravurExchange will have information from the AIMCAL R2R USA and other news.

« Previous Page