Graphic Label Solutions (GLS) in Columbia, Tennessee has become the first company in the United States to install EFI’s Jetrion 4950lx LED inkjet narrow web press.
The newly installed technology has completely transformed GLS, as the new, 13.5-inch wide press has allowed the company to sell off its previous production equipment.
The Jetrion 4950lx press uses much less energy than other analogue or digital narrow web printing methods, is key to the company’s environmental offering. It is fully engaged on ramping up sustainability efforts to meet corporations’ growing need for greener, environmentally friendly supply chains.
‘The brands we work with are all setting goals for sustainability, and they want suppliers who share that commitment,’ said founder and president, Deb Warner. ‘When I first saw EFI Jetrion UV-inkjet technology a few years ago, I knew it would help us offer high quality while reducing waste. LED was the missing piece I needed to really address what our clients are looking for from a sustainability perspective.’
The new Jetrion 4950lx LED press gives users the ability to produce more primary applications with higher image quality. The press can also reproduce smaller type all the way down to 2-point text, which allows for creativity in the security market.
‘The Jetrion 4950lx not only offers a small environmental footprint, it has an excellent white ink and, at 720×720 dpi, it produces very crisp text and images, and allows us to run an unlimited number of colours,’ said Ms Warner.
EFI’s ‘cool cure’ LED UV-inkjet curing technology gives the ability to run thin stocks ranging from 0.5 mil to 30+ mil thick. The press also reduces costs with lower energy usage and LED’s significantly longer lamp life compared to traditional UV-curing lamps.
The company is currently developing, innovative products with the new press, including a point-of-purchase ‘shelf talker’ tag printed on a completely biodegradable, paper-like substrate made of stone. It is also using the press to develop new UL- and cUL-approved OEM labels and decals. The Jetrion 4950lx press is the first Jetrion product compatible with a full range of flexible packaging and shrink sleeves substrates, which opens the door to still more new applications.
The company’s digital converting operation now offers lower manufacturing costs and exceptional quality, using EFI’s inkjet imaging technology and the modular equipment installed on the press, including in-line flexo varnish and lamination, slitting and laser die-cutting systems. The press also has on-board video inspection technology from another supplier that checks for variances in colour or registration.
The press’s laser die-cutting system eliminates the costs for traditional dies, which will offer substantial savings for customers. Removing the waste associated with die-cutting make-ready processes also helps sustainability efforts.
