itwpackagingsolutions posted on February 23, 2011 12:44
In this application, the customer wanted to increase their graphics capabilities for automotive aftermarket products.
Their current process was screen printing and limited the ability to produce multicolor images in the desired way. With any screen printing, colors are applied one at a time, having to dry and re-register between colors. The images themselves were rudimentary and essentially limited to line-art styles. New artwork required proofs, new screens, and new ink mixtures which created lengthy delays for approval. Product differentiation was done exclusively from product attributes. It was difficult for the company to enhance the product through their existing print method and extend the marketability.
The detailed needs and requirements of the project were discovered through discussions with members from both companies including graphic artists, operations, lab technicians, tooling, engineering, and marketing. Trans Tech helped the customer understand the true cost of their current process and then utilized the in-house development laboratory to design a more efficient process. This new process was then discussed in detail, samples were produced for review with their customer, and an expected return on investment was calculated.
The solution was a Trans Tech FBM V2 Industrial Digital inkjet system with Quickfix tooling and Colorbond UV inks. A specific color profile, or ICC, was developed to provide the exact color tones the customer wanted to achieve.
Benefits gained from the industrial digital inkjet system were numerous. First, the majority of the screen print jobs were replaced by a single digital system. The process itself is now much cleaner and less wasteful. Drying ovens could be replaced. Since the digital system is completely self-contained, there is no need to mix inks externally or clean screens. The customer was able to successfully attract new accounts. In fact, they were able to make inroads into one of the largest automotive aftermarket accounts in the US, based on their new-found product differentiation. Lastly, the operator was able to begin production with this new equipment in just one day of training.
For more information on how ITW Trans Tech can help you Contact Us. Phone 630-909-5786.