MPH Limited, the Harwich-based prepress services provider, has reached an agreement to provide imaging services for UK-based users of SPGPrints’ RotaMesh tactile rotary screens designed for adding heavy varnish features up to 250µm thickness to labels and packaging. The agreement means MPH can provide label converters across the country with a fast, local source for imaging the complete range of nickel RotaMesh screens, from 75 to 405 mesh, for applying value-added decorative and functional features inline.

MPH Limited offers prepress services, including platemaking, reprographics, packaging mock-ups, in addition to rotary screen imaging, to the flexographic, label and narrow web, and medium-web markets.

Craig Alderson, business development manager, MPH Limited, comments, “MPH is known for often being the first to install the very latest prepress technology. This agreement adds a unique and exclusive service to our repertoire, complementing the recent investments made in flat-top dot flexo plate technology.”

SPGPrints’ tactile screen, RotaMesh 75, is used for braille dots and raised warning triangles increasingly demanded to meet health and safety legislation, as well as coarse varnishes. Other screens are used for effects, such as the no-label look, rich opaque colors, glitter and metallic inks, including conductive inks for security applications.

Previously, printers in the UK without in-house imaging facilities have relied on SPGPrints’ facility in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, to source screens for the thickest tactile applications.

“There has been growing demand for features such as the warning triangle on labels for chemical products and electronic cigarettes, while braille has become established for pharmaceutical goods,” Alderson comments. “The installation of specialist imaging equipment for tactile screens at MPH means all UK users of RotaMesh screens can enjoy the substantial long-term cost-savings of re-usability, as well as faster lead-times that are as low as 24 hours.

“Our new imaging workflow ensures uniformity of lacquer coating, as well as efficient developing and stripping, so optimum image definition and consistent screen quality can be assured for thick-coverage tactile applications,” Alderson continues.

Established in 1982, MPH has been offering RotaMesh imaging services for 15 years. RotaMesh screens are robust due to their non-woven, electroformed nickel construction, and hexagonal honeycomb structure that gives sharp printing with stability and consistency at speeds up to 150 m/m. RotaMesh screens can be re-imaged many times, impacting their cost-effectiveness throughout the supply chain. These characteristics, along with SPGPrints’ Rotary Screen Integration (RSI) technology, enable screen modules to be used in conjunction with flexo, offset, gravure and letterpress workflows.

Hank Guitjens, commercial manager label printing at SPGPrints, comments,“MPH has been instrumental in helping us maintain a high level of support to our UK rotary screen customers, thanks to their resources and industry expertise. The addition of screen preparation for tactile applications at MPH means our customers are even better placed to meet the demands of the market competitively.”