JTape, a UK-based manufacturer of masking products for commercial applications, has invested in a Mark Andy Digital One press to print personalised face shields.
Established in 2003 by owner Oliver Jevons, JTape develops adhesive products for automotive body shops across the UK and internationally, designed to meet the challenges that painters experienced when masking cars. Mr Jevons’ first patented product was advanced foam masking tape, sold as an alternative to the regular 13mm foam tape. JTape now produces more than 50 individually designed products sold into worldwide markets for applications such as automotive, marine, aerospace, construction, industrial, rail, trade and creative sectors.
With the dramatic effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on many of its traditional markets, JTape turned its hand and expertise to creating a range of new PPE and safety products for medical, business and personal use. For these, a 60 x 300mm image is printed directly onto the clear section of the visor, with user instruction QR code, the CE certification mark that confirms the product meets the regulatory requirements for PPE use in the EU, and Face Shield FDA Product Listing for approved use in the US. Customers can choose from one of JTape’s bespoke designs or provide their own design or logo to promote their brand.
With limited previous printing experience, the company sought an option that was ‘simple, quick and practical’ and offered a high print quality, as Mr Jevons explained.
‘We were looking for a simple, quick and practical solution that offered a high print quality to match that of our face shields and other products. Mark Andy was able to supply and install the Digital One press straightaway and we were in production the same day.’
Mark Andy sales manager Paul Macdonald said, ‘We were delighted to able to assist JTape at such short notice and our Digital One is an ideal machine for their specific application – it’s easy to use and produces high quality print from its toner-based engine. This installation typifies the broad appeal that we have tapped into with our range of digital technology.’
Currently, JTape is producing face shields, face masks, hazard tape, distancing stickers and clear surface protection film, which are being supplied to customers in a variety of industries all over the world. As a courtesy and thank you for supplying the Digital One so quickly, JTape has also supplied Mark Andy with specially branded face shields for the company’s employees to wear when onsite and in customers’ premises.
