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48 | L&L<br />
refer to as 'HDFX screening' through<br />
pre-press, which Daly describes as a<br />
clean, smooth process because the<br />
system produces stellar quality and<br />
communicates effectively between<br />
stations. Proofing is carefully done<br />
by comparing a PDF to the proof of<br />
the plate. Each pixel for every job is<br />
reviewed.<br />
Once the pre-press department<br />
gives the green light, their peers in<br />
the prep kitchen prepare everything<br />
that the press needs to complete the<br />
job, streamlining time to press. During<br />
plate mounting the quality is reviewed<br />
one final time and errors, if any, can<br />
be tracked effectively to reveal where<br />
mistakes have been made.<br />
Complex constructions – instant<br />
redeemable coupons, three-panel label<br />
on label, extended content booklets and<br />
repositionable labels – are produced<br />
on combination process machines built<br />
for flexible configuration. Capabilities<br />
include up to 12 print stations using<br />
multi-level screening to enhance<br />
contrast and clarity, raised and specialty<br />
varnishes, foiling and embossing, all in<br />
a single pass. The advanced machinery<br />
allows operators to change over and<br />
move into a new job on the fly.<br />
Daly says, ‘The technology allows<br />
for the quick change manufacturing<br />
required to bring innovation at a<br />
competitive price. It’s easy to want<br />
innovation. Execution is a different story<br />
altogether.'<br />
Jeff Anderson of Colgate-Palmolive<br />
Canada recently worked with ASL Print<br />
FX on a project for Mennen Speedstick.<br />
He says, ‘The ASL team was asked<br />
to provide a solution to a promotional<br />
challenge for Mennen. With a tight<br />
delivery date, the team provided a<br />
turnkey solution for a sticker that met all<br />
the criteria. This was a complex die line<br />
with perforations and back splits that<br />
used an adhesive that was approved<br />
skin safe. This was achieved on time<br />
and on budget. Our experiences with<br />
the team are that they have a passion<br />
for complex challenges, and stretching<br />
technology that achieves unique<br />
offerings to retail.’<br />
In addition to the various opportunities<br />
for layering processes for the most<br />
impact on a label substrate, ASL Print<br />
FX has a proven track record with<br />
thermochromatic and color shifting<br />
inks, pearlescents, glitter, glow in the<br />
dark and scratch and scented inks that<br />
increase the depth of the label and the<br />
attention it can grab on the shelf.<br />
Recently the converter started sending<br />
one of its main press operators on client<br />
visits with customer service, which<br />
enhances communication and knowledge-sharing<br />
on how best to design<br />
shelf-dominating labels.<br />
When it comes to digital printing<br />
technology, Daly says, ‘Digital printing<br />
advancements are challenging<br />
conventional leaders to be more flexible<br />
in their print disciplines. We are pleased<br />
with the capability and flexibility of our<br />
equipment and have the ability to keep<br />
the integrity of a brand’s color no matter<br />
which substrate, press or other variables<br />
involved that can affect the outcome of a<br />
high quality label.’<br />
Vision systems provide 100 percent<br />
inspection on the press and again in<br />
rewinding and fulfillment so that every<br />
label that is printed and converted is<br />
quality approved.<br />
Training for associates is conducted<br />
every two weeks, featuring new topics<br />
for specific responsibilities such as<br />
sales, warehouse efficiency and Lean<br />
tactics. The converter says over 95<br />
percent of employees attend each<br />
session.<br />
It’s clear that when brandowners<br />
are looking to protect their image and<br />
improve the shopping experience<br />
for consumers through their brand’s<br />
label and packaging, that ASL Print FX<br />
has the skills to support such needs.<br />
COLGATE Mennen Speedstick<br />
Technology, ingenuity, excellent associates<br />
and a willingness to think beyond the<br />
ordinary is what makes the ASL name<br />
stand out to dynamic brands looking to<br />
differentiate in the North American market.<br />
WORLD LABEL AWARD WINNERS<br />
ASL Print FX was honored with a World Label<br />
Award for excellence in technical achievement<br />
two years in a row, most recently in 2012 for<br />
its Red Tile Central Coast label. The label was<br />
judged in the Flexo Wine & Spirits category by<br />
the World Label Award Association. ASL Print<br />
FX had earned Best of Show recognition at the<br />
2011 TLMI awards competition for this label.<br />
In 2011 the converter won a World Label<br />
Award for the Dan Aykroyd 2008 Sauvignon<br />
Blanc label, while earning the TLMI Best of<br />
Show recognition as well.<br />
LABELS&LABELING<br />
ASL World Label Award winning productions