Decorating & printing.

Most of the decorating news at the show was in two technologies: hot stamping and pad printing. In addition to the many new models featured in our pre-show reports, a handful of new or improved machines were unveiled in Chicago. Two new systems that simplify pad-print plate making were also on hand.

NEW HOT STAMPERS

Silicone Products & Technology Inc., Lancaster, N.Y., featured its first line of vertical hot-stamping presses to accompany its tooling products. They are designed for small-area decorating on flat or slightly crowned surfaces and can also decorate up to 90 [degrees] around the circumference of cylindrical parts. Models include the 0.5-ton SPT 1000, 1-ton SPT 2000, and 2.5-ton SPT 5000.

The Model US 75 hot-stamping machine has been redesigned and upgraded to provide 7 tons of stamping pressure by United Silicone Inc., Lancaster, N.Y. The improved foil-feed system reportedly provides constant torque for smooth advance and ensures precise operation for less foil waste. New adjustable foil guide bars reportedly permit easy positioning adjustment without requiring tools. The US 75 offers stamping head sizes of 10 x 10, 12 x 16, and 12 x 24 in.

SIMPLICITY IN PAD PRINTING

A compact, manual pad printer that fits on a desktop attracted interest at the show for prototype applications. Introduced by Namco, Inc., Kirkland, Wash., the Printa unit can print up to 700 parts/hr. It features a self-inking system, a dual-axis micro-adjustable turntable for accurate positioning, and an easy-to-use exposure unit that allows users to make their own printing plates. Priced at $2595, the base unit comes with four pads for large and small images, as well as one for tight radiuses (e.g., wine glasses). For an additional $1000, the unit comes with a complete selection of inks, thinners, plates, and pads.

Deco Tech Systems, Inc., Orange, Calif., the exclusive distributor for pad printers from Germany's MicroPrint, LC, showcased a new pad printer designed for simplicity of construction, precise printing, and high reliability. The LCL 130 features a built-in electronic Help function on its LCD display and can be changed from an open to a closed ink system in seconds. It is capable of up to 2100 prints/hr. Other key features include integral automatic pad cleaning and ink thinning. Optional Viscomat viscosity-control device is said to ensure ink stability and prevent gelling. Pot life of two-component inks reportedly can be stretched from a V. typical 8 hr to 12 hr.

LASER PLATE MAKER

Markem Corp., Keene, N.H., launched the Markem 606 laser platemaker that allows users of pad printers to produce inexpensive, high-quality printing plates in-house. A C[O.sub.2] laser etches special polymer-coated steel or anodized-aluminum plates. Markem uses proprietary processes to create a variety of plate types and sizes with predetermined etch depths. The 606 system is reportedly easy to learn and operate with its intuitive Macintosh-compatible interface. This digital-to-plate process eliminates chemicals and reportedly cuts the t/me and cost associated with plate making.