405 words
20 May 2004
Business Forms, Labels & Systems
Volume 42; Issue 5; ISSN: 1044758X
English
Copyright (c) 2004 Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.

Production

Milwaukee-based Western States Envelope & Label is proud to have been selected by Mark Andy to preview the new, fully integrated DT Series-a digitally automated printing and laser die-cutting system that makes label production easier, faster and more cost-effective. The revolutionary DT Series is the only one of its kind in North America and combines digital printing capabilities with traditional die-cutting and flexo processes. Software-driven ink matching on the new Mark Andy DT Series allows for excellent print quality, label after label, repeat after repeat. Samples are courtesy of Western States Envelope & Label.

Software controls replace the standard plates and rotary dies, so the digital process saves the cost of a plate normally required for converting labels. The noplate digital technology is economical for even the smallest runs, and it's an ideal solution for customizing labels with variable imaging, text, bar codes, colors and personalized information.

In addition, the advanced software-driven controls enable the new label machine to provide accurate four-color process digital and traditional printing, as well as laser diecutting and traditional die-cut tooling capabilities.

The DT Series has a digital ink-jet system with four-color process that is capable of printing full-coverage and uses pigmented UV-curable inks that have improved density, drying, m light-fastness, scratch-resistant and thermal properties. Since the equipment uses software for ink matching instead of traditional ink mixing, the DT Series is able to sustain excellent print quality, label after label, repeat after repeat.

It uses a sealed CO2 laser and a high-speed motion system with process control software for precision laser diecutting and endless design possibilities. Although traditional tooling can still be used on longer runs, this digital environment prints and laser diecuts labels continuously without required tooling for repeats. With laser diecutting instead of dies, the system can reproduce label die cuts easily, quickly and accurately.

The DT Series is programmed to handle multiple jobs and can switch from one job to another with minimal waste or interruption, so there is no make-ready time between jobs.

As the industry moves toward shorter and more customized label runs, the innovative DT Series will help Western States Envelope & Label meet demand for the products required at the quality expected.