Masterpiece Graphix

In case you missed our Dscoop webinar on Space Branding July 27, you can watch it here!

Use Space Branding to Create a One-of-A-Kind Marketing Experience

Dan Lawellin, Masterpiece Graphix; Jeff Sarenpa, Express Image Inc.; Adam Larson and Troy Kilfoyl, 3M Commercial Graphics; John McGowan, PRM Films Inc.

SpaceBrandingWebinar072711

More and more digital printers come to MGX for security solutions that will print on their digital press. To respond to this growing demand, MGX currently stocks RIT-certified DeterX® Gray “Copy” Security Paper (R1419 as rolls, MGX-1303 as sheets),  a commodity security solution for the HP Indigo. This unique paper is HP Indigo-certified for the WS6000, WS4050, 5000, 5500, and WS45000. This material exhibits a gray/blue pattern that reads “COPY” when duplicated and is perfect for many security applications like checks, coupons, gift certificates, rebates, event tickets and other secure document application. This material can be shipped the same day once ordered, since it is stocked as sheets or in rolls in the MGX warehouse.

In today’s growing marketplace, many digital press users demand a unique, custom security option tailored to their application. Thanks to Masterpiece Graphix’s partnership with Document Security Systems (DSS), MGX can offer a multitude of digital security paper options. With all of the available constructions, you are surely able to find a security paper solution that best fits with your product.

While MGX stocks our 60# Gray “Void” DeterX paper, many other custom constructions are available to fit your needs.  The DeterX technology (a hidden message revealed when the printed piece is scanned or copied) can be applied to a variety of substrates, including papers, board stocks, and plastics.  These hidden message pantographs can come in an assortment of colors, such as blue, red, yellow, and green, and the wording on the pantograph can be designed with a variety of standard messages, such as “void” or  “copy”.  We can even work with you to create a custom message or embed an end user’s logo!

Besides MGX’s stocked gray “copy” DeterX®, MGX in conjunction with DSS offers several other options for the DeterX® stock. DeterX® is a warning paper that contains hidden messages that are revealed once copied or scanned, making the difference between the original image and its copy unmistakable. MGX stocks the paper in a gray “copy: pattern, but the same stock is also available as a custom product in blue, red, yellow, and green. In addition, other messages can be embedded into the copy such as “void” or “unauthorized copy”.

Digital press users who desire a more covert security paper may prefer the DeterX® basket weave option. This paper disguises the hidden message with a complex basketweave pattern that is also pleasing to the eye. The basketweave pattern is available in gray, blue, green, red, and yellow. In addition, this paper stock has the option of adding a custom message to your stock, creating a proprietary digital security stock tailored to your specific application.

Blackout technology can give your secure document an extra layer of protection from unauthorized use. ObsureX is another MGX digital-ready stock available from DSS as a custom product. This gray stock is available with your choice of three hidden messages. What makes this digital security stock unique is its block-out pattern: copies on many high-end color copiers will show up severely distorted or even blacked out and unreadable. This function is very useful for obscuring highly sensitive information in addition to preventing unauthorized reproduction.

All of the MGX/DSS security products listed above can be formulated as sheets or rolls for the HP Indigo. Sheet products can also be made compatible with dry toner technology like the Kodak Nexpress or the Xerox iGen. Other constructions  can be engineered to your specific press technology.

Besides security paper, Masterpiece Graphix has many other substrate options available for security printing applications. Holographic materials, exotic substrates, tamper-evident polyester and self-destructive labeling materials are all available through MGX, ready to run on your digital press. For more information and substrate consultation for all of our security options, please call your MGX sales rep or email the sales team.

Digital printers often come to Masterpiece Graphix to help secure additional revenue streams for their business. MGX is committed to offering the highest-quality substrates so our customers can continue to create innovative products to “wow” their digital customers.  In that tradition, Masterpiece Graphix is now offering a unique heat transfer sheet material for fabrics that is compatible with HP Indigo commercial sheet presses. Digital printers can now utilize their HP Indigo commercial press to create colorful high-quality graphics for garment and other fabric applications.

Digitally-printed garments have become more popular recently, and the market continues to grow. Combined with the ability to produce short runs and custom items, digital technology is a win-win for garment production. Applications can range from the atypical tee to totes, accessories, pillowcases, ribbon, and promotional items.

These newly offered heat transfer materials work best on cotton or cotton/polyester blend fabrics with a tight weave. Sheets are available in white or clear, depending on the application.  The white sheets are recommended for use on white or light covered fabrics; clear is best utilized on dark-colored fabric applications. The transfer is very durable, with excellent color density lasting at least 15-20 wash cycles.

First the graphic is digitally printed as a mirror image on the non-glossy, unlined side of the material. Any unprinted paper is trimmed off of the printed graphic before application, so that only the graphic is transferred to the garment. A heat press set at 375°F with a high pressure setting (60 psi) is recommended for the best transfer results.

Before pressing the graphic into the garment, first press the garment individually for 3-5 seconds to release any moisture and remove wrinkles. When you are ready to adhere the transfer to the garment, place the printed and trimmed graphic face down on the garment with the lined side facing up. Press the garment for 20-25 seconds. When pressing is completed, wait three seconds then remove the backing paper while the graphic is still hot in a smooth and even motion. Let the garment cool, and it’s ready to wear!

Currently these thermal transfer materials are offered as HP Indigo-compatible products, but HP Indigo certification status is pending for both items. These products are also being tested to be compatible with dry toner presses like the Xerox iGen and Kodak Nexpress.

Besides white and clear transfer materials, other effects are available like a transfer material with an eye-catching glitter effect. For more information on all of MGX’s available heat transfer materials for digital presses, please contact your MGX sales rep directly or email the sales team.

In this new economic climate, consumers are carefully planning purchases and are less likely to make an impulse purchase. Retailers are looking away from traditional advertising means and considering new avenues to engage the customer. In 2009, there was an 11% drop in traditional advertising spending in the typical television, print and billboard ad categories. This shows that brands and retailers are seeking out new and unique ways to draw attention to their products by utilizing in-store promotions, commonly referred to as “space branding”. According to the In-Store Marketing Institute’s (ISMI) Shopper Marketing Trends, in-store branding has a formidable impact on consumers, with 70% attracted to aisle displays, 63% to merchandising displays, and 52% to shelf talkers.

The goal of space branding is to engage the consumer, creating a shopping experience and a personal connection to the brand. Retailers can apply space branding concepts to canvas an entire area of a store by using the aisles, walls, floors, shelves, windows, signage, and even its product packaging to create a uniform appearance. Space branding can create “a store within a store” environment, to engage consumers, guide them to your products within the store and create a dynamic shopping experience. Retailers are already utilizing in-store tactics to promote their brand; a recent Retail Systems Research report indicated that 70% of retailers use in-store technologies to improve the customer experience. Other businesses like event marketing, restaurants, and corporate offices can also utilize space branding to create a compelling message-centric experience on location.

Masterpiece Graphix’s digital lineup of materials allows printers to create custom colorful graphics for any locale: be it a retail store, an event, or an office.  Now your clients can effectively brand their entire location with floor graphics, wall graphics, counter talkers, shelf signage, POP displays, window decals, and even protective skins for electronics. Here are just a few of the available digital materials from MGX that can be used to produce elements of a space-branded locale:

Masterpiece Premium Wall Graphix: This unique substrate is useful for removable graphics on walls as well as shelf strips and counter talkers. This material is available as RIT-certified sheets for the HP Indigo 5000/5500 (MGX-1141) or as HP Indigo-compatible rolls (R1413). Dry toner-compatible sheets for presses like the Xerox iGen & Kodak Nexpress are also offered. Use in conjunction with our digital overlaminate materials to create durable or UV-resistant graphics. MGX uses Premium Wall Graphix and textured overlaminate to create branded, ultra-thin mousepads. Premium Wall Graphix can even be used in conjunction with specialized overlaminate for floor applications to create durable floor graphics; use alone or in a tiled pattern to make the most of prime branding space for your message. MGX offers specialized floor overlaminate with textured, non-slip, and gloss configurations; contact us to inquire which option would be best for your application conditions.

Masterpiece Premium GlassMate®: Window graphics are an excellent way to take advantage of prime unused advertising space both indoors and outdoors. Other overlooked benefits are the potential energy savings by blocking sunlight and the added security feature of blocking out windows. Masterpiece Premium GlassMate® is the ideal substrate for indoor and outdoor window applications. The material is available as white or clear sheets or rolls and is treated for use on HP Indigo, Xerox iGen or Kodak Nexpress. Please specify your press model when inquiring about available materials to ensure you get the right material for your machine. The material features a solid non-gummy adhesion system that works only on glass surfaces. If the material is applied properly to a clean glass window, the printed piece will remain indefinitely until removal. The specialized adhesive system allows the piece to be removed cleanly and easily without leaving residue behind. What also makes this specialized substrate unique is that the material and adhesion system is completely washable, so the printed piece can be cleaned and reused again and again. Premium GlassMate® is also weather-resistant and does not yellow or become brittle from UV exposure.

Static Cling: An economical window application standby, static cling is useful for indoor graphics that are viewable indoors or out. Static cling options include white or clear sheets or rolls, and the material is available as a compatible product for HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, and Kodak Nexpress. As with any digital material, please specify the press model you are using so that we can provide the right product for your machine.

Pressure-Sensitive Vinyls for iPad, smartphone, or other electronic covers: MGX offers several variations of pressure-sensitive 3.25 white vinyl for “skinning” personal electronics such as smartphones, iPads, and even computers. Electronics are important elements in any business location. Retail locations utilize cashier stations, self-checkout lanes, and computer kiosks. Even event marketing requires the use of smartphones, tablets, netbooks, and lead retrieval systems by staff. Branding these high-traffic, high-visibility components with colorful custom graphics is a new way to garner attention to your message and to complete the branded environment. There are many low-tack adhesive options available in sheets or as rolls for many electronic and appliance “skinning” applications. Please contact your MGX sales rep for substrate consulting for your specific application.

PVC, Styrene, Transilwrap 3D, and more POP signage options from MGX: Any traditional in-store branding includes the use of point-of-purchase (POP) signage. Conventional options include PVC vinyl for indoor use and styrene for outdoor use. Another interesting possibility to consider is Transilwrap 3D bubble sheets for indoor POP signage. The material creates a three-dimensional look like lenticular without the expensive software or setup costs. Besides PVC, styrene and Transilwrap 3D, MGX offers many other sheet and roll options for indoor and outdoor signage. With any unsupported sign material, a frame or stand will be needed to finish the sign. You may consider utilizing a clear substrate in conjunction with a backlit sign holder to make your message glow! For more information on the multitude of signage options from Masterpiece Graphix, please contact your MGX sales rep directly or email our sales team.

With its ability to produce colorful eye-popping graphics that grab attention on retail shelves, shrink sleeves are one of the fastest-growing segments in the digital labels market.  A recent L&NW shrink film article cited a TLMI projection, predicting the shrink sleeve industry to grow by at least 7 percent each year. The ability of the HP Indigo press WS4050, WS4500 and WS6000 to be able to print shrink sleeves as well as conventional labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons, shows that the HP Indigo industrial series press truly represents the best in digital package printing and converting in the industry. Masterpiece Graphix supplies many digital shrink film options for HP Indigo digital presses, and is proud to offer a new digital-ready material: 50 micron PETG shrink film to HP Indigo users.

The use of digital shrink sleeves is expected to increase as it eliminates the problems of printing on irregularly shaped containers and widely diverse substrates. The unique technology also allows packaging designers to create attention-grabbing graphics on their products that couldn’t be achieved with another production method. The finished piece exhibits the sought-after ‘no label’ look trending in modern package design. Shrink sleeves can increasingly be found on food containers, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, health/beauty products, or even as a tamper-evident security feature.

One major consumer of shrink sleeve labels is the beverage industry, and this ultra-competitive business segment is possibly the most demanding of print quality and technology.  With fierce competition between brands, strict adherence to corporate identity, trademark brand colors and the highest possible print quality are all important factors to stand out from rivals. The HP Indigo is perfect for producing the highest-quality graphics digital shrink sleeves to garter the most impact on store shelves. The power of digital print’s variable data technology is also desirable for regional branding and sweepstakes promotions, tools that many beverage companies currently utilize to market their brands.

Masterpiece Graphix supplies several types of shrink film for the HP Indigo, including high/low shrink PVC & PETG, roll-on, shrink-on, and other variations. Masterpiece Premium 50 micron PETG shrink film (R1397) is the newest MGX spec added to our HP Indigo shrink film options. The digital-ready film allows you to seam without a pattern coating on the primer. The material is scuff-resistant and primed for digital printing on the outside of the film surface. Masterpiece Premium 50 micron PETG Shrink Film is currently pending HP Indigo certification, and several Masterpiece Graphix customers are already achieving exceptional print results when utilizing this material on their Indigo.

If you are interested in getting in on this hot new market for HP Indigo label & packaging converters, MGX can provide substrate guidance for your unique application and business model. For shrink film seaming and finishing equipment, be sure to review Karlville and ABG’s lines for digital shrink sleeve production. For more information on Masterpiece Premium 50 micron PETG Shrink Film, as well as other shrink sleeve substrate options, please check out the shrink film specs listed on our website. We also offer other options including custom constructions for your project. For more information and substrate guidance for your unique shrink sleeve application, please directly contact your MGX sales rep or email our sales team.

Metalized substrates add pizzazz to your digital press offering with sparkle and interest. However it can be tricky to for a graphic designer to create a file that will achieve the desired metalized colors and effect when it goes to press. Color-Logic, a developer of color communication and software tools for special effect printing, The Process Metallic Color System™ by Color-Logic provides a communication system linking graphic designers with printers and converters. Previously only available for offset lithography applications, the Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System Version 2™ now supports digital press, inkjet and flexo printing processes. The Process Metallic Color System Version 2 ™ enables licensed printers to produce remarkable metallic effects on HP Indigo and Xeikon digital presses. The system is designed so that nearly any digital press that can print opaque white ink on a metallic substrate can produce striking images, hundreds of metallic colors and dazzling special effects.

Now industrial HP Indigo and Xeikon users with five-color printing capabilities (white plus CMYK) can utilize the Color-Logic process to produce as many as 250 different metallic hues on metalized substrates. The Color-Logic software works by incorporating the metallic substrate into the design, creating an effect equivalent to that achieved when running offset lithographic images with metallic ink. The Process Metallic Color System™ standardizes the process to benefit both printers and designers, to ensure files are correctly printed without the trial and error that can hinder metallic printing projects. The software system produces beautiful special effects for labels, folding cartons, signage, literature, point-of-purchase, and other specialty applications.

The Process Metallic Color System™ by Color-Logic has gained popularity initially for its ability to produce striking metallic images and special effects using offset lithography and flexography. In addition to Xeikon and HP Indigo technology, Color-Logic has recently released the new version of their metallic printing system to be compatible with wide-format inkjet.

The Process Metallic Color System™ software works by providing graphic designers with the ability to add a fifth silver separation to their usual CMYK images, creating designs that were previously impossible to achieve. Many Color-Logic special effects are simple and easy to create, and the system does not require you to purchase additional hardware or software to implement the technology. Files are generated by the same design software press users currently use, so Color Logic’s Process Metallic Color System™ platform is already compatible with your existing workflow. Printers that want to utilize the system are licensed and authorized by Color-Logic after demonstrating their metalized printing capabilities with the Process Metallic Color System™. This certification is a strong selling point when bidding on metallic printing jobs.

Color-Logic sells directly to printing companies who can then license the process from Color-Logic on a one-time basis, for perpetual use. Color-Logic partners with major press and output device suppliers, including manufacturers providing coating and proofing equipment, as well as ink and substrate suppliers, to ensure compatibility with existing printer workflows and practices. Products are thoroughly tested before release to ensure that the metallic printing system produces exceptional results on different digital press models.

Color-Logic, in conjunction with Xeikon, showcased their Process Metallic Color System™ at Graph Expo in October 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. Color Logic’s booth distributed printed samples of MGX’s Xeikon-Authorized Brilliant Metalized Paper/Perm/40# (R1361), which were printed using Color Logic’s metalized printing software on a Xeikon digital press.  Color-Logic’s Process Metallic Color System™ received a coveted MustSee’em Award in the Software category at Graph Expo.

Take a few minutes to see how the Color-Logic Design Suite produces dynamic  effects with the most common design programs available in the marketplace today by following this link.

Masterpiece Graphix can provide digital metalized substrates for HP Indigo and Xeikon that work well with Color-Logic’s Process Metallic Color System™. For more information on our metalized substrates, please contact your MGX sales rep directly or email our sales team.

Many digital press applications require a sturdy material to be used outdoors. Suitable materials need to be able to stand up to the elements: UV exposure, extreme temperatures and wind resistance are just some of the factors that can degrade an outdoor substrate over time. Masterpiece Graphix offers many substrate options that can withstand outdoor conditions. Below are some of the most common outdoors substrates that MGX customers request:

UV-Resistant Polycarbonate

If your application calls for a durable, weatherable plastic that will hold up to all sorts of rigorous use, polycarbonate is an ideal choice. MGX stocks several types of HP Indigo-compatible polycarbonate sheets, including 10 mil Velvet/Matte Makrofol® UV-1 Polycarbonate C1S (MGX-1089). Use of a polycarbonate formulated for UV resistance is essential for outdoor use, as yellowing will occur if the polycarbonate is not outdoor rated. Outdoor membrane switches, instrument panels, machinery nameplates, bulletproof windows, and outdoor signage are all viable applications for UV-resistant polycarbonate sheets. This material is made for reverse-printing applications, so the sheet is digital-ready on the matte side, and finished printed piece is applied velvet-side up to protect the ink. The velvet side is also scratch-resistant as the material masks any surface scratches within the velvet texture. Other custom polycarbonate stocks are available; contact your MGX sales rep for more information on other UV-resistant polycarbonates.

MGX/Transilwrap Styrene

High impact polystyrene is an economical, easy-to-handle substrate ideal for die-cutting and guillotine cut and punch. The film can be duplex printed to offer rich, vibrant colors in backlit sign applications. MGX digital styrene is economically priced, 100% recyclable, and is perfect for disposable outdoor signage and backlit displays. Unlike PVC, styrene is UV-resistant and doesn’t become brittle due to outdoor exposure. Masterpiece Graphix offers Transilwrap Digital 15 mil White Styrene C2S (MGX-1306) and 24 mil White Styrene C2S (MGX-1283). Both stocks are HP Indigo-compatible, however 24 mil styrene is recommended only for use on an HP Indigo S2000 press. HP Indigo-compatible rolls up to 13” width are also available. Dry toner-compatible styrene for digital presses like the Kodak Nexpress & Xerox iGen can be ordered from MGX on a custom product basis. Other colors, thicknesses and custom options are available by request.

MGX/Transilwrap Pro-Print®

A diverse synthetic paper, Pro-Print® is an environmentally-friendly and durable white opaque sheet. The substrate is highly heat-resistant up to 350° F and is microwavable. A versatile material, Pro-Print® can be folded, hot stamped, embossed, die cut, riveted, stapled, and sewn, lending itself to multiple end-use applications. Co-branded MGX/Transilwrap Proprint® is available as a custom HP Indigo-compatible product in sheets or as rolls.

acpo Digital Overlaminate with UV Inhibitors

When an appropriate outdoor-ready digital substrate isn’t available, an UV-resistant overlaminate film can offer increased protection after printing to make a material outdoor-ready. Masterpiece Graphix offers several acpo digital overlaminate products that are specifically engineered to perform well on digital inks. Masterpiece Graphix’s Clear Medium Release Polyester Overlaminate w/ UV Inhibitors (691DIG) maintains optical clarity after the material is laminated. The material provides an attractive glossy finish and features excellent resistance to moisture, oils, acids, alkailis, and chemicals. This material contains a UV inhibitor, offering protection from the outdoor elements which will protect the printed substrate from sunlight, weathering, and aging.

Outdoor Weatherable Vinyls

Masterpiece Graphix is proud to offer 2, 5, and 10-year weatherable vinyls on a custom order basis. These materials have been rigorously tested and proven to last under outdoor conditions for the amount of time specified. Many standard vinyl sheets will become brittle and eventually break due to UV exposure. Minimum order quantities do apply; please contact your MGX sales rep directly or email our sales team to request more information including a custom quote.

…And Much More!

Is there a digital-ready outdoor substrate you want that isn’t mentioned in this article! Ask MGX! We can help you select, trial and perfect your desired digital substrate. We can offer many digital-ready plastics and specialty synthetics as a result of our partnership with Transilwrap. Contact your MGX sales rep directly or email our sales team to request information, pricing, and lead time on your requested digital weatherable substrates.

Digital printers can add value to their services by framing their organization as a marketing service provider, integrating custom marketing solutions into their clients’ print jobs. A complete and effective marketing campaign may only utilize print for a part of the entire customer experience, coupled with social media and online media channels.

With the emergence and popularity of laptops, smartphones and iPads, consumers have the resources to find information they need online, wherever they are. Web browsing on mobile devices is becoming more popular every day; recently Nielsen’s internet measurement service predicted that smartphones will be the dominant web-browsing device by the end of 2011. Why not take advantage of this tool that your customers already utilize every day, and integrate it into your print campaigns to guide customers to valuable product-related information? With the emergence of the QR code, printers can utilize this new technology to make their clients’ print projects interactive and to create a multimedia experience from something as simple as a label or brochure.

What is a QR code, you may ask?  A QR code is a high-density barcode that can be read with a computer webcam or smartphone camera combined with a specialized application to read it. When the QR code is read with the smartphone or tablet PC, the user can be instantly connected to the encoded web content that is associated with the QR code without typing in a URL or promotional code. As far as content goes, the possibilities are endless: the QR code could link with a sales video, a coupon, a social networking page or a personalized URL.

Utilizing QR codes into your existing print job connects your client’s customers to a wealth of information about their product. For example, Nike Belgium recently used a QR code campaign on storefront window signage to drive traffic to their Facebook page and to persuade people to “like” their new fall clothing line. Another creative use is to include QR codes on a food product label to take customers to information on related recipes and wine pairings. The German Yellow Pages are even utilizing QR codes to take people to their mobile website. Masterpiece Graphix recently utilized QR codes on promotional brochures at Label Expo so attendees could easily visit the company website to gain more information on MGX digital products.

What makes a good QR code marketing strategy? An effective cross-media marketing campaign requires a little brainstorming. Ask yourself: What is it that I am trying to get my customer to do, what is the “call to action”? What is an engaging, interesting way to persuade your customer to access your information online? What kind of web content will best communicate your message and convince customers to buy?

It is important to note that QR codes are merely a way to bridge print and web content. In order to generate interest in your product, one must utilize both engaging print and web content to draw the customer in and to persuade them to utilize the QR code. Web content should be dynamic and mobile-device friendly so users can access and navigate your page easily. The printed piece still needs to be eye-catching and informative so the customer will be influenced to scan the QR code to learn more.

It’s easy to get started with QR code marketing. There are many free QR code generators on the internet that will take your desired URL and create a custom QR code to take people to your site.  For more information on the history, application and use of QR codes, please visit the Mobile Barcodes website. You can generate your own free QR code and download QR code reading software from the site as well.

In the world of retail packaging shelf appeal is crucial in appealing to consumers and increasing revenue. One way to improve retail visibility is to utilize eye-catching graphics on a unique container that stands out from the competitions’ products. In-mold labeling is a way to catch attention on retail shelves as well as a one-pass manufacturing process that can reduce application costs and secondary operations in your digital print manufacturing applications.

In-mold labeling, or IML, is a process in which a label or product decoration is applied when the object is being formed in the mold. A label or appliqué with a heat-activated adhesive is placed in the open mold and held in place during production. The mold is then closed and molten plastic resin is extruded or injected into the mold cavity where it forms the desired shape of the object or container. The hot plastic adheres to the label, embedding the label into the container and making it an integral part of the molded object. The finished appearance of IML creates a seamless, no-label look that could not be achieved with conventional labeling methods. Many IML labels are printed on the same material as the container, like polyethylene, polypropylene or styrene.

In-mold labeling has been popular in Europe for some time. According to a 2004 article, an estimated 85-95% of food applications utilize IML in Europe. In contrast, only 5% of food packaging in North America currently uses IML. However, In-mold labeling is quickly gaining popularity in this market for its physical, visual and economical characteristics. It has been estimated that IML will grow 6%-10% in the North American market annually over the next several years.

Because the in-mold label is a part of the finished object, the label is very durable and almost impossible to remove. In-mold durable labels are resistant to squeezing, stains, peeling, water, chemicals and abrasion: these conditions can destroy a conventional pressure-sensitive label. In some cases an in-mold label can increase the sidewall strength of the finished product.

Another advantage to in-mold labeling is production efficiency; IML eliminates the need for a separate labeling process which can save your company labor and machinery costs when compared to traditional labeling. The efficient process yields a very low material scrap rate; a typical percentage for an IML operation is less than one percent. Some could argue that in-mold labeling saves energy with a one-pass manufacturing process, making it an “eco-friendly” option. In addition, many IML containers are recyclable, and because the IML label is constructed from the same material as the container, the entire package can be reground and recycled without having to remove the label.

IML technology can add a variety of products to your manufacturing capabilities. Many containers can be in-mold labeled like blow-molded bottles, injection-molded open top PP containers and other plastic articles. Durable goods like drinkware, computer cases, cell phones, and sporting equipment can also be manufactured using an in-mold process.

The possibilities for IML applications are endless, and can be applied to many industries your company may already serve. In-mold labeling is an excellent option for beverage bottles, food containers, liquid detergents, personal care, household cleaners, automotive products, agricultural and garden products, and even durable goods production. IML can also be found in many toy and instructional labeling applications and is sometimes referred to as in-mold decorating (IMD) in the manufacturing realm.

Digital print technology in conjunction with in-mold labeling can be used to create vibrant, colorful packaging that is visually appealing on store shelves. HP Indigo ink chemistry makes it an ideal option for IML print jobs. Digital print’s variable data technology can be utilized to create custom, market-specific products that will appeal to each customer segment.

Masterpiece Graphix currently carries many IML-ready substrates for your digital press. We offer thermo-formable digital substrates like polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene, PET, HDPE, PolyArt®, and other polyolefin substrates that are ideal for IML applications. If you already have a substrate in mind, MGX can help you make it IML-ready. Masterpiece Graphix serves other in-mold label printers in the manufacturing industry and can offer guidance and suggestions in substrates and applications. For more information on the in-mold labeling industry, please visit the In-Mold Decoration Association (IMDA) website. To learn more about the multitude of digital in-mold labeling options available through MGX, please contact your MGX sales rep.

With advances in digital printing, photography and scanning technologies, counterfeiters have more tools than ever to mimic a product.  These technologies make it easy to copy a brand and hard to discern a genuine product or document from a counterfeit. As new security printing and packaging technologies emerge, copycats quickly take note and scramble to produce reproductions of the new process. Therefore the brand protection and security market is constantly developing new technologies and processes to stay one step ahead of criminals.

Why do counterfeiters take such extreme measures to produce realistic copies of a product? It’s profitable to copy a successful product, piggybacking on the item’s sales and stealing potential revenue from the original manufacturer. According to the International Authentication Association (IAA), the illegal practice of counterfeiting costs industries anywhere between $200 billion and $600 billion dollars per year (see L&NW article). All industries are susceptible but some face more risks than others: Pharmaceuticals, software, music, automobile/machinery parts, and movies are all markets that currently combat fraudulent reproduction of their products. Even brand-name commodities and licensed products face the risk of counterfeit.

Essentially there are four categories of brand protection strategies that printers and manufacturers can choose to implement individually or as a combination for security printing:

• Overt: This category is obvious to both the customer and the manufacturer, and is classified by the unique packaging or look of the product or brand. One of the most common forms of overt security packaging is tamper-evident labeling. Other examples include complex label graphics that are difficult to replicate, or the use of hard-to-attain holographic or exotic material within the design. This strategy is coincidentally the most complex because in many cases the unique packaging is exactly what the counterfeiter is trying to copy.

• Covert/Forensic: These security features are hard to identify by the customer or even the naked eye. However, covert features are hard to mimic because they are hard to identify without specialized equipment. One application of covert packaging is to incorporate security ink into the printed product so the image fluoresces when placed under ultraviolet (UV) light Kodak Nexpress recently released red florescent ink that is invisible to the naked eye but can be used for security printing applications. A printer may also choose to utilize security paper into the product which when copied, displays a message that deters counterfeiters.

• Numbering/Coding: Digital printers are perfectly poised to utilize variable data as a security feature for their customers. Setting up a system that is unique to each item is a way to be certain that each product is unique and therefore hard to mimic. Utilizing algorithms, sequential numbering or custom barcodes to create a custom label for each product is a way to integrate security as well as information into the product. These forms of variable data can contain useful data such as print date or product origin.

• Information Linkage: Advances in digital technology has allowed manufacturers to use embed “smart” sensors within their products so they can track and identify their items easily. The most common form of information linkage security packaging is radio-frequency identification (RFID). These smart sensors can be embedded in the packaging upon manufacture, which allows for scanning of an item to determine authenticity. RFID tags can even track movement of items within a certain area with the right equipment. RFID technology is an emerging and developing tool which may come to replace conventional barcodes in the future.

Masterpiece Graphix has many substrate options available for security printing applications. Holographic materials, exotic substrates, security paper and tamper-evident polyester and self-destructive labeling materials are all available through MGX, ready to run on your digital press. MGX carries RIT-certified DeterX® Gray Void Security Paper (R1419 as rolls, MGX-1303 as sheets) for the HP Indigo. This unique paper is HP Indigo-certified for the WS6000, WS4050, 5000, 5500, and WS45000. This paper is stocked with a gray/blue pattern that reads “COPY” when duplicated. This digital substrate is perfect for printing checks, coupons, rebates, event tickets and other secure document applications. Custom colors and hidden messages are also available. For more information on DeterX® papers or custom security solutions for your application, please contact your MGX sales rep.