Mark Andy extends digital shrink sleeve capability

Mark Andy is to unveil a proprietary and industry unique recipe for ‘true digital hybrid shrink sleeve production’ for its Digital Series HD platform.

To be unveiled at a shrink sleeve workshop next month, ‘Shrinking to Expand: A hands-on workshop to grow your business through shrink sleeves’, this development is said by the company to support the need for more profitable and productive shrink runs. Shrink sleeves are one of the newest application additions to the Digital Series HD’s production range.

Citing figures from AWA Alexander Watson Associates, Mark Andy noted that the demand for shrink sleeves has incrementally increased in recent years, with the application now accounting for approximately 18 percent of all label production.

The educational, hands-on ‘Shrinking to Expand’ seminar will bring together suppliers to provide the necessary insight converters need to identify a clear path to expanding business with shrink sleeves. In addition to workflow demonstrations on a Digital Series HD, sleeves will be printed on the Performance Series P7E flexo press.

Converters will also have the opportunity to directly learn from industry thought leaders on the shrink market. From front-end technologies to the seaming process and beyond, attendees will have the ability to physically see how they can maximize their book of business through shrink as the application continues to see a steady annual growth rate of over five percent.

Esko Studio software and tools will show converters how to produce artwork suited for the distortion that is necessary with shrink application, while Siegwerk and Multi-Plastics representatives will provide insight to what is needed when distortion and heat are used to ensure a high-quality end product. Accraply equipment provides real-time seaming and shrink knowledge for a hands-on, end-to-end shrink application demonstration. Mark Andy Print Product representatives will consult attendees on the unique shrink workflow, including platemaking experts to guide converters on what type of plates are optimal for shrink applications, as well as the on-press consumables needed to result in the highest quality print.

Corey Reardon from AWA Alexander Watson Associates will give a keynote presentation.

The ‘Shrinking to Expand’ workshop takes place May 21 at Mark Andy’s headquarters in St Louis, Missouri. This is one part of a ramped up educational program from Mark Andy.