posted on: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jim
Gryzlak, Account Manager
Are you on Planet Fitness?
Flipping through the channels last night I came across The Biggest
Loser television show. If you're not familiar with The Biggest
Loser, it's a reality weight loss show that challenges contestants
to exercise more, eat better, and modify their behavior to lose
weight and become (you guessed it) The Biggest Loser.
Many companies advertise and sponsor events during the show and the
latest is Planet Fitness. Watching the contestants bike, run and
lift weights, I couldn't help by notice the Planet Fitness name
everywhere. I was proud of decals printed by Romo Durable Graphics
on all their equipment.
That's right. Romo Durable Graphics in De Pere, Wis. currently
produces 19 different pressure-sensitive custom labels for the
Planet Fitness health club chain throughout the United States.
You'll find our labels on cross trainers, treadmills, recumbent
bikes and upright bikes.
We
ran into challenges with multiple surfaces to adhere to. From
high-impact styrene (smooth and textured), textured polycarbonate,
to smooth and textured powder-coated aluminum metal.
There is also a critical back slit for ease of positioning during
label application.
Romo provided the adhesive and decal construction expertise to
supply Planet Fitness with superior products. We go beyond just
"picking things up and putting them down."
Planet Fitness is the fastest growing chain in the world. They have
500 locations and 3.5 million members. It's a growing company that
we're proud to be associated with.
Next time you're sweating at your local Planet Fitness check out
Romo's quality products! If we can help with your next
pressure-sensitive decal project, contact me at jgryzlak@romoinc.com.
posted on: Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Becky Murphy, Marketing
Manager
While shopping on overstock.com recently, I came across
some good tips to consider when choosing a whiteboard.
The best type dry-erase board, or
whiteboard, will vary depending on your intended
uses for it. Many features for dry erase boards
are available, so it's best to define your needs before you make a
selection. Here are some tips on choosing the right whiteboard.
Define the purpose for your dry erase
board. For a classroom, choose a heavy-duty dry
whiteboard that can be hung from a wall or cover existing
chalkboards with a dry-erase material. The best dry erase board for
your home may be one that can be stuck to the refrigerator with
magnets. A whiteboard for an office could be wall-mounted, or it
could be portable and require a stand to be used for
presentations.
Surface Type Whiteboards are
constructed of painted steel or aluminum, laminate, glass,
porcelain and melamine (a type of resin-covered paper). SlapStick™ Dry-erase
Boards peel and stick to clean flat surfaces. They require no
tools or hardware to install, are scratch resistant, and will turn
a chalkboard into a whiteboard in minutes. Melamine and
painted-steel dry erase boards are susceptible to scratching but
easily cleaned of ink markings. Laminate, porcelain and glass dry
erase surfaces are scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. The
different types of dry erase surfaces vary in price, and some
whiteboards even come with a lifetime warranty. Melamine dry erase
boards are the least expensive and the most common.
Consider the space needed for your dry erase
board. Measure the space where you want to hang the
whiteboard and calculate the size that you need. Dry erase boards
come in all different sizes, so you will have no trouble finding a
whiteboard to fit your space. SlapStick panels are
digitally cut to the exact size specified by the customer to cover
chalkboards instantly. Installation takes two people and an eraser.
If you plan to move your whiteboard around for presentations,
research portable stands. Think of the types of areas you may need
to move the dry erase board to.
Before purchasing your next whiteboard, keep your options open.
Research, test, and compare prices. If you'd like a sample of
SlapStick, please contact me at slapstick@romoinc.com.
posted on: Thursday, December 01, 2011
Jon Darling,
President
Facebook recently conducted a study about "Six Degrees of
Separation". Most of us are familiar with the popular Kevin Bacon
version, in which people attempt to link random actors with Kevin
Bacon through films in which the two starred in. The idea that only
a handful of people separate all people on earth was started by
John Guare's play from the early 90's called "Six Degrees of
Separation".
Forget six degrees. Facebook found the actual number is
4.74.
That means that on average only 4.74 people separate an individual
from even the most remote Facebook user. That number was in fact
around 6 before the rise of social networking. In 2008, they found
the number of "hops" between users to 5.28. It has shrunk to 4.74
in only 3 years. Our human race is more connected than ever.
They also found Facebook users are highly likely to friend people
like themselves. So if you take two people in the same country at
roughly the same age, the number shrinks to 3.
Think of the power of that. Ever had anyone you've dreamed of
meeting? If they live in this country and are about your age, they
are only 3 "hops" away. Ever wondered if there was someone out
there who could help you solve a problem? No more than 5 "hops"
away.
We
can connect and help each other in so many ways. People can meet
others with common interests, be it a band, a hobby or a
profession. People with common medical conditions can develop
relationships over a distance to exchange information and set up a
support structure. The possibilities are endless.
Becky Murphy uses social networking tools to connect Romo to people
in the community and those with common interests. Romo's goal is to
truly help people and organizations find better ways to decorate
products/facilities, whether it's with a decal, an in mold graphic,
a SlapStick or other forms of durable graphics. The connected world
helps us find people who we can assist.
We
all use this on a personal level as well. How can we help others?
As the holidays approach, are there friends from your past you can
re-connect with, simply to wish them an enjoyable holiday
season? Is there someone in your world struggling in this
still-challenging economy who might appreciate a note or a token of
your friendship? Is there a family member you can reach out to?
One of the things I've noticed in developing a network is just how
powerful expressing gratitude and helping others can be. I'm not
talking about doing it superficially. I'm talking about genuine
gestures- sending a text, buying someone a coffee, having an old
friend over for dinner.
Here's a challenge. See if you can do 10 of those before 2012 rolls
around. The gift is in the giving. As a bonus, I'm willing to
bet you get back far more than you give. Have a great holiday
season everyone!
posted on: Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Valerie
Riggio, Account Manager
GBFrank International is a division of Romo Durable Graphics that
has been serving the bankcard industry for over 30 years as a
Point-Of-Sale marketing expert which specializes in producing
signage for the bank card, credit card processing, and any other
payment related industries.
We produce products from credit card terminal overlays, window and
register decals, store hours, push/pull decals, authorization or
invoice labels, association/logo/help desk stickers, ATM machine
decals, gift card and rewards card decals, tent signs, acrylic
signs, customized check presenters, portable imprinters, banners,
pole signs, and much more! We are here to help brand your
equipment and get your logo and important information on your
merchants' terminals, windows, registers, counters, etc. We
can help large and small companies alike, anyone from the largest
financial institutions and processors to smaller ISO's and
community banks.
An example of a customer we have recently helped is G6 Technology,
(a division of First Data Independent Sales) who was in the process
of branding their company. They ordered customized 'multi
terminal' decals which fit on any terminal or piece of processing
equipment. These custom decals have the company logo, service
number, and website. Liz at G6 said "We just received our
decals and they look so professional! We can definitely appreciate
how well your art department works! We are very impressed with how
professional your company is and hope to pass the word onto our
merchants and colleagues and we will definitely utilize your
company for any future decal needs!"
GBFrank produces standard and customized signage to display your
brand and information to merchants and cardholders. We make
your logo and information 'stick' to help you gain more business
and recognition. Please check our website at www.gbfrank.com or
call 888-332-2577 to see how we can help you today!
posted on: Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Andy
Spaeth, Account Manager
To understand in-mold decorating, it's helpful to familiarize
yourself the variety of labels. There are a few types to choose
from; Roll foil, flat film, and preformed decals.
Foil is a very thin gauge material (1-2 mils) with a pattern
printed throughout an entire roll or could be custom printed with
your graphics. The graphic is repeated throughout and can be molded
in most directions with the same outcome. It forms around simple
corners and over rounded surfaces as long as the geometry of the
cavity is not too complex or deep. Foil is popular in automobile
dashboards, cell phones, electronics and lenses. This process uses
a heat transfer system. The carrier film is stretched through the
mold which closes on the film and the molten plastic is injected
into the mold. This process is typically a turn key process
where one vendor will supply the mold, the roll indexing system as
well as the graphics roll.
Custom flat film decals are printed on flat film with
personalized artwork provided by the customer. Warnings, logos,
marketing, and barcode labels are just a few ways to customize
them. This method incorporates the use of a base material that is
typically matched with the plastic resin being molded. Bright
colors, glossy appearance, and personalized image are just a few
advantages of these decals. Decal thicknesses range from 3 mils -
15 mils and are placed inside an injection mold with a robotic
end-of-arm tool. It's held in place with static while hot resin is
shot around it creating a permanent bond. The molding resin must
cohere with the label material. Another advantage of this type of
in mold labeling is that it can frequently be done without making
modifications to the existing molding tool.
Preformed decals are a sophisticated and engineered decoration.
The label is preformed to fit the geometry of the molding tool. The
parts arrive at the plastics molder already formed to a shape (like
a cell phone case, dashboard, keyboard, etc.) and placed in the
mold to complete the finished part. Although the cost of the insert
and label tooling is much more, this technique can accommodate a
wider range of complex contouring than any of the other plastics
decorating methods.
If you're not sure where your project fits - ask me. If Romo
Durable Graphics can't help you, I'll point you in the right
direction.
Everyone has to start somewhere!
posted on: Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Jon
Darling, President
During a 30 second new company introduction recently I was
explaining what Romo Durable Graphics does when he interrupted me.
"Explain your industry to me," he said.
After asking why he was interested, I was stuck. Where do you
start?
I
didn't want to bore him with a bunch of uninteresting information.
For those of us in the graphics printing business, the evolution of
the industry is fascinating.
Romo joined the Screen Printing Industry Association (SPIA) after
its founding in 1953. We are one of the oldest members now known as
Screen and Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA). In the 1950's, and
for many years thereafter, the association defined itself by the
process of screen-printing. This print method came from China over
1,000 years ago. Originally known as silk screening because they
made the screens (plates in other printing terminology) out of
silk. Today the screen mesh is a high tech polyester material.
Screen printing produced two major product - Graphics (decals,
signs, etc.) and Textiles (T-shirts and other fabric products). It
fit a market that needed three things:
-
• Intense, durable colors
-
• Low cost small lot production
-
• Ability to print on a diverse mix of
materials
The industry was made of relatively small companies that operated
regionally. Most of these companies, like Romo, produced a wide mix
of products that had one thing in common - screen printing. It was
difficult to do business over a distance because the art process
was interactive with the client and not conveniently
transportable.
That all changed 20 years ago when digital artwork could be
emailed. It was much easier to do business over a long distance.
Customers started to focus more on markets than on the process and
location. The graphics market was defined as Point of Purchase or
OEM printers rather than Screen Printers. This accelerated as
digital printing became more capable of producing products that had
been traditionally screen printed.
Instead of defining itself by market or process, Romo focuses on
the product, which we call a Durable Graphic. In short, Romo
produced durable graphics that make a difference for the
client. We look for innovative alternatives to what's
available in the market to deliver a strong value proposition. A
better product at a lower total cost.
Romo uses a variety of print methods, ink combinations and new
materials to reach that goal. Some situations offer better
opportunities to deliver value to the client than others but Romo
always wants to make a positive impact on the client's business -
using a durable graphic.
At
first glance it might seem strange that Romo Durable Graphics would
be in the same association as a local sports apparel company. The
markets are completely different but in some ways the same. We
share common business issues and can learn from each other. Romo is
a proud, long time member of SGIA and looks forward to continuing
its affiliation for many more years.
posted on: Thursday, August 11, 2011
Becky Murphy, Marketing Manager
In-mold labels have recently become THE way to decorate plastic
consumer packages. Detergent bottles, butter tubs, and shampoo
containers sport the no-profile label. Decorating in the mold cuts
down on secondary decorating time and excessive scrap rates
associated with pad printing and decal application.
For those not familiar with the process it sounds strange. How can
a label adhere to straight plastic without adhesive? Can a label
sit in a mold without melting? How does it stay in place without
sliding?
These are all good questions. A lot of science goes into a good
in-mold label - especially one that's durable. That's where Romo
Durable Graphics comes in. We work directly with customers on
projects that require durability because everyone's needs are
different. Our labels pass some amazing testing standards - outdoor
durable for 5 years, 300 times through high-pressure dishwasher,
and scratch-resistant taber testing for 200 cycles.
Can your label do that?
If
you're not familiar with the in-mold labeling process, we have a
new video on
our website.
Contact Romo Durable
Graphics and eliminate your secondary decorating headaches. (If
you're wondering - labels stay in the mold with a static
charge.)
posted on: Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Andy Spaeth,
Account Manager
To In Mold or Not To In Mold Decorate
I'm often asked - "Is this a good project for in-mold decorating?"
and I always answer "It depends." Every potential in mold label
application is unique. There are several factors that need to be
evaluated before determining if in-mold labeling is the right
fit.
One of the first questions to ask yourself is, "Why are you
considering in mold labeling for your application?" Then ask:
•
How is the part currently decorated?
•
What other decorating methods are being considered?
•
Are you having problems with the current decoration falling off or
deteriorating?
•
Is there an issue with your current decorating process?
•
Is durability an issue?
•
What is the cost of in-mold labeling versus other methods?
•
Is your customer requiring in mold labeling?
•
What resin are you molding?
•
Do you want the label printed first surface or second surface?
•
Will the part be tested for UV, hot water, or thermal cycling?
•
Are there FDA requirements?
•
Is the surface glossy or textured?
•
Is the label material clear?
We
consider all these things to determine the best source of material,
inks, and printing process.
Once you're confident in-mold labeling is for you - ask yourself a
few more questions.
•
Does the tool design allow for in mold labeling?
•
Is the tool surface flat enough?
•
Is the tool textured where the label is located?
•
Where is the gate in relationship to the label location?
•
Are there multiple gates?
•
What does the material flow front look like in the location of the
label?
•
Does a knit line interfere with the label location?
•
Does the tool open up enough to place an in mold label?
•
How will you place the labels in the tool in production - by hand
or with a robot?
•
Do you have a robot that can do the job?
•
If you need to purchase a robot then there is a series of questions
you need to ask yourself about robots such as; what type of robot,
brand, size, and ceiling height in your facility.
I
guess the bottom line is, there are several factors to evaluate
when considering in mold labeling. Over the next few months, I'll
tackle a few questions and provide insight into good and bad
applications. I've seen them all!
The thing to remember first and foremost - always do a test mold
shoot to see how in-mold labeling works. Good luck and call Romo
Durable Graphics at 920-712-4090 if we can help.
posted on: Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Jon Darling,
President
Becky Murphy and I were discussing landmark years and anniversaries
recently. It made me think back to 20 years ago when I worked at
Ford Motor Company. For the invincible young among us who don't
think time goes by quickly, 1990 seems like yesterday. Now my
oldest daughter is starting to look at colleges. There is no way
that's possible. No way.
While it seems like my time at Ford was a short time ago, I look at
all that has changed. In graduate school I took a
computer-programming course at Purdue University. Time in the
computer lab was considered precious and you had to sign up well in
advance. It often required visits in the middle of the night. I'll
never forget the frustration of trying to figure out "if, then"
statements while slugging coffee at 2 am. I hated that class. It
hated me. It didn't turn out well. My programming career consisted
of that one miserable class.
One of my daily tasks at Ford involved developing financial reports
from the previous day's production activity for the transmission
plant in Livonia, Mich. We used a program called Multiplan, a
cheap knock off of the king of spreadsheets at the time, Lotus
1-2-3. A little company called Microsoft had developed Multiplan in
1982. No one had heard of Microsoft at the time, and I recall that
one of our biggest complaints was, "why aren't we using Lotus?"
When I left that plant, a colleague was proposing a switch to this
new operating system called Windows. I'm not sure how it was
received but I'm guessing the reports aren't done on Multiplan
anymore.
Other gadgets arrived in the 90's- car phones (the first ones were
politely called bag phones for the suitcase required to carry
them). The Internet arrived that decade with an amazing new
communication device - email.
Innovations present threats and opportunities. To the companies
making typewriters, personal computers were certainly a threat and
presented a huge opportunity to software developers like Microsoft.
Cars made horse and buggy travel obsolete and Henry Ford took
advantage of that. House telephones are slowly being replaced by
individual cell phones.
It's interesting that disruptive innovations like these examples
often don't come from within your own industry. That's why it is so
important to keep looking forward to find new ways to assist
customers with durable graphics.
We want to be an organization that has the talent and
curiosity to create unique outcomes for clients, doing things
unconventionally when necessary. If we don't do it, you
can bet someone else will!