PACKAGING RESOURCE CENTER
Shrink Label
Form-fitting PETG shrink film is designed to wrap around container curves and edges without becoming distorted. Smile-free shrink labels can be customized to fit any container shape or curve. The label material is designed to run on high-speed automatic shrink-labeling machinery. Gilbreth Packaging, Croydon, PA; 800/630-2413; www.gilbrethusa.com.
Printed Pouches
Tyvek and other flexible packaging materials for pouches can be printed with product identification text and graphics. The Thermal Printmaster features a 300-dpi printer designed to produce the appearance of preprinted pouches with the flexibility of on-demand printing. The tabletop unit is designed to print and process pouch material from 4 to 10 inches per second. About Packaging Robotics Inc., Thornton, CO; 303/449-2559; www.aboutpackagingrobotics.com.
Synthetic Labels
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A company offers its proprietary synthetic stock labels as well as printing services. The synthetic labels are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional paper labels because they are not made from tree pulp yet they are still recyclable. The labels are UV-sterilized to prevent fading. The label stock is designed to be waterproof and resistant to tears, punctures, and chemical contamination. The stock also is constructed to withstand temperatures ranging from –70° to 220°F. The labels can be coated or uncoated and can be printed with additional information such as data matrix codes. Badger Tag & Label Corp., Random Lake, WI; 800/331-4863; www.badgertag.com.
Pouch System Handling
A manufacturer offers an automatic pouch-handling system that is designed to take one to four pouches from a magazine, open them, and fill and seal them. The PouchPack machine can run lay-flat and stand-up zip pouches. The machine can incorporate labeling and coding systems as well as air evacuation and gas flush. OK International Corp., Marlborough, MA; 508/303-8286; www.okcorp.com.
Thermal-Transfer Labels
A company offers thermal and thermal-transfer stock labels in a range of sizes. Custom and preprinted labels can be delivered in 48 hours. The company also offers a range of label-printing services as well as carbon ribbons, such as wax, wax/resin, and resin in a variety of colors. The company’s consumables are designed to ensure maximum print performance from printers and extend print-head life. Redemac, St. Laurent, QC, Canada; 514/335-9570; www.redemac.com.
Thermoformer
A mechanical-drive, deep-draw thermoformer has a cutting speed of up to 300 packs/min. Each station on the machine, including the material feed station, is independently driven by brushless motors that are all synchronized. The balcony-style machine has a PC-controlled operator interface. Size parts are fitted on the front of the unit. This design allows for easy access to complete toolless changeovers quickly. The product-packaging zone is separate from the machine’s electrical and electronic part housings. The unit consists of three basic modules. The first houses the stations for feeding, forming, unwinding, preheating, and thermoforming material. The second module includes unwinding, sealing, cooling, and perforating the lidding material. The third houses the second feed unit, the cutter, and waste recovery. The surface of the forming area is 254 × 220 mm and up to 42 mm deep. Two models of the machine are available: one with a traditional cutter and another with a fast cutter station. Marchesini Group S.p.A., Pianoro, Bologna, Italy; +39 051 651 87 11; Marchesini Packaging Machinery Inc., Caldwell, NJ; 973/575-7445; www.marchesini.com.
