Back in March we talked about some hopeful news and positive statistics in US Manufacturing’s slow but optimistic turnaround.In the two months since, it seems to have only grown more positive. For every dark cloud, we seem to find two with silver lining; the consensus being that factory output/ domestic manufacturing are, in fact, leading the way in our domestic economic recovery.
We could spend a lifetime aggregating all the great thoughts and news we’ve seen as of late. Here are just 5 optimistic points on the present state of US manufacturing: (more…)
“Deciding whether or not to implement a PM program for your slitter or splicer is really simple: Do you want quality or not?” …packageprinting.com
There is a great article over on Package Printing on the importance of keeping your slitters & splicers optimized and safe. Actually, slitters and splicers are the subject of example – the writeup is an excellent overview of preventative maintenance programs anyone running machines should consider.
On top of talking about the why and how of implementing an effective program (including the “where” of hiring professional help) – The article makes good mention about machine knives, and how their wear time varies between applications. On that note, I don’t think I could have said it better myself. (more…)
The following is a reprinted article from our March 2010 E-Newsletter.
To get your free copy, click here.
Tell us your thoughts on flexible packaging
Back in January we wrote about the main packaging trends to watch for 2010. Included in that list was a prediction for the growth of flexible packaging across various industries.
Here at YSK we’ve seen a steady increase in demand for cutoff knives to fit Form Fill Seal machines used in flexible packaging. And, with almost a quarter of the year behind us, we’ve also noticed growing attention to this market in other media: be it in press releases, industry studies, blog posts, and other “expert opinions.”
So We Want to Know: How’s the outlook from where you stand?
We talked about this before, but thought it was important to expand on how we provide end users and OEM’s the same level of service and quality with every knife and saw me make.
After over a century in the cutting business, all we can say is: we get it.
As an OEM, you want a reliable solution that’s cost-effective, quick to turn around, and consistent. We can work with your engineering team to design the best cutting edge for your specific application.
As an end user, you want the most economical solution to your knife needs without having to go back to your machine’s OEM. Maybe they’re overseas and hard to contact. Maybe their costs are too high or their lead times too long. As long as we don’t already have a working relationship with your machine’s OEM, we are more than happy to assist you with your machine knife requirements.
No Matter Your Role – Count on YSK to Deliver the Best Knife Every Time:
Financial Savings – Time and time again we have saved manufacturers and end users money over knives sourced from overseas suppliers.
Time Savings – It is not uncommon for our lead times on knife fabrication to be 50 – 70% quicker than those of other suppliers.
No Minimum Order. Need I say more?
Free Test Cutting – Haven’t you met Ol’ Cutty yet? Anyway, we provide free test cutting services as part of helping you on your way to the optimal cutting edge.
106 Years of American Made Quality and Knife Expertise
….oh. And We’re Fearless – Think your processing knife is a challenge to duplicate? Go on. Send it over. If we can handle shark teeth, we can handle anything!
Food Processing to Form Fill Seal, whatever your application, we’d love to work with you to design and produce a knife with the ultimate cutting edge.
We promised some follow up on the Shark Tooth blade a little while back…
York Saw and Knife recently assisted a major consumer products, pressure-sensitive adhesives and materials producer in creating a new cut-off knife for a Winder/Rewinder machine.
The company developed a new, very tough film that typical knife designs could not cut cleanly and completely, resulting in a shredded, undesirable edge. Aware of York Saw and Knife’s free test cutting a perforating services (of flexible films utilizing a plunge cut with a straight, serrated edge blade), the company contacted York Saw and Knife and we quickly started to tackle the challenge.
Related, there’s buzz building re: nanotechnology in some of the industries York Saw & Knife serves. But, it’s only buzz, and it’s only building. Packaging World notes a January report on nanotechnology in packaging by the Swiss Center for Technology Advancement TA-SWISS.
From PW, the Swiss group noted nanotechnology:
“…is already incorporated into some food packaging, for example in films, nano-silver layers or layers in PET bottles to improve barrier properties. They even cite greenhouse gas reductions associated with ‘nano-PET bottles.’ The study recognizes that there is a huge market potential for nano-materials in packaging.”
All across food processing, materials conversion and packaging, folks are trying to cut costs to meet these challenging economic times. John Henry, Certified Packaging Professional (CPP), suggests looking for ways to increase production line changeover efficiency. Henry notes,
“How much can you save via reduced changeover times? …The lowest number I’ve seen, from a pharmaceutical packager, is $13,500 an hour. A distilled spirits bottler calculates it at more than $32,000 an hour.”
Better quality changeovers, Henry argues, will lead to increased performance and efficiency, going straight to the bottom line. (more…)
In the latest Food & Beverage Packaging (they’re welcome for the free pub), there’s an interesting roundtable featuring some of the heavyweights of food and beverage packaging (including one – Steve Gaeta of Unilever – who shares the same last name as this mutineer on Battlestar Galactica).
Anyway, the discussion centers on the industry outlook in 2009 and the challenges in creating an aesthetically pleasing, handy package that can be developed economically using principles of sustainability and (preferably) green materials.
Adaptability, flexibility and the openness to new ideas were common themes. The round table discussed the development and implementation of new designs, processes and materials with an eye on value and sustainability.
It’s an interesting read. The article made us consider how well-positioned YSK is to work with the packaging industry and OEM manufacturers. Want to know how? Email us!
Pack Expo 2008 is in the books and York Saw & Knife is back from the Windy City. We really enjoyed the show – and it seemed Pack Expo enjoyed the YSK booth! More attendees visited our booth than any other Pack show we’ve been involved with!* So congrats to the Pack Expo organizers and our own YSK team who coordinated our show participation and staffed the event.
York Saw & Knife blades not only deliver proven results, but they also get a lot of attention. People regularly stopped at the YSK booth to take a look at the wide variety of leading edge York Saw & Knife blades displayed. Among the favorites of the Pack crowd were the packaging knives, straight knives and circularknives.
* Maybe it was the peppermint patties!
For attendees that swiped their card at the YSK booth, we will be sending out information soon!
Back in March we talked about some hopeful news and positive statistics in US Manufacturing’s slow but optimistic turnaround.In the two months since, it seems to have only grown more positive. For every dark cloud, we seem to find two with silver lining; the consensus being that factory output/ domestic manufacturing are, in fact, leading the way in our domestic economic recovery.
We 
Apple has the 
All across food processing, materials conversion and packaging, folks are trying to cut costs to meet these challenging economic times. John Henry, Certified Packaging Professional (CPP), suggests looking for ways to increase production line 
In the latest Food & Beverage Packaging (they’re welcome for the free pub), there’s an 
