Baker Labels invests in JetFx for digital finishing

UK-based converter Baker Labels has installed a JetFx module for the AB Graphic International Digicon Series 3 finishing press to expand its finishing options with digital foiling, high build varnish and authentication embellishments.

L-R:  Jamie Godson, technical manager of Baker Labels and Steve Playforth, AB Graphic, during the factory acceptance test at AB Graphic’s facility in Bridlington

The JetFx is an inkjet embellishment unit capable of applying digital foil, variable data foil, cast cure, high build varnish and authentication embellishments to label designs. The benefits of digitally printed embellishments over conventional finishing is being able to use any image as a source with no additional tooling required, even for highly detailed printing. Very fine detail and bold areas can be printed together, and variable layers of varnish and foil can be applied in one pass.

‘I feel the JetFx will be a great addition to the services we can offer our trade clients,’ said Steve Baker, managing director of Baker Labels. ‘The ability to varnish and foil variable data is very limited at this time, so offers huge potential for value added jobs for our customers. The detail that we will be able to produce with both the foil and the varnish will be exceptional. From fine half tones to large solids on one design along with variable heights to give a tactile feel.

‘Everybody wants faster turnaround these days, so dieless foiling and plateless spot varnish remove another potential barrier to achieving this goal. This is a very good fit in our strategy of finding new, cutting edge equipment that is pushing the boundaries of what can be produced in the labelling world. It’s also going to be very interesting when we use it on flexible packaging and pouches,’ concluded Steve Baker.

The machine has been delivered in the last week before the lockdown, therefore, training and trialing was provided by ABG with online, using video connection, followed up with some socially distanced on-site training. Baker Labels is the first trade label manufacturer in the UK with digital embellishment capabilities.