2006 Spring

Dealing with Static Electricity

May 1, 2006

by: Scott Shelton

Static electricity is often the cause of problems encountered in the bindery, hampering production and affecting product quality. By having a basic understanding of static electricity and by utilizing ionization equipment to control or eliminate the static charges, most common problems can be tackled.

What Causes Static Electricity?

Static electricity is an electrical charge on the surface of an insulative material such as film or paper. Static also can occur on a conductor, such as metal, if it is not grounded.

When two or more surfaces are in contact with each other, a transfer of electrons takes place between those surfaces. When the surfaces separate, the surface which has gained the electrons becomes negatively charged. The mating surface giving up the electrons becomes positive. The contact and separation is known as triboelectrification or tribocharging.

There are several factors that effect whether or not a material’s surface will support a static charge and to what degree.

Materials made of natural fibers, such as uncoated paper, typically exhibit high charges at high speeds in environments having low relative humidity. These materials tend to be very hygroscopic, having the ability to absorb moisture from the ambient air. As moisture collects on the surface of these materials, surface resistivity decreases which, in turn, increases its conductivity. This provides a conductive path along the surface for charges to flow to grounded metal rollers or any grounded metal surface in the machinery that the material may be in contact with, thus removing the charge from the print material.

Materials such as plastic films and paper with plastic coatings or high quality clay coatings tend to generate high charges even at slower machine speeds. Their high propensity for charging is due to the inherent high surface resistivity of materials with less tendency to absorb moisture. Some of these surfaces can support static charge potentials of tens of thousands of volts and maintain a charge for minutes, hours, or even several days. For that reason feeding, delivery, and stacking plastic or lightweight coated paper sheets can be a real challenge.

Some plastics may have been treated with an antistatic agent which can reduce the tendency to develop a charge. Plastic webs or sheets may be extruded with an antistat in the formulations. Many times papers are treated in the printing press with an application of fabric softener solution which acts as an antistat on the material. In either case, the antistat functions as a slip agent, reducing friction by attracting ambient moisture to the surface and increasing conductivity.

Other factors affecting charge generation are material speed, contact pressure, temperature, and type of surfaces in contact. Typically, high speeds result in higher static charges. Larger areas of surface contact and greater physical pressure prior to separation also result in higher charges.

Surfaces that are conductive or antistatic can be maintained in an electrically neutral condition by grounding. Materials such as plastics, resin coated and clay coated papers, and very dry uncoated papers are non-conductive. Grounding cannot eliminate static charges on their surface. Static charges on these materials can be controlled, however, by utilizing ionization equipment mounted in the process machinery.

Familiar to most machine operators, static bars are a common type of ionizer used for neutralizing sheets and webs. A typical static bar is electrically powered and is mounted in the production line an inch or two from the sheet or web material’s path. As the charged surface passes the static bar, it becomes neutralized. Placement of the ionizer is critical. It should be placed just ahead of the area in the process where static is causing the problem. It is recommended that a qualified static field specialist be consulted for proper ionizer selection and placement. This can save a lot of time and aggravation.

How Does an Ionizer Work?

Ionizers emit vast quantities of both negatively and positively charged gas molecules called air ions. The ions are made available to the charged surfaces where the electric field attracts the necessary ions of opposite polarity to its surface, thus balancing the charge on the web. The ionizer’s output is virtually unaffected by ambient temperature and relative humidity conditions and is compatible with most materials processed in the bindery.

A typical static bar has a range of about one to two inches. Some static bars are designed to operate up to several inches away from the target surface. Ionizing blowers consist of a fan blowing air over a series of ionizing emitters to extend the operating range even more, up to three to four feet. Ionizing nozzles and air knives use compressed air to provide a higher velocity of focused ionized air. A common application is to assist in sheet separation on pocket feeders.

Dealing with Static Problems During Production

Many of the problems relating to static electricity encountered in the bindery actually result from static charges generated in the print medium in the pressroom. As the web or sheet is transported through the various stages of the printing press, static charges accumulate on the surfaces. If static neutralizers are not used at the delivery of the press, a highly charged stack of printed materials is sent to the bindery. If the print media in a quality clay or resin coated material has large areas of ink coverage or is highly calendered, the static charges may be retained for several hours or even days if ambient conditions permit. The resulting problems encountered in the bindery are usually personnel shocks, jams in the press, or double-sheet pick-ups when trying to feed a subsequent operation such as a folder, collator, saddle stitcher, or perfect bound line.

The simple and most cost effective solution to these problems is to convince the pressroom to install a static neutralizing bar at the delivery of the press. Trying to deal with the problems of double-sheet pick-ups and jams at all the pocket feeders on a large side saddle stitcher or perfect binder can be complicated due to limited space and moving mechanisms at the pocket. A static-free stack of printed materials from the pressroom, however, doesnt solve all the bindery problems. For example, with a typical sheet folder, once the sheet leaves the feed pile, the tribocharging process starts all over again as the sheet contacts and separates from belt, rollers, and any other surfaces with which it comes into contact. Since tribocharging is a cumulative process, the charge on the sheet continues to rise to a level where the charged sheet is attracted to components of the machine and a jam or skewing of the sheet occurs. When making multiple folds, this can happen at several locations in the folder. A solution is to mount a static neutralizing bar over the paper path, just ahead of the point where the problem is occurring. Due to guides and rails which may interfere with placing a standard static bar an inch or two from the sheet, an extended range type static bar may be appropriate. For best results, the bar should be positioned where the sheet is floating with a little air space between it and the sheet machine bed. One ideal location, although not always possible, is to position the bar over the sheet at a transition point or break in the conveyor.

Folded materials obviously need to be delivered onto a stack. This is usually where the next problem is manifested. The folded pieces may repel each other, causing a mess at the delivery, or they may stick to each other, resulting in sloppy, uneven, impossible-to-jog stacks. In either case, two static bars properly placed at the delivery to neutralize both outer surfaces of the folded piece will render neat, trouble-free deliveries.

Personnel Shock

Uncomfortable electrical shocks to personnel in the bindery are not uncommon. When high static charges exist, especially in rolls or stacks of materials, the electric fields can induce a charge into nearby personnel. Since the human body is a conductor and usually insolated from ground due to rubber or synthetic soled shoes, a sizable charge can build up and will be stored in the body. When the charged person touches something conductive, such as a machine component or control panel, the discharge will be felt as an electrical shock. Using a static fieldmeter, or with the help of a qualified static control specialist, the cause of the electrical field can be located and the problem solved by neutralizing the source of the problem.

Shrink Wrap Packaging Problems

As a roll of film unwinds and passes through nip rolls, over idler rolls, turning bars, and the forming plows, static charges on the film can cause operator shock, press jams due to film clinging to itself or machine components, and breakage of the film. The attraction forces of the charged film may even lift non-adhesive labels off the item being wrapped. A couple of carefully placed static bars usually solve all these problems and result in trouble-free packaging operations.

Summary

Electrostatic charges develop on the print substrate during virtually all phases of printing and finishing. The resulting problems can slow production and affect the quality of the end product, both impacting the bottom line.

With the help of an experienced static control field representative and the proper placement of an appropriate static control device, static charges can be controlled in production machinery, enhancing product quality and increasing throughput in the finishing department.

Scott Shelton is the North American Sales Manager for SIMCO Industrial Static Control, an international manufacturer of static control products. During his 28 years at SIMCO, he has authored and coauthored several published technical articles and has presented technical sessions to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Society of Plastics Engineers, Screen Printing Association, U.S. Department of Energy, OSU Web Handling Research Center, Pressure Sensitive Tape Council, TAPPI, IML CON, and various electronics industry and industrial manufacturing groups.

The Benefits of Pick and Place Automation for Vinyl Binding Manufacturing

May 1, 2006

by: Ken Sherman

In the United States, PVC is by far the most commonly used cover material for loose leaf ring binders. The field of Information Storage also includes the use of CDs, DVDs and other digital media. Vinyl heat-sealed binders and cases have proven popular for these products as well.

Traditionally, vinyl has been the material of choice in custom binder applications since it easily lends itself to multiple color silkscreen printing, foil stamping, embossing or debossing, appliqué, and now even digital printing.

Expanding decorating possibilities even further, cover designs are now often printed on paper and then embedded under a clear vinyl overlay. Thus, virtually any artwork can be utilized within the framework of vinyl binder manufacture. This “entrapment” binder is somewhat similar to a retail “clear-view” binder where the user simply inserts the artwork into an open end of the clear vinyl overlay. Printing on paper is faster and much less costly than elaborately decorating vinyl.

The entrapment binder is better than a clear-view binder, because all sides of the overlay are sealed shut and the artwork can be placed very close to the seal on all sides. The seal also is much tighter to the copy so that air space is eliminated and the binder has a true “custom” appearance.

Entrapment binder covers, as well as other vinyl binders with many parts to assemble, become much more labor intense. Let’s get down to cases (pun intended).

Imagine a vinyl binder with interior front and back cover pockets, with three-pieces of cover art (front cover, spine, and rear covers) and a clear overlay. To assemble this cover, a heat seal turntable must be set up to provide for placement of TEN components:

Interior vinyl pocket
Opaque vinyl liner
Three chipboard pieces for front cover, spine, and rear cover
Opaque outside vinyl cover
Three pieces of printed cover artwork
Clear vinyl overlay

To run such a job, setup time is considerable because each station of the turntable must be configured for each of these parts. To run the job, a constant supply of these components must be furnished to the production line. To get reasonable production output requires two or three operators. Based on information from past BIA industry surveys, three operators can produce, at best, about 1,800 units per 7 1/2 hour shift, while two people can make about 1,400 or 1,500.

So we see that this type of binder is considerably more labor-intense than a standard vinyl binder cover that has only five or six components.

	3 PERSONS	2 PERSONS	(1 person automated)
OUTPUT	1,800	1,400	2,700
MAN HOURS	22.5	15	7.5
SETUP TIME	90 min.	90 min.	40 min.

Pick and place automation makes the most sense here. Production output can easily increase to 2,500 to 2,800 units per 7 1/2 hour shift, with only one operator needed. Let’s look at the impact this has on cost by comparing an automated production line with both a two-person and three-person non-automated production line.

The above table shows that an automated assembly line will produce 50 percent more units than a 3-person line with just 1/3 of the labor cost. Setup and changeover times are reduced by half. Note that this automated line can produce 93 percent more units than the two-person line with only half the labor cost. In both cases, setup and changeover time is reduced 56 percent.

Today, pick and place automation systems provide a cost-effective solution. Typical payback on this equipment is less than two years. The value of the labor savings is much greater than monthly lease/purchase payments, so cash flow is positive.

This same equipment also will run conventionally decorated binders with results that are superior to hand-placement of components. The secret is an optical sensor that locks in on part of the decorated design and can register on the design, rather than the perimeter of the material. The improvement in registration is astounding! This brings up another important element: ACCURACY. Pick and place machines can place a binder part to within 1/10,000ths of an inch accurately, every time. The improved quality of the final product can be easily seen. The dramatic reduction in spoilage is a further cost reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to have a full-time “engineer” to operate and maintain the equipment?
A: No. The equipment, while sophisticated, can easily be maintained “in-house”. Most parts can be found at Grainger’s and other local industrial parts sources. Choose automation equipment from the most experienced developers. From the beginning, they will guide you through the process.

Q: The last time I checked, this kind of equipment takes up too much space and requires very large-diameter turntables. Is this still true?
A: Not at all. Use your existing turntables. Most plants already have 84″ to 96″ diameter turntables. All you add is one or two automation modules, depending on the kind of jobs you expect to run most of the time. A standard binder with 5 or 6 components requires only one module, while entrapment or clear-view binders use two.

Q: For clear-view or entrapment binders, must I buy two modules at the same time?
A: Your choice. The very fact that this equipment is MODULAR means you can add the second module at any time. The first module is generally a sheet and board feeder, so it can be used also for pre-sheeted decorated and undecorated binders. Until the second module is added, you can still make clear-view binders by using another operator to hand-feed the sheeted clear. You will still increase production speed, whether making decorated or clear-view binders, with the single module.

Q: I was under the impression that this equipment costs around $1,000,000 for each assembly line. We are just a medium-sized manufacturer and cannot justify that.
A: The kind of automation modules we are discussing here cost but a small fraction of that. As we’ve mentioned, the equipment will produce a positive cash flow and most likely pay for itself in less than two years.

Q: I had heard that automation is great, but only if you set it up once and run the same product “forever” because setup and change overs are so time and labor-consuming.
A: There are certainly machines on the market that fit that description but the modules we are describing can be set up and changed over in between one half hour and one hour. Far fewer fixtures are needed at each turntable station and that is what consumes time and labor when setting up or changing over. Programming each module is simple. A laser scanner “sees” the turntable setup and “learns” where each binder component must be placed. After that, repeatable accuracy produces consistent, quality covers every time.

Q: Can the modules roll-feed from pre-slit vinyl rolls?
A: Yes, modules can be built to feed either vinyl sheets or slit rolls. In the case of clear overlays, as in clear-view or entrapment binders, roll-feeding the clear is best. The module feeds the proper length of vinyl from the roll, cuts the sheet and then places it into position. Undecorated opaque vinyl also lends itself to roll-feeding. If you are slitting and sheeting your vinyl, such as for decorated covers, sheet feeding is ideal.

Q: What does the one operator do in a full entrapment job?
A: As we’ve said, a complete entrapment needs only one operator. This person removes the finished cover, then inspects and strips the “ribbon”. The operator then places (for example) the inside pocket and liner. The modules do the rest.

Q: Must the machine be stopped to load vinyl or board?
A: In the case of modules that are feeding sheet vinyl and board or entrapment-printed sheets, the machine can be loaded while continuously running due to double-width hoppers. If the module is built to roll-feed the vinyl, changing rolls would need a brief stop of 30 seconds to 60 seconds.

Q: What brands of automation modules are being used most in the United States?
A: This type of equipment was first developed specifically for our industry by Douglas Lee of Lee Manufacturing in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. There is more of their equipment in use in the U.S. than any other kind dealing specifically with the custom industry. Each module is designed and built-to-order. Automation is not a “one size fits all” affair. Each individual situation is looked at, analyzed, and the best automation solutions are then presented.

Ken Sherman is the president and CEO of Charles Leonard Western, Inc., the leading supplier of metals and devices in the Western United States. Sherman has been in the industry for over 40 years. He has been a frequent speaker/panelist at BIA Conventions and also has authored numerous articles for trade publications.

New Technologies in Cutting & Trimming

May 1, 2006

by: Dianna Brodine

A complex printed project begins with consultations between customer, printer and binder. The possibilities are discussed, printing and folding options are weighed, and a plan to reach the desired outcome is developed. Once the printed material reaches the bindery, an inaccurate or ragged cut can compromise days or even weeks of work and material. Since paper cutting is a repetitive process that can be automated with little to no operator assistance in most cases, new technology developments in the machinery used for cutting are catching the eye of bindery employees. A reduction in the number of times human hands intervene in a project can lead to a reduction in errors.

Before the First Cut

Before a machine can effectively cut the printed material, the material must first be loaded neatly into the machine. Colter & Peterson has recently installed its second BASA automatic jogging system from Baumann in the United States at a Florida commercial print shop. The BASA is the world’s first totally automatic jogging system that works without operator intervention. Skids of sheets are placed directly from the printing press into the system. They are then automatically counted and jogged. The air is squeezed out of the reams, which are then stored on racks or brought directly into the back of the paper cutter for cutting.

Automated Cutting Technology

Advances in automation can reduce the number of operators needed to finish a project, thereby reducing personnel expenses. To meet the automated cutting needs of binderies, Standard Finishing Systems offers the Standard Horizon HT-30, a three-side trimmer featuring automated job set-ups and quick changeovers to meet the requirements of the short run print-on-demand book market. The HT-30 operates off-line to trim perfect bound books at speeds up to 200 cycles per hour with the ability to store up to 40 different book jobs in memory. A touch screen operator console allows all set-ups to be performed with full automation. Precision stepper motors accurately position all guides and clamps to insure professional quality paper cutting. Up to 12″ of books can be loaded into the in-feed hopper, where books are automatically fed for unattended operation.

Heidelberg USA’s POLAR Automated Cutting for Efficiency System (PACE) is the industry’s first fully automated cutting system from POLAR. By automating the loading, jogging, buffering, cutting, gripping, transporting, and unloading processes, PACE produces high-quality finished products with the least amount of human intervention. PACE increases productivity, lowers costs, and reduces waste. As an added advantage, separate elements of PACE’s technology can be employed to streamline other production runs and requirements.

In addition, WinAmerica, Inc. has introduced the new Pro-Cut 360 36 and 450 45 models. Both models are mechanical knife driven and carry features like double linear back gauges, touch screen Microsoft programmable-based computers, main air table, air side tables, Mitsubishi servo drive, chrome table surface, and heavy duty cast frames.

Small Scale Solutions

There are automated solutions for jobs on a smaller scale, too. The Challenge Machinery Company’s new Spartan 185AEP is a fully programmable 18.5″ table-top paper cutter featuring electric powered knife drive, clamping, and back gauge control. Its software offers the table-top cutter industry its first menu driven controller, enabling the operator to simply navigate the programming sequence. During a program, the 3″ LCD control screen displays the next five cuts, allowing the operator to see where they are in a job at all times. Its memory of 20 programs / 20 cuts per program and exclusive maintenance-free feature makes the Spartan 185AEP a good value in the 18.5″ cutter market.

Rollem International has released the new JETSTREAM, a cutting and collation system ideal for finishing game cards, business cards, and playing cards on smaller formats. The two-directional slitting/perforating system is designed as an economical method for finishing multiple-up products when automated collation is not required. The model includes a manual collating table. Products are processed in one machine, eliminating labor expenses.

Focus on Safety

The Baumcut 31.5 programmable cutter offers high-productivity precision cutting with maximum safety in mind. Infrared safety beams, two-hand timed cut release, and covered rear table help ensure operator safety. The heavy-duty, fully hydraulic cutter features push-button programming and stores up to 99 programs with 6,464 cut steps. Programming is automatic. Simply cut the first ream manually and the cuts are then stored as a program. A large central LCD display indicates data in the selected language. Knife changes are easy, with a front adjustment. Built-in table light and optical cutting line indicator yields more precise cutting.

Unique Solutions

Folded materials scheduled for cutting can bring their own challenges. When planning to run a job two or three up on a folding machine, the folder operator is traditionally limited to slitting only lighter stocks with a limited number of folds. Typical complaints when slitting with conventional tools include ragged edges and crooked cuts. Technifold’s new Multi Tool eliminates these common cutting problems and delivers the capability to get guillotine quality trimming in-line on the folding machine. Using hardened counter knives with a special bevel design, it is now possible to slit or double-trim multiple panel jobs on heavy cover stocks (from 1/8″ trim up to 1 1/8″ trim). The Multi Tool also has a Micro Perforating component available and is made to fit popular MBO, Stahl, Horizon, G&K (Vijuk), and MB folding machines.

For soft cover projects, Zechini has introduced the Zinko, with a unique design that permits a precise trim on the face of gate folded perfect bound, saddle stitched, and sewn books. The Zinko is capable of running at speeds up to 3,000 books/hour in-line with a three knife trimmer or off line.

Start Off Sharp

Of course, for paper cutting machines to work effectively and create crisp, clean edges, the knife blades have to be sharp. GrindTech EdgeSM Technology from Jorson & Carlson is a proven sharpening process in the grinding of knives that has become an effective way of achieving optimum sharpness. The sharpening and honing process is the most important procedure in obtaining sharpness, less dust, better quality of cuts, longer up time, and less change outs. The GrindTech EdgeSM Technology incorporates a custom mechanical sharpening, deburring, and lap grinding process.

With new advances in cutting and trimming technology, binders can insure greater accuracy, reduce the number of operators needed to oversee a job, improve safety levels for their employees, and increase the speed of job throughput for customers. New technology creates a win/win situation for all those involved.

Planning for Internet Success

May 1, 2006

by Mary Napier

As potential customers turn to the Internet to research and make product purchase decisions, more companies are trying to market themselves and their products with the use of a web site. But you shouldn’t jump on the bandwagon without proper preparation. The web site needs to be well planned and executed, or the business risks spending money on a web site that doesn’t convey the message it wants or even worse, drives customers to the competition.

Developing a Web Site

Kathryn Fuller is a web site developer with Response Builders, a web site design company specializing in search engine marketing. Response Builders creates web sites that are comprehensive online marketing pieces, serving as useful tools for small to medium-sized businesses. According to Fuller, there are important elements to think about during the initial planning stages. Before beginning a web site project, each company should take time to clearly:

Identify their target audience who buys the company’s products and services and what would the target audience like to see on the web site
Outline short term and long term goals
Research other sites and determine what you like and don’t like
Establish a reasonable budget for the initial setup of the site and the updating of it
Set your priorities

Information Management Services LLC in Hillsboro, Ore. started a web site, www.mybinding.com, about three years ago. The company sells binding equipment and supplies, as well as filing systems and supplies. During the initial planning stages, IMS determined what elements it wanted on mybinding.com, set goals for the site, looked at competitors, and figured out ways to market the web site.

“We wanted to create a web site that was simple to navigate, but comprehensive to give our customers lots of choices, and we wanted it to look good and have a good feeling,” said Jeff McRitchie, business manager and the person who developed the site. “Our goal was to grow the business and continue to provide for ongoing growth.”

IMS developed the web site in-house and does all of the updating itself. This is something to consider when you are planning the budget for your project. If there isn’t someone on staff who is capable of developing the web site, your company should acquire several bids from professional web development firms. Then weigh the costs of setup and maintenance. Maintenance should be assessed since it affects the ongoing cost of the web site. “For successful e-commerce web sites, most companies play some sort of role in the maintenance of it,” said McRitchie. “I spend about 10-20 hours a week updating our site.”

Elements of a Successful Web Site

The next step is to determine what elements on the web site will be most successful in attracting and providing information for your audience.

The most important element, according to Fuller, is the content. “Content is king! Be sure content is clear, concise, and meaningful,” said Fuller. “Visitors to a web site are looking for information to satisfy a specific need. Determine the need and supply content that answers their questions.”

According to Fuller, companies shouldn’t forget to “sell” the web site they have created. When creating your site, don’t forget the following:

Strategically choose images and photography to enhance the marketing message. Be sure to keep download times reasonable for those customers with slower internet connections.
Optimize your chances with the search engines – a web site is only successful if potential customers know your site exists. Web site code should be written with the search engines in mind.
Keep your site fresh – update information on your site regularly to encourage visitors to return.

Specific content that could increase traffic to your web site includes reference tools, industry-appropriate articles, and elements that provide customer interaction. “Quality resources on a web site show that you are knowledgeable in your industry,” said Fuller. “As an added bonus, articles and tools of reference can help your site be found in search engines for specific keyword phrases.”

Customer interaction tools also keep your visitors interested and eager to return according to Fuller. Web site promotions, coupons, and referral discounts all give a customer a reason to keep checking your site. You can even demonstrate a product with a short video. “A lot of people think of a web site as an online brochure, but it should be so much more,” said Fuller. “A little interactivity on your web site can leave a great impression with your customers and prospective clients.”

McRitchie also had some advice for a successful web site, “Aim to be the best. There are so many choices, so know what you are trying to do and be the best at it.”

McRitchie suggests doing market research by simply looking at what other people in the business are already doing to see how you can accomplish the same thing. Then come up with a unique idea to market the same products in a new and interesting way. This will make you stand out among the competition.

Marketing Your Web Site

After a site is planned out and developed, marketing the site becomes extremely important. “No one will ever go to your site if they don’t know that it’s out there,” said Fuller. Fuller often uses online marketing strategies that include optimizing web sites for the search engines so the site gets a higher ranking under key word phrases. Building links to your site and paid search engine advertising are other elements to consider in an online marketing plan. Sending e-mails to clients and prospects also can inform them about what is new in your company.

When doing traditional printed materials or advertisements, it is very important to include your web address on everything. Companies also can mention the web address on phone messages, use direct mail, and write press releases. And don’t forget to talk about your web site to current and prospective customers.

Mybinding.com understands the value in marketing your web site. “Any good web site has to have a marketing plan in place,” said McRitchie. “A few things we do are to try to position ourselves positively on search engines, send out e-mails, and do direct mail pieces. We do anything to get our name out there.”

Plan for Success

Web sites can be effective tools to grow your business if they are developed and executed in the right way. If your company is looking to start a web site, be sure to go through the proper steps of planning, development, execution, and marketing. Then make a commitment to update the site and keep the content fresh.

“Planning is very important,” said McRitchie. “E-commerce is no different than any other business. You have to have a business plan to be successful.”

Fuller explains that a web site is only worth the investment if it does what you want it to do. “Just like any other piece of your business, if you’re going to have an online presence, you should devote the time and money necessary to do it right.”

Kathryn Fuller joined the Response Builders team in 2001 and opened the Houston branch of Response Builders in 2004. Fuller combines her web site design experience with up-to-the-minute search engine marketing strategies to provide her clients with a web site that is a true representation of their business. Fuller currently resides in southeast Texas and can be reached at (409) 386-0807 or kfuller@responsebuilders.com.