Hamilton Adhesive Labels makes switch to PureTone

As a family run printing business and independent converter of self-adhesive labels, Hamilton Adhesive Labels set itself a goal of delivering a predictive printing system, whilst elevating the print process itself to the highest possible quality level.

Hamilton Adhesive Labels invested heavily in new equipment and scientific tools to support this program, which saw mono-pigmented inks tested against traditional systems from other ink companies, in both laboratory and press conditions. This resulted in PureTone being chosen as its new ink system, and Pulse Roll Label Products consequently appointed as Hamilton Adhesive Labels’ new ink partner. Anilox technologies were also assessed and validated, as were plate technologies from a number of suppliers.

Paul Larkin, operations director at Hamilton Adhesive Labels, said: ‘PureTone’s innovative concept fits perfectly with our measurement and control philosophy. Our approach to quality and productivity is unique. Pulse Roll Label Products with its PureTone UV flexo ink system provided the vital link in our desire to achieve the highest level of quality, whilst improving our competitiveness in the marketplace.’

The PureTone UV flexo ink system, which comprises high strength 4-color process series and mono-pigmented mixing bases, was developed by Pulse Roll Label Products to work with the latest pre-press technology to provide a ‘total color management solution’ for the narrow web market.

Hamilton Adhesive Labels’ on-site kitchen utilizes an X-Rite spectrophotometer along with InkFormulation Software (IFS) and pre-press proofing equipment from RK PrintCoat Instruments. Anilox rolls are maintained and cleaned regularly, and are calibrated for each press to provide consistent color density. All this has led to efficiency gains with savings on ink consumption and reductions in waste resulting in long-term cost savings, as well as consistent color matching and closer Delta E readings on every occasion at the printer, it is claimed.

The ink manufacturer said the change to PureTone has meant that Hamilton Adhesive Labels now achieves the highest print quality, ‘right first time’. A more efficient manufacturing process has also been built around the PureTone concept, and digital ink management has been embraced and adopted throughout Hamilton Adhesive Labels.

Gary Seward, Pulse Roll Label Products managing director, added: ‘We are delighted that the switch to PureTone has helped Hamilton Adhesive Labels achieve its aim of creating a leaner and more efficient operation to maximize its competitiveness in today’s global label market.’

PureTone was launched at Labelexpo Europe 2015, with live PureTone ink mixing and color matching demonstrations scheduled for Labelexpo Europe 2017.