PETpla.net Insider 05 / 2014

TRADE SHOW REVIEW 37 PET planet insider Vol. 15 No. 05/14 www.petpla.net Digital direct printing of containers Krones AG, Neutraubling, Germany, premiered the DecoType direct printing system for printing on plastic bottles. Compared to dressing containers in labels, direct printing of containers is said to offer more scope for indi- vidualised design of the containers. The use of updated decors or short-notice launches of newly developed products is intended to enable the client to react swiftly to changes and emergent trends on the market. Individualisa- tion, small batch sizes, small print runs as well as printing barcodes or on uneven surfaces are claimed to be possi- ble with enhanced affordability. With the new DecoType direct printing system, print heights of up to 200mm can be achieved using UV inks. Featuring a modular, compact construction, the machine is suitable for empty plastic containers made of PET, PP or PE, either cylindrical or special-shaped. A DecoType application for glass containers is in planning. Integrated printing units with ink supply and automatic pushbutton adjustment facilitate change-overs. The pushbutton-con- trolled cleaning process, too, has been automated. Ink top- ups function flawlessly, while arc emitters ensure reliable UV-drying of the printed containers, according to Krones. www.krones.com Hot melt wrap around labelling Gernep, manufacturer of labelling machines, presented its recently launched labelling machines for the packaging industry. The Rollfed and Rollina labelling machines are designed for the hot melt wrap around labelling for a variety of containers. The Rollfed model is used for the labelling of roll-fed plastic labels for bottles made from PET and other plastics, whilst Rollina is designed for magazine-fed paper labels for plastic containers. The glue application of both labelling systems comes from a closed hot melt unit. Thanks to this closed hot melt system, any contamination of glue is said to be avoided in the hot melt circulation and this minimises cleaning and maintenance. The hot glue of the Rollina is economically applied onto the container by nozzles. The end glueing occurs through a stepless adjustable end-glueing edge at the end of the label magazine. In the Rollfed system, hot melt is applied contact-free to the label via nozzles while it is on the vacuum drum. The end glueing takes place by a stepless adjustable glueing edge and an end glueing plate on the transfer drum. The control of bottle rotation is said to reduce the changeover time to other container formats. www.gernep.de Liquid masterbatches One of the highlights presented by Clariant was the new HiFormer integrated system for liquid masterbatches, designed to enhance product properties and process param- eters for customers. In addition to the improved efficiency of the manufacturing processes, the liquid masterbatches are said to be highly concentrated to achieve brilliant, vibrant hues. For packaging customers, the focus in recent develop- ments has been on advancing EBM monolayer production processes. HiFormer EBM monolayer systems offer a reduc- tion in masterbatches for lighter plastic packaging, according to the company. Another development showcased was a line of multicol- our masterbatches that are used in combination with propri- etary, patented, multilayer moulding process. The so-called Figaro Effect creates levels of opacity, translucency, gloss and special effects. www.clariant.com