Masterpiece Graphix

Introducing Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Sheets: a new line of top quality, universal materials that are compatible with both your liquid toner and dry toner machines. REV up your digital print operations with high performance synthetics capable of running on your HP, Xerox, Kodak, Canon, Konica Minolta…interchangeably.  No more searching for products specific to your machine.  No more increased inventory from multiple products for each press.  No more limitations from the lack of availability of a material on all of your press equipment.  By combining our diverse knowledge and expertise of digital printing into one sheet, Masterpiece Graphix has created a truly Revolutionary product that brings universal printability to all of your synthetics.  One SKU. One inventory. All of your machines. Our newest coating technology adapts to your machine, responds to your ink system, and produces bright, vibrant colors with optimal adhesion and no shrinkage.  Freely move static cling vinyl, wall graphic vinyl, PVC, styrene, synthetic papers, polyethylene, and more from one machine to the next, and maintain the confidence that every project will be a Masterpiece, no matter which digital press you choose to print it on.

Masterpiece Graphix now stocks ten Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Sheet substrates with same-day shipping:

• MGX-1360 7 mil REVOLUTION Clear Polyester w/ Tipped Sheet
• MGX-1319 Masterpiece REVOLUTION Static Cling – White
• MGX-1320 Masterpiece REVOLUTION Static Cling – Clear
• MGX-1141 6 mil Masterpiece Premium REVOLUTION White Wall Graphix
• MGX-1153 2 mil REVOLUTION White Polyester/Perm/90#
• MGX-1284 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 10 mil PVC – White
• MGX-1304 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 15 mil PVC – White
• MGX-1306 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 10 mil Styrene – White
• MGX-1009 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 3.25 mil PSA Vinyl/Perm/90# – White
• MGX-1003 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 3.25 mil PSA Vinyl/Rem/90# – White

Masterpiece Graphix also supplies custom runs of Masterpiece REVOLUTION Synthetic Paper stocks that run interchangeably on the HP Indigo and dry toner presses like the iGen, Nexpress, and other similar press technology. MGX offers several grades of Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Synthetic Paper sheets in thicknesses ranging from 8 to 15 mil, with rapid processing and order delivery. Masterpiece REVOLUTION Synthetic Papers are bright white and are a perfect choice for tear, chemical, and moisture-resistant applications. Converting MGX Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Sheets synthetic paper stocks is easy; the material can be cut, perforated, laser die-cut, folded, and punched. Its properties make it a superb choice for menus, children’s books; hang tags, safety tags, and horticultural tags. The Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Sheets synthetic paper lineup is available as unsupported stocks, or as a pressure sensitive product with various adhesive options.

If you are in the market for a specific material that will run flawlessly on your entire digital press arsenal, MGX can help you create the digital-ready materials you require. For more information on in-stock or custom Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Sheet options, please contact your MGX sales rep or email the sales team.

REV up your printing.  Join the REVOLUTION.  Make it a Masterpiece!

Fenton, MO January 17, 2012 –

HEADLINE:

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX) has released a new lineup of innovative synthetic stocks for the HP Indigo, Kodak Nexpress, Xerox iGen, and other digital presses. Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Sheets are a new line of top-quality, universal materials that are compatible with both liquid toner and dry toner digital press technology.

FULL STORY:                         

MGX has introduced a revolutionary new product for digital press users–Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Sheets, a new lineup of top quality, universal materials that are compatible with liquid toner and dry toner digital machines. Digital printers can rev up their capabilities with high performance synthetics that run flawlessly on the HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, Kodak Nexpress, Canon ImagePRESS, Konica Minolta Bizhub and other similar technology.  With this new product lineup, MGX takes the headache out of securing digital products for specific to a machine, eliminating the need to increase inventory for multiple presses.

“By combining our diverse knowledge and expertise of digital printing into one sheet, Masterpiece Graphix has created a truly revolutionary product that brings universal printability to our digital synthetic stocks,” said Dan Lawellin, national sales manager for Masterpiece Graphix.  “Our newest treatment technology adapts to your machine, responds to your ink system, and produces bright, vibrant colors with optimal adhesion and no shrinkage.  Now digital printers can freely move static cling vinyl, wall graphic vinyl, PVC, styrene, synthetic papers, polyethylene, and more from one machine to the next, and maintain the confidence that every project will be a Masterpiece, no matter which digital press they choose to print it on.”

Masterpiece Graphix stocks ten Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Synthetic substrates in 12″x18″ sheets with same-day release:

• MGX-1360 7 mil REVOLUTION Clear Polyester w/ Tipped Sheet
• MGX-1319 Masterpiece REVOLUTION Static Cling – White
• MGX-1320 Masterpiece REVOLUTION Static Cling – Clear
• MGX-1141 6 mil Masterpiece Premium REVOLUTION White Wall Graphix
• MGX-1153 2 mil REVOLUTION White Polyester/Perm/90#
• MGX-1284 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 10 mil PVC – White
• MGX-1304 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 15 mil PVC – White
• MGX-1306 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 10 mil Styrene – White
• MGX-1009 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 3.25 mil PSA Vinyl/Perm/90# – White
• MGX-1003 Masterpiece REVOLUTION 3.25 mil PSA Vinyl/Rem/90# – White

Masterpiece Graphix also supplies custom runs of Masterpiece REVOLUTION Synthetic Paper stocks to digital printers to use interchangeably on the HP Indigo and dry toner presses like the iGen and Nexpress. MGX offers several grades of Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Synthetic Paper sheets in thicknesses ranging from 8 to 15 mil, with rapid processing and order delivery. Masterpiece REVOLUTION Synthetic Papers are bright white and are a perfect choice for tear, chemical, and moisture-resistant applications. MGX Masterpiece REVOLUTION Synthetic Paper stocks can easily be converted via cut, perforation, laser die-cut, folding, and/or punching. Its versatile properties make it a superb choice for menus, children’s books; hang tags, safety tags, and horticultural tags. Masterpiece REVOLUTION Digital Synthetic Papers are available as unsupported stocks, or as a pressure sensitive product with various adhesive options.

For additional information, please contact:

About Masterpiece Graphix:

Masterpiece Graphix (MGX) is the premier digital substrate manufacturer, providing solutions for liquid toner, dry toner, and inkjet digital press technologies. As the first and only HP-Certified Indigo Treatment Center established in North America, Masterpiece Graphix has successfully treated hundreds of digital sheet and roll materials for the HP Indigo press. Masterpiece Graphix offers turnkey, ready-to-run digital material solutions for HP Indigo, Xeikon, EFI Jetrion, Kodak Nexpress, Memjet RapidX, and Xerox iGen digital presses, as well as solutions for other digital press technologies. As a digital material manufacturer and treatment center, MGX is a one-stop-shop for all traditional commodity stocks and exotic materials, opening up new revenue opportunities for digital press users. MGX is a Dscoop Gold Partner, and will be exhibiting at Dscoop7 in booth #229.

###

Nevada-based DynaGraphic Printing (DGP) has been pushing the boundaries of digital print for more than seven years. Sales manager Marjie Swiatek said that last year’s Dscoop5 conference gave her the opportunity to speak directly with peers, sharing concerns, ideas, opportunities and more. This experience directly impacted sales at DGP.

“Our clientele developed a taste for variable data and images, with color that rivaled offset, and our sales team was eager to use variable data options for numbering, addressing and other functions that had previously been post-press,” Swiatek said. “The Dscoop conference education sessions were jam-packed with creative ideas that we were able to express and present to our customers with ease and interaction. For that reason, our entire sales team will be attending Dscoop6 this year.”

Dscoop is an open and informed network of graphic arts professionals who use HP Indigo and Scitex. Dscoop members discuss solutions and business strategies to help improve efficiency and profitability in their companies. Do you take advantage of all that Dscoop offers?

• Dscoop6, Feb. 17-19, 2011, in Orlando, Florida, is the annual conference where the community comes together to share ideas and experiences that propel their businesses forward

• More than 40 Webinars per year addressing business, technical, label and packaging, and grand format topics that discuss best practices and analyze industry trends

• 4 issues per year of Dscoop Quarterly, a printed newsletter highlighting the latest information and new ideas for your business

• 24/7 online discussion forums for members to help and learn from other members, with 55,000 hits per year

• Peer groups for business owners, technical operators, and sales executives to exchange ideas with like-minded industry professionals

• HP Capture Program tools, case studies and customizable Web-to-print tools on dscoop.org

• Special discounts and deals from more than 90 Partners, including Dscoop Gold Partner Masterpiece Graphix

To learn more about Dscoop, visit www.dscoop.org. Call 312.527.6707 or e-mail info@dscoop.org for membership information.

St. Louis, MO January 27, 2011 – Masterpiece Graphix is proud to announce new sales and distribution partnerships with Leed Consultancy and Lowry Sales B.C. Ltd., making MGX’s vast selection of digital sheet and roll materials available in Canada and throughout Europe. Now HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, Kodak Nexpress, EFI Jetrion, Xeikon, and other digital press users in Europe and Canada will have access to MGX’s expansive catalog of digital-ready products. Digital press users throughout Europe and Canada will also be able to utilize custom stocking options not previously available in their region.

“Masterpiece Graphix is tremendously excited to offer high-performance digital materials throughout Canada and Europe,” said MGX President/CEO Doug Watson. “We’ve received many requests for our digital materials to be readily available in international markets. European and Canadian digital press users will now enjoy shorter lead times, reduced shipment rates and access to more materials as a result of our new relationships with Lowry Sales and Leed Consultancy.”

Alan Steenson of Leed Consultancy is MGX’s European Ouside Sales Agent based in the United Kingdom. Leed Consultancy is in the process of finalizing European warehousing options, and is currently taking orders for MGX digital materials in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.

Masterpiece Graphix’s Canadian distributor Lowry Labels & Tape currently offers warehousing options in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montréal. MGX Customers can opt to store their desired digital materials in these locations, keeping their digital stocks ready to ship quickly as needed. Canadian and European customers can expect shorter lead times for commonly ordered materials when they utilize MGX’s new warehousing and distributorship options.

MGX is scheduling regular monthly shipments of digital material from their St. Louis, Missouri facility to warehouse space in Europe and Canada to save customers from the additional expense and hassle indicative of international freight. Interested parties can get in on the savings by contacting MGX to schedule regular orders of their desired material, or to package a small order for testing along with other orders for reduced shipping rates.

Digital press users in Europe and Canada can contact MGX’s regional distributor to request pricing and lead time on desired digital roll and sheet stocks.

Contact information for Masterpiece Graphix digital material sales and distribution in Europe:

Contact information for Masterpiece Graphix and Lowry Labels & Tape Canadian distribution options:

For additional information, material samples or images please contact:

Click Here to Download a PDF of this News Release

Digital press owners looking for new revenue streams can now turn to MGX for digital-ready plastics and synthetics from Transilwrap. As you may have already heard, Masterpiece Graphix recently partnered with Transilwrap, a manufacturer of high-performance printable plastics and synthetics, to manufacture and distribute co-branded products to the digital printing market. Digital press owners now have access to many digital materials from the Transilwrap catalog not previously available. Currently MGX/Transilwrap offers digital-ready PVC as well as other co-branded plastic substrates.

A versatile, durable substrate, PVC vinyl is an ideal substrate for many applications, including POP displays, gift/loyalty cards, and in-mold labeling. PVC is resistant to water, acids, alkalis and oils. The material offers good dimensional stability, and can be finished via gluing, welding, die-cutting, folding, embossing, punching, lamination or thermoform. PVC also features flame resistance with self extinguishing qualities. Masterpiece Graphix/Transilwrap Digital PVC can be utilized for many industries including automotive, home appliance, industrial, medical, retail and electronic applications.

MGX/Transilwrap digital PVC is optimized to print on both sides and is compatible with HP Indigo. MGX PVC stocks are also available as dry toner-compatible products, and are engineered to run on digital presses like the Xerox iGen and Kodak Nexpress with optimal results. Please specify which press compatibility you require when ordering to ensure you receive the right stock for your specific press model.

MGX/Transilwrap digital PVC sheets are stocked in the MGX warehouse as 10 mil (MGX-1284), 15 mil (MGX-1304), and 24 mil (MGX-1283) sheets. All MGX stocked PVC is stored in our warehouse as 12” x 18” sheets. Digital roll options, custom sizes, colors, and thicknesses are also available.

This new relationship between Masterpiece Graphix and Transilwrap grants MGX customers access to new digital-ready materials from the Transilwrap catalog, including the highest quality PVC, Pro-Print®, clear polyester, styrene and Azuna® 3D bubble sheets on the market.  These co-branded sheet and roll products are compatible for HP Indigo, and in many cases are also compatible with other digital press technologies like the Kodak Nexpress and Xerox iGen.

And that’s not all: Transilwrap’s recent acquisition of Interfilm Holdings Inc. brings even more new digital-ready material possibilities to MGX customers. Is there a Transilwrap/Interfilm product you would like to run on your digital press? Ask MGX! We can help you select and test your desired material to run flawlessly on your digital press. Stay tuned to our newsletter and the MGX website for more updates on new MGX/Transilwrap products, or contact your MGX sales rep for more information on all of our co-branded product options.

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.

Masterpiece Graphix is proud to offer its vast selection of digital sheet and roll materials in Europe! MGX’s entire product catalog is now available on a custom stock basis for the first time in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. Now HP Indigo, Xerox iGen, Kodak Nexpress, EFI Jetrion, Xeikon, and other digital press users have access to MGX products not previously available in the European marketplace.

MGX has a dedicated sales rep who is handling all material orders in Europe. Alan Steenson of Leed Consultancy is our MGX sales rep based in the United Kingdom and will have European warehousing space available soon to MGX customers. Alan can help your business with pricing and material selection for your specific application. Alan Steenson can also help your company determine the best supply chain solution for your digital business.

MGX is in the process of scheduling regular monthly shipments of material from our St. Louis, Missouri facility to warehouse space in Europe to save our customers on international freight charges. Get in on the savings by scheduling regular orders of your desired material, or package a small order for testing along with other orders for reduced freight charges.
Is there a digital sheet or roll material you are interested in, listed on our website or otherwise? Contact Alan to request pricing and lead time on your requested stock, and set up regular orders to ensure that your desired digital material is always ready to ship quickly to your facility, when you need it.

Here is the contact information for MGX digital material sales in UK and Europe:

For more information, please contact Alan directly or email our sales team.

MGX is proud to announce its new status as a Gold Partner within the Digital Solutions Cooperative for HP Indigo Users, or DScoop. This enhanced partnership level recognizes MGX as a valuable contributor to the HP Indigo community. Since Masterpiece Graphix is the only HP Indigo-Certified Treatment Center in North America, DScoop’s independent group of HP Indigo printers will benefit from MGX’s digital knowledge and expertise through its Gold Partner participation. Masterpiece Graphix will exhibit as a Gold Partner at the DScoop6 convention February 17-19, 2011 at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Masterpiece Graphix will use this enhanced partnership status to present new digital material innovations to the HP Indigo industrial and commercial marketplace. This year MGX has made many exciting changes to their business model, adding a new coater, doubling the size of their facility and has added new co-branded digital products like acpo digital overlaminates, DSS security paper and Transilwrap plastics.

DScoop, or The Digital Solutions Cooperative, is a user-driven interactive community of HP Graphic Arts press owners and their sales, management, marketing and production teams. DScoop members support each other to collectively improve their print businesses and HP Indigo digital press technology. DScoop members collectively influence Hewlett-Packard’s product direction by sharing ideas and success stories within their membership. DScoop members interact throughout the year online via the DScoop website and face-to-face at the annual DScoop conference. This year, DScoop is hosting the first-ever DScoop/HP Partner Summit, which will be held during DScoop6 in the nearby Orlando Marriott World Center. This unique event will allow DScoop partners and HP Indigo partners the opportunity to directly interact with HP’s engineers and sales professionals, to learn firsthand about new product developments and to influence future HP Indigo technology.

As DScoop6 approaches, look for more product announcements and company news from Masterpiece Graphix in the coming months. If you are attending please contact your MGX sales rep directly to set up a meeting at DScoop6 or send us an email for more information. We look forward to connecting with you at DScoop6!

Advances in digital press technology have allowed industrial sheet press users to manufacture durable labels for a multitude of end-use applications. The HP Indigo is ideal for industrial manufacturing because of its ability to print on thicker sheet substrates like polycarbonate, polyethylene and PVC vinyl. Your company can greatly benefit from the versatility of your press by creating membrane switch overlays for electronic devices with keypads.

A membrane switch is an electronic on/off switch with a graphic interfaced keypad, allowing users to dial in setting via a touch screen, which is printed on tough material like polycarbonate. The visible portion that the operator uses to enter setting is the membrane switch’s graphic overlay.The membrane switch is not visible to the user but lies underneath the graphic overlay, relaying the user’s desired settings and controls to the machinery.

The design of the graphic overlay is very important because it displays the object’s brand identity, instructions, machine feedback and tactile feel that is crucial for the operator to enter in he/she’s desired settings.  Every time an operator uses this overlay and the switches below them, they interact firsthand with your company’s product. This is why it is so important to design an eye-catching, easy to understand yet 100% functional membrane switch graphic overlay.

Membrane switches can be used on many devices across many industries, including food service, medical equipment, exercise equipment, office equipment, household appliances, automotive panels, and industrial machinery. Digital press production of membrane switch graphic overlays is an ideal way to manufacture membrane switch overlays. Digital technology can economically print short-run jobs -the typical size of a membrane switch overlay print run. Digital’s variable data technology allows for multiple options for different color variances of the same product or to allow for production of graphic overlays in different languages. Many membrane switches are reverse-printed to protect the digital ink from getting damaged or scratched for a longer product lifespan. A graphic overlay could also be laminated with acpo digital overlaminate to protect the substrate the stresses of continued use and a harsh environment.

Masterpiece Graphix offers polycarbonate, polyester and polyethylene sheets that are HP Indigo-compatible for all membrane switch options. Polyester typically holds up longer than polyethylene and polycarbonate in membrane switch applications. MGX’s digital material experts can help guide you in selecting substrates for your particular membrane switch overlay job. For more information on MGX materials for membrane switch overlays, 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.