On Display--Decorating Techniques and Products
Decorating Operations
A package sourcing firm operates an extensive North American decorating facility, which accepts order sizes ranging from small quantities to millions of components. The company can decorate containers of an array of shapes, sizes, and materials. Capabilities include screen printing on glass, plastic, and metal containers; hot stamping; heat-shrink labeling; sleeve labeling; and pressure-sensitive labeling. In addition, the firm offers its in-house graphics department to assist with artwork design. Kaufman Container Co., Cleveland.
Guide to Color
At the HBA Global Expo trade show in September, a masterbatch supplier introduced the second volume of its Enigma Reference Chip Guide. The guide contains pages of plastic chips that exhibit the range of effects that can be achieved using the company’s Enigma special-effects masterbatches—including textured and scented effects. The guide is available for purchase at any of the supplier’s seven ColorWorks centers and at most of its regional production facilities. Clariant Masterbatches Division, McHenry, IL.
A Hint of Blue
A new masterbatch was designed to give clear PET bottles a hint of blue on their edges. Called Blue Edge, the masterbatch is also designed to enhance a bottle’s brightness and to give bottles a crystal-like appearance. Because the effect is not based on a pigment, it does not hinder light transmission, and visibility of the product within the bottle is unhindered. Ampacet Corp., Tarrytown, NY.
In-Mold Texturing
An in-mold matte finish can be created on a supplier’s bottles. In addition to adding strength and thickness to a bottle, the finish is also functional, creating a non-slip, easy-to-grip texture. Several stock options are available, and the supplier can also work with clients to create a custom texture. Continental Packaging Solutions, Chicago.
Color-Changing Effect
A new concentrate makes the color of a package appear to change, depending on the angle at which the package is viewed. ColorMorph concentrates are suited for monolayer bottles, tubes, boxes, and other containers made from transparent packaging resins such as polyolefin, polycarbonate, and PET. They can also be used in the thin outer layer of multilayer containers. Teknor Color Co., Pawtucket, RI.
Advanced Tube Printing
A company offers a new, advanced printing style for its laminate tubes. The printing technique combines the effects of flexographic, hot stamp, and silk-screen printing. According to the company, the printing can achieve high-resolution, photographic-quality images. Textured effects are also made possible by the firm’s embossed web technology. Alcan Packaging Beauty, New York City.