SPARC Your Cannabis Labels

Serving patients since 2001, SPARC (www.sparcsf.org) is a nonprofit collective dedicated to providing lab-tested, affordable, high quality cannabis and subsidized health services to their members.  They aim to educate their patients about cannabis treatments and other alternative health approaches to supplement their medicine.  SPARC began as a collaboration between several small collectives serving distinct patient populations in San Francisco. SPARC's work was focused primarily on serving low-income patients suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses.

When first speaking, SPARC was looking for a lower cost method to label their products.  According to Justin Morgan, IT Director at Sparc, “We were purchasing 5 different versions of preprinted labels from our bag vendor; and wanted a lower cost means to color code our products.  Color-codes are important for us and our customers.  We use the color codes in both our labels and menus.  The colors differentiate the genetics of our different strains of cannabis.  Purchasing 5 different kinds of bags was expensive in the quantities we were purchasing.  Our hope was to get lower prices by purchasing larger volumes of single white bag; and printing custom color labels to affix to them.”

After understanding the requirements, I printed and sent samples to Sparc to test.

SPARC Sample Label

Based on the recreated label format, I estimated the ink cost at $0.002/label.  In addition, I calculated the costs of continuous labels at $0.005 each.  The overall costs of these labels were much less than 1 penny each.

After hearing the estimated costs, Sparc decided to test the C3500.  We sent them a demo printer to run with the label application, BarTender.  Justin said, “we used BarTender to add the variable data in black print to our labels.  To run the C3500, we just recreated the label template adding a variable image field to the existing label and database.”

Sparc Test Labels

As a first draft, the BarTender label template was not perfect; with some of the print off the edges of the label.  Working with Justin, we got the labels centered by taking into the account of the .06” non-printable boundary.  With the new drivers, you can print to the edge of the labels.

Sparc Finished Label

Based on this work, Sparc purchased a C3500 and gloss paper labels.  Since the initial purchase, Sparc has added matte poly labels for their smaller vials.  “We needed the poly to work with the small circumference packaging”, says Justin.   The poly labels are more conformable with less memory than paper.  These advantages make the poly labels perform better for tighter wrapping applications.

Sparc Finished Label

In addition to the color-coded finished good labels, Sparc need a means to track their plants in production.  Justin says, “we were hand writing up labels for our individual plants; and we needed a less labor-intensive means for their work.”  Based on this requirement, we sold Sparc a thermal transfer printer and “Pot Stakes” to track their production.

Printed Pot Stake

“Using the pot stakes are much easier and faster than the hand labeling we were doing previously” says Justin.

Sparc Finished Label

Justin says, “overall, I’ve found the label printing solution incredible; especially the BarTender integration.  Also, we’re very happy with the quality of the print. We’ve found a large cost and labor savings providing a great return on our investment in the label printers and software.” 

Sparc Labels

In the past, we worked with other cannabis vendors.  Recently, we published this post about Dream City;  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/10/dreamy-labels.html 

And from a long time ago, a post covering our long-time customer Green Ticket Bakery who now has upgraded to a C3500 to print their labels: http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2012/06/baking-medicinal-brownies-printing.html 

We love and support all of our customers; but we especially appreciate long-time customers such as Sparc.  If you need labels for your cannabis products; or need color coded labels to improve your work processes, contact us.  We can help!

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Purchase printers, labels, software, etc. for your marijuana labels here:


https://colorlabelsolutions.com/shop/ 

C7500GE

This month, Epson launched the new C7500 GE (Graphics Edition) which combines the C7500G printer and the Wasatch SoftRIP Raster Image Control (RIP) software.  The C7500GE is targeted for both end users and professional printers who need more precise color/image control of their print output.

As background, a raster image processor (RIP) is a component used in a printing system which produces a raster image also known as a bitmap. Such a bitmap is used by a later stage of the printing system to produce the printed output. 

With the new SoftRIP Label Edition, Wasatch says "you get:

• Total color control/matching
• Extended color gamut
• Smooth color and shade management
• Flexible image manipulation and placement
• Continuous media support
• Full bleed printing
• Easy to use interface

You can learn more about the new Wasatch RIP at https://www.wasatch.com/labels.html".

Or you can review my earlier posts on the new C7500GE and the RIP:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/07/continuous-rip-coming-this-fall.html

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/09/label-expo-2016.html

To learn more about the RIP, I started printing for a customer who was concerned about color matching.  Printing directly from a PDF did not produce the red and brown colors expected.

First with PMS 187 on gloss paper.  It wasn’t exactly the correct shade of red.

 

ColorTone Matching PMS 187

PMS 187 has a RGB value of 166, 25, 46.

Next I had to match a label with PMS color 463 which has a RGB value of 116,79, 40.

ColorTone Matching PMS 463

Although close, both colors were not exactly a match; you could see the difference.  To find a closer match, I used the Color Tone Matching assistant to provide color swatches of related colors to show a closer match was possible. Again PMS 187:

C7500G ColorTone Matching Assistant

And PMS 463:

C7500G ColorTone Matching Assistant

Based on the results from printing directly from a PDF, I decided to use the Wasatch SoftRIP to see if a closer color match was possible.  Before starting to use the SoftRIP, I recommend watching this starter video for printing die-cut labels:

http://www.wasatch.com/labelvideo02.html

And watching this video for printing continuous labels requiring post-printing finishing:

http://www.wasatch.com/labelvideo01.html

To start using the RIP, first I had to download the latest image configurations.  Wasatch provides these files which profile a variety of available label media.  By profiling the label media, better color matching is possible. 

https://www.wasatch.com/ic/index.html

After downloading the image configuration, I set up my printer. First I set up the printer by selecting the gear icon on top:

SoftRIP Printer Settings

You’ll need to confirm the correct image configuration, paper width margins and insure your printer is selected.  Then on the labels tab, I selected printer properties and edited the printer properties to match your situation; especially die cut label-gap setting and size.

SoftRIP Printer Properties

Once the printer and an image configuration was selected, I opened an eps file in SoftRIP:

SoftRIP Size Tab

At this point, I had to rotate the image 90 degrees to fit on the label; and I decided to crop the picture.  To crop, I selected a box around the image (by holding down the left mouse button as I created a box), and right click on the image to select “Zoom into Crop Box”.

After cropping, I selected the number of copies I wanted (Rows) and selected center both width and height.  I wanted the image on the center of this label as I really did not have the correct size in the printer.

SoftRIP Number of Rows

 Once I had the page set, I added the color included in the original eps file.  To add a special color, I selected “Color” on the main menu, then selected “Add Named Colors”.  The Pantone 187C was added.

SoftRIP Special Colors

Now I was ready to print. I first printed with one gloss image configuration; and then a different gloss image configuration. The difference in the two print outputs was dramatic.

SoftRIP Image Configuration Color Differences

The bottom was identical to the output from printing from the PDF; and the top was a very close match to the original target color.  Based on this simple test, label media and image configuration make a big difference in color output.

To help find the correct color match, you can also select Color Neighborhood from the color menu.  This opens up a dialog box to select the target color:

SoftRIP Color Neighborhood

Once the correct RGB color is entered, another dialog box appears to select the Delta E of the colors. Delta E is a metric for understanding how the human eye perceives color difference. The term delta comes from mathematics, meaning change in a variable or function. The suffix E references the German word Empfindung, which broadly means sensation. Generally, a Delta E of 2 is believed to be the minimum a human can perceive.

SoftRIP Delta E

After selecting OK, you save the color neighbor as a PostScript file. Then open the file up in SoftRIP.  As the page size is 10.5 x 10.5, it is recommended to crop a section of the color neighborhood and print to get the related colors.

SoftRIP Color Neighborhood

Color Neighborhood should help you identify a more appropriate match when the original is slightly incorrect.

After my initial work, I found the SoftRIP potentially a great tool for certain customers.  According to Ryan Lee, Sales at Wasatch, “Softrip Label Edition should fit end users, printers and label converters who need to print customized, color precise labels.  Combined with the C7500G, these customers have a reliable label printing option.  Other available color label printers may be fast, but not as easy to use or durable as the C7500.  The C7500GE is a great label printing solution.”

The C7500GE costs $9,450 and comes not only with the Wasatch SoftRIP, but also 1 year of on-site service on the printer; a value of $1,029.  The SoftRIP comes with 6 months of support from registration and covers software updates and remote tech support access. 

For professional printers and converters, I see the C7500GE solution as a breakthrough; enabling these companies to offer digital label printing at a fraction of the investment of other options.  For end users, now you can get more precise color matching on-demand.

If you need to have accurate colortone matching, contact us to discuss how the C7500GE fits into your operation.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Purchase the C7500GE here:  https://colorlabelsolutions.com/product/c7500ge-graphics-editon-inkjet-color-label-printer/ 

New Option For Pharmacy/Anesthesia Labels

The Institute for Safe Medication Practice has issued designed principals for safe medication labeling (http://www.ismp.org/tools/guidelines/labelFormats/comments/default.asp).    I wrote about these recommendations in an earlier post: 

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-drug-by-name.html

ClariSafe Label

But how many prescription labels do you see with larger fonts, highlights, pill images and printed on-demand color warnings?  Virtually none.

And did you know the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) issued some years ago recommendations anesthesia labeling. 

http://www.pdchealthcare.com/products/labeling-products/labels-by-type/anesthesia-medication-labels-tapes.html 

As I understand, these recommendations for anesthesia have been widely accepted, but not fully implemented.

Anesthesia Example Label

So why would one set of recommendations be accepted for safer labels, but not the others?  Although I have don’t know for sure, I would bet the primary reason is the printer hardware cost and size.

Pharmacies can’t or don’t want to spend the money for new, color printers.  Current color label printer options cost over $1,000; and as much as $1,800.   To move to color across the world would cost millions of dollars.

In addition, current color label printers would take a great deal of desktop real estate.  Pharmacies have limited space for printing labels.

Now, a new option is available for the printing of color labels on-demand for pharmacies and anesthesia departments.  The ClariSafe printer provides a lower cost and smaller footprint option to print pharmacy labels on-demand.

ClariSafe Label Printer from Addmaster

The ClariSafe Label Printer comes from Addmaster (www.addmaster.com).   For over 52 years, Addmaster has used technology to improve how businesses work— increasing productivity, lowering operating costs and improving profitability. Since the early 1980’s Addmaster has developed and manufactured inkjet printing solutions for the world’s most unique and demanding applications. They have installed over 350,000 Addmaster Inkjet printers worldwide. A hallmark of Addmaster’s design philosophy is to elevate inkjet technology to the highest levels of performance and durability. Today, a vast number of inkjet printers installed decades ago are still in use.

When reviewing the ClariSafe printer, I see two negatives; but a great deal of positives.  As for negatives, you will not use the ClariSafe printer to create label masterpieces.  Although the printer has up to 1200 dpi resolution, you would not use this resolution for production printing.  You need to see this printer as an inexpensive means to produce color coded labels with the capability to add images; at a price much less than using Zebra’s IQ color. 

https://www.zebra.com/content/dam/zebra/product-information/en-gb/brochures-datasheets/supplies-accessories/iqcolor-en-gb.pdf 

With IQ color, you have to order special labels with a preexisting color area made into the label.  You have only a limited number of monochrome colors in a predetermined area.  In addition, you do not have the capability to add images.  The ClariSafe label printer is a much better option for anyone using IQ Color.

In addition to print quality, the second negative is currently no Windows driver exists for the ClariSafe printer. Addmaster has an application to select the image you want to print as a TIFF file; and print on-demand.  But according to Alex Shaffer, Director of Business Development for Addmaster, “we’ll create the application to meet the customer’s need for print on-demand color labels.  With our background in creating unique applications in the banking industry, we have the capability to build browser-based or PDF printing applications for our pharmacy and healthcare customers as well.”

ClariSafe Printing Application

With only 2 negatives, the ClariSafe printer offers many positives.  First, the printer costs only $599.90; 40% less than the current least expensive color label printer and 1/3 the price of the largest selling, affordable color label printer; the C3500.  Alex says, “working with our partner, HP, we created the ClariSafe printer to make it easy and affordable way for pharmacies, healthcare providers and other companies to print color labels on-demand.”  For this new printer, Addmaster used color inkjet technology from HP.  But unlike other HP partner companies, Addmaster created a new printer; not just repurposed an existing printer.  “With our background in producing hundreds of thousands of inexpensive inkjet printers, Addmaster knew how to bring to market an affordable, low cost label printer” says Alex.

Second, the ClariSafe printer has a very fast time to first print.  Watch me print a label using this new printer.

Third, the ClariSafe printer is small; only 7” x 11” x 6”.  This size makes it perfect for desktops where space may be a premium.

ClariSafe

Fourth, the ClariSafe printer uses either continuous or die cut labels; from .5” to 2.5” wide.  With the built-in cutter, you can cut labels to length.  Changing the firmware enables you to use die cut labels as well.  The capability to print small labels and 2D barcodes at a high resolution may make this printer perfect for small electronic labels containing very tiny barcodes.  Currently available 600 DPI thermal transfer printers for electronic barcode labels cost thousands of dollars.

ClariSafe Ink Cartridge

Fifth, the Clarisafe printer uses only one, tri-color cartridge that you can change in seconds.  And when changing the cartridge, you change the printhead, making plug nozzles a thing of the past.  HP’s Inkjet Technology drives the printing; and enables the constant updating of the printhead.  According to Alex, “no plugged nozzles means little to no ink is consumed cleaning inkjet nozzles.  At most, picoliters (1 trillionth of a liter) are wasted. So more ink is available to use to print, lowering your printing cost. Given the low amount of ink is wasted, no maintenance kits are required to hold the wasted ink.  The HP technology makes affordable label printing possible.”

ClariSafe is an interesting new development in the on-demand color label printing market.  If you want to start meeting the recommendations for safer pharmacy or anesthesia labels in color and on-demand; or need an inexpensive way to print color coded labels, contact us to discuss how ClariSafe printer could fit your operation.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Ink & Pigments

Quantum Tattoo Ink (http://quantumtattooink.com/) and (https://www.facebook.com/quantumtattooink/) offers the best tattoo inks and tattoo pigments in the world.  Located in Los Angeles, Quantum’s customers create works of art with the wide variety of colored pigments they offer.

To label their hundreds of different pigments, Quantum was purchasing preprinted labels on sheets.

Preprinted, Sheet-Fed Labels

On the preprinted labels, they had to check-mark by hand the size of container and lot number for each bottle.  “Writing by hand on the bottle was a difficult step” according to Philip Jay of Quantum Tattoo.

Given their large number of SKU’s, this process was time consuming and expensive.  “We had to find a different way to label our products.  We could not keep purchasing large quantities of preprinted labels; and still running out of the labels we needed.  We had to begin printing labels as needed” said Philip.

When I first contacted Philip, I learned that Quantum labels are all black; the most difficult color to print correctly.  Here is an earlier post on printing all black labels: 

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2015/10/all-black.html

In addition, I learned that Philip’s labels were full bleed; 100% covered with ink.  Philip said, “we must keep our labels the same as our products are registered in other countries with these designs; both the size and colors.”  Quantum’s requirements for all black, full bleed labels were difficult to meet.

Based on these requirements, I recommended the C7500G with gloss poly labels.  Here is a post on NIC, an earlier customer using the C7500G; 

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/06/c7500g-whiz.html

To show Philip the print quality, I printed samples of his labels:

C7500G Printed Black Label

Both Philip and I thought they came out great!  Based on the print samples, Philip purchased a C7500G printer, ink and two sizes of gloss poly labels:  2” and 1” wide. 

C7500G Printer

As the C7500 has a 2” minimum print width, we had to increase the size of the label liner for the 1” wide version. 

1" x 3.375" With 2" Total Construction

Here is an earlier post covering this means to use narrow labels in the C7500 printer:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/06/cryogenic-narrow-labels.html

Given the two completely different sizes, we had difficulty adjusting the print start/stop for the two labels.  Therefore, I set the 2” size to work for full bleed; and then adjusted the label size to get 100% coverage left to right on the 1” label.  This strategy is producing great looking labels now; even on the 1” wide size.

C7500 Printed Black Label

C7500G Label

(Don’t you just love the name if this ink!).

Or maybe you prefer Dishwater Grey or Earl Grey color names as in this order:

C7500G Printed Labels

To support the new work process, Quantum’s label designer created form-fillable PDF’s.  Now, Quantum opens the PDF label file to print, and selects the correct size box; then prints the labels.  With the new work process, Quantum prints the number of labels required for their production; when needed. And then applies the labels.

Philip says, “The work process is much faster and easier than before.  And we like the print quality of the labels”.

If you have a lot of products requiring different labels, contact us to help you improve your labeling process.  On-Demand Color for your labels; and maybe your tattoo’s. 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com