Cytec has introduced in Europe a new silicone-free slip additive designed to enhance the performance of UV-curable overprint varnishes (OPVs). The new additive, Ebecryl 341, targets the need in the graphics industry for OPVs that provide slip, but still must be receptive to inks. Currently available slip additives contain silicone, an ingredient that dramatically decreases ink receptivity on surfaces.
In addition to being silicone-free, Ebecryl 341 additive is UV-curable, and is highly compatible with existing UV- and EB-curable formulations. As a result, the new additive allows ink manufacturers to formulate OPVs that cure instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light or an electron beam source, providing outstanding processing and finishing characteristics, with minimal impact on the environment. In development testing, Ebecryl 341 was shown to impart excellent slip characteristics between cured coatings, and was even more effective in certain cases than the silicone-based additives it replaced. More info: Cytec Surface Specialties, e-mail: www.surfacespecialties.com/brochures.htm; web: www.cytec.com.
HarperScientific Introduces ProMag Ink Pails
HarperScientific has introduced the ProMag magnet with bracket. This 1” diameter grade 35 neodymium rare earth magnet is designed to hang on the inside of any size ink pail or bucket. The ProMag magnetic will hang on almost any size pail or bucket without the need for tools. It is constructed of all stainless steel components and is easy to clean and maintain. More info: HarperScientific, (800) 438-3111, (704) 588-3371; e-mail: jharper@harperimage.com; web: www.harperscientific.com.
Lightnin Introduces the VSF Absorber Agitator
Lightnin, an SPX Process Equipment Operation, has introduced the VSF Absorber Agitator. This new VSF product line incorporates the most efficient impeller (A312) for fluid motion and gas dispersion and the latest sealing technology (no seal water). The VSF comprehensive product line provides a robust, cost effective design, according to the company. More info: SPX Process Equipment, (585) 436-5550; fax: (585) 436-5589; web: www.spxprocessequipment.com.
Ross Ships New Dual Shaft Mixer Design
Ross recently shipped a new dual-shaft VersaMix design incorporating a special helical agitator and high-speed dispersion blade. This combination of agitators provides improved axial and radial turnover of the materials being mixed, applying high shear to the product. This feature is especially useful for viscous materials that have poor flow qualities, the addition of powders that have a tendency to float on the surface and when heat transfer of the batch constituents is important.
The helical agitator is designed for bi-directional operation. Teflon scraper assemblies are attached to the outside of the anchor agitator to facilitate scraping of the sides and bottom of the vessel, when operating in either the forward or reverse direction. The VersaMix can also incorporate a High Shear Rotor-Stator Mixer. The Model VMC-100 includes an air/oil lift that raises the agitators out of the mix vessel. More info: Charles Ross and Son Company, (800) 243-ROSS; fax: (631) 234-0691; e-mail: sales@mixers.com; web: www.mixers.com.
Integrity Offers The Clean Machine
Integrity Engineering, a design and manufacturing company serving the flexo printing market, offers The Clean Machine, a new automated hand proofer cleaning system. This new system dramatically reduces hand proofer cleaning time, improves drawdown consistency and increases the useful life of hand proofers and anilox rolls, according to the company. The Clean Machine reduces the time spent cleaning hand proofers from two or three minutes to 10 seconds, plus another 10 seconds to dry the hand proofer with the integrated drying system. It has a universal adapter that accepts all known brands of hand proofers. More info: Integrity Engineering, (763) 856-4040; fax: (763) 856-5050; e-mail: rkw@integrityei.com; web: www.perfectproofer.com.
Gardco Offers Palm Probe
Gardco offers the Palm Probe production ambient light measurement system. The Palm Probe radiometer addresses UV measurement and process control in areas where it has been difficult to pass a radiometer through the process. It has a wide dynamic range, allowing it to read from very low levels of UV light as in fluorescent bulbs to very high levels of UV found in powerful UV curing systems. It is designed to withstand the physical conditions of the UV curing chamber as well as protect the operator and instrument from damage or electric shock. More info: Gardco, (954) 946-9454, (800) 762-2478; e-mail: gardner@gardco.com; web: www.gardco.com.