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Quad Plus: Limitations of Nuclear Gamma Backscatter Sensors

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Man bending down to fix a piece of machinery

Nuclear gamma backscatter sensors have been used in the past for making product weight measurements in coating applications due to their ability to do so no matter the coating type and provide accurate readings of coating weight. However, these sensors come with several limitations that hinder their effectiveness in this application.

Firstly, they pose significant safety concerns due to their radioactive nature, which can result in health hazards if not handled correctly. Secondly, nuclear isotopes have an effective lifespan due to the half-life of the isotope used. This leads to the need for replacing the source material and disposing of the old source material, and this can be costly. Additionally, these sensors require significant maintenance and calibration to keep them functioning correctly. This adds to the overall cost of using them. As a result, many companies have shifted to using non-nuclear sensors such as near infrared methods for measuring coating thickness.

Near Infrared (NIR) Gauging System

Introducing near infrared (NIR) gauging system for coating thickness measurement is a game-changer. This technology allows for accurate and real-time measurements of coating thickness across various substrates. With the help of the NIR gauging system, variations in coating thickness can be identified and remedied, ensuring the production of uniformly coated surfaces.

Advantages of NIR gauging system over nuclear gamma backscatter sensors

If you are in the business of measuring coating thickness for converting web-based applications, you might be using nuclear gamma backscatter sensors to achieve precise measurements. However, these methods have some limitations and potential safety concerns.

Nuclear-based sensors, for instance, use radioactive isotopes to measure coating thickness. This method presents several limitations, including regulatory and safety requirements in handling radioactive materials, the need for trained personnel, and the risk of contamination.

A safer and more reliable alternative to nuclear gamma backscatter sensors is using a near infrared (NIR) gauging system. This technology utilizes light waves in the near-infrared spectrum to measure coating thickness, offering several benefits for accurate cross-web distribution profiling.

Safer and Easier Operation

NIR gauging systems are safer and easier to operate since they do not require radiation sources. The instruments can be easily integrated into your production line, and calibration can be quickly adjusted. This allows for smoother operations, fewer safety measures, and greater process efficiencies.

Non-contact Measurement

NIR gauging systems offer an excellent solution for non-contact measurement of coating thickness. Without touching or impacting the coated surface, the system can measure the coating thickness for flexible substrates, flat substrates, and individual sheets with consistent, defect-free results.

Real-time Measurement

The NIR gauging system can measure coatings in real-time, allowing for immediate monitoring of any variations in coating thickness and quick adjustments to maintain the desired thickness levels.

Complex Surface Capabilities

The system can accurately measure the thickness of coatings on complex surfaces, making it suitable for coating applications that might require specialized rolls, extrusion coating, or gravure coaters.

Cost-effective Alternative

NIR gauging systems offer a more cost-effective solution for thickness measurement than nuclear-based or other alternative measurement methods. The system reduces the cost of maintenance that results from radioactive disposal and significantly reduces the training time required for personnel to use the equipment.

Nuclear-based Gauging System Replacement

Quad Plus helped a coating company upgrade their nuclear-based coating gauge system. The old system had problems like poor roll gap control and limited data points. The upgrade to a near-infrared gauging system solved these issues. Quad Plus removed the nuclear sensors safely and in compliance with regulations. They supplied and installed a new scanning gauge system that implemented roll gap control. The new system improved safety and allowed for accurate measurements of cross-web distribution and coating thickness control. Quad Plus’ expertise and advanced technology helped the client achieve better results.

Measuring coating thickness is crucial for ensuring product quality and consistency in a cost effective and safe manner. The advantages of using an NIR gauging system versus nuclear gamma backscatter sensors include improved safety, consistent performance, real-time monitoring, reduced cost, and greater versatility in measuring complex surfaces.

For assistance with replacing your nuclear gamma backscatter gauging system, please contact Jim Woulf at Quad Plus. You can reach him at (920) 515-4155 or via email at jwoulf@quadplus.com.

Support Education In Wisconsin

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UW Madison College of Engineering logo

As Citizens and Businesses, we must decide to support education at UW Madison and the UW Wisconsin System of Public Universities! It is one of the largest public higher education systems in the USA enrolling more than 174,000 students and employing approximately 39,000 faculty and staff statewide. Wisconsin is highly respected for our educational institutions with an economic impact of $24 Billion! We ALL recognize the importance of the outstanding diverse programs offered to support our industries and communities. We want to keep our students in Wisconsin by providing education to find job opportunities in Wisconsin.

UW Madison is Wisconsin’s leader in Education. We must support the Construction of the new Engineering Building to show our commitment to Education and supporting the State of Wisconsin! Our legislators approved FOXCONN which cost the Wisconsin Taxpayers over $1 Billion plus dollars and these same legislators cannot support the University of Wisconsin and the citizens of Wisconsin!

As a voice for the Packaging, Paper, Plastics, Printing, Pulp and Converting Industries, we need educated employees to run our businesses. Wisconsin has a large concentration on manufacturing, and our Education is critical to our success of building and supporting our business communities.

Currently. Wisconsin has outstanding programs supporting the 5P and Converting Industries:

  1. University of Wisconsin Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
  2. University of Wisconsin Industrial Engineering
  3. University of Wisconsin Civil Engineering
  4. University of Wisconsin Chemical Engineering
  5. University of Wisconsin Agricultural Engineering
  6. University of Wisconsin Mechanical Engineering
  7. University of Wisconsin Materials Engineering
  8. University of Wisconsin Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
  9. University of Wisconsin Nuclear Engineering
  10. University of Wisconsin Forestry and Wildlife
  11. University of Wisconsin Bio-Chemistry
  12. University of Wisconsin Bioenergy – Wisconsin Energy Institute
  13. UW Stevens Point Paper Science and Chemical Engineering
  14. UW Stevens Point Forest Management and Natural Resources
  15. UW Stout Packaging and Plastics Engineering
  16. UW Green Bay College of Science, Engineering and Technology
  17. UW Platteville Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Engineering Physics, Environmental, Industrial and
    Software Engineering.

ADA Compliance for Websites: Stay Accessible & Out of Court

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blind man and woman walking with a cane

A man wearing dark glasses walks into an optometrist’s office and says to the doctor, “Doc, I’m blind.” The doctor looks at him and says, “I see that,” to which the blind man responds, “Gee, you don’t have to rub it in!” This little joke innocently introduces you to a topic that’s no laughing matter. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures individuals with disabilities have access to public services and public places. In addition to the obvious ADA features like ramps, elevators, and closed captioning, ADA regulations also cover websites. Our clients, as the owners of their websites, are ultimately responsible for making sure their website is accessible under the ADA guidelines, and therefore not vulnerable to legal action.

ADA Compliance: The Ethical and Business Benefits

Our team at Packerland Websites believes that following ADA guidelines doesn’t just help website owners avoid costly, cumbersome court cases. ADA compliance also is the right thing to do, ethically and business-wise. Complying with ADA guidelines gives people with disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else to engage with your website. Isn’t that what you want for your business or nonprofit?

Real-Life Consequences: Messy Legal Trouble

The following story really drives home this point. Recently, an Upper Michigan e-commerce company contacted us for advice. A New York attorney took advantage of an opportunity to sue the company for having an ADA-noncompliant website. Basically, the attorney argued that the website’s owner refused to work with people with sight impairments. However, the e-commerce company would have been willing to work with individuals who are sight-impaired and correct the noncompliance issues on the website, but they were unaware of these issues until the lawsuit was filed. By then, it was too late, and the UP company was required to pay a legal settlement and legal fees.

Quick Check: Is Your Website Required to be ADA Compliant?

Because of this ADA-noncompliance legal action, Packerland Websites is stepping up its messaging about ADA-compliant websites. So, you’re probably wondering, “Does my website need to be ADA compliant?” Most likely, the answer is Yes. Websites that are required to be ADA compliant:

  • Government websites and any organization receiving government money
  • Websites connected to businesses of public accommodation (hotels, stores, movie theaters, etc.)
  • Websites that sell goods or services
  • Websites intended for us by the general public
Taking Action: Bringing Your Website Up to ADA Standards

Your website probably falls into at least one of these categories. Surprisingly, less than 3 percent of today’s websites are ADA compliant. However, this statistic isn’t a strong defense in the event of an ADA lawsuit. Thus, we strongly encourage website owners, including our clients, to bring their websites up to ADA compliance levels. One primary goal of website design is to ensure that individuals with sight impairments and other disabilities have access to the material on a website in a way they can understand. Read about the four tools we recommend to check website accessibility and ADA compliance, then contact us to request ADA services.

Packerland Websites: Offering ADA Services

The Packerland Websites team can evaluate your website using our ADA-accessibility Report Card and recommend any remediation.

ADA Compliance: A Matter of Equality and Rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act isn’t a laughing matter. The ADA is serious protection, granting people with disabilities the same opportunities and rights as everyone else.

Support Needed for New Engineering Building

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UW Madison College of Engineering logo

UW-Madison is conducting exceptional research, and GBIG is involved in two high-impact UW-Madison initiatives. GBIG is collaborating with professors involved with the Center for Chemical Upcycling of Waste Plastics (CUWP) and an experimental fusion machine which produces sustainable, locally generated process heat.

What breakthroughs are on the horizon? UW-Madison needs a new Engineering Building to continue its outstanding work. However, Wisconsin legislators aren’t supporting a proposal to construct a much- needed Engineering building to support the citizens and businesses of Wisconsin. This will have a major negative impact on the State of Wisconsin with UW graduates and businesses moving out of Wisconsin!

As a State, we are facing numerous challenges. Industry and our Universities will have to work together to come up with solutions.

  1. PFAS has become a major issue with more and more cities finding PFAS in our wells, rivers, and lakes. The UW-Madison Chemical Engineering Department, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and several Non-Profit Associations are doing extensive research on it. UW-Madison has partnered with Iowa State University plus several other Universities researching PFAS and Plastics!
  2. Wisconsin can anticipate a growing number of large lawsuits against our State, Municipalities, and Industries! We need to approve funding for research on PFAS or pay the price for it!
  3. Wisconsin has over 43,000 people involved in the Plastics Manufacturing Industry and 25,000 in the Flexible Packaging Industry with a large converting Industry and supporting Industries! UW-Madison Chemical Engineering Department has been working with the Flexible Packaging and Plastics Industries with a large coalition of Industry Partners. We want to protect our industries and employees by coming up with new products and solutions.
  4. UW-Madison Chemical Engineering Department under George Huber has done extensive research on converting biomass into gasoline, diesel jet fuel on a clean technology format from renewable cellulosic biomass. With our vast forests and logging, Wisconsin has the potential to become a large energy producer utilizing our resources.
  5. We have witnessed large fires burning out of control in Canada and Western United States. UW-Madison Forestry Department is a national leader in forest science, wildlife, research, teaching, and training our students to support and protect our valuable resources. Wisconsin’s forests cover over 40% of the total land area, encompassing nearly 17 million acres plus our 15,000 lakes and rivers!

As citizens, we must decide our fate by supporting the new UW-Madison Engineering Building to keep engineering students, graduates and companies in Wisconsin!

Maximize Your 5P Industry Network with GBIG’s New Sponsor Webpage

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People smiling and shaking hands sitting at a desk

Networking with others in the 5P Industries just became easier. Green Bay Innovation Group updated its GBIG Sponsor Directory webpage https://greenbayinnovationgroup.com/gbig-sponsors/ to be more comprehensive, providing company overviews and clickable contact information. Plus, the sponsor database is searchable by category and keyword, so organizations can quickly identify the companies with the capabilities they seek or the people they want to contact. By typing a keyword or category into the search box, users gain access to a list of specific organizations to fit their needs.

Search GBIG Sponsor Database by Keyword & Category

With nearly 150 GBIG Sponsors in the directory, the search capability ensures that you can be found easily by other sponsors and the general public. Website visitors can find your company and your industry by category or keyword.

Search directory

The GBIG Sponsor entries include:

  • Company name
  • Contact Person
  • Business Address
  • Phone number
  • Email
  • Website

Confirm the Accuracy of Your GBIG Listing & Submit Notes

Thanks to the team at Packerland Websites for creating this useful database of sponsors. The team encourages sponsors to check their entries to confirm the accuracy of your listing. In addition, please provide a couple paragraphs about your company. Include industry keywords, like flexographic printing, coating, machining, etc. These paragraphs will further educate the audience and enhance searchability and facilitate more connections. The paragraphs will display in the “Show Notes” directory section. Send the information paragraphs to Bill@packerlandwebsites.com, and use the subject line GBIG Sponsor Page.

Connect with Sponsors to Conduct Business in the 5P Industry

GBIG members/sponsors find and conduct a good deal of business through their involvement with our organization. The updated GBIG Sponsor webpage is just one more way to provide value to sponsors. The sponsor directory makes it easier than ever for 5P Industry representatives find what they’re looking for to be successful. The updated Sponsor webpage uses innovative technology to improve the user experience, so sponsors and non-sponsors alike can connect and work together to achieve their business goals.

June 21st, 2023 Newsletter

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GBIG logo

Read the June 21st, 2023 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.

Read newsletter

GBIG NEWS | 70 Stories and Links on the Internet 06/21/2023

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GBIG News

Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news sponsors. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.

Read the latest 70 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

GBIG News Banner

Featured Stories

Education

PFAS

Wisconsin

Paper

Ashwaubenon

Sponsor

Business Leaders Meet for New North Summit

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The Power of Place is the theme of the annual New North Summit which occurred June 8 at the Lambeau Field Atrium, Green Bay. GBIG appreciates all that New North does as a catalyst for regional prosperity. Barb LaMue, President and CEO of New North does a phenomenal job implementing regional strategies for business growth and talent development.

Barb LaMue clapping
Barb LaMue

Building Your Brand Through the Interview Process

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By Diane Mitchell, Managing Partner, Global Recruiters of Green Bay

While we’re hearing news of layoffs in some sectors, the demand for technical skills in manufacturing remains high in Wisconsin. To attract, hire, and retain top talent, it’s worth considering the critical role the candidate experience plays during their interviewing process. A positive experience not only reflects well on your organization’s brand but also increases the likelihood of securing the best candidates. By implementing effective strategies to manage your candidate’s experience, you can build strong relationships, promote transparency, and leave a lasting impression.

Diane Mitchell
  • Create a welcoming atmosphere – from the first phone screen to the moment the candidate steps foot into your organization, keep in mind that they are interviewing you as a potential boss and employer. Greet candidates warmly, provide introductions, and share information on the role and company to ease nerves while setting a positive tone for the interview.
  • Provide timely updates – transparent and consistent communication is essential throughout the interviewing process. Clearly communicate the steps and timeline. Provide updates to candidates 24-48 hours after an interview even if it’s to inform them of a rejection. Every candidate has thanked me for letting them know where they stand in the process regardless of whether or not the news is disappointing. Ghosting candidates isn’t just bad behavior, it also impacts your brand. The candidate won’t apply for other roles and will tell their peers to stay away.
  • Streamline the process – candidates will lose patience and become frustrated if the process takes too long or has too many steps. The best companies can work through their process in two weeks. Carefully consider if you need an extra assessment or interview step. The delay may give another company time to start and finish their interview process, ‘stealing’ your top candidate.

Even if you’ve selected your top candidate, it doesn’t mean the applicant has selected you as an employer. The candidate will most likely consider the recruiting process as a crucial part of their decision. By focusing on creating a compelling candidate experience, companies can be sure to leave a positive impression and enhance their brand image.

GB Chamber Recognizes Businesses & Individuals

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Three GBIG sponsors were honored at the Greater Green Bay Chamber Business Recognition Luncheon Awards & Showcase. Fiberglass Solutions LLC received the Growth Award; Green Bay Packaging received the Special Accomplishment Award for its Mill Reclaimed Water Project, and Bill Koehne, owner of Packerland Websites, was a Top 3 finalist in the Business Person of the Year Contest.

Table with Business Recognition Luncheon card
Photos by Shayna Marie Wild & Free

Fiberglass Solutions LLC: Ben and Amy Bertram purchased Fiberglass Solutions LLC in 2018, with a vision of growth and expansion. From 2018 to 2021, the company experienced year-over-year, double- digit sales growth before stabilizing in 2022 at $3.24M. Fiberglass Solutions LLC is on pace for almost $4M in 2023.

Green Bay Packaging: When GBP built its new mill, the first in Wisconsin in over 35 years, the company chose to be more water-resilient with reclaimed water use. This avoided the need to direct intake or discharge to the Fox River and reduced water withdrawal from the Great Lakes waterbody. GBP partnered with NEW Water to reclaim municipal wastewater for reuse in papermaking.

Bill Koehne, owner of Packerland Websites, started building websites on a whim and now the company has over 500 website clients. Bill, who serves as a GBIG director, donated over $60,000 in website services to nonprofits in 2022 alone and over a quarter of a million dollars over the past five years. Bill excels as a marketing mentor to businesses and nonprofits.

Nearly 500 attendees honored area businesses and individuals at the annual Business Recognition Luncheon Awards & Showcase held at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay.

The event serves to honor individuals’ and companies’ achievements, growth, innovation, and exceptional business practices in Greater Green Bay. Finalists were recognized and recipients announced in five award categories.

The 2023 award recipients are:

  • Cornerstone Award: Georgia-Pacific
  • Entrepreneurial Award: FAVORYT Brand
  • Growth Award: Fiberglass Solutions LLC
  • Special Accomplishment Award: Green Bay Packaging
  • Business Person of the Year: Ben Schill, CEO, Paper Transport

“Today’s gathering was truly enjoyable as we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our thriving business community.” said Eric DeKorne, Chamber Vice President of Development. “The companies and individuals present here have made a significant impact on the community, and their unwavering dedication to success and progress plays a pivotal role in fostering the community’s growth and vitality.”

Green Bay Innovation Group

Bringing Green Bay Companies Together. Green Bay Innovation Group is committed to building an authentic networking experience where innovation can thrive.

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