• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Paper Substrates

    Wine Labels

    Static Control

    Narrow Web Profile: OMNI Systems

    Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services

    Domino welcomes Samuel Frist to growing team

    C&A introduces new anti-microbial coating line
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    Poland's Alu-Lids purchases first MPS flexo press

    Crypto codes combat fake malaria drugs in Africa

    Constantia Flexibles launches recyclable pharma packaging

    Henkel introduces Technomelt Supra ECO
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    Grand Rapids Label offers custom diecutting services

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services

    Domino welcomes Samuel Frist to growing team
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    Grand Rapids Label offers custom diecutting services

    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services

    Omet tackles the flexo debate

    Poland's Alu-Lids purchases first MPS flexo press
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Poland's Alu-Lids purchases first MPS flexo press

    Phoseon announces NIR LED lamps

    Hamillroad Software appoints Carl Brock senior application specialist

    Artex Label installs Rotoflex DF1 finishing machine

    Phoseon partners with Narrow Web Italia
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system

    Grand Rapids Label offers custom diecutting services

    Lightning Labels details custom diecut labels

    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement

    C&A introduces new anti-microbial coating line
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Mechanical Specialties, Inc.

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG)

    Dantex Group

    Martin Automatic Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Narrow Web Profile: US Tape & Label

    The St. Louis converter and its customers are reaping the benefits of rotary screen printing technology.

    Narrow Web Profile: US Tape & Label
    Narrow Web Profile: US Tape & Label
    Inserting a RotaMesh screen on an SPGPrints RSI unit at USTL
    Narrow Web Profile: US Tape & Label
    One of USTL’s Mark Andy Performance Series presses
    Narrow Web Profile: US Tape & Label
    A label printed by USTL for a Colorado dispensary
    Related CONTENT
    • Norwegian converter acquires Mark Andy P5E press
    • Mark Andy to host Shrink Sleeve Workshop
    • Mark Andy exhibits Digital One at Graphics Canada
    • Mark Andy and partners host educational open house
    • Mark Andy P3 prints aluminum foil in Slovakia
    Adrian Tippetts05.31.19
    U.S. Tape & Label
    2092 Wesport Center Dr., St. Louis, MO, USA 63146
    www.ustl.com


    According to Jan Greis, vice president and general manager of St. Louis, MO-based US Tape & Label, there are three main demands from the company’s label customers: fast, just-in-time delivery, assured print quality, and creative designs that differentiate their products on the shelf.

    For nearly 70 years, US Tape & Label (USTL) has continued to develop its business and now produces self-adhesive labels, tapes and shrink-sleeves for retail goods customers throughout the United States. In the varied markets it serves – which predominately include food and beverage, health and beauty, lawn and garden, pet foods and tobacco – competition is intense and brand owners rely on more sophisticated label and packaging decoration to make their brands stand out and grab shoppers’ attention.

    “We are a 24/7 operation offering unique, specific solutions, and the key to meeting customer demands is the versatility to include a combination of processes inline,” says Greis. “Through an intensive program of investment, we have production equipment that enables us to meet those key demands, productively and with minimal waste.”

    The company has invested in two 13" Mark Andy Performance  Series flexo combination presses, both with an overhead rail system that enables a wide range of finishing processes to be performed inline. Each rail includes specialty units for hot and cold foiling, embossing and rotary screen printing, which can be inserted and moved between any position in the printing sequence as jobs require. The presses have identical configurations, though one has a butt-splicer, enabling it with the means to print ultra-long runs. US Tape & Label leverages its rotary screen printing capability as a vital added-value technology. Its ability to lay down thick layers of ink and varnish at relatively fast print speeds makes it possible to include a range of effects. 

    The company first installed an SPGPrints Rotary Screen Integration (RSI) printing unit several years ago to create opaque white, usually in the first printing position, often for high-end, no-label look labels. While rotary screen is still preferred for this effect, thanks to its excellent optical density, innovations in reusable nickel screens and coating media meant rotary screen technology could be used for high-value visual and tactile effects. 

    “We have two RSI Compact rotary screen units from SPGPrints,” Greis says. “Usually there is one on each of the Mark Andy press lines, but we can also move both units to one press.”

    An example of multiple screen use in a single job can be to apply a no-label look, with a tactile matte, gloss or “velvet touch” varnish over the flexo-printed graphics.

    “The RSI Compact engages with the servo drive on the press,” explains Don Johnstone, USTL’s director of manufacturing. “This means that the units are ‘plug-and-play’ and not ‘retrofitted’ in the traditional sense. Should we wish to add more RSI units, we could just mount them on the rail.”

    Long-term cost-savings with reusable nickel screens
    SPGPrints’ nickel rotary screens feature an electroformed, nonwoven and 100% nickel mesh with a hexagonal hole formation. There are two screen programs, each offering long-term cost-savings, productivity and quality benefits. RotaMesh screens can be both re-imaged and reused multiple times, supplied as a complete cylinder with end-rings, while RotaPlate screens, for assembly by the operator, are reusable. The structure provides strength to maintain stability and precision at high press speeds that can be up to 450 fpm, depending on application. With careful handling and storage, US Tape & Label is able to reuse its RotaMesh screens in excess of 10 times, making an important contribution to lean production.

    “The RSI Compact units and nickel screens from SPGPrints have made it possible to print a full range of applications from small text to raised features up to 250 microns thick.  For the finest print, we use RotaPlate 355 mesh screens,” Johnstone says. “We achieve coarse or tactile effects with the RotaPlate 75Y screens. For general varnish applications and printing opaque white on clear labels, the SPGPrints’ RotaMesh 305-17 is our go-to screen.”

    Focus on screen innovation for new, distinguishing effects
    US Tape & Label maintains a strong focus on research and development, working closely with screen ink manufacturers to find new ways of distinguishing its clients’ brands. As a result, it has introduced special effects, such as glitter and Iriodine, into label designs. SPGPrints has also developed a RotaMesh Glitter Screen that can delicately handle the relatively large particles that are essential to the functionality of the coating.

    “SPGPrints also supplies our RotaPlate and RotaMesh screens very quickly,” says Johnstone. “They keep a supply of end-rings for the RotaPlate screens and can get imaged screens to us in a few days. Since our supply chains are just-in-time, this is essential.”

    SPGPrints’ long experience, global support network and ability to offer high levels of technical and application consultancy means that companies like US Tape & Label have access to the best possible support and advice.

    “Our success is the result of working closely with our suppliers to get the most from our presses, plates, inks, screens and substrates,” adds Greis. “Making all the elements work together optimally means that we can achieve lean production while delivering the print quality and competitive designs that our customers want.”

    Other equipment that can easily be added to either Mark Andy line are web laminators and dual UV lamps if printing with UV-curable flexo or screen inks. The Mark Andy presses can be changed from water-based to UV-curable inks as the need arises for shrink-sleeve production, for example.

    Adding value to digital print
    Rotary screen embellishments are adding value to US Tape & Label’s growing output.  The company has two HP Indigo 6800 digital presses, which are used for short run work and jobs that requires variable data for coding and marking, track and trace, and product security, as well as image and text variation.

    “Cross-over from digital to analog isn’t as straight-forward as people think,” Greis explains. “It’s not simply just a question of ‘above this number, we print flexo.’ Variable data is a factor, as are press schedules and the time needed for substrate changes. Finishing is also a factor, and the growth in demand for raised type, tactile and other special effects may mean that we take a digitally-printed roll and put it on the flexo press for varnishes and rotary screen embellishments.”

    US Tape & Label has seen the use of rotary screen-printed embellishments move to shrink sleeves. “This creates a number of technical challenges as well as opening opportunities,” Greis notes. “But customers see the addition of tactile features to sleeves as a strong differentiator, and it’s up to us to find them a solution. SPGPrints has been working with us as this trend accelerates. It’s all part of our mission to elevate our customers’ products’ presentation.”


    Introducing USTL’s Canna Pack division
    In May 2019, US Tape & Label announced the formation of a new cannabis-focused division – USTL Canna Pack. The new arm of the now 70-year industry leader will focus on the cannabis market, leveraging USTL’s long history of market innovation and manufacturing excellence.

    For over half a century, US Tape & Label has provided full-service label printing and application services for companies across the nation, offering both digital and flexographic platforms to deliver a solution that’s on-brand, on-budget and on-time. USTL maintains GMI, FSC, and ISO 9001 certifications. USTL Canna Pack’s packaging experts can solve the problems that may arise for brand owners in this up-and-coming market.

    “We are focused on a solution-based business model, aiming to make USTL a leader in the canna market” says Jim Benetin, the director of the initiative at USTL. “Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all label, pouch or bag for your product. USTL Canna Pack provides packaging solutions that are as unique and specific as the product you’re looking to market. We use the newest technology to create packages for extracts, liquids, edibles, vapes, supplements, fertilizers and more.”

    USTL Canna Pack’s team of experts have provided over half a century of beautiful, durable labels for a broad variety of products. “Label design, testing, and in-house manufacturing streamline our process to give you a quick turnaround time, as well as total control of the final product. If you want to increase your product’s shelf appeal for a look that leaves a lasting impression, give us a call today and see how we can elevate your product’s presentation,” Benetin adds.
    Related Searches
    • productivity
    • media
    • tape
    • water
    Suggested For You
    Norwegian converter acquires Mark Andy P5E press Norwegian converter acquires Mark Andy P5E press
    Mark Andy to host Shrink Sleeve Workshop Mark Andy to host Shrink Sleeve Workshop
    Mark Andy exhibits Digital One at Graphics Canada Mark Andy exhibits Digital One at Graphics Canada
    Mark Andy and partners host educational open house Mark Andy and partners host educational open house
    Mark Andy P3 prints aluminum foil in Slovakia Mark Andy P3 prints aluminum foil in Slovakia
    Flexo Presses Flexo Presses
    Mark Andy sees continued interest in Performance Series presses Mark Andy sees continued interest in Performance Series presses
    Dscoop Edge helps attendees ‘Turn Ideas Into Reality’ Dscoop Edge helps attendees ‘Turn Ideas Into Reality’
    SPGPrints launches RSI III rotary screen integration module SPGPrints launches RSI III rotary screen integration module
    HP Inkspiration 2019 winners HP Inkspiration 2019 winners
    HP Inkspiration 2019 winners announced at Dscoop Edge Orlando HP Inkspiration 2019 winners announced at Dscoop Edge Orlando
    Mark Andy P5E press the choice for Czech label printer Mark Andy P5E press the choice for Czech label printer
    S-One unveils 2019 Culture Book S-One unveils 2019 Culture Book
    Mark Andy announces key personnel promotions Mark Andy announces key personnel promotions
    Michelman showcases durable label technology at HP Indigo Global VIP Event Michelman showcases durable label technology at HP Indigo Global VIP Event

    Related Features

    • Plate Mounting

      Plate Mounting

      Proper plate technology is required to ensure the best results on-press.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Low Migration Inks

      Low Migration Inks

      These ink systems protect the consumer by minimizing the risk of contamination.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Inspection Equipment

      Inspection Equipment

      Quality-assurance technologies can pay big dividends for label printers.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20


    • Narrow Web Profile:  Great Lakes Label

      Narrow Web Profile: Great Lakes Label

      Big gambles have led to big success for this Michigan-based label converter.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 04.03.20

    • Flexo Presses | Flexography
      Flexo Press Economics

      Flexo Press Economics

      With flexography playing such a dominant role in the North American label market, choosing the right press can literally make or break a business.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • Tabletop Digital Printers

      Tabletop Digital Printers

      These affordable units can print labels for a variety of end uses.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20


    • Security Labels

      Security Labels

      Labels and packaging can help protect consumer goods in the high-stakes game of counterfeiting.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • Narrow Web Profile:  DWS Printing

      Narrow Web Profile: DWS Printing

      After more than 150 years, the New York converter has remained successful by staying on the forefront of new technologies.
      Greg Hrinya, Editor 03.05.20

    • The Science of Static and the Importance of Control

      The Science of Static and the Importance of Control

      Static is a problem all converters can relate to, but there are a range of factors that can influence the challenge.
      Matt Fyffe 01.31.20


    • Sustainable Substrates

      Sustainable Substrates

      Suppliers are developing new products to positively impact the environment.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 01.31.20

    • Beer Labels

      Beer Labels

      Bold designs and digital printing have this market segment buzzing.
      Steve Katz, Editor 01.31.20

    • Narrow Web Profile:  Rose City Label

      Narrow Web Profile: Rose City Label

      The family-owned label manufacturer continues to evolve with digital printing and sustainable practices.
      Greg Hrinya, Associate Editor 01.31.20


    • The 2019 TLMI Awards

      The 2019 TLMI Awards

      Multi-Color Corporation North America Wine and Spirits earned the top honor for its Prayers of Sinners entry.
      11.15.19

    • Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet

      Labelexpo Europe holds most international edition yet

      A total of 693 exhibitors participated at the event, which took place September 24-27, 2019 at the Brussels Expo in Belgium.
      Steve Katz, Editor 11.15.19

    • Cannabis Labels

      Cannabis Labels

      The advantages of digital printing align perfectly with the needs of this new and evolving market.
      Steve Katz, Editor 11.15.19


    Trending
    • Avery Dennison Ramps Up Security Labeling Efforts
    • Poland's Alu-Lids Purchases First MPS Flexo Press
    • Domino Details Surge In Variable Data Printing
    • Wilson Manufacturing Drives Die Development To Assist Label Converters
    • Eaglewood Technologies Debuts New Anilox Cleaning System
    Breaking News
    • Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system
    • INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement
    • Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services
    • Domino welcomes Samuel Frist to growing team
    • C&A introduces new anti-microbial coating line
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    January/February 2021

    • Paper Substrates
    • Wine Labels
    • Static Control
    • Narrow Web Profile: OMNI Systems
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Clinical Trial Finds Metabolic Benefits for Polyphenols Formula
    JRF Technology Debuts Elderberry Oral Film Strip
    Danone Adds to Plant-Based Portfolio with Acquisition of Follow Your Heart Brand
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Hempel Launches Sustainability Framework: Futureproof
    ChemQuest Hires Rich Gibson
    New Increase in Kynar Fluoropolymer Capacities at Arkema's Chinese Site
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Terumo to Purchase Predictive Analytics Firm Health Outcomes Sciences
    Abiomed Leader Michael Minogue Named AdvaMed Board Chairman
    TransEnterix Changes Name to Asensus Surgical
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Altasciences Contributes to Vibegron Approval
    Cyprium, Sentynl Therapeutics Ink Asset Purchase Agreement
    Pfizer Selects Seven Bridges to Support RNA Sequencing Data
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Madison Reed Raises $52 Million in Financing Round
    The Estée Lauder Companies Closes Becca Cosmetics
    Afro Sheen Launches New Brand Initiatives
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    PBA Opposes House Bill 2325 in West Virginia
    J.R. Watkins Tackles Pain with New Lines
    RB Launches Vanish Miracle
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Etiflex Enters New Markets with Nilpeter FA-22 Installation
    Hydrocarbon Solvents Market to Surpass $8.1 Billion by 2030
    Lowe-Martin Adds 2 KODAK NEXFINITY Digital Presses
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Eaglewood Technologies debuts new anilox cleaning system
    INX International and VerifyMe sign supply agreement
    Soma partners with DTM Flexo Services
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    H&V Announces Price Increase
    Fiber Bond VE3 Technology Inactivates SARS-CoV-2 in HVAC Filtration Systems
    Citizens Provides $325 Million Senior Credit Facility to Nice-Pak
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    NuVasive Nabs Simplify Medical for $150M
    SeaSpine Begins Limited Launch of WaveForm TA (TLIF Articulating) 3D-Printed Interbody
    Nexus Spine Implants for Use in Spinal Surgeries Become Available
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Comercial Kywi Improves Customer Service, Front-Store Operations with Zebra Mobile Solution
    Global Printed Circuit Board Market Projected to Reach $69.32 Billion by 2027
    RFID Locks Market to Reach $9.93 Billion by 2027: Allied Market Research

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login