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The DuraLabel 2000, Graphic Products Does It Again.

Introducing the DL2000 handheld label printer. This small, take anywhere label printer allows you to go to places your other printers never could. Whether your facility is large or small you will find many uses for this little dynamo. Use it to label your files, warehouse racks, chemical pipes, water pipes, electrical cables, electrical conduit, vents, doors, workstations and possibly your workers.

The DuraLabel 2000 uses many different colors of vinyl tape up to 2 inches wide. That’s huge! You can create signage that can be seen over 20 feet away. This provides a safe environment for your employees. This powerful handheld labeler can also use tape as small as ½” which can be used on things like transmitters, instruments and tools. This improves efficiency because it is easier to see where things go or what you need to do.

The practical features of this labeler should grab your attention as well:

• The full keyboard makes it easy to create labels on the spot. There is no need to waste time running back to the shop. Just carry a DuraLabel 2000 and get the job done.
• The battery lasts for around 2 hours of printing (depending on the width of the vinyl). That’s a lot of printing.
• A built-in cutter makes precise, clean cuts.
• The interface is easy to use and includes over 100 built in symbols to help clearly deliver the message.
• The handy hand strap makes the DuraLabel 2000 easy to carry.
• The outer case is impact resistant allowing the DuraLabel 2000 to go anywhere it is needed.
• The ribbon cartridge and vinyl tape are easy to install and come in many different colors, making meeting code requirements and color coding easy.

The ease of use and low cost make this labeler a must in industrial facilities, warehouses, manufacturing plants and anywhere employee safety standards need to be communicated. The first shipment just arrived and will sell out fast so call 1-800-788-5572 today.

Guide To Required PPE - Your Free!

Graphic Products offers a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Quick Reference Guide. It shows the 12 major hazard categories and identifies the required PPE for each category. It also provides a cross-reference, showing each type of PPE and identifying the hazard categories that require each type of PPE.

This guide to PPE is available free. Use this link to order your copy: Guide To Required PPE

The guide is designed so it can be used as a wall chart or a desk reference. It is available laminated, to protect it from tears and spills and to provide long life. It serves as a quick reminder about the PPE that is required in various common situations.

Online Pipe Label Calculator

A new online calculator from Graphic Products takes basic information about piping systems and shows you how many labels that piping system requires to comply with ANSI code. Multiple piping systems can be entered into the calculator.

Use the Pipe Labeling Calculator (look for it on the lower part of the page).

The Pipe Labeling Calculator starts by identifying the pipe contents. This sets the label and printing colors. You then can enter the parameters that describe the piping system such as the length of the piping, the number of bends, the number of wall penetrations and the number of valves. The calculator will then determine the required label size and the total number of labels needed.

Multiple piping systems can be entered into the calculator. The results will be displayed in table on-screen. The results can also be emailed, giving you a hard copy showing the number of required pipe marker labels and the supplies needed to make those labels.

The Labels That Survive

I was walking through a paper mill last week and noticed these labels. They were on the side of a tank that sometimes overflowed. The overflow went right over the label.

As I walked close by the tank I noticed that the two labels on the tank were in fine condition. I had to quickly get my camera out and snap the picture as I was also trying to keep up with my escort, so it's not the best picture. I took it as I was walking away from the tank.

I'd guess the tank has overflowed many times in the past. You can see multiple layers of residue on the side of the tank. There is no mess or hazard, there is a drain that takes it away. But I was pleased to see the DuraLabel labels were holding up fine under these unusual conditions. It shows, once again, that you can count on DuraLabel labels to get the job done, and get it done right.

Need Industrial Signs? Need Big? Need Visible?

When you need BIG, highly visible signs call on the DuraLabel 7000 thermal transfer printer.

When signs need to be readable from a distance, then size is important. Having BIG, clearly printed signs means they can be read from a greater distance. It also means they are more noticeable and they put more emphasis on the message.

In particular, if a sign needs to be read from a moving vehicle we need to be be aware that it needs to be made extra large. A sign that looks big in the shop becomes tiny when installed outdoors.

The DuraLabel 7000 is the printer that can get the job done. With its seven inch tape width and wide selection of supplies, the DuraLabel 7000 makes signs that are BIG and easy to see. But it's not limited to seven inches. Multiple strips of tape can be combined to easily make larger signs. The DuraLabel 7000 will automatically tile the printing across as many strips of tape as needed. They can then be applied, one above the other, to create whatever size sign is needed.

When it comes to industrial safety signs, the DuraLabel 7000 is the king of the mountain.

On The Go? Take Your DuraLabel PRO 300

Tired of running back to the shop to get the labels and signs you need?

If you are on the go, take a DuraLabel PRO 300 with you. Combined with the two pound Mobile Print Station 150 described in our previous post, you'll have unmatched power and convenience. The DuraLabel PRO 300's four inch print width means it can handle just about any labeling or sign making job... from OSHA safety signs to 1/4" shrink tube labels.

How do you power your DuraLabel PRO 300?

Use the 12v cigarette lighter power supply to keep your DLP300 running as long as you need it. If you need to leave your truck, use the DuraLabel PRO battery. No matter how you need to use your DuraLabel PRO 300 printer, we have the solution... including the largest selection of supplies available for any printer in this category. Give us a call today at 1-800-788-5572 to learn more about the DuraLabel PRO 300. You'll be glad you did.

Use this link to get free samples from the DuraLabel PRO 300. Order your free samples 24-7 and we'll get them on the way to you ASAP.

New - Greater Portability, Easier Operation

Graphic Products, Inc. has announced the new Mobil Print Station 150 (MPS 150) notebook computer. Designed for use with the DuraLabel line of industrial label and sign printers, the MPS-150 makes using a DuraLabel printer even easier... wherever you need labels and signs.

The MPS-150 comes with all necessary software and drivers preinstalled. Just connect it to a DuraLabel printer and you are ready to start making labels and signs. It's that easy!

Preinstalled software includes:

- Industrial Labeling Software (ILS): includes RTK labeling software, arc flash laeling, and general purchase label and sign design software.

- OpenDoc Writer and Spreadsheet (compatible with MS Word and Excel)

- EXBarCoder - Bar coding software

- MS Calculator, Paint and Media Player

- Acrobat Reader

Plus the MPS-150 comes with a variety of manuals and videos that answer questions about DuraLabel printers.

With its lightweight 2 lb, rugged design the MPS-150 can go anywhere it's needed. Take your DuraLabel printer onto the shop floor or into the field... wherever labels and signs are needed you'll have the power and ease-of-use of a DuraLabel printer. Give Graphic Products a call today at 1-800-788-5572 to learn more about how the MPS-150 can make your life easier.

Hard Times Are Coming.. Get Lean With 5S

Competition is getting tough. Profits are being squeezed, costs are going up and sales are declining. What is needed is to find ways to reduce costs, while increasing quality and becoming more competitive. A good first step is to start using 5S.

5S is a systematic approach to cleaning up and getting organized. That sounds rather simple, and it is. There is a lot more to 5S than cleaning up and getting organized. 5S goes beyond just cleaning up. For example, 5S says that at the end of the day (or shift) that all machines should be cleaned. Not only cleaned, but thoroughly inspected. With a clean machine spotting a fresh oil leak becomes easy, and that allows for preventive maintenance before the machine has more serious problems.

We have created an introductory guide about 5S. It describes 5S, how to implement 5S, and the benefits you can expect from 5S. It gives all the basic information needed to help you determine whether you want to pursue implementing 5S in your facility. The Introduction to 5S Guide is available free.

Your competition is tough. Isn't it time to start taking advantage of the power and benefits that lean manufacturing techniques can bring? 5S is a good place to start. It is relatively easy and not costly to implement. And the benefits can quickly be helping your bottom line.

Print Multicolor Labels In A Single Pass

The newest feature for the DuraLabel PRO 300 industrial label printer is the ability to print multi-color, custom labels in a single pass.

Color improves the effectiveness of visual communication. It helps to clearly deliver the message in a memorable manner. You can now print custom spot color labels with exactly the information you want on your labels.

Give us a call today to learn about printing color labels. With the DuraLabel PRO 300 you'll be surprised at how cost effective color labels can be. A whole new world of color labeling has just opened up!

Call 1-800-788-5572 today. You'll be glad you did.

Top Ten Reasons To purchase A DuraLabel PRO 300

Yesterday a top ten list was posted on our home page... actually it is a top 12 list. We always try to go beyond what is expected and provide a little extra, so our top ten list has 12 items on it.

Here are the Top Ten Reasons To Purchase A DuraLabel PRO 300 label and sign printer.

1. Ease-Of-Use: It's fast and easy to change supplies. It's easy to print labels.
   
2. Versatility: The DLP300 can handle a wide range of visual communication tasks.
3. Superior Quality: You get quality in design, in how the printer is made, and in the labels you print.
   
4. High Speed: A unique high speed computer processor gets your print jobs done faster.
   
5. Low Supply Cost: Buy direct from the manufacturer and save 30-50%
   
6. Trade-In Your Old Labeler: You may be surprised at how much it is worth.
   
7. Outstanding Support: Our success depends on making your label and sign making projects successful.
   
8. Special Offers Save You Even More Money: Purchase a DuraLabel PRO 300 package and increase your savings!
   
9. Huge Selection Of Supplies: You can get the supplies you need to get the job done right.
   
10. Large Supply Inventory: Means we have the supplies you need in stock and can ship your order ASAP.
11. Positive Experience: Give us a call today. You'll be glad you did.
    
12. You Always Get A Little Extra: You even get 12 items on our top ten list.

New Arc Flash Resource Web Site

Graphic Products announced today that it has launched a new web site to provide in-depth information about the hazards presented by arc flash, and ways to address those hazards.

The URL for the new web site is: www.arcflash.me.

The new web site is called: The Arc Flash Information Resource Center

Arc flash is increasingly being recognized as a serious hazard in the workplace. The high temperatures and explosive nature of arc flash can result in serious injury and fatalities.

In the past decade NFPA 70E and the NEC have addressed arc flash hazards. However, a new revision of the code to be issued in 2009 will result in some changes. In addition CSA Z462 will be issued in Canada later this year, providing Canada with its first arc flash codes. The Arc Flash Information Resource Center will provide up-date information about these new codes when they are issued.

One of the changes coming in the new NFPA arc flash code is that specific information will be required on arc flash labels. The new web site will be regularly updated to reflect the most current code requirements, as well as providing information about potential future changes.

DuraLabel Grows Up

The DuraLabel 7000 label and sign printer is now available with a larger printing size, increased resolution, and faster processing that will enhance the versatility and convenience of in-house label and sign printing. The newest in the DuraLabel regime, this larger-sized printer works alongside your PC to produce labels up to seven inches wide.

This desktop thermal-transfer printer prints on self-adhesive vinyl and die-cut labels in widths from four to seven inches, making it ideally suited for making warehouse labels, OSHA-compliant safety signs, parking lot signs, and more. Its fast 2 IPS print speed and clear 203 dpi resolution produce high-quality printing that never smears, fades, or wears off.

Label supply has been developed specifically for exclusive use with the DuraLabel 7000. Larger labels and signs are now possible with repositionable, cold storage, DuraTag, and more label stock. Tackle even more applications -- from large cable markers to reflective parking signs -- with this large labeler.

Kaizen - Finding Ways To Improve

In tight times you need to find ways to make improvements throughout your business in order to remain competitive and survive. You need to find ways to cut costs while improving quality. You need to reduce production lead times and become more responsive to your customer's needs. And you need to do this without harming safety or employee moral.

Kaizen is a technique that will help you accomplish this... and more.

(Learn about Kaizen in our FREE Kaizen Quick Start Guide.)

Kaizen is a lean manufacturing technique that focuses on continuous improvement. Instead of searching for one big project, Kaizen produces a series of small, incremental changes that continually improve your business. That's what makes Kaizen such a great tool when business is slow. You can use Kaizen to lift your business above the competition without major capital expenditures. Of course, this isn't saying that Kaizen won't identify the need for a major capital project... if you are using old, worn out equipment you may need to upgrade or replace it. However, the fundamental way Kaizen works is to identify small changes, that can be implemented quickly. The effect of the continuous implementation of small changes builds up, resulting in a business that is more cost efficient, less wasteful, and more responsive to customer needs.

Find out more about kaizen, how it can be implemented, and the benefits of using kaizen in our free Kaizen Quick Start Guide.

Cut Costs, Reduce Waste With 5S

Times are getting tough and everything you can do to get an edge on the competition will pay off on your bottom line. 5S is a lean manufacturing technique that will help you accomplish this.

(Get your FREE copy of our Introduction to 5S.)

5S is a systematic approach to cleaning up and getting organized. This may sound like something you are already doing, but by taking a systematic approach 5S goes deeper and provides bottom-line benefits for your company that you may have otherwise missed.

For example, by thoroughly cleaning up a machine, problems such as lubricant leaks become easier to spot. Having a specified storage location for each tool makes finding tools easier, and ensures tools receive proper care and maintenance. And 5S makes waste easier to identify and thus eliminate.

What's great about 5S is that it can be implemented at a relatively low cost and the benefits can be significant. With just a basic understanding of 5S you can get started at essentially no cost and expand your implementation of 5S as it proves its effectiveness.

Label Tapes Aren't Simple

Labeling may seem simple. Just load a vinyl tape into your printer, and start making labels. But the key is to have the right printer and the right tape... and designing vinyl label tapes correctly is not a simple task.

Of course, you don't need to design your own vinyl label tapes. But you should be buying your labeling supplies from a supplier who is experienced and knows what makes a good tape and what to avoid. Take the question of tape durability and thickness for example.

Is bigger better? Or in the case of vinyl tape, is thicker tape a more durable tape? No, it is not.

Vinyl tapes are available in many thicknesses ranging from 1.5 mil up to 90 mil and more. Each thickness has an appropriate application. For example, the thicker tapes are used to mark floors, an application in which there is a lot of physical abrasion--known as "body" hits. However, when it come to labels, which are not subject to such direct, physical abuse, thinner tapes provide greater durability. This means a 3.0 mil tape will provide greater life than a 4.0 mil tape.

Why?

It has to do with label edge profile. The most common cause of label failure is adhesive failure resulting from the adhesive drying out. Two factors tend to speed adhesive drying.

1. Small pinholes in the vinyl allow air to get at the adhesive and result in drying. Thinner vinyl has better "self healing" properties for scuffs and minor damage. Small holes will reseal or can be worked to reduce the amount of damage. This helps to keep the adhesive intact.

2. Where thinner vinyl has a big advantage is on edge profile. The thicker the vinyl, the higher the edge profile and the greater the friction will be from from anything passing over the label. The greater friction means that the force against the edge will be greater and this results in the edge lifting up slightly, allowing access for air, water and chemicals that will dry the adhesive. The small the profile, the more difficult it is to penetrate under the edge of the label, and the longer the label will last.

So if you hear someone telling you that thicker is better, don't fall for it. Bigger isn't always better... what is better is having the right tool for the job. Or when it comes to labels, having the right thickness for the labeling application.

THAT much closer to labeling the world

A new range of printing materials is now available to meet nearly any industrial-labeling application.

Graphic Products, Inc., a 30-plus-year veteran in the industrial labeling and printing market, is offering six new types of label stock meant to work with the company's premier line of printers, the DuraLabel PRO. This desktop labeling machine works with a user's PC much like a traditional printer to produce labels for RTK purposes, hazard and warning signs, NFPA diamond labels, wire wraps, cable markers, and more.

Included in the lineup of new supplies: ESD, HI-Tack, Oily Surface, DAY-GLO, Chemical-Resistant White Ribbon, and Tamper-Evident label stock. Each is designed to meet specific labeling criteria in any given industrial venue.

Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) label stock is ideal for use in areas prone to electrostatic discharge. This 2.0-mil silver polyester has a smudge-resistant top coat that is nearly impervious to abrasion and static-induced print head voids. ESD stock has an outdoor lifespan of two years and a service temperature of -40 degrees F to over 300 degrees F, and is available in one- and two-inch-wide rolls.

HI-Tack label stock features a special adhesive that offers a superior bond for surfaces that have rough-textures, low-surface-energy plastics, or are fabric, among other things. This vinyl supply is available in widths one to four inches.

The next in line of the new DuraLabel PRO supplies is oily surface label stock, which features an adhesive that is specially formulated to aggressively adhere to surfaces contaminated with oil and light debris. This white supply comes in half-inch to four-inch widths.

Fluorescent and brightly colored, DAY GLO label stock is meant to stand out and is suitable for warning and danger labels, posting temporary changes, or indicating operating instructions. Also available is phosphorescent supply, which glows in the dark. This vinyl supply is available in half-inch to four-inch-wide rolls.

Chemical resistant white ribbon offers superior resistance to isopropyl alcohol, ammonia, oils, degreasers, and mineral spirits. Testing for all applications is always encouraged before using this four-inch-wide ribbon.

Tamper-evident labels, used as an extra security measure to guard against theft, alteration, or misuse, are available in two types. Destructible labels chip away and break off if peeling is attempted. Void labels are formatted with a special adhesive that leaves behind the word "void" on the surface the label was affixed to after peeled off. These metalized polyester labels are available in two-inch and one-inch widths and are perfect for inventory control and asset tracking.

Graphic Products, Inc., has been serving the industrial labeling and sign-printing market with diverse products and superior customer service since 1970. For more information about any of the listed supplies, or to find others, visit www.duralabelsupplies.com, or get the rundown of many features of the DuraLabel PRO at www. duralabel.com

The Newest Thing in Orange

New this week, the DuraLabel PRO 300 label printer is available with increased resolution, faster processing, and an improved software package meant to enhance the ease and convenience of in-house label printing.

The desktop thermal-transfer printer, the newest in Graphic Products' signature orange-colored DuraLabel line, boasts an easy-to-use reloading procedure and the ability to print with 300 dpi resolution.

This labeling system works with a user's PC, much like a conventional printer, and comes bundled with its own software, the Industrial Labeling Suite, which Oregon-based Graphic Products has been developing for the past year. This sophisticated software package includes over 300 commonly used symbols and graphics, RTK and arc flash label database software with the ability to print arch flash, NFPA diamond and die-cut labels, as well as hundreds of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Office templates.

The DuraLabel PRO 300, which is well suited for printing pipe markers, warehouse labels, and designing OSHA-compliant safety signs, has a faster processor and greater memory. These features give the model increased printing speed.

The versatile machine prints on tapes available in over 30 colors and in a variety of sizes, up to four inches in width. The range of printing sizes showcases the labeling system's versatility; it can produce small shrink tubes or large reflective parking lot signs (the printer divides words on reflective strips that can be tiled together). The top of the DLP 300 lifts up to provide an easily accessible space for changing tapes and ribbons. No new supplies are needed; this new DLP uses the same supplies as the current DuraLabel PRO.

Meant to exceed most industry standards, the DuraLabel PRO 300 utilizes high-quality DuraLabel vinyl that has an average outdoor life of six years, in addition to being moisture- and chemical-resistant.

Using the optional DuraLabel battery, this small visual communication system can anywhere labels and signs are needed. The lightweight printer is an unobtrusive traveling companion in its portable carrying case. And when not in use, it sits in its own protective dust cover.

Arc flash safety soars with new software

A part of the new ILS software package, the Flash Label software is meant to enhance the ease and convenience of creating and printing die-cut arc flash danger and warning labels.

The improved arc flash labeling software boasts a straightforward user interface that easily interacts with your existing PC. This handy software is meant to work alongside the DuraLabel PRO label printer to create any number of arc flash warning and hazard labels.

Labels can be created that indicate the warning and potential danger of an arc flash, as well as detail required PPE and boundaries.

The software can store each label made for future use and reference; new labels can be added and existing labels can be easily modified or deleted.

Getting a facility outfitted with arc flash warning labels fulfills the new NEC Standard, Article 110.16. Arc flashes occur when a considerable amount of concentrated radiant energy explodes outward from electrical equipment. The pressure waves emitted from such an explosion can damage a person’s eyesight or hearing or cause severe burning.

Arc flashes are not limited to select equipment; any electrical device can produce arc flash if the energy is high enough. Labeling such hazards, then, is so important in light of this fact.

New RTK PRO Software is Here!

Featuring an enhanced labeling database with information for over 1,700 chemicals, the new and improved Right-to-Know software bundled with the DuraLabel PRO label printer is bringing industrial labeling and safety compliance to a new, attainable level.

This new RTK PRO software is meant to increase the functionality, convenience, and effectiveness of the DuraLabel PRO. The comprehensive software package is full of features designed to meet all your RTK labeling needs. It’s stocked with over 1,700 preset chemical names, plus users can add their own chemicals and information that is automatically stored in the software’s database for future use. An easy-to-use search function allows users to quickly locate a needed chemical. Label fields are automatically populated with the desired information.

NFPA colors are also outlined, and over 300 pictograms for further detailing hazards and warnings are available as well.

While current regulations do not specify a standard format for labels, they do encourage that labels contain at least the identity of the hazardous chemical by common name, appropriate hazard warnings, and the name and address of the manufacturer, distributor, or responsible party.

Right to Know, a heavily championed OSHA concept, emerged from workers campaigns in the 1970s. Worker advocates called for more information regarding the safety and potential hazards in industrial working environments. Various safety mandates have since resulted, the most significant being the Hazard Communication Standard, which calls for the clear and obvious labeling of all areas where hazardous materials are present and the identification and hazard of said materials.

We Want Your Feedback

We would love to hear from you. We want your feedback.

Your comments on your web site, our products, our customer service... whatever you'd like to tell us, we want to hear it. Do you have suggestions for a new product? Do you have a labeling problem you have not been able to solve? We want to hear about it.

To make sending feedback easy we've included a "Feedback Us" button in the upper right corner of many of our web pages. Click on that button and you'll see a window that looks like what you see here.

Send us quick feedback about our web site by clicking on a happy face or frowning face.

Send us a suggestion for improving our web site by clicking on the button with the light bulb.

Click on the "Other" button to send us a suggestion for a new product, or to let us know how we're doing in areas such as tech. support or customer service.

Use the other buttons to tell us what you think about our web site or report a web site bug.

We hope to hear from you.

The End Of Customer Service

This week's edition of Time Magazine has an article called "10 Ideas That Are Changing The World". #2 on that list is The End Of Customer Service.

What's that??? The end of customer service?

Let me be clear that this IS NOT a trend that is coming to Graphic Products.

Customer service has become so poor in many areas that customers just give up on getting any customer service at all. The only other option is to wait on hold for 30 minutes, only be told you need to talk to a different customer service rep... so you end up waiting on hold again.

Organizations that have little or no competition, such as government services, cable and phone companies, are getting the lowest ratings for customer service. But even those who sell products in highly competitive markets seem to have just about eliminated customer service. When I buy something that I can't get to work as advertised, I tend to immediately return it to the store instead of dealing with the customer service ordeal.

That's not the way it is when you buy from Graphic Products.

Based on the Time article it looks like customer service is a "cost" that is going to be eliminated. You'll have to fend for yourself, taking care of any problems you encounter along the way.

That's not the way we do business at Graphic Products. Our success is based on helping you be successful. We answer our phones and don't leave you hanging on hold for 10 or 20 minutes. We spend huge amounts of time training our staff so they will be able to answer your questions, should you run into a problem. We don't farm out our support to a phone bank in India, you'll always be talking to a friendly expert located in Oregon. And even though we are located on the west coast, we get up early so we can start answering our phones at 9:00 AM Eastern time (that's 6:00 AM in Oregon). We put you first because you truly are the #1 reason for our success.

Thank you!!! We truly do appreciate your business!

Arc Flash Labeling

A new page has been added to the Graphic Products' web site, detailing the requirements for arc flash labeling. The new page is a part of the Graphic Products arc flash tutorial, and is located at:

http://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/arc-flash-labels.html

The NEC code requires that certain equipment that represents an arc flash hazard be labeled. However, this does not require that all arc flash hazards be labeled. For example, equipment installed prior to 2002 is not required by code to have arc flash labels. However, it is only wise and prudent to label all potential sources of arc flash without regard to when the equipment was installed or whether it is on the NEC list of equipment.

Arc flash represents a serious hazard. To expose employees to this hazard without proper warnings, supplied through labels and signs, is ignoring employee safety and opening yourself to serious liability should there be an accident.

Having proper arc flash labeling is not difficult. The DuraLabel PRO makes standardized and custom arc flash labels in minutes. Plus the DuraLabel PRO is a printer you should have in your facility anyway to address other labeling and sign making tasks. It can handle everything from making shrink tube wire markers to printing reflective parking lot signs. Give us a call today at 1-800-788-5572 to learn more about the DuraLabel PRO.

New DuraCut II Vinyl Cutter

Graphic Products has announced that the new DuraCut II 24 inch vinyl cutter and plotter is now shipping.

Using a digitally controlled servo system, the DuraCut II provides optimum speed, superior quality, solid reliability and unmatched value. Its 400 grams of cutting force gives the DuraCut II the ability to use a variety of vinyl thicknesses.

Use the DuraCut II to cut vinyl lettering or graphics from either 15" or 24" wide rolls of adhesive-backed vinyl. Its high speed 23.6 ips cutting gets your sign, graphics and lettering jobs done quickly.

Plus, the DuraCut II is two machines in one. When you need to do plotting, just switch the knife holder for a felt tip pen and you are ready to go.

Visit our web site for more information about the DuraCut II Vinyl Cutter and Plotter.

Make Your Own 5S or Kaizen Cart

The principles of lean manufacturing such as 5S and kaizen are used to organize, improve and streamline our facilities and processes, but have you thought about applying lean techniques to the tools you use for implementing lean?

One of the most basic, must-have lean tools is a labeling system.

5S is about cleaning up and organizing. Labels and signs are an important part of 5S. Signs identify work areas. Labels provide machine and equipment operating and maintenance instructions. Storage areas are identified. Tools are marked and color coded. Labels and signs are a major part of implementing and sustaining (the fifth "s") a 5S system.

[A 5S cart created by a DuraLabel PRO user is shown to the right. It has the DuraLabel PRO, a computer, power supply and all the supplies needed for making 5S labels and signs.]

Kanban is about just-in-time delivery. In kanban labels and signs might be the actual kanban. They are used to identify work-in-progress, storage areas and work flow paths. Labels and signs identify work areas, labels identify machines and equipment, and help reduce training time and costs. The are used to create Kanban boards and identify areas used for "look-see" kanban". Kanban is a visual management system and the visual communication provided by labels and signs is an important part of kanban.

Kaizen is about change, and when there is change communication is critical. Kaizen involves using employee suggestions to drive continuous improvement throughout an organization. Visual communication is an important part of this process. Labels and signs are used to inform employees about changes. Labels applied to equipment provide information about changed procedures, maintenance schedules, shift-change processes, and equipment start-up requirements. Signs identify new or changed safety hazards. They are also used to encourage participation in the kaizen process and give recognition to those who have submitted suggestions.

[A kaizen cart created by a DuraLabel 4TTP user is shown to the right.]

We are finding the more and more of our DuraLabel PRO label and sign printer users are creating a cart that organizes the visual communication tools they need to support 5S, kaizen or kanban. The cart allows them to easily bring their DuraLabel PRO printer, a computer, and all the supplies they need to any location in their facility. It keeps everything organized (that's 5s) and allows to labels and signs to be quickly made and installed (that's kaizen). By applying lean manufacturing techniques to visual communication the result is an efficient, convenient and easy system for creating and maintaining labels and signs.

Learn more about the DuraLabel PRO printer and DuraLabel supplies.