How GS1 standards work - GS1

How GS1 standards work

GS1 standards create a common foundation for business by uniquely 
identifying, accurately capturing and automatically sharing vital information 
about products, locations, assets and more. Businesses can also combine 
different GS1 standards to streamline business processes such as traceability.



Identify

GS1 identification standards include standards that define unique identification 
codes (called GS1 identification keys) which may be used by an information 
system to refer unambiguously to a real-world entity such as a:
  • trade item
  • logistics unit
  • physical location
  • document
  • service relationship
  • other entity 

Capture

GS1 data capture standards currently include definitions of bar code and 
radio-frequency identification (RFID) data carriers which allow 
GS1 Identification Keys and supplementary data to be affixed directly to a 
physical object, and standards that specify consistent interfaces to readers, 
printers, and other hardware and software components that connect the data 
carriers to business applications. 

Share

GS1 standards for information sharing include data standards for master data, 
business transaction data, and physical event data, as well as communication 
standards for sharing this data between applications and trading partners. 
Other information sharing standards include discovery standards that help 
locate where relevant data resides across a supply chain and trust standards 
that help establish the conditions for sharing data with adequate security. 

Use

Businesses can also combine different GS1 standards to streamline business 
processes such as traceability.




















Source: GS1







International Article Number (EAN) - Wikipedia

The International Article Number (EAN) (also known as European Article Number, which technically refers to EAN-13) is a 13-digit barcode symbology, which is a superset of the original 12-digit Universal Product Code (UPC) (also known as UPC-A), developed in 1970 by George J. Laurer.[1]
The EAN-13 barcode is used worldwide for marking products often sold at retail point of sale. It encapsulates 2-digit or 3-digit number system (GS1 Prefix (usually GS1 country code)), in contrast with UPC-A's 1-digit number system. EAN-13 barcode with number system 45 or 49 is known as Japanese Article Number (JAN). All the numbers encoded in UPC and EAN are part of GTINs, and they can be encoded in other barcodes defined by the GS1 organization.
The less commonly used 8-digit EAN-8 barcode was introduced for use on small packages, where EAN-13 would be too large.
2-digit EAN-2 and 5-digit EAN-5 are supplemental barcodes, placed on the right-hand side of EAN-13 or UPC. These are generally used for periodicals to indicate the current year's issue number, like magazines,[2] or books,[3] and weighed products like food (to indicate the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)).

GTIN-13 number encoded in EAN-13 barcode. The first digit is always placed outside the symbol; additionally a right ">" indicator is used to indicate a "Quiet Zone" that is necessary for barcode scanners to work properly.

Source: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For full article click here

Printing Your Own Labels - Electronic Imaging Materials, Inc

Printing labels with an in-house printing system is easier than you think. However, if you’re like some of our Label Experts prior to working for us, you may think that printers are evil or scary. Why is it that they can spit out misprints and chew up sheets in their attempt to mock you right before your biggest deadline? What monsters! Thankfully, EIM can give you some tips on handling your own printer along with picking the right labels and barcodes. (Just make sure you don’t feed your printer after midnight.)
Determining if buying your own printer is the right move for you can typically boil down to two needs – convenience and cost vs quality and flexiblity. You may decide that a simple black and white barcode label that can be printed at your whim is sufficient; on the other hand, if you need a wide varity of labels sizes with full-color print, it may be easier to have a printer like EIM take on the extra work for you.
The two sections below will help answer questions you may be having such as “Would it be better to have my labels custom printed for me or to print them myself?” and “What type of printer should I use?”

QuickStart Printing Kit
TSC Label Printer
While our guide may be useful, nothing can replace speaking 1-on-1 with one of our Label Experts. We can offer assistance to answer your custom labeling needs. Before consulting with us, check out this page and our complementary Getting Started guide to help steer you in the right direction. The more info you know about your application, the quicker we can match you to the right product. We are excited to assist you and help come to a solution for your unique labeling needs.
Source: Electronic Imaging Materials, Inc. 

Topcoats Are Not Just for People - Electronic Imaging Materials, Inc.

Label converters and printers like Electronic Imaging Materials have a lot to consider as we strive for consistent label print quality. This is particularly challenging with film label products that are chemically inert and have non-porous surfaces with various levels of surface energy ranging from high surface energy (HSE) polyesters to low-surface-energy polypropylene and polyolefins.*

Unlike paper that is very absorbent, labels made of film materials—often called simply plastic and/or polyester—generally need a special finish to make ink properly spread out and bond. When we talk about “inks” this includes not only water-, solvent-, or UV-based flexographic inks, but also inkjet inks, thermal transfer printing ribbons and laser toner.
Label Diagram
The two most common methods of face coating films are called “Topcoating” and “Corona Treating”:• Using a Topcoat is like putting primer paint on a wall. It is a thin layer of varnish-like ink that helps inks bond to a film’s surface. Mostly commonly a topcoat is clear but some topcoats are colored to increase opacity. Topcoats come in matte, gloss or semi-gloss finishes to provide various levels of reflectance—something important to consider if you are scanning barcodes. The selection of topcoats is extensive and can be fine-tuned for specific films and printing methods; they are especially useful for variable printing with thermal transfer or laser printers.
Topcoats hold up to a wide range of environmental conditions including UV light, chemicals, and solvents, plus they help prevent smearing and flaking.  Some topcoats are specifically engineered for their static dissipative qualities or to improve die cutting.
Adding a topcoat at the time the label construction is put together is the most efficient method, but it can also be applied by a label converter like EIM.
• A Corona Treatment is an electrical charge that increases the surface energy (dyne level) of the face stock and allows inks to “wet out” and spread smoothly. In the case of film labels, a dyne level of 40 or higher is needed for good print quality so if a film has a low dyne level, then it is especially important to treat it. Corona treating is generally less expensive than topcoating and is best done as a pre-treatment at the time the material is made. However, corona treatments are not as versatile and don’t improve print quality for certain types of print technologies. They also have a shorter print life because they start to fade; if a film goes through an additional press-applied corona treatment, the dyne level can be temporarily increased and the shelf life extended.
For those of you thinking, what if you did both… wouldn’t you have an even better print-receptive finish? The answer is no, because corona treatment can actually break down top coats and reduce ink bond.
You may also ask…are there any films that are NOT coated…and the answer is, yes. Some label materials were made for older, less challenging print technologies such as impact or dot matrix printing—before altering the label surface became an art form. Some materials are just designed to be “generic” and less expensive, but they do not guarantee good print quality. Other films could be used solely as over laminates and would not require a print treatment. When EIM is forced to use an uncoated material—where there may be limited material options to solve a particular label application, for instance—more than likely we will choose to add a topcoat or a corona treatment to improve print quality.
So remember…just like a person wears a topcoat to protect their clothes, a label “topcoat” (or corona treatment) will not only protect the label but also make it look better!
*It is interesting to see the correlation of label surface energy and plastic surface applications; there are similar challenges with both print surfaces and adhesives.
While our guide may be useful, nothing can replace speaking 1-on-1 with one of our label experts. We can offer assistance to answer your custom labeling needs. Before consulting with us, check out this page and our complementary Getting Started guide to help steer you in the right direction. The more info you know about your application, the quicker we can match you to the right product. We are excited to assist you and help come to a solution for your unique labeling needs.
Source: Electronic Imaging Materials, Inc. 


Destructive stickers - PUNARVASU GRAPHICS

Destructive Stickers are used for anti counterfeiting, brand protection and tamper evident seals. Destructible labels are used for authentication, theft reduction and protection against counterfeit on equipments, instruments, electronic parts and components in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Destructive labels are made out of ultra destructible material, with very strong adhesive. These destructive labels, upon attempt to remove, will fracture and rupture into small destructive bits which cannot be mended, leaving behind the tamper evidence. These destructive labels can be provided with bar-codes and serial numbers for added security.


Source; PUNARVASU GRAPHICS
Website: http://punarvasugraphics.com/wpcproduct/destructive/

Poly and Vinyl Labels, Decals and Stickers - Specialty Printing

Poly and Vinyl are the most commonly used materials for labels.    Vinyl, otherwise known as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a thermoplastic material, and so it can be reprocessed using heat. In respects to what we provide at Specialty Printing, we use a semi-flexible vinyl film coated with a permanent pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive and backed with a two-sided polycoated layflat release liner for use over sheets.

We also provide decals and labels made from Mylar (a registered trademark owned by Dupont Tejjin Films), that is essentially a generic term for polyester film or plastic sheet.

There are numerous applications using Poly, Vinyl and Mylar – if you are not certain of your exact needs, Specialty Printing will assess your needs to determine the appropriate label solution for you.

Source: Specialty Printing 
Website: http://www.specialtyprintingusa.com/vinyl-labels.htm

Definition of 'Vinyl (PVC)' as it relates to labels. - Label Planet Ltd

Vinyl is a term commonly used to refer to polyvinyl chloride; a synthetic plastic that is used in the manufacturing of a wide variety of items. Polyvinyl chloride is flexible, durable, strong, and (perhaps most importantly) highly reactive, which means PVC is very easy to convert and can be produced with the precise properties required for a particular application. Unmodified PVC is converted by adding a selection of additives that will determine the final properties of the finished PVC that is used to make products; additives include heat and UV stabilisers, lubricants, plasticisers, flame retardants, fillers, and pigments, amongst many others.
In labelling, vinyl is commonly used to make films, which form either the face material of a label or act as a protective and decorative coating for a face material.

PVC & Vinyl Labels - Kromo Prints.

PVC Labels

PVC labels are made of polymer vinyl chloride which gives flexibility and softness to labels designed through it. It’s applied on apparels, doors, automobiles and glass windows. The PVC label are more attractive and noticeable as they comes out of plain surface with flexible and rubber shape text and design, which makes it worth looking at. They come in all shapes and sizes with multi colors which doesn’t lose its brightness. They are 100% customized and come with strong adhesive strength and ability to withstand water threat. 



Vinyl Labels

Vinyl labels have unique feature of giving protection from moisture, chemical and UV rays with the special coating which makes it resilient label. They are widely applied on cars, motorcycle, bumpers, windows, boats, ships, etc. Superior grade vinyl and sophisticated printing techniques are being employed in designing these labels. They are also highly water resistant in damp, drizzling, pouring or full water submersion circumstances.

Source:  Kromo Prints.

Label Adhesives Guide Part 1: Types and Properties - Consolidated Label

With many different options available, selecting the right adhesive can be intimidating – especially when all you want is a label that “just works.” In this guide, you’ll learn the basic characteristics of Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (a fancy term for self-stick adhesives where no solvents or heat are required to activate the adhesive) so you can find the right “stick” for your labels.

Types of Label Adhesives

There are three main classifications of adhesives to know: permanent, removable and repositionable. Within those categories, pressure sensitive adhesives have different properties that vary from one to the next, but we’ll get to that in a bit. First, let’s learn more about adhesive types and reasons why they’re used.
  • Permanent: The majority of labels we print use a permanent adhesive because they work for most label applications and tend to be the most budget-friendly. Since permanent adhesive labels create a strong bond with the container they are applied to, removing the label can damage the label or container.
  • Removable: Labels with a removable adhesive can be removed for a window of time after application without damaging the label or surface it’s applied on. Removable adhesive labels and stickers are ideal for temporarily marking items, store coupons, and limited-time promotions. Be aware that temperature can affect the stickiness and removable capabilities of labels with this adhesive type.
  • Repositionable: Repositionable adhesives are designed for short-term removability in cases where the label needs to be repositioned or reapplied. This adhesive can save you time and resources in the long run when labels need to be removed for repositioning (e.g. a crooked label on a container) or reapplied to another surface without losing much adhesion. Depending on which type of repositionable adhesive is used, it can eventually become permanent. The time between initial application and permanent bonding varies depending on the formulation.
printing-label-adhesives-guide

Getting Technical: Adhesive Properties

The information above is probably enough to help you understand the type of adhesive that will work best for your situation and our reps are ready to walk you through all the variables that go along with these selections. That said, label adhesives can have varying characteristics even if they’re categorized as the same “type,” so for your reading pleasure and curiosity, we’ve outlined some of the basic properties that help determine an adhesive’s performance as tested by our material suppliers.
  • Initial Tack: The immediate holding power of the label adhesive on contact with a specific surface. If initial tack is low, it will have low adhesion, allowing the label to be removed cleanly. Adhesives with a low initial tack will build up adhesion over time (i.e. the difference between removable and repositionable). On the flipside, adhesives with high initial tack will have a stronger adhesion and bond to the container much more quickly.
  • Ultimate Adhesion: The maximum holding power the label will achieve as the adhesive fully bonds to the surface. How long it takes for an adhesive to gain ultimate adhesion varies and depends on factors like the adhesive’s stiffness, the roughness of the receiving surface and environmental conditions. Depending on those factors, it can take anywhere from 2 – 24 hours for ultimate adhesion to happen.
  • Shear Resistance: Simply put, label adhesives with a low shear are soft which allows them to flow into the surface they’re applied. They also have a higher initial tack, but can split apart under stress. A higher shear adhesive is more firm so it doesn’t flow as well into the surface, resulting in a lower initial tack and making it less likely to split apart under stress.
  • U.V. Resistance: If your labels will be exposed to ultraviolet (U.V.) light for extended periods, they may be susceptible to color changes or weakened adhesion. Select a U.V. resistant adhesive in cases where your labels will be exposed to U.V. light on your end, or if your labels will be exposed to U.V. light during the printing process (e.g. when a U.V. laminate or coating is applied to your labels) to minimize these effects.
  • Solvent Resistance: The adhesive’s capacity to withstand exposure to solvents like water, alcohol, petrochemical solvents, plasticizers, etc. without losing adhesion. The container contents, along with the environment where the product will be used, should be considered.
  • Mandrel Hold: How well the label adhesive holds up to a curved or tight radius surface. If an adhesive has a good mandrel hold, it will be harder for the label’s edges to lift up, also known as “flagging.”
  • Cold Flow: Temperature is an essential consideration with adhesives. Cold flow refers to the adhesive’s ability to bond (or “flow”) to a container at below normal temperatures. “Cold temperature” and “all temperature” adhesives will work best when the label is applied in cold environments.
  • Minimum Application Temperature: When an adhesive isn’t designed for cold temperatures, it will stiffen and lose its adhesive strength as the temperature decreases. Most adhesives have a minimum application temperature of 40-50 °F before they crystallize and become solid. Cold temperature adhesives can work in temperatures as low as -20 °F.
  • Service Temperature Range: The temperature range the adhesive can function in after the label has been applied and built up to its ultimate adhesion. Most pressure sensitive adhesives have a range of -65 °F to 200 °F with a paper label stock, or up to 300 °F with a film label stock.

Label Adhesive Guide Part 2: Performance and Selection

Now that you have a framework for how label adhesives work, the next part of our guide covers performance factors. Adhesive testing on the container you have chosen is extremely important for more complex labeling jobs to ensure you don’t end up wasting time and resources on labels that don’t stick properly. Whether you have a lot of technical requirements to consider or just want to make sure you’ve picked the right material, part two of our label adhesive guide will help answer questions you may have on label adhesives and container compatibility.
We also have a quick reference guide, Surefire Tips for Selecting a Label Adhesive, to help you find the right adhesive for your labeling project.
Posted 
Consolidated Label Co

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