Apex International (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
Rather than relying on lab samples or isolated test sheets, the team set out to create a fully finished commer- cial product that mirrors the challenges printers face every day. The calendar was produced on production equip- ment, using customer-grade substrates, and incorporating multiple coating techniques to ensure relevance across a wide range of print environments. “This project was created to show what is possible in real production settings,” said Nick Harvey, Technical Di- rector at Apex International. “By developing a finished demonstration piece instead of a test sample, printers can see, feel, and evaluate the results in a way that directly relates to their own operations.”
The collaboration brought together expertise from across the supply chain. Apex North America led the ini- tiative and coordinated print development, Lake County Press executed printing and coating with precision, and Stahl supplied materials, technical insight, and support throughout the project. To ensure authenticity, all coatings were applied using a flexographic coating unit configured to replicate condi- tions commonly found in commercial print facilities world- wide. The finished piece features soft-touch coatings, high-gloss finishes, reticulation and texture effects, and specialty combinations achieved through precise GTT an- ilox selection. “I gained 15 gloss points using your roll,” said Ben, Press Operator at Lake County Press. “For soft touch we are able to achieve a more velvet feel versus other coating rolls,” added Brian Popp, Press- room Manager at Lake County Press. Results included improved coating uniformity, en- hanced gloss and tactile finishes, reduced coating con- sumption in many applications, and greater predictability across long production runs. To explore the full project results, see coating compar- isons, or request a calendar, visit: https://discover.apexin- ternational.com/2026-calendar-collaboration .
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16 February 2, 2026
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