Category Archives: Coating & Laminating

Three Years Later, the John P. Pow Company Explains How the MGI JETvarnish 3D Changed Their Business Model

Three Years Later, the John P. Pow Company Explains How
the MGI JETvarnish 3D Changed Their Business Model.

3rd Generation Publishing Services Specialist Looks Back on MGI Digital Finishing Investment with New Customers and Business Growth.


MELBOURNE, FL (USA), September 8th, 2015 – Three years ago, the John P. Pow Company and MGI Digital Graphic Technology joined forces to help expand digital finishing options for the book publishing industry. Since then, JP Pow has been building and growing the range of its publishing and printing services portfolio with the MGI JETvarnish 3D Digital Finishing Solution. Together, John P. Pow Co. & MGI are helping publishers sell more books.

A Tradition of American Publishing & Printing Goes Digital
For over 70 years, the John P. Pow Co. has been providing expert lithography & print finishing services to some of the world’s finest publishers – with a nationally recognized specialty in both paperback book covers and hardback dust jackets. “Our original investment in the MGI JETvarnish 3D was designed to provide our clients with the highest quality standards and most flexible design options possible.” said Mr. Mark Finneran, JP Pow’s Vice President.

“MGI’s technology helped launch us towards the digital future.” added Mr. Finneran. “We’ve expanded our trade service business and experienced successful growth in “touch-centric” book cover market categories in publishing like holiday, seasonal, children’s, home décor, cooking and technical works”.

“Now we have more finishing options for all kinds of book covers and other types of commercial printing projects as well. The JETvarnish 3D produces strong, finely detailed textures and a durable enhancement effect that customers love.”

MGI System In-House Leads to Improved Quality & Project Management
“Prior to working with MGI, we outsourced our Spot UV work. Now, by bringing the JETvarnish 3D in-house, we can manage our costs, ensure high quality, offer more customer options and manage our production schedules more effectively. For the last three years, the machine has been in continual production mode – at times going 2 shifts non-stop.”

Profitable Prototyping, Short Runs & POD Services
”Furthermore, the JETvarnish 3D’s ability to quickly prototype new designs and implement short runs has helped us increase our capacity for highly profitable customized projects such as limited editions, private printings and E-Commerce-driven Print-on-Demand (POD) services.”

Improved Competitive Position
“The addition of MGI Digital Finishing Services has helped us establish a better competitive position.”, Finneran continued, “The ability to quickly prototype and implement short runs gives us a sales advantage in our key target markets. The features & functions of the JETvarnish 3D give us something new to sell and show customers. The MGI digital enhancements are a brand new change in the industry and are a sexy & exciting advance towards the future of the print finishing business.”

Increased Quality Enhances Customer Experiences
Mark Finneran summarized JP Pow’s experience with MGI digital finishing technology by saying, “Our relationship with key clients has growth and strengthened with the high quality output, improved job scheduling, more flexible project management and greater customer satisfaction that comes from the MGI JETvarnish 3D Spot UV 2D coats & 3D texture effects.”

“We’re honored to help contribute to the creative skillcraft of such a respected firm as JP Pow. For three generations they have helped publishers produce great books that get noticed, purchased and read.” said Kevin Abergel, MGI Vice President of Marketing & Sales.

MGI’s JETvarnish 3D digital finishing product supports production printing applications to produce eye-catching, luxurious-feeling 3D foil & embossed textured effects. The JETvarnish 3D streamlines spot UV coating, embossed tactile coating and foiling through a fully digital process that requires no screens or dies and no minimum runs. MGI’s creative enhancement options help graphic artists & printers utilize their craft experience to offer dynamic new digital designs, features and formats.

About the JP Pow Company: Premier Printing & Publishing Specialist
In 1935, John Percy Pow started using a one-color letter press to produce advertising material for Boston businesses. The business grew when John Pow’s son Jack entered the business. In the late 50’s, Jack Pow teamed up with Tom Finneran Sr. and the two became partners. Soon afterwards, the firm moved to offset printing ranging from one to four color technology.

From then on, John P. Pow Co. steadily built a reputation for providing publishers with high-quality book components along with top-notch, personalized customer service. John Pow branched out and is now serving customers both locally and nationally. JP Pow is a strong reliable business with nearly 50 employees working day and night at their South Boston location. Even with this growth, John P. Pow continues to offer the type of personalized customer service a small firm does best. They remain a family-owned business, with the founders’ grandchildren now actively involved in operations.

MGI Media Contact:
Kevin Abergel
Vice President of Marketing & Sales
MGI USA, Inc.
+1 321 751-6755

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd. Flint, MI 48507
Toll Free: 1-800-343-4231
www.midstatelitho.net

Spot UV Coating – with or without raised effects!

Spot UV Coating – with or without raised effects!

The award-winning JETvarnish 3D takes digital spot UV coating to a new dimension, featuring increased throughput for flat spot UV jobs and amazing 3D raised effects.

Ideal for operations with offset and/or digital presses up to 52×105 cm format, the JETvarnish 3D is the perfect solution for 3D or traditional flat spot UV coating on runs from one to thousands, providing printers with true value-added services. Gain new customers & profitable markets and your clients will receive visually stunning pieces that allow them to differentiate themselves and with customization not available through traditional and analog spot UV coating methods.

A pioneer and industry leader in spot UV coating, MGI first presented the JETvarnish at drupa 2008 and boasts the industry’s largest install base. JETvarnish series customers hail from all Graphic Arts sectors such as offset commercial printers, digital printers, finishing houses, silk screen printers, specialty photo printers and book publishers. The most popular jobs include book covers, brochures, business & invitation cards and packaging.


For additional information about the MGI JETvarnish 3D, visit us online at www.midstatelitho.net.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

What You Should Know about the Laminating Process

category_header_laminatingLaminating Basics

Laminating film consists of two layers, a base layer of: Polyester, OPP Polypropylene, Nylon, or Vinyl. And an inner adhesive resin layer that becomes liquid when it reaches an activating temperature. There are a wide variety of adhesives that are applied to the base materials depending on the application.

The material to be laminated is placed between two sheets of laminating film. The laminating machine melts the adhesive resin layer, which then spreads over the document, hardening as it cools and created a bond between the material and film.

Types of Laminating Machines

Laminating is well know to be one of the best ways to protect a document. The most durable form of laminating is with an overhang that completely surrounds the document for a watertight and airtight seal. Beyond that, there are many methods of laminating.

Laminators can vary in many ways. There is also a huge variety within laminates themselves. For this reason it is best to work with an expert when deciding what machine and laminate is the best mix for your specific application. Contact us today!

See article below for an explanation of laminate types.

Types of Laminating Films

Narrow Format for Desktop Laminators

Standard Laminating Rolls: This laminating film is sometimes referred to as “school film” and is available in 1.5 mil or 3 mil thickness. Standard film is a mono polymer film, which means there is one type of adhesive coating the base material. These films tend to have a high operating temperature and are the least expensive films. You might also hear this film referred to as “nap-lam l” which is a trade name for GBC.

Premium Laminating Film: This is a co-polymer film, which has a more aggressive adhesive than mono polymer film. It also operates at a lower melting temperature. GBC’s brand name for this is “nap-lam ll”. This film is normally available in 1.7, 3, 5 and 10 mil thickness.

Color-Bond Laminating Film: This is a specialty film formulated toner based color copier output. Color copies have fuser oils that allow the toner to adhere to the paper. The Standard mono-polymer and Premium co-polymer films we currently carry will not always work with color copier output. The problem magnified when customers have applications with heavy toner coverage and very dark colors that lay down a lot of toner on the paper.

Commercial Laminate for High-Speed, High-Volume Laminators

OPP Laminating Film: polypropylene (BOPP) based thermal films have excellent clarity and have durability to printed materials. Designed for single side lamination of offset printed graphics these films are available in a variety of sizes and finishes. Designed for applications that include book cover, dust jacket,s brochures and magazines, stock and custom sizes are available for all film types.

Lay Flat Laminating Film: Laminate is nylon based film that allows single sided laminated paper and graphics to adjust to humidity and help eliminate the curling of laminated books. Designed for applications that include book cover jackets, brochures and magazines, these will stay flat even in humidity conditions. Stock and custom sizes are available for all films.

Krystal Laminating Film: Krystal film is a polyester-based film providing excellent scuff, scratch and tears resistance. The film’s copolymer adhesive creates an excellent bond to a variety of offset printed stocks including coated sheets and prints with heavy ink coverage.

Hi-Tac Laminating Film: Provides superior adhesion and vibrant output for dry toner-based prints containing fuser oil. Hi-Tac adhesive is engineered to create a chemical bond that enables lamination immediately after printing. It’s ideal for high volume print shops requiring fast turnarounds to meet customers demands.

Wide Format Laminating and Mounting Films

Wide Format Thermal Laminating Film: This film has been designed for laminating paper based output from wide format inkjet printers. The inkjet printers come in sizes from 24″ wide to 72″ wide and the laminating film is sized to match hence the term wide format laminating. These prints have specific needs in laminating film. The most important aspect is special low-melt adhesive. These films have adhesive that operates at a melting temperature of 185°F. This is important to prevent out gassing of the inks that will cause de-lamination.

Platinum-Lam Wide Format Thermal Film: Specially engineered with UV inhibitors and Light-Fast technology to reduce graphic fade and protect against moisture. Platinum-Lam films feature adhesives that enhance clarity by sealing at 185°F. The films’ low temperature helps preserve inks in digitally printed graphics, which can deteriorate at high temperatures.

Gold-Lam Wide Format Thermal Film: An innovative product for the on-demand printing. A premium grade polyester base film that features an exclusive adhesive formulation for maximum adhesion to fuser oil base inks and wide format inkjet printed photo papers. Gold-Lam is cost-effective alternative offering high performance at a lower cost compared to other brands.

Pressure Sensitive (cold) Laminating Film: This film has been designed for laminating vinyl output from wide format inkjet printers. Generally these are used in the sign industry where most prints are done on vinyl based material rather than paper based. Although PSA film can be used with paper and other substrates the high cost makes its use in those applications less desirable.

Pressure Sensitive (cold) Mounting Adhesives: This film is used in conjunction with foam-core, gator foam or sintra boards, to temporarily or permanently mount graphics for display. You can use the mounting adhesive to pre-coat the board or you can apply the adhesive to the back of your print to create a large decal. Specialty mounting adhesives are even available for use in creating window graphics, floor graphics, out-door signage and for removable applications.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Econocraft-Great for transfer taping & vinyl headaches

LEDCO Econocraft with StandEconocraft Laminators are the solution to transfer taping and vinyl application headaches. They automate the application of transfer tape and other pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes or films. They will apply background vinyl or PSA films to sign blanks, transfer-taped vinyl to any flat sign material, clear PSA over-laminates to finished signs or promotional materials, and they are great for vehicle wraps.

The Econocraft can be used to apply any type of pressure-sensitive film or tape to any substrate up to ½ inch thick or can be used for mounting. Designed for graphics applications, Econocraft machines are used for vehicle wraps and in sign shops, photo-finishing labs, reprographics shops, and manufacturing plants.

Features:

  • Flexible & Easy to Use
  • Great Value & Reliable
  • Integrated Release Liner Take-Up
  • Variable Speed Motor Control

Options:

  • Pre-Feed Slitter Attachment cuts material on the supply roll for application to narrower substrates for multiple-up production or for striping.
  • Bottom Supply Roll Feed Assembly provides roll-fed application of materials such as transfer tape to weeded vinyl or transfer-taped vinyl to banner material.
  • Precision Feed Table for precise, low-tolerance feeding.
  • Stand (pictured above)
  • Available Sizes: 30″, 44″, and 60″

See a complete list of LEDCO laminators and cutters.

ledco

 

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

JETvarnish 3D Twin with iFoil Selected as Game changer at GOA 2014

logo-ifoil2MELBOURNE, FL, USA (February 18, 2014) – MGI Digital Graphic Technology, a world leader in digital printing and finishing equipment, has been selected to receive the “Game Changer” award at the 2014 Graphics of the Americas Expo and Conference (GOA).

“It is a true honor for MGI to be recognized for our game changing technology as a ‘Game Changer’ by Graphics of the Americas and the Printing Industries of Florida,” stated Michael Abergel, Executive Vice President of MGI. “The response from our customers worldwide to the JETvarnish 3D and iFOIL has been tremendous, and this award emphasizes our commitment to provide ground-breaking solutions that allow end users to differentiate themselves and gain new profitable business.”

MGI will be showcasing the JETvarnish 3D inkjet spot UV coater with the iFOIL module, as well as the Meteor DP8700XL Digital Press, in full production demonstrations at GOA. The JETvarnish 3D provides added value by having both 3D and traditional flat spot UV coating together in one production unit, giving graphics professionals a dual set of tools to increase profitability. By producing visually striking pieces, the JETvarnish 3D allows end users to have unique customization options that traditional and analog spot UV coating methods cannot provide.

MGI will also be unveiling the newest upgrade to the JETvarnish 3D, the iFOIL module, for the first time in the Southeastern United States. The iFOIL module is the first production solution in the world capable of doing both embossing and hot foil stamping in a fully digital process. Proving to be a widely successful addition to the JETvarnish 3D system, the iFOIL’s new 100% digital process applies real market-available foils.

To see the JETvarnish 3D inkjet spot UV coater with the new iFOIL module, and the Meteor DP8700XL Digital Press, live visit Booth #614 at the Graphics of Americas Expo and Conference.

Media Contact:
Kevin Abergel
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
MGI USA, Inc.

Foliant Gemini C 400 A – Manual High Pressure Laminating

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Foliant Gemini C 400 A

The Foliant Gemini C 400 is a manual high pressure laminating machine developed for a digital printing machines outputs lamination. The machine is equipped with a pneumatic system of laminating rollers pressure with an easy thrust control. A small compressor is integrated inside the machine frame. The machine has been designed with an operating width of 14.9″ (380 mm) and it represents an ideal choice for professional single side lamination in digital shops and all other printing shops.

Featuring a maximum speed up to 49’/minute (15 meters/min), the machine’s main feature is the pneumatic pressure system in a heavy duty mechanism enabling to achieve a very high working pressure. A small integrated compressor inside the machine frame means no external source of pressured air is required. Supplied with a modular stand covered with a nicely designed side panels as a standard accessory, the machine requires a minimum floor space of 30″ x 46″ (74 x 117 cm).

The Foliant Gemini C 400 laminator handles a maximum sheet size of 14.9″ x 25.9″ (38 x 66 cm). The minimum sheet size is 8-1/2 x 11 letter size (30 x 25 cm A4). The roll of a film is mounted on an easy handle shaft with a film tension control breaker. The shaft capacity is up to 10,000′ (3000 m) of 1.2 mil film. The film holder unit is equipped with a trim slitter and a perforating wheel.

The laminating process is done between two laminating rollers – a highly polished chrome roller, and a lower hard rubber pressure roller. The laminating roller is heated with an infra-red heating spiral, with a sensitive contact temperature sensor. The pressure is pneumatically adjustable to achieve an extra high pressure between the laminating rollers.

The laminating unit is equipped with an adjustable twin decurl unit:

  • A decurl blade for offset printed sheets decurling
  • A decurl roller for digital printed sheets decurling, to prevent scratches on sheets printed on both sides by digital print with sensitive inks.

The Foliant Gemini C 400 is a manual feeding unit, it is equipped with a synchronized feeding conveyor and an adjustable side guider for an easy loading. Sheet separation is also a manual process. However, due to the perforation of film, done in the process of laminating, the whole process is easy. Additionally, the machine can be upgraded with an automatic separator at a later time. The belt separator (sheeter) is equipped with a separating roller and a deflection wheel. The separated sheets are delivered into a reception unit or a vibrating jogger (options). More information is available at Foliant Gemini C 400S.

The machine laminates the OPP films 1 – 1.7 mil (23-42 microns) and Nylon films max. 1.3mil (35 microns).

For additional product information contact Mid-State Litho, Inc. at 1-800-343-4231 or you can reach our sales department at sales@midstatelitho.net.

Visit our website for equipment and supplies at www.midstatelitho.net

 

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
Toll Free: 1-800-343-4231
www.midstatelitho.net

Taking Lamination of On-Demand Digital to a Whole New Level

category_header_drylam

lpv1200_2702x2594DRYLAM takes lamination of On-Demand Digital Prints to a new level. The Drylam Duo System takes care of all your wide format laminating needs.

The system allows you to choose the best type of laminate for your application. Run cost
effective thermal laminates on most paper stocks and porous materials.

Pressure sensitive cold laminates are perfect for non porous synthetic stocks, or stocks that are heat sensitive, including applications such as floor graphics, decals, and signage. View more information about the LPV1200 Duo System.

Key Features:

  • Foot Pedal web advance included
  • Heavy Duty roller stand included
  • Mechanical actuated roller pressure gaps up to 1 inch
  • Mandrels marked at 38″ and 43″ for easy film alignment
  • Digital Temperatures Readout for top and bottom nip rollers
  • Run Thermal or PSA Films

Safety Features:

  • Emergency Shutoff buttons on top rear corners of the machine
  • Nip area sensors stop roller advancement if tripped
  • Nip area safety shield swings up for easy threading and cleaning

The LPV1200 offers affordable wide format mounting and laminating up to 47″ width capacity. Uses thermal laminating films or pressure sensitive films 1.5 mil through 10 mil.

For additional product information contact MSL at 1-800-343-4231 or visit us online at www.midstatelitho.net.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

 

Foliant 520T – Single Sided Laminator

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Foliant 520T - Single Sided Laminator

Foliant 520T

Foliant 520T Entry-Level Laminator is perfect for print centers with short runs or lower volumes, these entry-level laminating machines offer the ability to bring one-sided laminating projects in house saving both time and money. The synchronized conveyors on the manual feed table make loading sheets easy. Systems are available with either pressure coil springs or pneumatic pressure controls.

The Foliant 520T is a simple manual laminating machine, designed with an operating width of 20.4″ (520 mm). It represents an ideal choice for a professional in-house single side lamination in small offset and Digital printing shops running at speeds up to 23’/minute (7 meters/min).

With a very small footprint of 36″ x 47″ (90 x 117 cm), the Foliant 520T laminator offers a maximum sheet size of 20.4″ x 29.1″ (52 x 74 cm) and a minimum sheet size of 8-1/2″ x 11″ (30 x 25 cm / A4). The roll of a film is mounted on an easy handle shaft with a film tension control breaker. The shaft capacity is up to 10,000′ (3000 m) of the 1.2 mil (31 microns) film. The film holder unit is equipped with a trim slitter and a perforating wheel.

The laminating process is done between two laminating rollers – an upper heated silicone roller, and a lower hard rubber pressure roller. The laminating roller is heated with an infra-red heating spiral, with a sensitive contact temperature sensor. The pressure is mechanically adjustable to achieve the pressure between the laminating rollers and the unit is equipped with an adjustable decurl unit.

The Foliant 520T is a manual machine, for an easy paper loading the laminating unit is equipped with a synchronized feeding conveyor and an adjustable side guider. Separation of laminated sheets are handled manually. Due to the perforation of film which is done in the process of laminating, the whole process is easy. An optional separator unit can be added at a later date.

For additional product information, please contact Mid-State Litho, Inc at 1-800-343-4231 or you can reach our sales department at sales@midstatelitho.net.

Visit our website at www.midstatelitho.net to order equipment and supplies.

Flat or 3D Spot Coating, You Have the Choice!

JET3D_eblast_header.1Flat or 3D Spot Coating, You Have the Choice!

With the JETvarnish 3D, there is no need to choose between traditional flat spot coating or 3D effects! The freedom to feature both effects on the same sheet or separately will allow you to expand your business and offer your customers a wider range of finishing services to help them differentiate their brands (*200µ with the Twin option).

Raised 3D Effects

Raised 3D Effects will bring your prints to life and enhance projects. Determining your own selling price for a job that nobody can match, while creating stunning prints with raised effects that will take your customers prints to the next level.

MGI 3D Effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Details or High Coverage Areas are No Problem!

The JETvarnish 3D is designed for all kinds of spot UV coating jobs; ultra-fine details or large flat areas, the JETvarnish 3D can handle it. Your customers deserve the choice!

Determine Your Profit Margins

Anticipating your printing costs prior to production will allow you to accurately quote your jobs and know what your margins will be. The JETvarnish 3D has an embedded predictive cost calculator prior to production. Upload the spot coating file and it will immediately display the volume of coating consumed (for 1 or for 1,000+sheets).

Unique Features

Expect a prefect register every time and the JETvarnish 3D is equipped with ARC registration technology, an on-board camera combined with a proprietary tracking system designed to calibrate (on-the-fly) coating registration from sheet to sheet.
The camera is capable of reading any printed marks and automatically corrects for changes in X and Y portions of each sheet.

The 100% digital JETvarnish 3D eliminates the need for expensive plates, screens or setups. It also produces high gloss spot UV jobs that no other traditional analog technology can match. The JETvarnish 3D features a gloss level of 99% (G.U.).

Larger formats, up to 52 x 105 cm, are not a problem for the JETvarnish 3D. For example book covers integrating multiple flaps can now be accommodated and this is another unique feature.

Ideal for operations with offset and/or digital presses up to 52 x 105 cm format, the JETvarnish 3D is the perfect solution for 3D or traditional flat spot UV coating on runs from one to thousands, providing printers with the true value-added services.

For additional information, visit MSl online at www.midstatelitho.net or contact our sales department at sales@midstatelitho.net

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

MGI JETcard 3D

MGI JETcard 3D

jetcard_3DUtilizing MGI’s award winning and revolutionary inkjet technology, the JETcard 3D provides card manufacturers with an all-inclusive printing/encoding/finishing solution.

MGI’s JETcard 3D is a true Card Factory and can replace up to 5 different pieces of equipment traditionally used in the plastic card production chain: Litho press, collator, lamination press, die cutter and encoder/personalization printer.

The JETcard 3D utilizes pre-cut blank cards (with/without magnetic stripe or RFID) and is ideal for turnkey production from 1 card to millions, all ready to be sold (fully printed, personalized, coated, encoded & verified).

The JETcard 3D is targeted for card manufacturers as well as commercial printers, maximizing productivity for high volume applications while still remaining cost-effective for short runs. The JETcard 3D has already been awarded the prestigious “2010 Siemens Innovation Grand Prix” and the “2011 Engineering Prize”, in recognition of MGI’s R&D achievement.

From an individual blank ISO CR-80 card, the JETcard 3D is able to achieve in one pass, the following processes: 
• Pre-coating to ensure a full compatibility with the substrates available on the market
(plastic, paper, PLA, etc.)
• Printing 4, 6 ou 8 colors to expand the spectrum of the printable colors
• Optional white opaque ink
• Optional security ink revealed only under a black light
• Micro text and guilloché patterns
• Full variable data printing including text, barcodes & images
• Spot UV coating or flood UV coating for card protection
• Read & write capabilities on HiCo/LoCo magnetic stripes
• Automated quality controls and rejection of the defective cards

New Enhanced Printing Functions (2013):
• Printing with spectacular 3D raised effects
• Variable Data Printing even with 3D raised effects
• Hexacolor printing to expand the gamut and/or spot colors (orange, blue, …)

Drop-on-demand technology and integrated RIP enable full variable data printing on all JETcard inks and coatings. For example, the security coating can be used as an anti-counterfeiting feature, revealing inks only when held under a black light.

MGI’s JETcard is a true Card Factory and can replace up to 5 different pieces of equipment traditionally used in the plastic card production chain: Litho press, collator, lamination press, die cutter, and encoder/personalization printer.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net