In order to meet the latest requests for flexo printing, converters must navigate numerous obstacles to deliver the best labels in the shortest amount of time. To learn more about the latest trends in flexo printing, L&NW sat down with Kelly Vaughan, 3M business development manager, Anderson & Vreeland.

L&NW: What are the challenges narrow web printers face with competitive label manufacturing?
KV: There is currently a strong emphasis on producing consistent and repeatable results in label manufacturing. This is one of the key elements driving the highly competitive label and narrow web market. The landscape is such that a label manufacturer is accountable for more than just producing a printed label. The top producers who are most successful help the brand owners deliver their story and relate to the consumer  – from concept through logistics. Successful campaigns help to enhance consumer product longevity and brand loyalty.

In addition, quality initiatives are no longer just words spoken in a conference room during the design concept phase. In order to establish a partnership with brands, converters must demonstrate that they can manufacture consistently and without fail.

L&NW: How can narrow web printers achieve the best results?
KV: To generate the greatest impact, label printers must strengthen the converting process for an improved outcome. There are a number of questions they can ask. Is the printer optimized for the print conditions for repeatable results? Have all touchpoints and costs been factored in? Continuous improvement initiatives are a must-have to help minimize scrap, waste, lost time on-press, or print rejections.

L&NW: How can a printer maximize repeatable print results?
KV: The best way to maximize repeatable print results is to have documented procedures clearly established. Companies should ensure that everyone on the production team, no matter the shift, understands the process. Each team member needs to follow the stated procedures consistently. Label printers can also identify trusted resources early on in the print process to drive consistency and efficiency. Find people and product manufacturers that understand your production capabilities and have the experience to support the company through all phases of printing is critical. Management wants printers who embrace skills and refresher trainings for the mounting department. They’re seeking press helpers and press operators who have achieved significant results for improved communication productivity enhancements. Relying on data is key. Measure change over time, reductions in waste, and stay focused on goals for continuous improvement.  

L&NW: How should a printer decide which mounting tape is right for them?
KV: Anderson & Vreeland prioritizes relationships with reputable partners. For example, Anderson & Vreeland has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with 3M, which in turn brings an additional layer of industry expertise to the printing process. 3M’s well-known flexographic mounting tapes are known for their ease-of-use, and the company’s bubble free mounting tapes are widely used within the industry. 3M’s technology and innovative adhesives, such as the E-series, EH-Series, and L-series, are commonly used with great success. These products are available in all eight tape densities for 15 mil users to 20 mil users of the tapes. These products provide flexibility when printers are navigating between changing print conditions or changing plate technologies, ink chemistries, and press speeds, among others.  

From line copy to combinations with intense highlights, 3M Flexo Mounting Tapes deliver a precise advantage to optimize print conditions – and they do so faster, better, and easier.

L&NW: Why would a narrow web printer want to work with A&V?
KV: Anderson & Vreeland is a specialized, flexo-focused, solutions-based provider that brings a variety of customer engagement support to the market. These offerings range from helping a single location to multi-location national accounts. Our support team consists of knowledgeable and experienced technical service engineers and specialists, customer service, and account managers covering the nation. We also have specialists within equipment, photopolymer, consumables, and logistics who are experienced to help foster growth and guide customers through modern technology advances. Anderson & Vreeland isn’t just a distributor. We are a culture built on longevity, experience, and trust within the industry to help customers excel at what they do best – print. All employees are Flexo FIRST Certified, and account managers and specialists have the FIRST Operator full certification.