Fine Print

Print Action, Nov 2004

Printer: GM Nameplate

Client: Lexar Media Inc.

Project: Multi Media Card Labels

The project

GM Nameplate (GMN) printed the project on roll-to-roll flexographic printing presses, using UV-cured inks and coatings * printed on Polyester with pressure-sensitive adhesive * Lexar had just re-branded its entire product line, so time to market was critical * its digital memory cards are used with a variety of devices, such as digital cameras, MP3 players, computers and PDAs * working with the end user's designers, the size of copy, colour separation, colour trap, and dimensional tolerances were all adjusted to design * GMN worked whatever hours it took to turn the product, using multiple manufacturing facilities to handle the volume

The company

GM Nameplate (all divisions) had US$82 Million in sales for fiscal year 2004 * the company specializes in the custom design and manufacture of branding components including nameplates, decals, labels, electronic inputs, membrane switches, rubber keypads, touch screens and molded plastics * the Canadian division of GMN is named SuperGraphics (www.supergraphics.com) * this division generates $5 million per annum * its markets include retail environmental graphics, point-of-purchase displays and signage, fleet graphics and movie backdrops * fleet graphics are a SuperGraphics specialty

The market

GMN says metal is the most interesting substrate to print on because of the variety of finishes, forming and cutting options that it provides and that metal has a look that can be simulated but never replicated * the company uses a variety of proprietary processes to print on metal, based upon the subsequent fabrication needs * when choosing the printing method for metals, GM Nameplate must consider if the parts will require forming, embossing, punching or piecing * the graphical features will also determine print methods * lenticular material is the most difficult substrate to print on, according to GMN * there are challenges associated with matching a printed image to lenticular lines, controlling the edge of the sheet to the edge of the lens and controlling lot-to-lot variation * the company controls dot gain at each stage of its printing process to minimize its effect * each process is fingerprinted so the amount of total gain is known * although digital printing is no longer unique, GM Nameplate produces large-format digital output to produce images for entire buildings and airplanes