ICEC USA, the exhibition for paper, film and foil converting, returned to Orlando, FL, USA, highlighting live technology demonstrations, a conference program, and ample networking opportunities. The event occurs every two years, and in 2024 ICEC USA kicked off the year’s travel calendar from January 9-11.

A wide range of companies, from BST, Delta ModTech and KTI, to Maxcess, Meech, and Yazoo Mills, exhibited at the seventh edition of the show. The show has long been regarded for its quality of leads.

“ICEC was a successful show for Delta ModTech,” says Hallie Leffingwell, marketing and tradeshow specialist, Delta ModTech. “We had a lot of great discussions about new opportunities with both new and existing clients. We featured a live demonstration that highlighted some of the many capabilities of Delta ModTech in both coating and converting. We also made valuable industry connections.”

“We were able to visit with a lot of current and potential customers and discuss future projects,” adds Robin Sherlund, regional sales account manager, KTI. “KTI had not exhibited at ICEC in a very long time, so this was our first time jumping back in and we were impressed with the show attendance. We walked away with several opportunities for future projects and many leads.”

For Delta ModTech, ICEC USA allows an opportunity to showcase machines to a converting specific audience.

“With ICEC being the only show with a web handling focus, it makes for great conversations with customers and peers in the industry,” notes Leffingwell. “The ability to have a machine running a live demonstration on the show floor allows our clients to see them in action, feel the high-quality materials we manufacture the machines with, and talk with an engineer and team member directly about our capabilities. This experience provides confidence and the reduced risk for our clients that Delta ModTech is all about.”

Numerous technologies were on-hand for visitors to experience. For example, Delta ModTech featured a MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) demonstration, the core component of a fuel cell. This demonstration represented the “handshake” between converting and coating operations.

“Fuel Cell and Battery manufacturing are drawing a lot of industry attention, and Delta ModTech is in a unique position to provide machine solutions for both,” states Leffingwell. “Roll to roll converting is the fastest and most efficient production method for energy cell manufacturing, and we have over 40 years of experience to provide these industries. Not only have we built these machines but our process knowledge from other vertical markets gives us the ability to provide manufacturing solutions with low risk. We also had several inquiries about RFID label insertion and manufacturing. Delta ModTech has been building RFID label machinery for close to 20 years, so we have extensive experience that allows converters to stay ahead of growing demands.”

Delta ModTech highlighted several other initiatives and technologies at the show, including the merger of Delta ModTech with Frontier LLC, allowing Delta ModTech to expand its coating and drying capabilities. New module launches include a Flexographic Printer Module, a Redesigned Seal Bed Module, a new Manifold-Mounted Seal Bed Module, expanded laser cutting capabilities, complete fuel cell lamination and assembly modules, as well as new proven battery coating lines.

KTI, meanwhile, highlighted automatic butt splicers that produce a joint splice without overlapping, allowing continuous production on printing lines. The ZC Series Cantilever Butt Splicer includes a cantilevered turret unwind and is available in web widths up to 20”.  The ZG Series Butt Splicer includes a shaftless turret unwind and is available in web widths up to 40”.  The MR Series Multi-Spindle Turret Rewinder is equipped with the features and options needed for small parent roll or finished roll production and works great with narrow web film, labels and more. KTI also touted products from its CTC product line such as the 800C Unwind Tension Compensator.”

“The KTI PA Series Lap Splicer is designed for light materials and films, but is suitable for many applications and materials,” explains Sherlund. “A turnbar with web positioner can be used to turn the web 90 degrees when the splicer is oriented at a right angle to the process. This machine is available in web widths up to 26”.  Finally, the highly popular LS Series Zero Speed Web Splicer, a combination of rugged construction, simple mechanical design and high performance in an affordable package for many different applications and materials, including film and specialty materials.”

ICEC USA allowed KTI to discuss several other projects, as well. The KTI product line is owned by Quantum Design, which is undergoing leadership transitions in 2024 that will bring a fresh perspectives to the KTI product line. In addition, a new vice president of mechanical engineering was added to the team in 2023.

“KTI plans to release a new Turret Rewinder in late 2024, too,” notes Sherlund. “The service team at Quantum Design is in the process of implementing a Preventative Maintenance program to allow customers regularly scheduled maintenance, reducing down times and increasing efficiencies.”