PCMC brings Meridian laser anilox cleaner to Labelexpo Europe

Attendees can watch as the Meridian quickly deep-cleans anilox cells by using a laser to remove deposited particles inside of the cells. This cleaning technology extends the life of anilox rolls and does not require any chemicals, sodium bicarbonate, polymer beads, water or detergents – making it a sustainable cleaning technology with a low environmental impact. PCMC’s newest Meridian models are designed for the narrow web market and include a new internal traversing vacuum system.  

‘We’re very excited to welcome people into our booth to view the new innovations on our Meridian first-hand,’ said Rodney Pennings, PCMC’s printing, coating and laminating sales director. ‘I think they’ll be impressed by its technology, speed and effectiveness.’  

100th anniversary  

PCMC marks its 100th anniversary this year. A century ago, a father-son duo worked out of their garage to build Bay City Machine Company. The business’ growth led to a more permanent location and the eventual name change in 1923 to Paper Converting Machine Company. Since then, PCMC has grown into a global manufacturing company while remaining wedded to its roots in northeast Wisconsin.  

In 1946, L.G. Wood became president, and he successfully led the company through an expansion into Europe, the opening of its present-day headquarters and entry into the flexographic printing and nonwovens industries. Shortly after his passing, the Baer family took an active role in the company’s leadership and remained there until Barry-Wehmiller acquired PCMC in 2005. 

In recent years, PCMC has continually expanded services in the flexographic printing industry while developing new innovations. In 2017, PCMC acquired Graphbury Machines, a machine manufacturer and engineering-services provider for the flexible packaging industry. The acquisition has allowed PCMC to offer a wide range of products that improve flexographic printers’ production and performance.  

In May 2019, PCMC was a recipient of the Flexographic Technical Association’s Technical Innovation Award for its recent introduction of SteadyPrint, a print-stabilization technology. In October 2019, Hudson-Sharp will be joining PCMC allowing for growth and expansion in the flexible packaging and bag converting industry. 

Rodney Pennings, PCMC’s printing, coating and laminating sales director, on the evolution of flexo printing. 

‘Originally, flexographic printing was rudimentary in quality. Until recently, high-quality labels have generally been printed using the offset process, but great advances geared towards label printers have been made. 

‘New in-line platforms allow printers to go wider and faster. Enhanced drying and register control help optimize production efficiencies. Central Impression (CI) press features are being integrated into the new in-line platforms, offering even more options for label printing. The versatility of an in-line press allows one operator to do the work of several, and it won’t require as much floorspace or various offline equipment. Going in-line eliminates multiple processes.   

‘PCMC is combining technology from both in-line and wide web CI presses to produce a fast changeover in-line press, the ELS-MAX, which holds extremely tight register. Printers will save as much as 50-75 percent in both waste and setup time by having the capability to store and recall virtually every setting on the press. Stored jobs can also be shared between multiple presses with just a touch of a button. The ELS-MAX is rated to run solvent ink, along with our standard water-based and UV inks, and offers the ability to quickly change press parameters to make it run extremely efficient on many types of material. 

‘In today’s package printing environment, the cost of wasted time is higher than ever. Putting a stop to color matching struggles and breakdowns in quality control will be essential to operating at peak efficiency and keeping customers satisfied. 

‘Maintaining optimum anilox performance is essential to high-quality, efficient printing. 

When applying ink, adhesive, lotion, or other solutions during a converting operation, it is critical for a consistent application with tooling that is as close to a like-new condition as possible. Our Meridian laser anilox cleaner provides a deeper clean to enhance repeatability and print consistency. It also speeds up cleaning cycles and reduces downtime.’