Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS) has announced the expansion of its C Series range of digital finishing tables with the launch of the compact new C20. The new Kongsberg C20 packs all the features of the Kongsberg C Series into a compact size of just 1.6m x 1.4m. While the C20 is the smallest in the Kongsberg C Series range, it retains all the same features and specifications as its bigger counterparts.

“We know that industrial manufacturers, as well as small sign shops, require a high-speed cutting table to keep up with the manufacturing process, but floorspace comes at a premium,” Stuart Fox, President, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems. “The high cost of owning or renting space is a serious problem for many in the sign and display market. With the new Kongsberg C20, there is no longer any need for those businesses to compromise on production and quality due to a lack of available space.”





Published in International

Trotec Laser announces the opening of its new regional service and support center in Edison, New Jersey.

The new service and support center will be used for individual product demonstrations, open houses, educational workshops, and materials testing. It will house several of the company’s laser systems, a variety of laser accessories, and select laser marking equipment. Visitors can also see a range of products created using a laser.

“The new service and support center will play an important part in broadening the resources, information, and support we offer before, during, and after a laser purchase,” Warren Knipple, Trotec Laser president. “A Trotec laser is a powerful technology and business tool. We want to provide our customers with the knowledge and skills they need to take full advantage of the opportunities that their lasers provide.”

Published in Inside the Business

The digital finishing manufacturer is now known as Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS). Kongsberg has started a new chapter as a standalone company following its acquisition from Esko last year by private equity firm OpenGate Capital.

Kongsberg PCS said the acquisition will enable it to innovate and expand into new markets.

“This is truly an exciting day for everyone at the company,” Stuart Fox, Kongsberg PCS President. This is an opportunity for the Kongsberg team to realize its ambitions, and to explore new markets,”

The acquisition includes the original research and development facility in Kongsberg, Norway, and the production facility in Brno, Czech Republic.

Published in Inside the Business

Made in the USA the MultiCam 3000/5000 Series Waterjet CNC it’s an easy-to-use, production cutting solution with optional 5-axis designed for cutting glass range of substrates.

The 3000/5000-Series CNC Waterjet options include pneumatic drill, chiller for intensifier, air ballast water-leveling system, closed loop filtration system, and abrasive removal system. Every MultiCam 3000/5000 Series Waterjets comes with the full support of the MultiCam Technology Center network.

Powered by KMT Waterjet SL-VI pump at 60,000psi/4,137bar, its high-pressure waterjet machining offers advantages when working with a wide range of substrates; allowing cutting highly accurate parts with excellent finish and no heat-affected edge.

Applications

Waterjet Options

Stone and tile machining

Full range of table sizes (4’ X 4’ to 20’ X 60’+)

Job shop (general parts fabrication)

Full range of intensifiers (30 HP to 200 HP)

Metal cutting (all metals)

60K and 90K PSI options

Aerospace machining (non heat-affected edge)

Abrasive and pure water heads

Automotive parts manufacturing

Multiple heads for simultaneous machining of parts

Gasket manufacturing (rubber products)

Closed water filtration systems

Foam cutting

Abrasive removal systems

Glass/ceramics machining

Chillers

Carpet cutting (pure water)

 

Applications

Waterjet Options

Waterjet Options

Z-Axis Clearance

10”

254mm

Z-Axis Travel

8”

152.3mm

Reapeatability

+/-0.001

+/-0.0254

Cut Speed

2100 IPM

53.34 MPM

Rapid Traverse

1500 IPM

38.1 MPM

Drive System (X,Y)

Rack & Pinion

Rack & Pinion

Drive System (Z)

Ball Screw

Ball Screw


Photo courtesy www.multicam.com


Published in Finishing Equipment
Monday, 06 April 2020 21:30

VOCs and Fumes The Silent Killers

In the digital printing industry, it´s of general knowledge that the printshops that have solvent ink printers handle fumes and odors that can cause health concerns and discomfort to their employees and customers. So it's no surprise that to solve this situation there are different types of solvent-based inks (Mild-Solvent, Eco-Solvent, Lite-Solvent, etc.) in the market that claim to be ecological and low odor.

The evaporation of the solvent components, responsible for transporting the ink and subsequently printing it on the material, are the primary source of production of these VOCs.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids as a result of a chemical transformation such as heating, etc. Inhalation of these fumes is dangerous because the hazardous components in them. The evaporated solvent product has been deemed hazardous to people when exposed to high-concentration levels. Fumes from chemicals or toxic substances can irritate your airways, skin and eyes, and inhaling a substance can make your nose and throat sore or swollen.

As a personal anecdote: many years ago I used to work in a printshop as a technician / operator of a Vutek Ultra VU printer (long before this brand was purchased by efi). This printer was installed in a refurbished 8mts x 10mts room that used to serve as a warehouse.

Constructed as a warehouse, this room did not have adequate ventilation to work with solvent-based digital printing machinery. One day, I was sitting working on an order that consisted of thousands of banners when suddenly I fell asleep, due to the filling of the air with solvent fumes. It is worth mentioning that after this event the company installed a VOCs extraction system.

But not only during the printing process we can find these VOCs, also during the finishing process we can find find this extremely harmful fumes for the human health.

It is increasingly common to see in trade shows, all around the world, a wide variety of CNC machinery presuming its ability to cut on a variety of materials (some more rigid than the others). The presence of several CNC cutters working in an enclosed space at the same time makes the environment so heavy that it is difficult to be near them for more than ten minutes

When a machine is so powerful that can cut thick material like a hot knife through butter, the fumes produced during this process are hazardous gases (include acutely toxic, corrosive, flammable and oxidizing gases) that are sufficiently toxic for the human being.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) in its norm 704 (Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response) define the toxicity of materials, that in short exposure could cause serious temporary or moderate residual injury are given a Health Hazard rating of 3 and materials that in very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury are given a Health Hazard rating of 4.

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) in its norm 704 (Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response) define the toxicity of materials, that in short exposure could cause serious temporary or moderate residual injury are given a Health Hazard rating of 3 and materials that in very short exposure could cause death or major residual injury are given a Health Hazard rating of 4.

VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

Short-term effects

  • Headache
  • Nose, throat, eye irritation
  • Coughing, painful breathing
  • Pneumonia, bronchitis
  • Skin irritation
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Visual disorders
  • Memory problems

Long-term effects

  • Affects the central nervous system (headache, anxiety)
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Respiratory diseases (asthma, cancer)
  • Impacts on liver, spleen, blood
  • Impact on the reproductive system
  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system
  • Cancer

Currently there are many companies working on the improvement of this type of inks to reduce the amount of VOCs without compromising the quality of it. Also there are several companies dedicated to the manufacture of air purifiers that are responsible for eliminating pollutant gases leaving a safer environment for workers who spend most of their time next to this equipment.

There are other printing alternatives, a little healthier for the technician who operates the equipment as well as for the environment, although not very friendly to the pocket of the company owner.

The most important point is the awareness to the owner of the printshop in the creation of a healthy and safe environment, avoiding subsequent complications to their workers in the short and long term. Of course, you must invest but do not forget that you should not play with people's health.


Hongniu_fiber_laser_CNC_metal_sample

When a machine is so powerful that can cut thick material like a hot knife through butter, the fumes produced during this process are hazardous gases



Solvent-fumes-printed-sample


Solvent-fumes-printed-sample

The evaporation of the solvent components, responsible for transporting the ink and subsequently printing it on the material



Solvent-banner-printed_sample


Solvent-banner-printed_sample


Solvent-banner-printed_sample


Solvent-banner-printed_sample


Solvent-banner-printed_sample

Published in Inkjet Inks

Keep up with the latest trends about de digital printing industry and learn more about different technologies, equipment, media & substrates, inks, etc.

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