FLEXcon, a leader in adhesive coating and laminating, has announced that FOX IV Technologies, the designer and manufacturer of a broad range of printer applicators, has named FLEXcon’s stock, along with the corresponding thermal transfer ribbons, as approved materials for its Tandem II Label Printer-Applicator. The Tandem II eliminates multi-step GHS label printing processes by combining the print and apply processes into one robust system.

The approval process included tests for print quality, clean peeling characteristics, smooth transfer onto the applicator pad and the ability to be applied to the specified (drum) surface. When FLEXcon’s stock was tested with the equipment, the company states that the result was a superior product that met requirements for GHS standards, without adding steps to the printing process.

With the recent December 1 deadline to meet GHS training standards, FLEXcon and FOX IV have pioneered this fully-automated GHS print and apply method, meeting an immediate need for manufacturers. The Tandem II works like traditional print and apply labeling systems, with a distinct advantage – two print stations. Each print station fulfills a separate printing requirement – one for the black text and one for the red GHS design elements.

FLEXcon’s DRUMcal 51932 White Polypropylene Stock functions seamlessly with the Tandem II, as it was designed to be universally compatible across a wide variety of print technologies. This ensures that the stock continues to meet customers’ ever-changing needs as industry standards and print processes evolve.

“FLEXcon and FOX IV share a similar mission of making processes easier for customers, so this was a natural partnership,” says Brian Ayers, product manager of product identification, FLEXcon. “This latest innovation is a further proof point of our ongoing relationship, built on our mutual commitment to providing customers with solutions that meet their specific industry needs efficiently and effectively.”

“FOX IV has worked with FLEXcon stocks for over 30 years,” adds Rich Hoffman, VP of operations at FOX IV. “It was only natural that we would look to FLEXcon to provide a quality product that meets the GHS specifications during the development and testing of the Tandem II print and apply. Throughout the product testing phase, FOX IV worked with FLEXcon to provide a reliable, innovative solution that would meet our customers’ needs.”