St. Croix Falls, WI - Brandtjen & Kluge, the Industry Leader in Print Finishing and Digital Print Package Converting, held their second Kluge User Group Meeting on May 12 convening the day before the IADD*FSEA Odyssey Technical Conference (May 13-15) in Schaumburg, IL.  Thirty-two attendees discussed a wide range of topics concerning maintenance, make-ready, set up, and production.  The agenda included a technology update on laser cutting and integrations to digital workflow, an assessment of the cold foil process, and user lead best practices networking sessions.  Participants also reviewed case studies of challenging projects in both folding and gluing and foil stamping and they were encouraged to bring topics to the meeting that were current and meaningful to their applications and operations.  Topics of discussion included the challenges of digital print media, tactics for reducing make-ready in all applications, automated equipment adjustments and new technology opportunities.  

"It was the highlight of my time at Odyssey. Not very often do you have that much knowledge and experience in our industry in one room. Everyone was very open and helpful with all of the subjects we covered. I am looking forward to the next one," Troy Summers, Trade Print Finishing Company, Salt Lake City, UT.  

"It was reassuring to see the strong interest in Digital Print Finishing, especially in packaging applications," said Kluge CEO Michael Aumann. "We are committing a lot of resources to development of Digital Printing Finishing Solutions.  It's great to see our best customers confirm that our strategy aligns well with their needs."

"It was a great event. I thought the diversification of Owners, Operators and Managers was a really positive environment. I have personally been all three, so it worked for me! I thought the round table and open forum allows people from different parts of the country to discuss pro's and con's of their unique ways of doing business.  Kluge should be commended for putting such a great event together!  Time slot was perfect! I will absolutely be at the next event," Rick Wolfe, TPS Enterprises, Newton, IL.   

Following the meeting, group members attended the three day IADD*FSEA Odyssey Technical Conference.  Kluge conducted two presentations in the TechShop with live demonstrations on the Kluge EHD Foil Stamping, Embossing and Diecutting Press and Kluge ComFold Folding and Gluing System. The EHD presentation: Maintenance Procedures and Add-On Accessories to Get the Most Out of Your Clamshell Press, discussed 8 specific ways to help optimize performance and production.  The ComFold presentation: Digital Workflow for Folding Cartons, examined the advantages and procedures of a digital work flow for short-run folding cartons.