Chicago, Illinois More than 32,000 converting professionals from around the world convened at the 12th biennial Converting Machinery/Materials (CMM) Inter-national show in Chicago, Illinois, on April 12-15. With more than 950 exhibitors showcasing their newest products and more than 650 conference participants learning about the latest industry trends and technologies, this year's show served as a forum for updating equipment and information.

According to Leo Nadolske, vice president of CMM Events, most exhibitors were pleased with the quality of the attendees at the show and felt it was a successful event in regards to selling equipment and gaining qualified leads. "We had more top buyers and decision makers that were able to make purchases right there in the booths," Nadolske said. "This has been a very successful CMM."

Among the new equipment at the show was the computer-to-plate system created in a joint venture by Creo Products Inc. and PCC Artwork Systems. The system reportedly integrates the PCC PackFlow(TM) digital workflow with the Creo ThermoFlex (TM) platesetter to offer converters comprehensive digital plate production. Aside from importing designs and producing print-ready work, the new PackFlow system includes a range of proofing systems, which can be checked on-screen while the printing is in progress. Reportedly, the system can also control multiple output engines, which allows the PackFlow to drive and control the ThermoFlex, a large-format flexographic platesetter.

The ThermoFlex was also highlighted due to a reported increase in imaging speed. The machine reportedly uses multi-beam thermal imaging to allow low speed drum rotation while retaining higher imaging speeds. The system features a plate preparation and loading table that is said to accelerate the loading and unloading cycle while limiting the risk of plate damage.

Creo also joined with Heidelberg Prepress to announce the qualification of the Lastra Extrema 830 thermal plate for use on the Heidelberg/Creo Trendsetter 3244(TM). This positive, non-preheat, bakeable printing plate is said to offer higher-resolution output with greater consistency and repeatability.

Heidelberg provided more than equipment at the show by sponsoring a series of conferences through its educational division, the Heidelberg Academy. A range of converting and packaging topics were covered by guest lecturers, such as David Bartram of Kodak Polychrome Graphics, Didier Bron of Bobst and Bill Dowdell of the Flexographic Technical Association, as well as members of Heidelberg's staff. The company additionally displayed its complete line of solutions at its nearby Mt. Prospect, Illinois, Technical Center. Hands-on demonstrations and job simulations were provided for applications ranging from prepress and computer-to-plate to printing and automated bindery systems.

Independent Machinery Inc. (IMI) went outside the show as well with an open house at its closely located Palatine, Illinois, facility. The tour added to the exposure of the company's new Heiber+Schroder Matic. Debuted at the show, the window machine was designed for running larger blanks with quicker set-ups due to its computer controls, which can also store up to 99 job parameters. Its new belt feeder is said to offer fewer belt jams with less wear while running 9-pt. to 12-pt. board.