Harper Corporation Displaying Ceramic Coated Laser Engravings at Drupa 2012

Charlotte, North Carolina, May 1, 2012—Global anilox/coating roll and gravure cylinder supplier Harper Corporation of America is showcasing its laser engraving expertise by displaying its Extreme Digital Imaging (XDI™) on two ceramic rolls at Drupa.

XDI™ techniques were used to engrave portraits of key Harper family members, along with product names and trademarks, on a sleeve that will be displayed in Hall 09 E33, the booth of ALE (Applied Laser Engineering). Harper, using the latest software from ALE, was able to create the portraits in ceramic to clarity previously thought unachievable. One of the portraits is of the company’s founders, Ron and Katherine Harper.

“We are very proud of the engraving and happy we were able to unveil it to the senior Harpers just a few weeks before the passing of Mr. Ron Harper on April 14th,” stated Lee Kluttz, VP of Operations and grandson of the Harpers. This banded roll also displayed bands of the most popular and successful of Harper’s anilox engravings.

The second roll being displayed will be in Hall 16 A17, the booth of Inometa GmbH, the European licensee of Harper. The Harper Graphics™ brand of ceramic engraved rolls is the cornerstone product in Inometa’s “Flexo Systems Group.” Using XDI™ skills, this roller has text and logo engravings in addition to images of HarperScientific’s Phantom QD ink proofing system. The roll also has 60 degree hex engravings of 70 l/cm (180cpi), 200 l/cm (500cpi), 440 l/cm (1100cpi), and the KatRon 475l/cm (1200cpi) elongated geometry.

Both rolls introduce XDI™ “exploded” images of the actual banded engravings, allowing a glimpse of the roll without the need for magnification. “This newly created method for visualizing the engravings is very beneficial in discussing the available engravings to visitors of the booth,” states Alex James, Harper’s Director of Technical Services.

Drupa 2012 will take place from May 3 through 16 at the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds. The event will cover halls one through 17 of the facility, as well as its outdoor area, and is the most comprehensive printing industry trade fair occurring only every four years.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jkluttz@harperimage.com. 

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DiTrolio Flexographic Institute Establishes the Ron and Katherine Harper Flexo Lab

Chicago, Ill. – July 11, 2007 – The DiTrolio Flexographic Institute (DFI) is about to begin a dynamic new era. Having built a very successful flexographic training concept during the past 10 years, the school will now expand its reach and curriculum to provide educational opportunities for more young people interested in a career in flexography. This action will enable DFI to respond in a positive manner to the growing number of inquiries from the industry for skilled workers with an in-depth knowledge of the flexographic process. And that takes money. With government funding options increasingly limited, owner Vince DiTrolio called his friends Ron and Katherine Harper to solicit their advice and to assess alternative methods to increase revenues to fund a more comprehensive program.

The Harpers, known for their passion for flexographic education, responded with a $50,000 grant to kick-off an aggressive fundraising campaign for the school. DiTrolio then decided on the naming of “The Ron and Katherine Harper Flexo Lab” to honor the Harper’s commitment to flexographic education. He hopes to attract other major donor-partners, both converters and suppliers, to contribute to the ongoing education of future flexographers for the industry – primarily through scholarship programs. A naming dedication and celebration date for the flexo lab will be announced soon.

DFI’s state-of-the-art, highly acclaimed 2,700 square-foot flexographic training facility is located about 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. The lab includes an impressive range of flexographic equipment including, but not limited to, an 830 Mark Andy three-color press, a four-color Webtron and a five-color 13″ Propheteer with DMS Hot Stamping and Prime UV’s on four print stations. Plus Anderson & Vreeland plate-making equipment, an Air Trim waste removal system, a BST Promark web inspection system, Rotometric dies, Action rotary dies, a Harper proofing system and Harper XLT Platinumâ„¢ anilox rolls. (For a complete list of equipment, please visit http://www.flexotraining.com.)

DiTrolio Flexographic Institute offers a comprehensive 18-week flexography training program as well as a wide range of shorter customized courses to train people for jobs in the flexographic printing field. The school boasts a 100% job placement rate since July 2005 and has had numerous articles written about the many successes of its student graduates.

About Flexography Flexography (also called surface printing, or “flexo”), is a method of printing commonly used for packaging. (Packaging is the fourth largest industry in the U.S.) Typical products printed using flexography include brown cardboard boxes, flexible packaging including retail and shopping bags, food and hygiene bags and sacks, flexible plastics, self adhesive labels, and wallpaper. More than 40 major newspapers now print flexographically. It’s estimated that more than 90% of the items in a grocery store are printed on a flexographic printing press. Currently flexography is taking over approximately 7% of the printing industry each year. Already holding about 50% of the printing market, it’s likely that flexography eventually will be the method used for almost all printed material.

About the DiTrolio Flexographic Institute: The DiTrolio Flexographic Institute, Inc. was founded to meet the flexographic industry’s need for quality, off-site training to counter the problems of on-the-job training: wasted production and equipment time, wasted raw materials, and inconsistent skill sets. The institute offers industry-specific training seminars for all skill levels – from beginning press operations to advanced printing applications – and features a state-of-the-art environment where new press operators and seasoned industry professionals alike can gain hands-on exposure to printing and finishing processes.

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Harper Corporation of America Expects Large Crowd at Labelexpo Americas 2012

Charlotte, North Carolina, August 27, 2012—As Labelexpo Americas 2012 draws near, global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America is preparing to showcase its latest in anilox technology and flexographic supporting products.

Starting September 11 and running thru September 13 in Chicago, Illinois, visitors to Labelexpo will be able to interact with some of the world’s most knowledgeable professionals concerning anilox rolls and flexographic printing at Booth 401. These flexographic professionals from Harper are looking forward to this event, as it will allow them to share Harper’s specially developed cutting-edge products and technical expertise with members of the industry.

Using Harper’s Extreme Digital Imaging (XDI™) technology, two anilox sleeves were turned into works of art. Visitors to Booth 401 will be amazed by the clarity and detail XDI™ produces on ceramic rolls of images never previously thought possible. The larger sleeve has the portrait of Harper’s founders Ron and Katherine Harper, as well as the next generations that are continuing to keep Harper Corporation the industry leader. Being the masters of ceramic and laser engraving, the portraits are flanked with examples of the best printing process engravings available. Harper's XLT 60° geometry, now HD certified by Esko, is the cornerstone of its award-winning engravings. In addition to the XLT, Harper is displaying the XTR and KatRon open cell geometries. Printers with specialty applications are choosing these.

The second amazingly engraved sleeve will catch the attention of Booth 401 visitors by its bold totem pole-like layout and images. This sleeve was produced to highlight the “LaserKote” family of engravings designed to deliver those high volumes needed by coaters and printers who are pushing the limits. In addition to traditional LaserKote engravings, Harper’s 89° XTR and XDW open cell designs provide the structure needed for large pigmented inks and coatings. Both sleeves feature Harper’s exploded view images that allow the visitor to see into the microscopic world and view the engravings without the need of a scope. 

Harper’s professional staff will also be able to explain Harper’s specially developed Carbon Fiber Bridge Sleeve Adapters that have features that maximize stiffness while decreasing weight, which optimizes the performance of these printing deck accessories. Using Harper’s printing head simulator, it will be easy to see why using Bridges is a significant improvement over the traditional large repeat plate sleeves.

HarperScientific, the pressroom supply division of Harper Corporation of America, will display and explain its popular Phantom QD™ ink Proofing System. This versatile flat bed ink proofing system can be equipped with a flexo or direct gravure print head and, for the first time, will feature the new off-set gravure print head. This new accessory utilizes an XDI™-imaged cylinder and a matching transfer roll so gravure images can be printed on hard surfaces. To keep adding to the versatility of the Phantom Ink Proofer, laser imaged tonal transfer rolls and other ink room items will be displayed.

HarperScientific will exhibit flexographic cleaning tools and solutions, including its newest anilox cleaning aid the X-Cel stain removing pad, as well as other products.

Harper Corporation of America will occupy Booth 401 at Labelexpo Americas 2012, which will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jkluttz@harperimage.com. 

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Harper Corporation of America’s Tony Donato Selected as FTA Scholarship Committee Member

Charlotte, North Carolina, July 20, 2015—Global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America is proud to announce that Tony Donato, Product Development Engineer, has been selected to join the Flexographic Technical Association’s (FTA) Scholarship Committee. As part of this committee, he will be an integral part of ensuring continuing access to quality flexographic education through the granting of scholarships.

The FTA Scholarship Committee develops the rules and regulations that govern each scholarship and also reviews applications based on academic standing, financial need, and extracurricular activities. Scholarships include the Rossini Scholarship and the FFTA Scholarship.

“Tony’s commitment to education and involvement in the Phoenix Challenge competitions make him a perfect candidate,” says Shelley Rubin, Manager of Educational Services at FTA. “We are confident that he will be a positive asset to the committee.”

Harper Corporation of America is committed to supporting the future of the flexographic industry and is excited to have Donato join the FTA Scholarship Committee. 

For more information, please contact Jazmin Cordero at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jcordero@harperimage.com. 

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HarperScientificâ„¢ Introduces Handheld Anilox Microscope

Charlotte, N.C., September 2, 2008 – arperScientificâ„¢, the printing and coating supplies division of global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America, is pleased to introduce the Handheld TRM-C Series 400x Microscope.

“With this new, handheld, lighted microscope, our customers can keep a close eye on the condition of their anilox inventories, and find problems like wear, damage and plugging before they threaten print quality and shorten the lives of anilox rolls and sleeves,” said Jim Harper, vice president of HarperScientificâ„¢.

Just 1.10 lbs and 7.5 inches tall, this tool, which is small enough for handheld field use, offers 400x optical magnification, a .0465mm field of view and a white LED lamp with a life of more than 100,000 hours. It features a windowed positioning adapter that allows perfect positioning over the anilox, and the focus is easily adjusted by rotating the eyepiece.

HarperScientific is the manufacturer of CeramClean IIâ„¢ and CeramClean SOLV-ITâ„¢ anilox cleaners, a wide variety of flexographic and gravure hand-proofing systems, and SleeveWrakâ„¢ anilox roll racks.

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Harper Product Specialist Offers Overview On Ceramic Cylinders At PLGA Tech Event

Charlotte, NC, September 30, 2010 – At the recent PLGA Global Tech Conference on “The Gravure Advantage,” Tony Donato offered a detailed briefing on the benefits and uses of laser engraved ceramic cylinders. As Product Development Engineer at global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America, he’s more than a little familiar with the subject. 

Donato made extensive use of photos, illustrations, histograms and charts in his presentation on engraved ceramic cylinders in gravure applications. A Harper tabletop display during the Charlotte PLGA conference featured an imaged and fully engraved ceramic cylinder. The highlight was the patent pending Phantom QD™ family of precision ink proofing system showing both, a direct gravure ink proofer and a rubber transfer roller proofer plus a sampling of HarperScientific products.  The QD™ ink proofing system has constant loading pressure over its full stroke.

Donato recapped the general characteristics of ceramic cylinders. These include superior wear resistance enabling the use of tool steel and ceramic tipped doctor blades; the importance of post engraving polishing for substrates and doctor blade wear; that ceramic can be applied over SST and or with corrosion resistant bonds; that ceramic cylinders have specific applications in flood coating of inks, coatings and adhesives and direct product gravure one and two color imaged applications.

The Harper product specialist pointed out that while ceramic cylinders are more expensive than conventional ones, they deliver dramatically extended service life and can be reverse metered with enclosed chambers. Also, the cylinders can be engraved with cells or using TIF file images or patterns. Another key: they accommodate a virtually limitless combination of Lpi and volumes (BCM).

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com

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Harper Corporation of America Proclaims Canadian Roadshows a Success

Charlotte, North Carolina, July 2, 2012—After completing the first two stops on its annual Harper Roadshow, global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America has proclaimed its Canadian events a major success.

The Montreal and Mississauga shows, held on June 12 and 14, respectively, provided presentations and discussions highlighting the most important issues in today's flexographic industry. Attendees utilized this opportunity to learn more about current and upcoming challenges within the industry, to gather information about the latest technological innovations, and to network with other industry professionals.

Christine Roberts, Vice President of Canflexographics Limited, reports that the Vice Principal of Gordon Graydon, a school that served as a venue for one of the events, opened the show with a few words about the role that education plays in the flexographic industry. Roberts notes that she has received excellent feedback regarding the resources, content, speakers, and venue of the event.

Ian Baitz, Chair of the School of Graphic Communications Management at Ryerson University, commented: "Thanks very much for inviting Ryerson to today's Harper Roadshow, and for bringing it back to Toronto. It was a great event with a very positive group of people. These types of education events are great for our industry and a nice chance to get together."  

Randy O'Hara, the Print Manager at Tempo Plastics, Ltd., also enjoyed the event. "Excellent program," stated O'Hara, "very informative and educational. In hindsight we should have brought more of our people and will do so for any future Harper Roadshows."

The Harper Roadshow will continue throughout the summer, supplying invaluable information, presentations, and networking opportunities to flexographic professionals across North America.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Flexo Trade School And Harper Scholarship Join Forces With Jacob’s Ladder

Charlotte, N.C., May 13, 2008 – Ron and Katherine Harper recently passed along a warm message of congratulations to the Flexographic Trade School's current Harper scholars: "Please tell Lamar Carothers and Linwood Armstrong, Jr. that we wish them every success as they pursue new careers in the wonderful world of flexography."

Carothers and Armstrong came to the Flexographic Trade School (FTS) in Fort Mill, S.C. through Jacob's Ladder Job Center, Inc., a community-based non-profit agency dedicated to helping the unemployed and underemployed to find and keep living wage jobs (www.jacobsladdercharlotte.org , 704.332.5822). Their enrollment in the school is made possible through a scholarship program created by Ron and Katherine Harper. Jacob's Ladder is based in nearby Charlotte, N.C.

Mr. Harper said, "The industry has been so good to Katherine and me over the past 37 years, and Lamar and Linwood can expect the same if they are willing to 'go the extra mile' every day in their pursuit of excellence. They are already off to a great start, having enrolled in the Flexographic Trade School, where they are receiving outstanding flexo training."

The students have reached the half-way point in FTS's three-month Flexo Press Operator Training program, and both have begun meeting with potential employers through the school's placement service.

Upon their graduation from FTS, Carothers' and Armstrong's photos will hang on a wall in the school's conference room dedicated to Harper Scholarship recipients.

"We are going to identify these students with a plaque, so everyone will be able to see all of the people that Mr. and Mrs. Harper have helped put into the industry," said Shae Fields, co-owner of FTS.

For further information, please contact Jazmin Kluttz at 704-588-3371 or jkluttz@harperimage.com.

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Harper Corporation of America Introduces Effective and Economical Harper Performance Washâ„¢ Anilox Roll Cleaning Formula

 Charlotte, North Carolina, August 30, 2018—HarperScientific, a division of global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America, has expanded its available cleaners to include Harper Performance Wash™. This fast-acting, low foam anilox roll cleaner is highly alkaline based and effective at removing water-based, UV, and solvent inks.

The Performance Wash excels at penetrating through several layers of ink and is ready to use at room temperature or can be heated up to 100°F. It is a concentrated solution that can be diluted with tap water depending on the cleaning method used, type of ink, and condition of the roll. The Performance Wash is versatile and can be used in automatic roll cleaning machines with rinse cycles or ultrasonic tanks.

Before using this product, Harper Corporation of America recommends that any existing cleaners are completely flushed from the system, liquid filters are changed, and holding tanks are drained and wiped clean to prevent potential chemical reactions. Proper safety precautions including use of personal protective equipment should be followed. Any exposed aluminum should also be covered with an approved processing adapter and chips should be filled to prevent damage. The Performance Wash is not suitable for soft metals.

Harper Corporation of America is excited to make cleaning easier and more effective by introducing Harper Performance Wash anilox roll cleaner to its line of available products.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Siancas at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jsiancas@harperimage.com.     

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Harper Corporation of America to Attend ICE USA 2019

 

Charlotte, North Carolina, March 20, 2019—Global anilox roll supplier Harper Corporation of America is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the upcoming ICE USA 2019. This three-day event brings together converters from all facets of the industry to explore the latest advancements in technology, products, services, and more to improve their operations.

According to event coordinators, it is “the only dedicated event for the conversion of paper, film, foil, nonwovens, and other flexible web-based materials in the Americas.” Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry experts and thought leaders, engage in educational sessions and technical training, and discover solutions they can implement in their own operations. Representatives from Harper will be on hand to speak with attendees and answer any questions they may have about the company’s advanced technology, products, and equipment.

Harper Corporation of America invites interested individuals to visit the company's booth, number 953, at the event. ICE USA 2019 will be held April 9-11 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

For more information, please contact Jazmin Siancas at 704-588-3371, ext. 4292, or jsiancas@harperimage.com. 

 

  

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