Issue No. 19
July 2008

BroadBeam LE Series Delivering Value to Elopak
Smarter Energy Means Complete Curing at High Speeds

The newly introduced BroadBeam LE Series is already delivering value for liquid packaging manufacturer Elopak. The recent installation of an LE Series EBeam on a Komori Chambon offset press represents a new era for both Elopak and PCT. Elopak (www.elopak.com) is realizing the benefits of the complete curing that electron beam technology provides. When you also consider that this is accomplished at high speeds with significantly reduced power consumption, it is easy to understand the excitement about this application.



The Komori Chambon (www.komori-chambon.com) press is a 28 inch wide, web offset unit that prints 6 colors of wet trapped EB ink and applies a clear coating at up to 1150 fpm. The LE Series EB features a web path designed to handle paperboard and a very compact size that does not sacrifice easy maintenance access. The electric power consumption for the EBeam is 40% less than competitive models thanks in part to the new, digitally controlled power supply technology employed by PCT.

The success of this project goes beyond the equipment features. The positive working relationship between all three parties was a key factor. The PCT team was very appreciative of the support and encouragement received from their counterparts at Elopak and Komori Chambon. Elopak team members, who have experience working with other EBeam suppliers, made special mention that they are "extremely pleased with PCT". All are looking forward to future opportunities to build upon this success.

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PCT Pilot Line Upgrades
Flexibility and Capabilities Support Customer Trials

Change seems to be the constant when it comes to the EBeam Pilot Line installed at PCT. New ideas for applying EBeam technology are brought to PCT on a regular basis. The engineering and custom machine building heritage of PCT makes our team very receptive to solving challenging requests for customer trials. Recent examples include reconfiguring the line to accommodate a customer's coating unit, applying customized web handling equipment, and processing sheets of coated steel.

Further enhancements to the line are also under way. The coating station has recently been revised, low voltage operation is currently being calibrated, and a control / drive system upgrade project is being developed in conjunction with Siemens.

Do you have a need for proof of concept testing on a process using electron beam technology? Steve Lapin, PCT's EB Application Specialist is available to discuss your needs and arrange trials on our pilot line. Contact Steve at SCLapin@TeamPCT.com .

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PCT to Speak at Upcoming Events
Presentations Scheduled at Tappi PLACE and AIMCAL

PCT will be promoting electron beam technology at two upcoming events. The 2008 Tappi PLACE Conference will be held in Portsmouth, Virginia from September 14th to the 17th. This year the focus is on "Innovations in Flexible Consumer Packaging". PCT will present "BroadBeam LE: New Generation of Electron Beam Processing Equipment for Flexible Packaging Applications" during the New Technology Showcase on September 15th. More details can be found at www.tappi.org.



AIMCAL will hold its Fall Technical Conference from October 19th to the 22nd in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Dr. Steve Lapin will be presenting "Electron Beam Technology for Converting Applications". Details on this event can be found at www.aimcal.org.

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RadTech Europe’s EB Project Group Meets

An Electron Beam Project Group has been recently formed by RadTech Europe. The group met on June 26th at the Fraport Conference Center in Frankfort. The objectives of this group include strengthening the promotion of low energy electron beam curing to new applications. Planned activities include developing articles on the benefits of EB, presenting the benefits of EB at conferences, and emphasizing the potential for sustainable growth by EB curing.

The next group meeting is scheduled for November 20th in Frankfort. If you are interested in participating in this group or in the activities of RadTech Europe, contact Timo Corporaal, Executive Director, tcorporaal@lejune.nl.

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Radiation Curing Course in Amsterdam

Those professionals seeking an understanding of the background and practical application of electron beam and ultraviolet technologies should consider a course being offered by The Center for Professional Advancement. "Radiation Curing: Ultraviolet Light and Electron Beam Technology" will be held October 13th to 15th in Amsterdam. The course will cover both basic concepts and new developments in this technology. Details are available at www.cfpa.com.

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