Masterpiece Graphix

Hoppy Easter!! 

We will be closed on Friday, March 29, 2013. Normal material lead times may be affected by holiday hours. Be sure to communicate and verify your order delivery requirements with your MGX rep to avoid any conflicts.

We will return to normal business hours on Monday, April 1, 2013. We hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend!!

Let’s face it, the math used in the printing industry has never been anything short of a headache.  While other industries standardize measurements to pounds, square feet, barrels, bushels, or any number of single measurements, our industry can’t seem to agree to any one of the above!  Any given day, we get thrown MSI’s, lineal feet, pounds of material, square inches, sheet units…and the ever popular “M” weight and price-per-hundred weight (CWT).
With all of these units of measurement floating around and the confusion that can occur when trying to convert one to another, here are some quick reference formulas you can use for your calculations.

Converting To MSI

I will start by saying that 1 MSI and 1 MMSI are not the same.
1MSI = 1,000 square inches
1MMSI= 1,000,000 square inches

For the roll material users out there, this is a pretty standard measurement.  Chances are you know these numbers inside and out, forward and backward.  However, for the sheet users, you may not encounter these as often.  Either way, it never hurts to know how to work in MSI.  The great thing about using MSI measurements is that you can quickly and efficiently convert to anything else (rolls, sheets, and feet).

To calculate the number of MSI in a Roll of material:
Formula:
(width of material in inches x 12 x length of material in feet) / 1000 = number of MSI in a roll

          ex: 13″ wide roll of material @ 5000 ft = (13 x 12 x 5000)/1000 = 780 MSI

To Calculate the number of MSI in a Sheet of material:
Formula:
(width of sheet in inches x length of the sheet in inches)/1000 = number of MSI in a sheet

ex: 12″ x 18″ sheet = (12 x 18)/1000 = .216 MSI

Ok, now what? Converting from MSI

Converting to MSI is a great thing to know.  It helps you know how much you will spend on material if you were quoted an MSI price.  It helps you pinpoint the exact amount of material running through a press.  You can use it to break down the cost of master rolls into smaller roll (not to mention make you the hero on trivia night!).  All this is great, but let’s be honest, when was the last time you said “Hey, can you put that 500 MSI roll on the Indigo?” or “Do you mind running 250 MSI of sheets for a job”?  Let’s look at how you can take those MSI’s and put them back into something usable.

To calculate the footage or width of material with a known number of MSI:
Formula:
MSI x 1000 / (width of the material in inches x 12) = length of material in feet
MSI x 1000 / (length of material in feet x 12) = width of material in inches

example 1:  You receive an invoice that says 1440 MSI.  You know the material is 13″ wide, but need to determine the length of material you received.
1440 x 1000 / (13 x 12) = 9,230.77 ft

example 2:  You receive an invoice that says 720 MSI.  You know you received 5,000 ft of material, but need to determine how wide each roll is.

720 x 1000 / (5000 x 12) = 12 inches

Last Notes and Quick Tips

Once you get a grip on these formulas, the majority of  your conversion needs should be pretty simple.  I intentionally left out conversion formulas for lbs of material, M weights, and CWT.  That’s a whole other article with new formulas.  Need to work with those in the meantime?  Neenah Paper makes a great smartphone app for doing just that!

Need help with converting pricing such as price per foot to price per MSI?  Give us a call!

Quick References:
1 msi = 1,000 sq inches
1 MMSI = 1,000,000 sq inches
12 x 18 sheet = .216 msi
13 x 19 sheet = .247 msi
12″ x 5000 ft roll = 720 msi
Price per msi x .216 = Price per 12 x 18 sheet
Price per 12 x 18 sheet / .216 = Price per msi

I hope this helps answer some of the measurement-converting questions some of you have had.  As always, let us know if there’s anything more we can do to help.  We’re always just an email, text message, or phone call away!

Season’s Greetings!!

Please note the Masterpiece Graphix Holiday Schedule.

We will be closed on Tuesday, December 25th & Tuesday, January 1st.

Our Shipping & Receiving Department will also be closed on Monday, December 24th & Monday, December 31st (however, the office will remain open).

Normal material lead times may be affected by holiday hours. Be sure to communicate and verify your order delivery requirements with your MGX rep to avoid any conflicts.

Wishing You & Your Family A Joyous Holiday Season!

Masterpiece Graphix, one of the leading providers of digital printing substrates, is pleased to announce it is now a part of the Xeikon Aura Partner Network for Print Media.

Fenton, MO, (September 25, 2012) – Masterpiece Graphix has served the digital printing community by providing new solutions and printing substrates for many years and continues to develop new markets for the digital printing community.  Now, through the Xeikon Aura Partner Network, Masterpiece Graphix is expanding its involvement with digital printers by providing turn-key, proven solutions to the Xeikon family of presses and press-owners.  The new arrangement will give Xeikon press owners access to a wide variety of tested ready-to-run materials including standard items as well as unique substrates for the Xeikon digital press.

The Xeikon Aura Partner Network is designed to bring together information about Xeikon partners and their integrated solutions into a centralized location.  It is based upon non-exclusive relationships with industry leading-partners in three key areas including workflow software, converting and finishing, and paper and print media.  Each area has the goal of providing a transparent overview on all tested and approved solutions integrated by Xeikon and its industry partners, provide Xeikon customers open accessibility to the services they require, and build and further strengthen relationships with Xeikon partners.

“We are thrilled that Xeikon has allowed us to become a part of such a great program.  Masterpiece Graphix has made a commitment to provide leading edge services and materials to the digital print community and by joining the Xeikon Aura Network, Masterpiece is carrying on that commitment by providing tested, proven, and approved materials to the Xeikon press owners.  This partnership has allowed Masterpiece and Xeikon to work together on new business opportunities and create new material options that help expand the market range of these machines.  Through this arrangement, customers will have access to an assortment of newly developed products, adding to the many traditional label materials and all available in one location,” said Dan Lawellin, vice president of business development for Masterpiece Graphix.

Masterpiece Graphix will be releasing a number of new substrate options for Xeikon customers over the remainder of 2012.  These materials will include metalized films and papers, specialty transfer stocks, and traditional label and packaging materials.  Customers interested in learning more about Masterpiece Graphix new approved materials can visit www.mgxdigital.com.  Masterpiece Graphix customers interested in receiving specific information about the new products should contact Dan Lawellin at 636-349-6401 ext. 210 for more information.  Information for the Xeikon Aura Partner Network can be found at www.xeikon.com/partners.

Are you on the lookout for pressure-sensitive synthetic options for durable labels? Would your production operation benefit from pre-split liner options, tailored to your application? Masterpiece REVOLUTION 3.25 mil White Vinyl/Perm/90# (MGX-1009) is a top Masterpiece Graphix product, suitable for many durable labels including outdoor applications. If you need a durable label material that can stand up to the rigors of abrasion, UV exposure, and harsh environments, MGX 1009 is a perfect choice. Due to customer demand, this popular product is now available with a split-back liner. Masterpiece Graphix can now offer custom split liner options on MGX-1009, as well as other MGX sheet products.

Many digital printers have come to MGX requesting split liner options on their desired digital sheet stocks. Many digital stocks can be split every 1.5-2 inches, allowing easier converting once printed. Any split liner options you desire can be easily coordinated through your MGX Digital Material Expert.

Masterpiece REVOLUTION 3.25 mil White Vinyl/Perm/90# (MGX-1009) is one of the most sought-after MGX stocks with a split liner option. MGX-1009 is HP Indigo-Certified by the Rochester Institute of Technology for use on the HP Indigo 5000/5500, and passed the certification test with three stars, the highest possible rating. Constructed with a high quality white vinyl face sheet and a superior permanent acrylic adhesive, MGX REVOLUTION 3.25 mil White Vinyl/Perm /90# liner provides a permanent bond to a wide range of surfaces, including low and high surface energy plastics, painted metal, powder coat paint and polycarbonate. The adhesive, developed to provide high tack and medium shear, has good chemical resistance and resists cold flow and ooze.

MGX-1009 is surprisingly durable, resisting abrasion that can occur during assembly, shipment, and everyday use. Masterpiece REVOLUTION 3.25 mil White Vinyl/Perm/90# Liner is UV-resistant, suitable for use indoors or outdoors. Download the spec sheet for MGX-1009 for more information.

MGX can offer many sheet products with a split-back, with options tailored to your needs and application. Contact your MGX Digital Material Expert to learn more.

Does your operation have a need for a lower cost, yet durable film that is UV-resistant as well as environmentally friendly? Look no further than Masterpiece Premium Styrene products. Polystyrene, or styrene, is a durable, versatile substrate that offers stability, UV-resistance, and durability, all at a lower price point than other premium film products.

Styrene is perfect for producing a multitude of durable products, including POP, backlit displays, disposable outdoor signage, menus, plant ID tags, temporary ID cards, formed packaging, and many more. The material is easy to convert, and can be guillotine cut, die cut, or punched into the desired format. Styrene is also 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly film choice. MGX offers all available varieties of polystyrene, with a range of thicknesses, colors, constructions, sizes and finishing options to suit any digital press, application or industry.

Masterpiece REVOLUTION Styrene

Masterpiece REVOLUTION 15 mil White Styrene (MGX-1306) is a versatile, high-performance substrate that fits well in many commercial press shops that house multiple digital press technologies. Masterpiece REVOLUTION products are an exclusive lineup of top quality, universal materials that are interchangeably compatible with liquid toner machines like the HP Indigo, as well as dry toner digital machines like the Xerox iGen. Now press users can use the same material on multiple machines. MGX stocks REVOLUTION 15 mil White Styrene in 12″ x 18″ sheets, with same-day shipping. Other thicknesses and sizes are also available, and can be stocked on our floor specifically for your operation.

Masterpiece Premium Styrene

If your needs are only for HP Indigo-compatible styrene materials, MGX has you covered. Masterpiece Premium styrene options are economical, versatile, and customizable to your application. Masterpiece Graphix offers all varieties of polystyrene, including opaque, near dead opaque, block-out, super white, dead white, as well as every other styrene option under the sun. All can be optimized to be HP Indigo-ready for your machine and application. Although these are custom products, your MGX Digital Material Expert can set up custom stocking options tailored to your application and press throughput, ensuring you always have the materials you need on your pressroom floor.

MGX: The Total Package for Your Styrene Operation

MGX can supply end-to end solutions for finishing styrene products, like specialized overlaminates that serve every major industry. MGX’s team of industry experts can guide converters in substrate selection, product construction, stocking options, and new product development. Masterpiece Graphix can supply styrene for any press, plus the appropriate overlaminate for your application in one package, an option not available through other digital material suppliers.

Masterpiece Graphix is your total solutions provider for high-performance styrene and other quality films. For more information on our film products, overlaminate options, and our custom stocking program, please contact your MGX Digital Material Expert.

Do you currently use an ILP unit on your HP Indigo 6000/6600? Or, are you considering an upgrade to treat your paper labelstocks in house? Now you can turn to MGX for your ILP needs as well as your digital material purchases. Masterpiece Graphix is now a distributor for Michelman in-line primer products for the HP Indigo 6000 and 6600. Now MGX provides end-to-end solutions for all HP Indigo presses, including those furnished with an in-line priming unit.

“As the digital printing market grows and evolves, Masterpiece Graphix is continuing to deliver the full package of services to the digital print community.  The addition of the Michelman ILP and MCL line of products allows us to help the owners of the new in-line priming equipment consolidate their sourcing requirements under one roof, said Dan Lawellin, MGX’s Vice President of Business Development.  “Masterpiece Graphix is in the position to supply them with the required coating, the raw substrates for priming in their equipment, and the coating expertise to work through challenging situations.  For customers that have needs the in-line priming solution does not address or customers that have not adopted the equipment, we offer a full line of ready-to run substrate solutions designed to work out of the box without any additional optimization necessary.  Today’s digital printing environment is about speed, efficiency, and ease of business transactions.  With our new combination of these services, we are aiming help press shops maximize all three of those areas and will continue take away some of the traditional challenges digital press owners faced in sourcing solutions.”

MGX provides three specialized Michelman products as a part of their distributorship agreement: Michem® In-Line Primer 030, Michem® Clean 1188, and Michem® Indicator 001.

Michem® In-Line Primer 030 (MGX-1669) applies a print-receptive surface to paper substrates via the in-line priming unit, improving the ink transfer and adhesion of HP Indigo Electroinks. The primer improves the printability of a wide range of paper substrates, including uncoated and clay-coated papers in varying weights and thicknesses. Pressure-sensitive paper facestocks, including textured papers, are also optimized by the HP Indigo in-line priming unit.

Michem® Clean 1188 (MGX-1670) is the recommended cleaning solution for Michem® In-Line Primer solutions. The cleaner is added to the cleaning tank of the in-line priming unit.

Michem® Indicator 001 (MGX-1671) is an indication solution that detects the presence of Michem® In-Line Primer treatment on dry coated substrates. The indicator will change from blue to yellow on dry substrates that have been treated with Michem® In-Line Primer coatings.

Are you interested in ILP products for your WS6000 or WS6600? Call 636.349.6401 x225, or contact your MGX Digital Material Expert for pricing and ordering options for Michem® In-Line Primer products from MGX.

Since industrial labels are so common, and in many cases, imperative to the design of the product, the market presents the perfect opportunity to add additional offerings to your digital press product arsenal. In addition, the variable data options of digital presses offer label converters the ability to create one-of-a-kind labels that include serial numbers, manufacturing date, and other pertinent information.

Masterpiece Graphix is your go-to supplier for materials suitable for any industrial label application. MGX offers a variety of high-performance synthetic substrates in roll or sheet form that are guaranteed to print on your HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, Kodak Nexpress, and other digital press models. Here are just a few of the materials from MGX that are perfect for industrial labeling applications:

Masterpiece REVOLUTION Hardcoated PET: An alternative to polycarbonate stocks, hardcoated polyester, or PET, has a stronger hardcoat than similar polycarbonate options. PET is more durable than polycarbonate and is resistant to heat and chemical solvents. Masterpiece REVOLUTION Clear Hardcoated PET products are optically clear, offer excellent outdoor and UV stability, and are thermo-formable. These characteristics make Masterpiece REVOLUTION Clear PET options perfect for many industrial labeling applications, as well as other options like touch panels and electronic overlays. When reverse-printed and combined with a high-end adhesive option, Masterpiece REVOLUTION Hardcoated PET allows your business to deliver the highest quality and longest lasting industrial label and overlay options available. MGX’s REVOLUTION Hardcoated polyester stocks are available for both wet and dry toner-based digital press technologies like the HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, and Kodak Nexpress. MGX’s hardcoated PET stocks are available in sheet or roll form in 5, 7, or 10 mil thicknesses, with an anti-glare or gloss finish.

Masterpiece REVOLUTION White PET: White polyester (PET) is perfect for many industrial label applications. MGX’s exclusive REVOLUTION white polyester stocks are available for both wet and dry toner-based digital press technologies like the HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, and Kodak Nexpress. The material is available unsupported or as a pressure-sensitive product, in 5, 8, 10, and 14 mil thicknesses The material is chemical, water, and stain resistant, and the UV stability of the material make it an exceptional product for outdoor usage. The overall printability and strength make Masterpiece REVOLUTION white PET stocks a viable alternative to polyethylene and PVC. Masterpiece REVOLUTION white PET is an excellent choice for wet environment labels and harsh environment tags.  MGX’s white PET stocks offer 90 bright whiteness, high opacity, and antistatic properties.

If you’ve contacted our team recently, you may have noticed a few new personalities at Masterpiece Graphix. We’ve hired two new team members to better serve our digital customers: Melissa Lydon, customer service representative, and Emily Sullivan, digital material expert and substrate consultant.

Expanding on Masterpiece Graphix customer service team, Melissa Lydon is our newest CSR.  Her expertise in working with both customers and vendors will ensure prompt responses to customer inquiries, and will continue to enhance the customer experience at Masterpiece Graphix.

Emily Sullivan has joined the team as MGX’s Midwest and North Central region digital material expert and substrate consultant. A recent graduate of the University of Missouri, Emily brings expertise from previous sales and business positions to her role at MGX. Her primary focus will be helping users develop new markets in their print shop and build value in their product lines through material consultation and industry recommendations. Emily will serve as the main contact for customers in the Midwest and North Central regions of the United States.

We welcome Emily and Melissa to the MGX team! You can contact any of our Digital Material Expert team members here.