Shrink Sleeve Technology, Paperback

Technological advances have vastly expanded the market for shrink sleeve labels. Today, full body decoration, 360-degree branding, the potential to decorate complex and intricate shapes, the ability to add tamper evidence, abrasion resistance and waterproof printed images are all possible due to constantly developing technology. With this increase in applications, shrink sleeve label popularity is growing fast, but advancement comes at a cost and the complexities involved in the production of these labels are also on the rise.Shrink sleeve label printing uses a variety of different films, with different degrees of shrink capability. Converters need knowledge of each of these films, along with the image distortion processes, and the shrinkability and performancerequirements of inks. They must also understand the demands of the seaming process and how printed sleeves perform during shrinkage. This book can improve your shrink sleeve production by guiding you through the film, ink, printing and processing stages. Use the detailed information toimprove quality, prevent errors and correct potential faults. Ultimately, you can increase the options offered to your clients and grow your business.

Chapters include:

• An introduction to sleeves and sleeve technology
• Shrink sleeve substrates and their usage
• Design and origination for sleeve labels
• Printing technologies and inks for shrink sleeve decoration
• Converting heat shrink sleeve labels - slitting, seaming, sheeting 50 and finishing
• Shrink sleeving - using the right application and shrink tunnel technology
• Challenges, learnings and the quest for perfection

Michael Fairley has been writing and speaking about label and packaging materials, technology and applications since the 1970s, both as the founder of Labels & Labeling and other print industry magazine titles and as an international consultant writing label industry market and technology research reports for the likes of Frost & Sullivan, Economist Intelligence Unit, Pira, InfoTrends and Labels & Labelling Consultancy.

He now works as a consultant to Tarsus Exhibitions & Publishing - which organizes the Labelexpo shows, Label Summits and publishes Labels & Labeling magazine - as well as regularly speaking at industry conferences and seminars.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Packaging / Packaging Society, Fellow of IP3, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers, an Honorary Life Member of FINAT and a Licentiate of the City & Guilds of London Institute. He was awarded the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009.