Label Materials Information
Label materials are blank film, paper or other backing used for the display of printing, lithographing, embossing, hot stamping, stickers, seals, or other written, printed or graphic matter.
Examples of labels and printing products include,
- Printed tape is a cloth or paper tape designed for packaging or sealing purposes.
- Ribbons are thin, flexible printing and label stock made of cloth, plastic, or metal.
- Label supplies also include label printers, label inks, color ribbons, and label software.
- Stickers adhere to containers such as boxes, bags, or bins.
The Engineering360 SpecSearch database allows industrial buyers to select label materials by material, performance specifications and features.
Materials
There are a variety of materials used in label and printing applications. Each material has a unique application as well as advantages and disadvantages,
Cloth or fabric materials incorporate cloth or a nonwoven fabric layer(s) for reinforcement, improved strength, heat resistance, or electrical properties. Cloth labels are often found in the textile industry for clothing.
Metal foil tapes have aluminum, aluminum-reinforced, and lead backings. They are used for a variety of applications such as protecting plastic appliances and wires from heat sources, seal against moisture, and dirt, and seal thermally-conductive shield over heating or cooling elements. Metal foil tapes can be flame, chemical, and environmental resistant. They also have reflective properties and resistance against tearing and puncturing. Their long life expectancy is enhanced by the thermal and electrical conductivity properties.
Paper labels are inexpensive and easy-to-use, but less durable than other products. Paper labels are designed for one-time use and may be difficult to remove from the material to which they are attached.
Plastic or film labels incorporate one or more plastic layers, or consist of plastic film or sheets that can be clear or colored, printed or plain. They can be single-layer or multilayered by combining them with other materials such as aluminum and paper. Plastics come in two general categories,
- Thermoplastics become easier to mold and shape when they are hot, and melt at a specific temperature.
- Thermosets are crosslinked materials that do not melt.
Rubber is often used as a backing for tape, film, or laminate. Rubber is usually water-proof, impermeable to gas and effective in a wide range of temperatures. This material is used when the surface labeled needs to remain in good condition.
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Label Materials |
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Matte Paper Labels |
• Printed flexographically with light fast inks. |
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Gloss Paper Labels |
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Fluorescent Paper Labels |
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Removable Paper Labels |
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→ Plastic Labels |
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Vinyl Labels |
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Self-Laminating Plastic |
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Chart Credit: Shipping Labels.com
Specifications
Product specifications and features are important factors to consider when selecting label materials,
Adhesion is the ability for the label to stay on the object
Adhesive labels stick to the surface of the object and depending on the backing, may or may not be removed without damage.
Non-adhesive tapes, films or laminate do not have an appliedadhesive, but may be self-adhering. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thread sealing tape is a type of non-adhesive tape.
Pressure-sensitive label stock consists of a laminate with an adhesive backing. Thermal transfer techniques can be used to leave a permanent image on a label. They adhere firmly to a variety of dissimilar surfaces upon contact, requiring only the application of finger or hand pressure. PSAs do not require water, solvent, or heat activation in order to exert a strong adhesive force on materials such as paper, plastic, glass, wood, cement, and metal.
Thermal bond tape is heat activated and becomes tacky or sticky when heat is applied. The adhesive may soften, but not necessarily melt.
Adhesive thickness is the thickness of the adhesive material. Thicker adhesive have a longer lifespan but are heavier.
Liner type is based upon application. Liners support the adhesive layer and generally peel off upon application.
Liner thickness
Adhesion to Metal such as aluminum.
Adhesion to High surface energy (HSE) plastics such as PVC
Adhesion to Low surface energy (LSE) plastics such as Tefflon
Max/Min temperature determines the range of temperatures the material can function properly in.
Features
Label material is available with a variety of features including,
- Pre-printed film may contain a protective layer that can resist water or weathering.
- Permanent
- Removable
- Repositionable
- Safety/Warning labels
- UV and weather resistant
- Chemical resistant
- Waterproof
Resources
3M Metal Foil Tapes Application Success
Butyl Tape (Mastic Tape, Putty Tape)
Image Credit:
3M
- self adhesive labels
- trine labeling systems
- flame retardant label materials
- high temperature label materials
- integrated labeling systems
- a4 adhesive labels
- a4 self adhesive labels
- aluminum adhesive labels
- barcode label materials
- bopp label stock
- cable labeling systems
- dispersion adhesive labels
- double adhesive labels
- hard plastic adhesive labels
- heat activated adhesive labels
- in line labeling systems
- key labeling systems
- non removable adhesive labels
- plastic adhesive labels
- polyester label materials
- polyester thermal transfer labels
- pressure sensitive labeling systems
- removable adhesive labels
- rotary file card
- shredder adhesive labels
- specialty label materials
- timemed labeling systems
- vinyl adhesive labels