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Customized labels are another easy entry point in the packaging market. Output devices that can print labels range from tabletop models to very high-end equipment. other heat-sensitive media. Specialized ink sets, including white inks and clear coat, can produce effects and patterns ranging from embossing and varnishing to faux leather, crocodile skin, and even Braille. In the package prototyping space, a number of flatbed options also exist, many of which print and emboss on thicker stocks, such as corrugated board, commonly used for rigid packaging, Tu says. Regardless of the platform chosen, printers should ensure their equipment offers extensive color management capabilities, including Pantone spot color libraries and integration with leading color management software from CGS, GMG, and EFI. Reed Hecht, professional imaging product manager for Epson, reports there are two applications for packaging. They are the proofing component to serve brand managers of major consumer goods providers, and production for marketing applications or unique niche products. Print providers should look for opportunities in areas where they have the greatest strength, according to Hecht. "The shops I see doing a good job are those with color profiling capabilities and knowledge of color," he reports. "The one challenge in producing color-accurate proofs has to do with knowledge of spot proof. Someone with a color expert on staff is probably going to be more successful in this area. They will be able to speak the language of the ad agency and match the brand colors— the Barbie pinks and the colors expected on the proofs. I see most shops doing this as an ancillary business in addition to their point of purchase, banner, or signage work." manager for Roland DGA Corp. "For those just getting into the market, we recommend focusing on flexible package prototypes and folding cartons, [which are] profitable applications that are easy to produce using new wide-format printing technologies," Tu says. Today's wide-format UV inkjet printers are a great option and can be acquired for an initial investment of about $60,000. "In addition to being relatively affordable upfront, they continue to deliver cost and time savings over their lifespan when compared to traditional printing technologies," Tu says, adding that among their greatest benefits is the seamless workflow they allow, taking a design through printing and finishing without requiring any platemaking. Other advantages include quick changeover of production, variable data printing, and on-demand production. "We recommend an integrated print/cut solution for the greatest levels of efficiency," he says. Tu also points out that Roland's UV-LED technology enables printing on virtually any press stock, including shrink films and 16 QUICK PRINTING / December 2013 The Converting Aspect Any type of packaging for boxes has to be die-cut to create the correct shape. The problem for many print providers entering packaging is that the equipment has been very sophisticated, high speed, and geared to volume. Larry Corwin, president of Rollem International says there never has existed a solution for the 50-sheet or 500-sheet jobs done by small commercial printers. "As a result, the packaging market has been off limits to the quick printers because of that equipment leap," he adds. "There's been no sheetfed, short-run strategy in place until the introduction of our Delta Die Cutter." That's Delta as in the scientific symbol that means change, he adds. "It changes business opportunities for the quick printer. It offers changeover in less than five minutes, now enabling even a 100-sheet run to be profitable." Moreover, this equipment can convert the printed sheet into any shape necessary to serve the packaging market, Corwin says. Those shapes include boxes, labels, rounded corners, and scal- w w w. M y P R I N T R e s o u r c e . c o m