UK based TS Converting Equipment Ltd / Elite Cameron have partnered with Focus Label Machinery to develop a range of machines for the manufacture of Labels, Tapes and Tamper Evident Security products. The HM300 FLX is said to have the ability to Print on a liner, apply a release coating, flip the web over between any of the stations, hot melt coat, laminate in a face stock if required, 4C print, die cut, slit and rewind all in one pass.

Offset Lithography is a type of printing used with large-scale runs of single items. It uses a computer to plate to roller transfer to create high-quality, repeatable images at high speed. It's been a particular favourite of print businesses for producing detailed illustrations and sharp, faultless type since the nineteenth century. Lithography is often used to create books, posters and advertisements, comics, magazines, and newspapers to a sharp, high-quality standard.

Nowadays, the choice of ink for a printing machine is by no means limited to standard, aqueous, or water-based, dye-based or pigment inks. Various other options, each with its own key properties, are available:

According to the Health & Safety Executive, the printing industry has a relatively high incidence of machinery-related accidents. The majority of printing machine accidents occurs while preparing, or making ready, or cleaning the machinery, while freeing blockages also accounts for a significant percentage. However, by choosing the right machine for the job, training employees to safeguard themselves and taking basic safety precautions, common hazards can be avoided.

Jams and blockages are an occupational hazard of the label printing industry and, although you can take steps to avoid them happening on a regular basis, it is also helpful to know what to do in the event that they occur. Every printing press is different in terms of its setup, but jams and blockages can usually be attributed to one of a small number of common causes. None of them should disrupt the productivity of your printing works for long, but can easily do so if handled improperly.

Unexpected noises from a label printing machine are an obvious cause for concern, especially if the machine does not report a fault code or any other indication of where the problem lies. However, certain noises are characteristic of specific issues and if you can recognise tell-tale clicking, grinding and screeching noises, you may have a better chance of diagnosing and rectifying such issues.