Technical discussions, networking and expert presentations mark the successful event at Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad hosted the fourth edition of the series of Technical Workshops organised by Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI) under the leadership of the young LMAI president Sandeep Zaveri. It was held at Hotel Novotel Ahmedabad on the 14th of May 2016. The LMAI leadership team had ensured that the Ahmedabad printer members have a perfect workshop and networking opportunity.
The host for the evening was Jigesh Dani from Maharshi Labels, one of the leading label printing companies in Ahmedabad. He had been instrumental in the successful organisation of the event which was attended by about 90 delegates. The printers and suppliers networked and exchanged views on the current issues of the industry.
Neeraj Muni from Electro Optics, in his presentation, talked about the difference in blade angle for films and paper. He explained that unlike paper stock, where the angle is broader, films have to be cut with a sharper angle to die-cut it effectively. He also discussed common problems in punching, cutting and die etc. He gave useful tips on cleaning and storing the dies for their better life.
Neeraj Jagga from Xeikon, briefly dwelled on the reasons why label printers have stayed away from digital printing. He explained why powder toner technology was better than liquid ink digital printing technology. He told that unlike liquid ink that interferes with the chemistry of the paper by penetrating, dry powder of toner sits on top of the paper. Moreover, it is approved by FDA and doesn’t penetrate the paper, especially packaging.
LMAI awards distribution function is a standard side event for Labelexpo India held every alternate year. As an incentive to encourage wider participation, the first entry from each member would be free. Fees will be charged for subsequent entries. To offer a level playing field, LMAI has distributed a standard kit in which label entries can be made. Premier Marketing coordinates the collection, compilation and conducting of the label competition. The LMAI honorary Secretary Rajesh Nema and the President Sandeep Zaveri appealed to all converter members to send entries for LMAI awards in greater numbers.
Ajay Mehta, of SMI Coated papers, manufacturer of self adhesive labelstocks, spoke on the various types of components in Labelstocks. He discussed different facestocks, adhesives and release liners and also what effect storage and application temperature has on the final label.
Amit Ahuja of Multitec spoke on nuances of label printing and converting on flexo rotary presses. He also informed about further developments being made in label presses that are made in India.
Chirag Gokani of Wealthwiz gave an informative presentation on wealth and estate management. He also discussed the process of creation of will, setting up of various trusts, their management and how to store the documents so that they are traceable and manageable by the inheritors.
Harveer Sahni of Weldon Celloplast conducted an interactive question and answer session. Key topics discussed included, blade height for different types of adhesives; reduction of waste in label production; impact on price of labelstock by supplying EXACT width not matching the deckle width; impact of different climatic zones in the country on performance of pressure sensitive adhesives; and avoiding wastages on a label press.
Leading Printers who attended the program included delegates from Astron Packaging, Maharshi Labels, Letra Graphics, Pinmark, Art O Print, Unick Fix-a-Form, Nitai Labels and Ankit Graphics besides others.
LMAI is organizing the next technical workshop at Kolkata on 15th July 2016. It plans yet another series that will commence from Mumbai.
- Contributed by Harveer Singh Sahni, Managing Director, Weldon Celloplast