"Flexo" printing is the most common label printing method. Solvent, water and UV inks are available. Low cost plastic plates are used to transfer the ink to the base film. Many flexo presses allow the label manufacturer to print, laminate and die-cut the label in line and this makes flexography suitable for longer runs of labels. Most flexo labels are sold in a roll form. Examples of flexo labels include labels on detergent, toothpaste and certain RTK labels and paper tags. Typically, Flexo printing is not used when either large areas of solid color are needed nor if the label must last outdoors.

This traditional print method typically uses either a rotary bit or a high power laser. The rotary (or Pantograph) technique requires only a high speed spindle and a simple desk top engraver. The surface layer of the plastic or metal surface is removed and this exposes, typically, the contrasting color of the material core. In some cases, the engraved letter can also be filled. Laser or raster engraving is much more precise and can mimic most fonts. The laser burns or vaporizes the top layer away.

Two contrasting colors are permanently fused to each other, creating a slight profile between the layers. The TactileTouch method is also used to create Raster Braille ? dots follow the Grade II standards. Braille dots are precision cut and pressure fit, TactileTouch signs are used for Room ID, restroom signs, ADA door signs and Exit signage.

Screen printing is the most durable of all common printing techniques. This process "lays down" a very thick layer of pigment and this extends outdoor life. Both solvent and UV inks are common, with the UV inks imparting good chemical resistance. Most signs and pipe makers are screen printed. Other screen printed products include the design on a CD-ROMs, many automotive nameplates, the defrost screen on a car's rear window or the decoration on china plates.

Offset printing is the most common method of printing paper. Offset equipment and set-up costs are high, but, for long runs, offset printing is very fast and very inexpensive. Starting with an image that is etched onto a metal plate, ink is transferred to an intermediary surface such as a rubber blanket, and finally applied to paper or a tag substrate by pressing this substrate against the intermediary surface.

The print is sealed into the anodized layer of the aluminum. The print cannot be washed off. In addition, embedded black graphics are metallic silver particles that resist heat, chemicals and sunlight. Withstands up to 1000°F. Anodized/Photographic plates are commonly used by ships to identify equipment or by utilities to permanently mark poles. Anodized/Photographic plates are also ideal for one-of-a-kind signs and are commonly used for awards and dedication plaques.

Heat is used to transfer a resin or wax-based ink from a foil to the base film. Traditionally, thermal printing, often called "Hot Stamping", was accomplished using a heated platen and an impact head. In the 1970’s faster and lower-cost thermal transfer printers directed at the warehouse label, UPC and packaging markets emerged. In the 1990’s, lower-cost color thermal printers emerged. Resin ribbons were used to transfer colored inks to flexible label substrates.

Thermal printing is well suited for short-runs of labels and signs. One-of-a-kind information can be easily added to the label.

Digital printing has revolutionized the label market. The first commercial liquid toner presses were introduced in the late 80’s. Only recently, however, the economics and quality have changed to favor digital printing over most other techniques.

Our presses use up to seven colors simultaneously to produce both full color process labels, fluorescent colors, spot colors and, even, white. Art work does not need plates. The printing can be completely variable. Bar codes, serial numbers, etc. can be different on each label. The press handles both rolls and sheets of label materials. Our state-of-the-art can print runs of labels from a single label to 50,000. Labels are often overlaminated or digitally die-cut.