Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion Resistance refers to the resistance level of labels to damage caused by friction. Some labels may need to be durable against rubbing, scuffing, and scratching. 

Labels that are exposed to high levels of abrasion or friction, such as those used on industrial equipment or outdoor applications, require materials that are able to withstand these conditions without losing legibility or adhesion.

Abrasion resistance is typically measured by testing the label material against a standard rubbing or scraping test, such as the Sutherland Rub Test or the Taber Abrasion Test. The results of these tests are expressed as a numerical value that represents the number of cycles or revolutions that the label material can withstand before showing signs of wear or damage.

Labels with high abrasion resistance are typically made from materials such as polyester, polyimide, or vinyl, which offer superior durability and resistance to physical damage. These materials are often coated with a protective layer or adhesive to further enhance their abrasion resistance and ensure long-lasting performance in challenging environments.

Acetates

“Acetate” generally refers to a type of clear plastic film that can be used as a material for printing labels.

Acetate films are made from cellulose acetate, which is derived from wood pulp or cotton fibers. The material is transparent and has a smooth, glossy surface that is suitable for printing high-quality images and text.

Acetate films can be printed using a variety of printing methods, including flexographic printing, offset printing, and screen printing. They can also be easily cut and shaped into different sizes and shapes, making them a versatile material for creating custom labels.

Acetate labels can be used for a variety of applications, including product labels, packaging labels, and graphic overlays. They are often used in industries such as cosmetics, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals where a clear, high-quality label is desired to showcase the product inside.

Acrylic-based Adhesive

Acrylic-based is a type of adhesive that is durable and hard to remove. It is usually used in applications where high-resistance against UV rays, heat, and chemicals are needed. However, due to its firm composition, it does not work well on non-smooth surfaces.

Adhesion

In the context of adhesive label printing, adhesion refers to the bonding or sticking ability of an adhesive to a substrate or surface. It is the strength and durability of the bond between the label and the surface to which it is applied.

The adhesion of a label is a critical factor in ensuring that the label remains securely attached to the substrate throughout its intended use. Proper adhesion is important to prevent issues such as label lifting, peeling, or premature detachment, which can affect the functionality and appearance of the label.

Adhesion testing is often performed to evaluate the strength and performance of adhesive labels. This involves subjecting the labels to various tests, such as peel adhesion tests, shear tests, or lap shear tests, to measure the force required to separate the label from the substrate.

Adhesive

Adhesive (in the label industry) refers to the substance used to bond a label to a substrate, such as a product package or a shipping container. Adhesives come in many different types and are chosen based on the specific requirements of the label application.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are the most common type of adhesive used in label printing. These adhesives are designed to bond to a wide variety of surfaces when pressure is applied, such as the pressure of a hand or a label applicator. PSAs are easy to apply and remove, making them ideal for many applications, including temporary and removable labels. There are four main categories of label adhesives including permanent, removable, repositionable, and temperature-specific.

Other types of adhesives used in label printing include hot melt adhesives, which are melted and applied to the label or substrate, and water-based adhesives, which are applied as a liquid and then dried to form a bond.

Adhesives used in label printing are also classified based on their level of tackiness or adhesive strength. Some labels require a strong adhesive, such as those used for industrial or outdoor applications, while others require a low-tack adhesive, such as those used for temporary or promotional labels. Tack, shear resistance, adhesion, and environmental factors must first be determined to get the right adhesive that fits your label application.

It is important to choose the appropriate adhesive for the label application to ensure that the label will adhere properly and remain securely attached for the required duration of time. The adhesive must also be compatible with the substrate and any coatings or laminates used on the label.

Application temperature

Application temperature is the temperature of the label material at the time of application

Applicator

A label applicator is a machine or device used in the adhesive label industry to automatically apply labels onto various products, packaging, or containers. It streamlines the labelling process, making it more efficient and accurate compared to manual labelling. Label applicators are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and more.

Label applicators come in various forms, ranging from simple handheld devices to sophisticated automated systems. Some common types of label applicators include:

  1. Manual Handheld Applicators: These are handheld devices that allow an operator to manually place and apply labels onto products or packages. They are suitable for smaller-scale operations where automation is not necessary or cost-effective.
  2. Semi-Automatic Label Applicators: These machines require some manual input but automate certain aspects of the labelling process. An operator typically loads products onto the machine’s conveyor or feed system, and the machine then applies the labels.
  3. Fully Automatic Label Applicators: These advanced machines are capable of handling large volumes of products and labels with minimal operator intervention. They often include features like automatic label feeding, precise label placement, and integration with other production line machinery.
  4. Wraparound Label Applicators: These applicators are designed to apply labels around cylindrical products such as bottles, cans, and jars. They ensure the label is accurately placed and aligned around the curved surface.
  5. Top and Bottom Label Applicators: These machines apply labels to both the top and bottom surfaces of products as they pass through the labelling process. They are commonly used for labelling flat or rectangular items.
  6. Print and Apply Label Applicators: These systems can print information (such as barcodes, dates, or variable data) onto labels in real-time before applying them to products. They are often used for high-speed packaging and labelling operations.
  7. Pressure-Sensitive Label Applicators: These applicators are designed to apply pressure-sensitive labels, which adhere to surfaces when pressure is applied. This is a common method in the adhesive label industry.

Label applicators play a crucial role in ensuring consistent and accurate labeling of products, which is essential for branding, product identification, regulatory compliance, and consumer safety. The choice of a label applicator depends on factors such as the type of products being labeled, production volume, labeling accuracy requirements, and the level of automation desired.

We stock a small range of semi-automatic (desktop) applicators, and also have applicator manufacturing contacts and would be happy to help.

Backing

Backing or backing paper (also known as release liner) is a sheet that supports the label until it is applied on a substrate or product

Barcode

Barcode is a series of vertical lines that represents data that is readable using optical scanning devices

Bleed

In the context of adhesive label printing, bleed refers to the technique of extending the artwork or design of a label beyond its actual size or trim line, typically by 2mm to 5mm, to ensure that the ink extends all the way to the edge of the label after the label has been trimmed down to its final size.

Bleed is important because during the printing and trimming process, small variations can occur in the cutting of the label. By extending the artwork beyond the trim line, it ensures that there is no unprinted or blank space at the edges of the label after it has been cut down to its final size.

For example, if a label design measures 100mm by 100mm, and the printer requires a 3mm bleed, the artwork or design should be extended to 103mm by 103mm. This extra area will be trimmed off during the cutting process, but ensures that the ink goes all the way to the edge of the label and there are no unprinted or blank areas visible.

Bleed is an important consideration in adhesive label printing to ensure that the label looks professional and high-quality, with no unsightly white edges visible after trimming.

BOPP

BOPP, also known as biaxially-oriented polypropylene, basically a polypropylene (PP) stretched in two directions to flatten it. It is non-toxic and highly resistant to solvents and acids

BS5609 Label Durability for Marine & Extreme Environments

BS5609 is a set of rules that specify how labels should perform in tough marine conditions. These labels are often used on things like chemical drums that might be shipped on the ocean.

The tests make sure the labels stick well, don’t fade, and can handle things like saltwater, sun, and scraping. When labels meet these requirements, they get a certification mark to show they’re good for marine use. Even though it’s a British standard, lots of industries around the world use it to make sure their labels stay in good shape when shipped by sea.

BS5609 Section 2 and Section 3

When sourcing or ordering BS5609 compliant labels for shipping chemicals by sea, it’s important to look for both Section 2 and Section 3 compliance.

  • Section 2 covers the base material of pressure-sensitive adhesive-coated labels, which includes the label facestock, adhesive, and any extra topcoats.
  • Section 3 focuses on testing the completed printed label itself.

BS5609 Labels and BS5609 Thermal Transfer Ribbon

Contact Accurate Labelling for help with BS5609 and GHS labelling.

We have solutions for BS5609 certified label stock, plus BS5609 certified thermal transfer ribbon.