Renishaw Plc, a valued customer of GSM Graphic Arts for more than 20 years, approached us with a new manufacturing requirement: they needed a conductive layer on their electronic machinery labels to block radio frequency interference.
The Challenge:
Renishaw Plc asked GSM Graphic Arts to explore ways to incorporate a conductive layer into their existing labelling products. Initially, the Team considered applying an adhesive gasket with a specialised conductive adhesive that Renishaw Plc had requested. However, this solution presented significant drawbacks. The conductive adhesive was significantly more expensive than the existing standard adhesive. It also had to be sourced from the USA, which would introduce long lead times and additional costs. These factors prompted GSM to seek alternative solutions that could deliver the required conductivity while keeping costs and lead times manageable. The eventual solution also had to work alongside the chrome ink and selective texture both of which were special features of the label specified to enhance its overall appearance.
The Solution:
GSM Graphic Arts’ print department undertook a series of trials to identify a suitable conductive coating for the labels. The first option explored was a conductive ink sourced from the USA which seemed to meet the criteria. Unfortunately, this proved impractical due to its high cost and a six-week lead time.
Undeterred, GSM continued testing and eventually identified a conductive coating manufactured in the UK that met the conductivity requirements. This option enabled GSM to replace the obliterating print layer with a conductive one, achieving the necessary label specifications.
The switch to a conductive ink, rather than a specialised adhesive, brought several advantages:
- Significant cost savings by using the standard adhesive in use on other Renishaw Plc products.
- A reduction in lead time, as the conductive coating was sourced locally in the UK.
- Enhanced reliability of the labels, meeting both the functional and budgetary requirements of Renishaw Plc.
This project further strengthened the long-standing partnership between Renishaw Plc and GSM Graphic Arts, showcasing GSM’s commitment to innovative solutions and customer satisfaction.
To learn more about our custom labelling solutions, contact our Sales Team on 01845 522184 or click here to request a quotation.
Does your project need custom graphic overlays, fascias or labels? Then contact our sales team on 01845 522184 or click here to request a quotation and start your journey to aquire the highest quality components from the leading label manufacturers in the UK today.
Renishaw Plc
❝GSM provide great customer service to Renishaw, with prompt responses, excellent on-time, in full delivery performance & the willingness to work with us to achieve an end product that suits our needs ❞
-Renishaw Plc
