Custom Labels, a Somerset, UK-based converter, has invested in a Dantex PicoColour UV inkjet digital press to enhance its label printing capabilities. Designing and manufacturing a wide range of durable labels for over 20 years, the company will take delivery of the new press in May.

PicoColour uses drop-on-demand inkjet printhead technology. Versatile and with a small footprint, this label printing system offers excellent printed results and is suitable for short and long run jobs.

Providing all the benefits of digital printing for today’s demanding production environment, including no minimum quantity, inline finishing, no waste and a fast turnaround, the press is built to last and simple to operate and maintain. Custom Labels opted for CMYK + digital gloss varnish, VDP black, corona unit, inline back slitter and inline lamination.

As a label manufacturer requiring durability, Custom Labels wanted to offer their customers varnish as an alternative to laminate depending on their requirements.

Commenting on the investment, Custom Labels’ owner and director, Nigel Foster, explains, “Where waste is an issue, one of the biggest advantages was the short setup length between jobs, making the unit highly efficient in controlling waste and thereby reducing job costs. In addition, thanks to the inkjet technology of PicoColour, the flexibility of being able to use uncoated media is a real benefit. Furthermore, as we make very few ‘larger labels,’ the ability to use narrower web widths was a major factor in the decision making process, as was the overall cost of ownership and the fact that it is manufactured in the UK.

“The press will also open up new markets such as being able to offer full colour durable asset labels on rolls,” he adds. “We have had inquiries from customers requiring higher quantities of labels on tight deliveries that we have been unable to supply, but with the PicoColour we will now be in a position to respond.”

“Custom Labels was looking for a quick turnaround solution to produce excellent durable and lightfast labels,” notes Simon Cosh, Dantex’s business development manager for inkjet. “The PicoColour, with its extensive range of options, including the new finishing edge trimming and razor knife slitters, was the ideal choice, being able to provide up to six fully finished reels ready for application. The continued enhancements make this excellent Inkjet press even more versatile.”