What is meant by label
repeat and why is it important?
The "repeat" of a label is the measurement from the top of one
label to the top of the next label. This is the measurement that
is used to determine if tooling is available for printing, die
cutting, perfing and folding the label.
What do "initial tack" and
"ultimate adhesion" mean?
Initial tack refers to the amount of adhesion to a surface upon first
contact with that surface. Ultimate adhesion refers to how well a product
will adhere after allowing the adhesive time to bond. Some adhesives
have a low initial tack but have excellent ultimate adhesion. The amount
of time required for an adhesive to attain its ultimate bond depends
on the type of adhesive, material it is applied to, temperature, surface
conditions; clean, flat, curved, pebbled etc. Most adhesives have achieved
their ultimate bond within 24 to 48 hours.
What is an imaging liner?
Imaging liners are used when your customer wants a duplicate copy of
the face label. With this type of liner, when pressure is exerted on
the face stock by either handwriting or computer printing, a duplicate
image will form on the liner. This eliminates the possibility of transcription
and transposition errors.
How does an imaging liner
differ from a crash image?
When the client needs static information added to the self-imaging liner,
the manufacturer will "crash image" this information. This is done by
using a hardened material as the printing plate, in a die or print station
without any ink. This is usually done if your customer will be adding
several numbers in different positions. This assures that the P.O.#
does not get mistaken as the account #, etc..
What label stock is best
suited for use in laboratories?
Latex labels are often recommended for laboratory use because
they are more flexible than EDP
paper labels. Since latex labels have no memory, this helps them
to stay down when wrapped around test tubes. Also, latex labels
have greater resistance to moisture than EDP
paper labels. These features make latex labels a good fit for
laboratories, as they will not "wing up" off a test tube and can
be run through a centrifuge.
What is a"UL" approved
label?
These are labels produced on materials that have undergone a series
of testing at Underwriters Laboratories. Underwriters Laboratories
requires the manufacturer to use specified materials and to be
registered with UL to produce labels that have the UL symbol on
them. Other associations that have similar requirements include
A.G.A. (American Gas Association) and C.S.A. (Canadian Standards
Association). Check with our customer service staff if requesting
a quote from Ward/Kraft on these types of labels.
What is a prime label?
A prime label is one that is applied to a product at the time
of manufacture to identify and/or promote the product. In most
cases these labels have been designed by a marketing group in
order to portray a certain product image. These labels are often
process printed, multiple color labels designed to attract attention
to that manufacturers product. This contrasts with data processing
labels which are used for shipping, distribution, tracking, etc.
Data processing labels are designed for functionality versus the
aesthetically pleasing nature of a prime label.
What is a crack and peel
label?
Label material used by flat sheet printers often has a series
of back slits in the liner that are used to remove the liner
from
the face stock. Typically, the user would bend or "crack" the
liner to expose the slits and make removing the liner easier.
On a web press, a single, vertical, or horizontal back slit
is used to accomplish the same thing.
What is the difference between
thermal transfer and direct thermal?
Thermal transfer requires a ribbon to create the image on the
label stock. It has a heated matrix head that melts the wax, wax/resin
or resin ribbon to transfer the pigment to the paper. Direct thermal
papers have a heat sensitive coating on the face of the label
stock and do not require a ribbon. The coating on direct thermal
papers is activated when it comes into direct contact with the
heated matrix head (most of the older fax machines used this technology).
Many of the thermal printers on the market today can be used with
either material. You can identify direct thermal stocks by heating
them with a lighter or putting them on a warmer plate for a coffee
maker. Thermal transfer can be marked or written on by using a
silver coin like a nickel.
What are application temperature
and service range?
Application temperature refers to the lowest temperature that
a label can be applied and ensure a good bond (surface temperature
of the material being labeled is a key component also). Service
range
refers to the upper and lower limits at which an adhesive will
function after it has bonded to the substrate.
What is the shelf life of
a label?
Most products are warranted for one year from the date of purchase.
The adhesive may remain usable for a longer period of time but deterioration
of the adhesive becomes more rapid after a year. Note: Once the label
has been applied to the substrate, the life span is indefinite.
What are the most important
items to know when requesting a quote on a label?
- How will your customer print it? Dot matrix,
thermal transfer, laser, ink jet, etc.
- What is the label being applied to? Corrugated,
plastic, glass, etc.
- What is the environment? Clean, dust, dirt, frost,
oils, moisture, etc..
- What is the application temperature?
- What is the service range required?
- Permanent or removable adhesive? If removable,
how long before label will be removed?
- Type of face stock
- Number of colors, numbering, perfs, slits
etc.
- Label dimensions - width, depth, repeat
- Roll, fold or sheet
- Packaging requirements
