FLEXcon was able to present the OEM with a pressure-sensitive label solution that addressed this nameplate challenge. FLEXcon identified an ideal set of materials within its FLEXcon® FLEXmark® and DPM® (Durable Product Marking) product lines.
The graphics would be printed directly on a FLEXmark® Vinyl base film, and protected from weathering and abrasion by DPM® CVE clear polyolefin overlaminate. DPM® CVE features an embossed “velvet” texture, similar to the textured surface of the more costly polycarbonate. The selfadhesive label stock eliminated the need to apply a transfer tape and could be printed flexographically in roll form, replacing the three-step operation with a single-pass process. The durability and scratch resistance of the new product construction is as good as or better than the old polycarbonate product.
The New Materials and Process Offered the Following Advantages:
Aesthetics
The OEM agreed that the velvet finish and superior gloss of the DPM® nameplates provided greater visibility and eye appeal to their brand identification graphics.
UV Performance
With the superior UV resistance of the DPM® solution, the OEM was confident the nameplates would retain their appearance long after the consumer had purchased the product.
Easy to Handle
The new nameplates were converted in roll form rather than individual sheets. As a result, production personnel reported that the new nameplates were much easier to handle and reduced scrap because there was no longer a need to handle individual labels. The housekeeping issue associated with sheeted backing material littering the production area was eliminated. Additionally, delivery in roll form provides protection against scratching and other damage, as each label is protected by the material wrapped over it in the roll.
Reduced Total Costs
Less expensive materials, paired with in-line, roll-to-roll flexographic printing (which is less expensive than screenprinting) and overlaminating make the new nameplate labels less expensive to produce.
Durable goods require durable brand identity labels that are attractive and remain readable and intact over the life of the product. The FLEXcon team worked closely with this OEM to thoroughly understand their end use requirements and nameplate application processes. Then they relied on FLEXmark® Vinyl and DPM® CVE overlaminate to devise a solution offering reduced cost, improved performance, and enhanced aesthetics.