Mike Evans

A long-established printing technique, silkscreen reigns supreme over the durable label market. Ancient Egyptians were using papyrus stencils and pigments to duplicate images as early as 2300 B.C. However, modern screenprinting likely stems from patents applied for in the early 1900s. And except for the introduction of photographic stencils around that time, and the impact of computer technology in the '80s, the process remains relatively unchanged. So does the fact that a screenprinted label is the most durable product on the market. "The key," explained Mike Evans, marketing manager for Omaha, Nebraska-based Lancer Label, "is that compared to other printing techniques, screenprinting lays down

Manufacturers discuss emerging markets and value-added applications. Spurred by the introduction of laser printers in the 1980s, laser labels continue to be a profitable product for distributors, with new applications and processes spawned regularly to meet end-users' demands. "Lasers are pretty hot right now," noted Melinda Fulton, marketing manager at Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill. As pin-fed labels have faded from their former preeminence, laser and thermal labels have taken over. Mike Evans, marketing service manager for Lancer Label, Omaha, Neb., a PrintXcel company, said that he has seen steady growth in stock laser label sales over the past three years. John Strecker, vice

Lancer Label, Englewood, Colo. (a PrintXcel brand) has announced the launch of PressAbels Spirit Sheets, a product designed to add excitement to any school fundraiser or promotion. The innovative 10x3˝ sheets feature nine different labels, including a mousepad, sports schedule and window decal. Said Mike Evans, director of marketing for Lancer Label, "The product is a great giveaway for schools, universities or sport teams. It's very easy to sell because there is no other product like this, and it appeals to all markets. The Spirit Sheet offers custom printing opportunities from one-color to our highquality process printing." For a free sample, call

Meeting rough applications is as smooth as silk for screenprinted labels By Maggie DeWitt A rubber squeegee pushes UV-cured ink through a fine mesh screen mounted onto a steel frame, laying down thick layers of color. The result is the toughest label on the market. And while some newer printing processes are starting to encroach on traditional silkscreen territory, none of the contenders can take a licking and keep on sticking quite like screenprinted labels. "Flexo and digitally-printed labels look and feel almost exactly like screenprinted labels," said Mike Evans, marketing manager for Lancer Label, Omaha, Neb. The difference, he added, is in screenprinted labels' incredible