The Next Generation in High-Accuracy, Single-Axis Diameter Measurement

• Built on Industry Leading Gauging Platform – uses the same proven optical engine and electronics as our leading AccuScan family of gauges for high-performance diameter measurements
• Applications Versatility – accurately measures product diameters up to 100 mm (3.94 in.) across a wide range of applications for in-process control or as a stand-alone solution for off-line measurements
• Expansive Measurement Capabilities – stack two or more AccuScan Pro gauges to measure even larger diameters, plusperform single-scan flaw detection of lump and neckdowns for product quality control
• Powerful Multi-Strand Option – accurately, reliably measure up to 12 diameters simultaneously for 100% on-line inspection of multi-strand wire
• Flexible Communications – supports a variety of communication protocols for easy integration into processes
• Low Cost of Ownership – durable, low-maintenance design enables the gauge to reliably operate in a wide variety of demanding industrial applications
• Preeminent Support – all systems are backed by NDC’s dedicated worldwide customer service organization available 24-7 via myNDC cloud service

Xeikon announces VariOne – the true differentiator automating variable data for image creation

Lier, Belgium, 8 November 2021 – Xeikon has announced VariOne, a new variable data generation tool for Xeikon’s X-800 digital front-end. This integrated software innovation can immediately generate and print unique creative designs, based on an image or on vector graphics, in endless complex patterns. Xeikon’s VariOne is a true differentiator and has been developed and designed to add value and benefit brand owners, designers, illustrators, printers, converters, and consumers. VariOne can achieve the highest levels of variable imagery possible today. Demonstrations can be run by appointment and the new VariOne will be commercially available as an option for systems running X-800 version 7.00 or higher.

Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management, states: “Print is becoming more customised and valuable. With VariOne, Xeikon has taken a significant leap forward in its research and development and now offers completely new horizons for differentiation. With VariOne it is possible to create thousands of unique and individual clips from a base design. With our new integrated variable data solution built into Xeikon’s digital front-end, the possibilities for producing unique images are limitless on both our dry toner and inkjet presses. The Xeikon strategy is to extend the capabilities of its X-800 workflow even further and expand the range of possible applications.”

Differentiating products to meet consumer demand is a continuous challenge for brand owners. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for personalized goods, and they are on the lookout for products that uniquely express their personality and that can be shared on social media such as Instagram and Pinterest. In the fight against counterfeiting, which can impact consumer safety, brand owners are looking for new software technology solutions with extra image and text capabilities, and with hidden techniques to track and trace items such as unique patterns and images, hidden codes and guilloches. VariOne can be used as a tool to add an extra layer of security.

With Xeikon’s VariOne, personalised image creation can be fully automated within the printing process. The software functionality achieves random selections from zero to millions. This variable data application offers endless uses and endless variations. What sets this innovation apart is the immediacy of the process. VariOne can immediately process, format and print unique creative designs featuring variable patterns with random elements and the widest gamut of colour combinations. Unique designs can be created on the fly and in minutes in a variety of unique patterns. This new innovation is a breakthrough and a complete game changer.

The advantage of VariOne lies in the complete uniqueness of each design, which can be driven by the database or randomly created from bitmap or vector-based images, creating new and unusual designs in millions of shapes, styles and surreal effects. Brand owners will be able to utilise this opportunity in a variety of sectors with different applications for fashion magazines, retail catalogues, tourism marketing, promotional materials for football competitions or film festivals, as well as high-end label and packaging applications. For decades, cost has been the differentiator in our industries, but with the ever-rising costs of consumables and labour, it has now become virtually impossible to be successfully competitive based on that variable only. The focus has shifted to efficiency gained through automation. The new functionality of VariOne is the next step in efficient and sustainable variable data production, and VariOne also enables big savings in time and cost, both in prepress and in the pressroom. Van Bauwel concludes, “Xeikon is taking mass customisation to new levels with an explosion of creativity which will add value for everyone in the supply chain in a million ways. Xeikon’s VariOne has taken a complicated prepress process and made it immediately fast and flexible.”

ABOUT XEIKON

Xeikon, a division of Flint Group, is a long-standing leader and innovator in digital printing technology. Grounded in the principles of quality, flexibility and sustainability, Xeikon designs, develops and delivers web-fed digital colour presses for label and packaging applications, document printing, and commercial printing. These printing machines work with different imaging technologies, open workflow software and application-specific consumables.

In 2015, Xeikon joined Flint Group to create a new “Digital Printing Solutions” division for the leading global print consumables and solution provider to the packaging and print media industries. Flint Group develops and manufactures an extensive portfolio of consumables for the printing industry. These include a vast range of conventional and energy-curable inks and coatings, press-room chemicals and pigments and additives for use in inks and other colorant applications. The Flint Group is based in Luxembourg and employs around 7900 people. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier, in every major market segment it serves.

Coming to America! Rosti Group proud to acquire Plastic Components Inc (PCI),US based Injection  Moulding Company

Rosti Group AB (“Rosti” or the “Group”) has acquired Plastic Components, Inc. (“PCI”), a US-based injection moulding company from MPE partners. The acquisition significantly strengthens Rosti’s market position across the United States, making the Group a truly global partner for its customers.

Founded over 75 years ago, Rosti is a global plastic injection moulding company and contract manufacturer serving some of the world’s leading manufacturers in the packaging, consumer appliances, business machines, medical and automotive sectors. 

Headquartered in Sweden, Rosti has state-of-the art production facilities strategically located across Europe and Asia. Through the acquisition of PCI, Rosti is establishing a global production footprint to better serve both existing and new customers.

“M&A is an important part of Rosti’s growth strategy and we continue to look for high-quality companies that can strategically enhance our business and create meaningful opportunities for our customers and employees. PCI has extensive know-how in engineering and process technology and is a well-managed company that does just that, they are a great partner for Rosti” Jonas Persson, CEO of Rosti.

Founded in 1989, PCI delivers engineered thermoplastic components for a variety of market applications, including flow control, consumer, pool & aquatics, automotive technology, small engine, and medical.

Headquartered in Germantown, WI, with additional locations in Cary, NC and Clearfield, UT, PCI boasts a unique nationwide presence and has critical scale with longstanding, strategic relationships throughout a diverse customer base. Derrill Rice, President and CEO of PCI, will continue to lead PCI’s strong existing management team.

“As the President and CEO of PCI, an industrial injection moulder, I am thrilled to partner with Rosti who for over 75 years have also been injection moulding. Owned by Nordstjernan, an ethical company with financial strength, this acquisition is part of their long-term investment strategy.

The cultural fit and vision that both companies share will help us to better serve our customers. Combining our two highly skilled workforces will help us expand our capabilities on a global scale.” Derrill Rice, President and CEO PCI.

“This acquisition combines two strong, technology-led manufacturing teams, allied in their pursuit of excellence to deliver world class manufacturing and moulding, enhancing our relationships with existing customers while creating additional opportunities for growth and expansion. PCI aligns well with Rosti strategically and culturally, and together we are excited to offer customers a superior technical service.” Jonas Persson, CEO of Rosti.

https://www.rosti.com/

ABC TECHNOLOGIES TO ACQUIRE DLHBOWLES FROM MPE PARTNERS 

 ABC Technologies Holdings Inc.a leading manufacturer and supplier of custom, highly engineered technical plastics and lightweighting innovations to the global automotive industry, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire dlhBOWLES, Inc. from MPE Partners (“MPE” or Morgenthaler Private Equity”) for approximately US$255 million (the “dlhB Acquisition”).

Based in North Canton, OH, dlhBOWLES is a recognized leader in the North American market for camera and sensor cleaning systems, windshield washer systems, sunroof drains, powertrain and chassis solutions. With approximately $120 million in revenue expected in 2021, dlhBOWLES has established a leading position in the North American washer systems market as well as the quickly expanding market for cleaning systems addressing advanced driving (ADAS) and thermal management for EVs.

“The acquisition of dlhBOWLES further solidifies ABC Technologies’ leadership position in the North American washer systems market, strengthening our product portfolio to better serve our global customers and enhance the capabilities of our Fluid Management division, while improving ABC’s process automation,” said Todd Sheppelman, President and CEO of ABC Technologies.

“This acquisition will create a complete product system offering within our Fluid Management division, which we believe will be a win for our customers as well as ABC.” “We are excited to bring dlhBOWLES and ABC Technologies together,” said dlhBOWLES President and CEO, John Saxon. “We have known the ABC team for years as an important customer of dlhBOWLES, and we believe ABC’s global reach and ability to cross-sell washer systems products to an even broader group of OEM customers will expand the growth opportunities of the combined businesses and enable us to deliver innovative solutions around the globe.”

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with dlhBOWLES and appreciative of the leadership and strong execution that John Saxon and his team have delivered since the combination of DLH Industries and Bowles Fluidics” said Peter Taft, Partner at MPE. “dlhBOWLES is a great fit within ABC Technologies’ portfolio and we believe the combination will create exciting growth and value-creation opportunities.”    

Click here for more deails 

CLEARWATER PAPER LAUNCHES NUVO WITH BIOPBS CUP

Clearwater Paper Corporation  today introduced NuVo withBioPBS, a sustainable cup stock that provides foodservice operators with a compostable alternative to hot cups coated with low-density polyethylene.

NuVo withBioPBS is the first cup stock to combine a compostable barrier, 35% post-consumer fiber, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certification (FSC-C008402), and a high-definition print surface.

“When we launched the NuVo brand in 2019, we made a promise to continually innovate to maximize product differentiation and sustainability. We are pleased to continue delivering on that commitment by introducing NuVo withBioPBS, a next-generation cup stock that we believe will allow our customers to be at the forefront of growing trends in sustainability,” said Steve Bowden, senior vice president and general manager of the pulp and paperboard division.

 www.clearwaterpaper.com

SABIC INTRODUCES NEW SUPERFLOW ULTEM™ RESINS TO ENABLE MINIATURIZATION FOR BURN IN TEST SOCKETS (BITS) AND CONNECTORS POWERING ELECTRONIC DEVICES

SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, is introducing two new grades in its portfolio of Superflow ULTEM ™ resins that address the trend of electronic component miniaturization to enable smaller, lighter and more-sophisticated devices. Glass fiber-reinforced Superflow ULTEM SF2250EPR and SF2270 resins feature exceptional flow properties for molding burn-in test sockets (BiTS) used to stress-test integrated circuit (IC) chips. They can also potentially be used to mold thin-wall, high-precision, miniaturized connectors. Their signature flow properties help meet the challenges of complete mold filling and easy release in ever-smaller components.

Balancing flow with toughness, Superflow ULTEM SF2250EPR and SF2270 resins are excellent alternatives to incumbent materials such as glass fiber-reinforced liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) and polyethersulfone (PES) resins. They deliver greater weld line strength and mechanical performance than LCPs, and higher tensile strength and modulus, higher weld line strength and lower moisture absorption than PES resins.

“As electronic components such as IC chips and onboard connectors shrink in size and weight to support new generations of mobile and wearable devices, there is a need for novel materials offering optimized performance and consistent quality in miniaturized configurations,” said Tsutomu (Tom) Kinoshita, senior business manager, SABIC. “These requirements apply both to connectors and burn-in test sockets used to test the performance and reliability of IC chips for higher-speed and higher-density interconnections required by smart electronics. The expansion of our Superflow ULTEM resin portfolio addresses evolving industry trends and demonstrates SABIC’s continued investment in new technologies for the electronics industry.”

Sensata’s Success
Burn-in test socket manufacturers are seeking new material solutions that can support advanced designs for fine-pitch components that are used under extremely harsh conditions, including high temperatures, high pressures and multiple cycles of use. Superflow ULTEM SF2250EPR resin is an advanced material that can withstand high-heat burn-in tests up to 150°C, while offering higher strength and dimensional stability compared to incumbent materials. South Korea’s Sensata Technologies is one of the first BiTS makers to adopt SABIC’s Superflow ULTEM SF2250EPR resin.

Tommy Oh, design & engineering manager, Sensing Solutions, for Sensata Korea, said, “As the industry advances to finer pitches and miniaturization, existing material solutions present technical limitations in complex BiTS designs due to insufficient flowability and weak weld lines. SABIC’s new Superflow ULTEM SF2250EPR solution enables us to successfully develop and commercialize various BiTS devices with superior performance, especially those with lower pitches, such as 0.5 mm and even 0.4 mm. This material has demonstrated approximately 30 percent better ductility, plus much better flowability, compared to alternative PES solutions, especially in thinner-wall weld areas. With the new SABIC material, we anticipate major benefits for our BiTS applications in critical performance areas, including tensile and flexural strength.”

Super Benefits
Within the ULTEM resin family of polyetherimide (PEI) materials, the Superflow series provides the highest flow properties with up to five times longer flow length than standard glass fiber reinforced ULTEM resins. The high flow performance can reduce the number of gates resulting in less breakage and higher production yields. Other benefits include lower melt temperature settings that can save energy and minimize outgassing, and accelerated cycle times for higher productivity.

Superflow ULTEM resins can potentially replace high-flow, glass fiber-reinforced PES materials. Not only do the ULTEM grades offer similar flow behavior compared to PES – avoiding the need for tool modification – they can deliver up to 20 percent higher strength and modulus, up to 9 percent lower density and lower moisture absorption.

The new Superflow ULTEM grades are available globally.

THERMOLAST® H TPE for Mouthpiece Applications

KRAIBURG TPE’s new THERMOLAST® H TPE compounds are ideal for use in dental mouthpiece applications, also known as dental mouth guards. The TPE compounds feature good durability, flexibility, and with high purity
properties

TPE series designed to meet dental tooling needs
The TPE compounds are free from animal ingredients, PVC, silicone and latex. The HC/AP series possess good chemical resistance, tear strength and compression for dental tooling applications in frequent contact with
fluids and chemicals.
THERMOLAST® H also feature a wide range of hardness from 30-90 Shore A, with optimizable processability. The compound series is translucent and can be colored to create a variety of chromatic effects.

Safety as a priority for dental appliances
The THERMOLAST® H materials have been tested in accordance with ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5 (cytotoxicity). They meet internationally recognized safety and quality standards, such as the China GB 4806 –
2016; the US FDA CFR 21; Regulation (EU) No 10/2011; and REACH and RoHS.

UniteChem expands its portfolio of high-performance light stabilizers

Dusseldorf, Germany, November 3, 2021 – UniteChem Group, the world’s leading supplier of light stabilizers for plastics in a broad range of high-end industrial applications, has recently started full-scale production of advanced high-performance light stabilizers UniteChem LS2020 and LS119 in its newly commissioned production facilities.

“UniteChem Group began producing industry-standard light stabilizers such as UniteChem LS944 in 1997 and has been continuously expanding its polymer additives portfolio ever since”, says Junyi Lin, CEO of UniteChem Group. “Today, we are proud to be among the world’s largest- capacity suppliers of light stabilizers and other plastic additives, offering over 40’000 tons of finished products. Our full backward integration with a production capacity of over 80’000 tons of intermediates provides extensive production flexibility, high reliability, and maximum quality control. Current production, located in two state-of-the-art production facilities in Jiangsu province, is now in process of being complimented with two new major production facilities in Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces, with completion in 2022/23.”

UniteChem LS2020 is a modern HALS (hindered amine light stabilizer) offering excellent anti- aging properties in applications such as cross-linked polyethylene, olefin copolymers and other polymer materials. UniteChem LS119 is especially suited for use in polyethylene greenhouse film applications, polypropylene fibers, TPO automotive parts as well as other polymers such as EVA, EPDM, PA, PET and PMMA. With these product additions, UniteChem Group further enhances its commitment to offer customers the most up-to-date and value-added product
portfolio.

Junyi Lin added: “The production of UniteChem LS2020 and LS119 is currently being methodically ramped up, with target capacities of 1’000 tons and 2’000 tons annually to meet global demand.”

As part of its commitment to invest in future solutions for its customers, UniteChem Group regularly allocates five percent of its total revenue to R&D, operating five independent laboratories – including its recently opened modern Shanghai R&D Center. Current efforts focus on expanding the group’s portfolio with high-demand UV Absorbers, NOR-HALS light stabilizers as well as other key polymer additives.

UniteChem Group, the world’s leading supplier of light stabilizers for plastics in a broad range of high-end industrial applications, has recently started full-scale production of advanced high- performance light stabilizers UniteChem LS2020 and LS119 in its newly commissioned production facilities. (Photos: UniteChem)

About UniteChem
UniteChem Group, with global headquarters in Suqian City, Jiangsu (China), is the world’s #1 supplier of high-performance light stabilizers for plastics in a wide range of demanding industrial applications. As one of China’s largest specialty chemicals companies, the Group has diversified activities in R&D, application development, production, sales, trading and machine manufacturing. It specializes in the production of light stabilizers, UV absorbers and other related products.

With a workforce of about 1,650 employees worldwide, UniteChem generates a turnover of approximately EUR 300 million and supports its growing customer base through several production plants in China and a strong network of sales, service and warehousing facilities throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. Its operations are fully certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and OSHAS 18001. In 2020, the Group also succeeded in passing a strict Together for Sustainability (TfS) audit, a de facto global standard for environmental,
social and governance performance of chemical supply chains based on the UN’s Global Compact and Responsible Care® principles.

Learn more at www.unitechem.eu.