| A product label's size is often restricted by the physical | | | | The limitations are the number of colors that can be |
| size of the product itself, but what if the label needs to | | | | used. A typical press may have six to eight print |
| tell a much larger story? The benefit of multilayer | | | | stations. These must be split among the number of |
| labels is that it solves the need for more content | | | | printed panels, resulting in a few colors per panel. |
| space. Multilayer labels peel back cleanly with no | | | | The servo infeed process is more efficient through the |
| adhesive residue to a hinge, exposing more layers for | | | | use of automation. The number of press colors |
| content. The label can then be resealed. | | | | automatically double because the top layer is |
| You see these commonly on pharmaceutical and | | | | pre-printed. The servo infeed allows the pre-printed |
| medical labels where regulations require product | | | | layer to automatically be laminated in register to the |
| information remain intact with the product. Food labels | | | | base layer. |
| can add recipes. They are also used to promote | | | | The benefits are the operator is only registering one |
| sweepstakes, give multilingual information, introduce | | | | web at a time while the servo infeed performs the |
| new products, and for coupons. | | | | complex task. Set-up waste and running waste are |
| Narrow web flexographic printing presses are used to | | | | low while press speeds are high. Even though the top |
| make these labels in masses. This article will compare | | | | layer is pre-printed, the total press time may be lower |
| two processes to make these labels -- the traditional | | | | due to increased press speeds. Even greater |
| process and the "making them easily without limits" | | | | efficiencies are realized when considering reduced |
| servo infeed process. | | | | material waste. |
| Traditional processes have inherent problems and | | | | Another factor when comparing these processes is |
| limitations compared to the servo infeed process. | | | | that the traditional process requires additional |
| There is a high level of difficulty. The press operator | | | | equipment to accommodate the second web. The |
| has to register the colors on two webs simultaneously | | | | extra equipment is only used when making multilayer |
| and then register both webs together. Set-up waste | | | | labels. The servo infeed can be used on every job to |
| and running waste are high while press speeds are | | | | improve press register and lower material waste, but |
| low. | | | | that is the subject for the next article. |