GSI Technologies has announced the purchase of a full service digital printing line from EFI Jetrion Industrial Inkjet Systems. GSI sought out the digital solution for its flexibility and quality, which will aid the company in short runs and versatility.

GSI has also already had positive experiences with its new EFI Jetrion. In its first label printing contest for EFI Jetrion inkjet narrow web press users, EFI awarded GSI with the 2014 Most Innovative Application of the Year award for a heat-resistant blanket warming oven decal, which was printed with CMYK plus white on film with laser cut outs.

“We are very excited about the investment in digital capability,” says Dave Austin, president and COO of GSI. “This strategic investment allows us to fully serve our current and future label customers and expands on an already robust flexographic and screen printing platform that has permitted GSI to service small to Fortune 100 clients with a strict focus on quality and value. Our company will leverage the lean inline print to finish capability this digital label print line provides so we can capitalize on the increased demand for short runs, variable data and versioning that the industry is requiring.”

This move complements the technical investments the company has made in its printed electronics side of the business. As a means to drive innovation, GSI has made major investments in print equipment, engineering capital and quality systems, all dedicated to scaling up promising ideas to commercial production. 

“Digital printing has made its presence a critical component to the industrial label segment, and we look forward to understanding how the new digital line can benefit printed electronics as well,” adds Gordon Smith, chief technology officer, GSI. “The full integration of digital printing into the printed electronics sector is not yet a reality but is a focus area for development. Digital printing offers the ability to deposit small amounts of inks and to change designs in real time, both being attractive features when developing new products.”

GSI Technologies believes this investment will aid short run lengths and eliminate tooling. It will also help with setup materials and labor waste, allowing for fully customized applications. 

“This true turnkey solution considerably enhances our capabilities and addresses many of the competitive requirements we currently face,” explains Craig Mech, vice president of manufacturing. 

Mech is leading the implementation efforts at GSI and expects the digital line installation to be completed by the end of July to take full advantage of the current and future opportunities that digital will deliver.

In addition to the new digital line, GSI has announced that it has passed an ISO 13485 registration audit and is now certified to the higher level ISO standard. GSI has been ISO 9001 certified since 2001.

“We have focused on printed medical device components for years and this certification solidifies our support of our customers’ quality requirements,” adds Austin. “While medical sensors are a niche in a growing printed electronics industry, GSI has a well-established presence due to significant experience in manufacturing components for our medical OEM customers, where a printed electrode, microfluidic channel or backlighting is incorporated into the diagnostic system. This designation further recognizes our investments in our quality systems, our people and our customers.”