Mark Andy provides dual layer capacity for CCL label

CCL Label Ashford Ltd has installed a second Mark Andy Scout UV flexo press at its production facility in Kent, UK.  Renowned as a supplier of ‘Expanded Content labels’ to the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, CCL’s Ashford staff can draw on more than 30 years’ experience in label innovation that has brought ISO 9001:2001 recognition and established a variety market leading product designs.

The flexo department at Ashford is primarily used as a support facility for the company’s booklet work, and according to senior press operator Steve Ashman, ‘has never been busier than since the second Scout arrived.’  Chosen for its ease of use, the 10” six-color Scout has brought reliability and print quality that belies its simplicity, according to production manager, Niall Warne.

‘We chose the Mark Andy because it was uncomplicated and appeared to suit our type of work. In fact, it has exceeded our expectations and proved a very stable performer across the range of substrates we use here, from 50 gsm paper to 60 micron PE and PP.  We had no hesitation in ordering a second Scout when the time arose,’ Warne commented.

One particular job that illustrates the Scout’s capability is a dual layer label designed and produced for patient information tags in GP’s surgeries and hospitals. It consists of a pre-printed PP web that is over laminated onto a second printed PP web that has had a patterned cationic varnish applied.  The combined webs are then die cut with a dual height unit and the result allows for part of the label to be removed and applied to the patient’s record card.

John Bratton, who headed the Technical Team that developed the dual label concept, stated: ‘We’ve only been able to produce this style of label since we installed the second Scout, which is fitted with a laminating unit and turner bars. Market interest in the product has been most encouraging, and has kept the machine operators busy, which is a good sign!’

(Photo caption: Senior press operator Steve Ashman and technical team leader John Bratton show samples of CCL’s new dual layer label product, produced on a Mark Andy Scout).