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.

“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 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.

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.

AdhesionIn 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... More 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.

AdhesiveAdhesive (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... More (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. TackTack is the component that adheres to a surface with minimum pressure applied More, 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 is the temperature of the label material at the time of application

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. LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More applicators are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and more.

LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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 LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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 LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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 LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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 LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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 LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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 LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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.

LabelAn adhesive Label is consists of four layers: topcoat, facestock, adhesive, and liner that is cut into desired shapes More 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.