AIMCAL News

Hello, AIMCAL members and CQ subscribers. Welcome to 2020 and what is sure to be an exciting year in our industry of metallizing, coating and laminating. If it wasn’t clear in 2019, it certainly is now that the world is making big moves in the area of environmental awareness when it comes to packaging and converting. The subjects of recyclability, compostability and sustainability are impacting virtually every company in our industry one way or another.

Our AIMCAL slate of events and CQ issues will keep you connected with people and information covering these topics and more.

Shortly after this issue is published, AIMCAL will hold its 2020 Executive Leadership Conference, March 24-25 at the

AIMCAL to celebrate its 50th anniversary at NASCAR Hall of Fame AIMCAL will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the 2020 Executive Leadership Conference, March 24-25, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC.

Keynote speaker Jeff Burton, professional stock car racing champion and NBC Sports analyst, will discuss the “Role of Communication in Building High-Performance Teams.” Known for his business intellect and leadership, Burton has worked closely with NASCAR on safety improvements, including the creation of more protective seats, track walls, cockpits, helmets, uniforms and HANS devices. Known by fans, competitors and media as “The Mayor,” he is frequently sought out for his perspective on issues affecting NASCAR.

The Executive Leadership Conference will open with the annual AIMCAL Awards Ceremony and recognition of the inaugural class of inductees to the new AIMCAL Hall of Honor. The honorees are outstanding contributors to AIMCAL and the roll-to-roll (R2R) industry with a minimum of 10 years of participation with the association and at least 15 years of employment in the R2R industry.

6www.convertingquarterly.com • 2020 Quarter 1 The ceremony also will honor Product of the Year, Technology of the Year and Sustainability Award competition winners. NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC. Fittingly, AIMCAL will kick off its 50th year with the unveiling of the AIMCAL Hall of Honor. The inaugural class of fi ve inductees will be celebrated for their unbelievable accomplishments and tireless efforts in our industry and in our association.

On May 18, our fi ve-day R2R Conference Europe will open in Valencia, Spain, in cooperation with AIMPLAS (Technological Institute of Plastics). Later this fall, the R2R Conference USA will be held in sunny Orlando, FL.

Finally, this will be my last President’s letter as my two-year term ends in March 2020. It has been an honor and pleasure to serve an association that I believe in so strongly and to help foster growth, change and expansion along the way. Thank you to my fellow board members, the AIMCAL staff and each AIMCAL member for their support.

Respectfully, Milan Moscaritolo President of the Board – AIMCAL

Executive Leadership Conference attendees will have a chance to learn about NASCAR history and experience race-car simulators during the 50th Anniversary Reception.

Winners in each category receive a trophy and international recognition in industry publications.

In another keynote, Kyla Fisher, program manager for AMERIPEN, will discuss “Sustainable Packaging Trends: Death Knell or Opportunity for Lamination and Metallization?” Other conference highlights include presentations on safety, economic outlooks, mergers and acquisitions, motivation across generations, and employee recruitment and retention. An optional dinner and team competition at Top Golf is scheduled.

Registration materials are available on the AIMCAL Website, www.aimcal.org.

Pay dues now to be included in the 2020 AIMCAL SourceBook Membership renewal forms have been emailed to AIMCAL members. Dues must be paid by Feb. 15, 2020, to be included in the 2020 edition of the AIMCAL SourceBook.

A major perk of AIMCAL membership, the SourceBook is a cross-referenced list of members and their capabilities. The print version is distributed at many meetings and tradeshows throughout the year. The reference also can be accessed electronically at www.aimcal.org by clicking the SourceBook link on the Membership tab.

AIMCAL membership benefi ts each employee in a member’s organization by providing access to technical training from industry leaders, business-building opportunities, market research and networking at meetings and through participation in the work of AIMCAL Technical Committees. Members also receive discounts on industry events and training. All AIMCAL members meeting the deadline for dues payment are included in the annual AIMCAL Sourcebook, which cross-references companies and capabilities.

For membership questions or to join AIMCAL, contact Tim Janes (tim@aimcal.org, 803-948-9469). “The growing popularity of the topic and its technology demands that we bring back the Web Handling Committee to work with our Web Coating Committee members,” says AIMCAL President Milan Moscaritolo. “This renewed emphasis will bring the best attendees to the AIMCAL R2R events in Valencia, Spain, and Orlando, FL, in 2020.” Joe Connelly Neal Michal

Spain’s AIMPLAS will host AIMCAL R2R Conference Europe 2020 The agenda is being fi nalized for the 2020 AIMCAL R2R (rollto-roll) Conference Europe, hosted by AIMPLAS, May 18-21, in Valencia, Spain.

Like previous R2R conferences, the dual-track schedule will focus on web coating, vacuum web coating and web handling. In addition to technical sessions, the schedule includes a tabletop exhibition, short courses, networking activities and plenty of opportunities to speak to industry experts.

AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, is a non-profi t association, which coordinates research, development and innovation projects and provides analysis and testing, technical assistance, training, and competitive and strategic intelligence services for companies in the plastics industry.

To register, click on 2020 R2R Europe Conference on the Events link on the AIMCAL Website, www.aimcal.org.

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Web Handling Committee returns AIMCAL has reactivated its Web Handling Committee. Joe Connelly, product manager-Winding and Slitting at Parkinson Technologies, and Neal Michal, principal of Converting Expert LLC, serve as co-chairs.

 continued from page 7 Save the date (Oct. 18-21) for the R2R Conference USA 2020 One of the most respected and well-attended technical meetings in the converting world, the AIMCAL R2R Conference USA, makes its annual appearance, Oct. 18-21, in Orlando, FL.

A schedule with multiple tracks and several keynotes features presentations on roll-to-roll (R2R) processes. Experts from consulting, academic, original equipment manufacturer organizations and end users of converting equipment and converted materials will discuss developments in web coating and laminating, vacuum web coating, web handling and winding, adhesives and coatings, while also providing market overviews. The schedule includes tabletop receptions with 75+ exhibitors. A popular Vendor Session presents entertaining infomercials limited to three minutes each. The best pitch earns an AIMMY Award.

Contact AIMCAL Operations Manager Tracey Messina (tracey@aimcal.org, 803-948-9470) for tabletop exhibition and sponsorship information. Registration materials will be available this summer on the AIMCAL Website, www.aimcal.org.

Membership roster grows by six AIMCAL moves ever closer to the 300 mark with the addition of six members since the last edition of Converting Quarterly. With four out of the six newcomers based outside North America, the association’s international presence continues to expand.

DCS USA Corp. (Morrisville, NC): Engineering teams in Europe, Asia, and the United States support installation of Sysco Machinery rotary diecutting, laminating, and lasercutting equipment for roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet applications. US subsidiary of Dorey Converting Systems (Chatillon Saint Jean, France) also integrates laser (CO2 or fi ber), printing, and ultrasonic technology to achieve complete lines for multilayer products. (314-220-0732)

Dublin City University (Dublin, Ireland): The Plasma Research Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, at the university focuses on third-level coursework and research and development efforts devoted primarily to plasma sources and plasma diagnostics, plasma physics and understanding commercial plasma systems, and engineering plasma systems to deliver process goals. (+353- 87-6943644)

technologies and developed new molecules that result in advanced products for diverse applications such as battlefi eld medical care, high-performance disc drives and intelligent paint technology for rigorous aerospace requirements. (910-616-4217)

FUJIFILM Manufacturing Europe (Tilburg, The Netherlands): One of the largest FUJIFILM production companies outside of Japan, the company produces photo paper, offset plates, and membranes. Its Tilburg Research Laboratory develops new products and optimizes existing products with a focus on membranes and regenerative medicine. With approximately 850 employees, it’s one of the largest industrial employers in the region. Powered by a large afterburner and fi ve wind turbines, the operation generates 100% of its energy needs. (+31-13-579- 19-11)

Keplinger Research Group, University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO): Located in the university’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, the group researches and develops artifi cial muscles made primarily from thin-fi lm polymer pouches. Destined for soft robotic devices, the hydraulically amplifi ed self-healing electrostatic actuators combine muscle-like performance, self-healing capabilities and exceptional versatility. (540-535-5710)

Supervac Industries LLP (New Delhi, India): This specialist in vacuum coating manufactures and supplies consumables for the vacuum-coating industry. A worldwide network of facilities ensures quick order turnaround and technical support. The company claims to be the world’s largest manufacturer of graphite and boron-nitride suspensions and offers an array of equipment, vacuum oils and testing capabilities. (+91-11- 43554966)

Locate suppliers via Ask AIMCAL The Ask AIMCAL form on the AIMCAL Website, www.aimcal.org, helps users of converting products, services, equipment and materials to locate suppliers and answer technical questions.

Queries are directed to the appropriate AIMCAL member companies and can be categorized according to product or related service, including the following :  Coated / Laminated Films, Papers, Non-Wovens  Metallized / Vacuum Coated Films, Papers  Coating Equipment / Accessories  Vacuum Coating Equipment / Accessories  Slitting / Rewinding / Diecutting  Adhesives / Coatings  Base Films  Base Papers  Other Product / Service Requests 