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.

Website: http://www.kromoprints.com/labels.html

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.

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 Thursday, February 5th, 2015 at 8:31 pm

Source: Consolidated Label Co

Website: http://www.consolidatedlabel.com/label-articles/label-adhesives-guide-part-1/

Polyester & Polyethelyene Naphthulate Label Products - Polyonics, Inc.

Popular Labels for Fixed Asset Identification

Polyester (PET) is a tough, high performance film that provides excellent outdoor durability, chemical and heat resistance. It displays excellent dimensional stability and high tensile strength. Operating temperature is 325°F (163°C) and shot-term temperature can be up to 400°F (204°C).

Polyethelyene Naphthulate (PEN) is a film with moderate stiffness that stretches in all directions but will tear quite easily. Designed for 6 months outdoor use, it is useful for labeling products that expand and contract. Maximum operating temperature is 400°F (204°C).

We carefully and continually evaluate properties of these films to maintain the highest quality standards in the industry today.

Source: Polyonics, Inc.

http://www.polyonics.com/PerformanceLabels/polyester-labels.html

Polyester Labels Overview - polyesterlabels.org

Polyester is a kind of polymer (molecule) that people use to make excellent, durable polyester labels. It can be natural or synthetic, biodegradable or not, and the most commonly used polyester is polyethylene terephthalate, better known as PET.

Some products are exposed to harsh conditions, severely cold or extremely hot temperatures, rough handling during distribution, cryogenic conditions or enclaving in laboratories, etc. These products need labels that will withstand all these conditions, and such labels usually cannot be made out of paper. Here steps in polyester with its fantastic characteristics: polyester labels are resistant to scuffing, tearing, abrasion, high heat, low temps, sunlight, chemical solvents, water, they have mechanical stability, controlled shrinkage, unmatched gloss or clarity (for a “no label look“) and can last a long time.

Many labels have a limited life-span, usually up to several months, after which they fade away, peel off, get torn, etc. Durable polyester labels can last many years, if the application demands it.

Of course, not ALL polyester labels have all these fantastic characteristics. Each polyester label is combined with other elements, such as an adhesive, printing style, lamination, etc, in order to make a suitable label for a specific application.

Polyester labels are most often used for:

• Asset labeling
• Identification of different equipment and electronics
• Drum and container labeling
• Barcode labels
• Warning labels
• Lab labels
• Etc.

Basically, polyester labels are an excellent choice for applications exposed to rough handling, outdoor conditions, water, repeated usage, etc.

Source: polyesterlabels.org

http://polyesterlabels.org/polyester-labels-university/polyester-labels-overview/

PET, PP & PE Labels - Sense Print Ribbon&Label

PET Labels Description

Polyethylene labels,short as PET labels, are strong, durable and possess excellent resistance characteristics that can meet a wide range of application requirements.Sense print offers quality polyethylene in your choice of colors, shapes, sizes for your quick and easy application to your product.

PET labels products list: 
Transparent PET label
Matte silver PET label
Silver PET label
White PET label
PET synthetic label

PP labels Description

PP labels is a kind of green product.It was often used for surface protection tapes such as over-lamination tapes bvefore due to its poor printability.Following the technology advancement and the market demand for environmental protection,PP synthetic paper has been developed.After chemical surface treatment,it has good printability and is widely applied on cosmetics,shampoo bottles,supermarket,frozen foods,eclectrical applicances and so on.

PP labels products list

Matte White cavitated PP synthetic label
YOPO PP synthetic paper
Top-coated white PP synthetic paperUltra clear OPP label

PE label

PE label is also a kind of green product.It has excellent pliability and can be applied on curved surfaces with good adhension.Squeezable PE label,specially designed for cosmetic facial cleanser tube application,to flexibly and perfectly fit the contour.

PE label product list

White PE label
Matte transparent PE label

Recommended ribbon: Wax-Resin,Resin ribbon

Source: Sense Print Ribbon&Label 

http://www.barcode-label.net/aboutus.htm

7 TYPES OF LABEL MATERIALS - Neumann Marking Solutions

Labeling only makes identification easier but it also helps in directing, giving out information and warning. The following is a list of seven label materials frequently used in industry.

1. Metalized, Clear or White Polyester

Metalized Polyester has a chrome or mirror-like finish which makes it look like stainless steel. Clear and white polyester are available in both matte and glossy surfaces. It is used both indoors and outdoors, as pipe labels or control panel labels, because of its dimensional constancy and its aptitude to bear harsh weather conditions. It’s normally used for tool marking and air-conditioning units. It generally comes with a permanent adhesive.

2. Industrial Vinyl

Industrial vinyl is the go-to material for outdoor labels. With a rating of 9-11 years for UV fade resistance, it is weather and chemical resistant. This material has stretching characteristics that allow its application over rivets and sharp curved surfaces. Vinyl labels can be used for pipeline labels, fleet decals, rental equipment, tools, cable tray labels, etc.

3. Destructible Vinyl, Security, Tamper Proof

Destructible vinyl cannot be peeled off in one piece, making them ideal for proprietary products. Security or tamper proof or tamper evident labels will leave words such as VOID or SECURITY or DANGER if removed. The materials of each may vary, depending on the surfaces being applied to. Common uses are seals for food containers, pharmaceuticals, electronics, warranty, safety, and law enforcement labels.

4. Clear or White Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a substitute for vinyl and excellent for solvent resistance. It is also a cost effective in comparison with polyester labels. It’s usually available in clear or white with a gloss or matte finish. It has great flexibility and clarity. The type of adhesive depends on the application type.

5. Static Cling Vinyl

Static cling vinyl is used to make window decals that do not require an adhesive. It uses static electricity to stick to a surface. It’s normally used for glass, metal and other smooth and even surfaces. A common use is for (windshield) oil change labels. It can be printed with laser or thermal transfer (ribbon) printers.

6. Fluorescent and Foil Paper

Fluorescents can be brightly colored vinyl labels or those flood coated on synthetic material. Normally it is available in colors that stand out such as red, green, pink and orange. They are often used for safety labels because they alert people.  Foil paper label material is available in both bright or dull, silver or gold. Both flourescent and foil types come with a permanent adhesive.

7. Litho, Semi-Gloss and High Gloss Paper

Litho paper is uncoated and matte. It’s used in sheet fed laser printers, and computer pin fed shipping labels. Paper is often used through direct thermal label printers in offices for envelope labels. It comes with both permanent and removable adhesive. Semi-gloss paper and high gloss paper comes with rubber base adhesive and acrylic cold temperature adhesive. The later is used for food related labeling. Removable adhesive is also available for certain conditions.

Source: Neumann Marking Solutions 

http://neumannmarking.com/types-label-materials/

Label Materials & Descriptions - By Whitlam Label Company

Metalized Polyester

- This stock is available in either chrome, mirror-like finish or a brushed finish that resembles stainless steel. This is an excellent material for outdoor use due to its dimensional stability and its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Useful for fleet markings, heating & air-conditioning units or anything else that spends a lot of time outdoors. It comes standard with a permanent adhesive.

Clear Polyester

- This material is available in a gloss or matte finish. This is an excellent material for outdoor use due to its dimensional stability and its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and exposure to chemicals. It comes with a permanent pressure sensitive adhesive in standard and heavy coat weight for your more difficult surfaces. This is also available with a high temperature resistant removable adhesive for paint masking application.

White Polyester

- This material is available in a gloss or and matte finish. This is an excellent material for outdoor use due to its dimensional stability and its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and exposure to chemicals. This material can be used on thermal transfer & laser printers. It comes with a permanent pressure sensitive adhesive in standard and heavy coat weight for your more difficult surfaces. This is also available with a removable adhesive for temporary identifications.

Clear Polypropylene

- This material is available in a gloss or matte finish. This is an excellent material for decorative packaging applications due to its flexibility and high degree of clarity. It comes with both permanent and removable adhesives, depending on the application.

White Polypropylene

- This material is available in a gloss or matte finish and can be printed on via thermal transfer printers. This is an excellent material for decorative packaging applications due to its flexibility and is a more cost effective alternative to polyester. It comes with both permanent and removable adhesives, depending on the application.

Clear Vinyl

- A frosty-clear material that is useful when you want to create window decals. By printing your decal as a mirror image, it can be placed on the inside of a window so that it’s legible from the outside.

White Vinyl

- This is the standard material used in bumper stickers and is useful when you need a low-cost label that can be used outdoors. It comes standard with permanent and removable adhesives.

Clear Static Cling Vinyl

- This is a clear stock that does not use an adhesive but sticks via static electricity. Often used for “Oil Change/Next Service Due” decals, this stock makes a great movable sign at point of purchase displays. It is best when applied to glass, metal and other smooth surfaces.

Paper, Fluorescent

- This is a brightly colored uncoated stock that is available in red, green, pink and orange. It’s useful when you need a paper label that stands out. It comes standard with a permanent adhesive.

Paper, Foil

- Available in either silver or gold, bright or dull foil, it is often used as a decorative label popular with florists, artists and those seeking to give their labeling applications a “classy” look. It comes standard with a permanent adhesive.

Paper, Litho

- This is an uncoated, white, matte paper stock that is suitable when you want a material that won’t smear if you were to write or type on it. Typical applications include sheet feed laser printers, and computer pin fed shipping labels. It comes with permanent or removable adhesive.

Paper, Semi-Gloss

- This is a coated semi gloss in appearance, white stock that comes with two different permanent adhesives. One permanent adhesive is a rubber base system for general purpose labeling applications that need a quick stick feature, and the other is an acrylic cold temperature adhesive that is FDA approved for indirect food contact applications. This can be used on the packaging of seafood, poultry and other meat products. Also useful when bar coding is needed. A removable adhesive for temporary identification is available.

Paper, High-Gloss

- This is a very glossy coated white paper stock that comes with two different permanent adhesives. One permanent adhesive is a rubber base system for general purpose labeling applications that need a quick stick feature, and the other is an acrylic cold temperature adhesive that is FDA approved for indirect food contact applications. This can be used on prime label applications. It’s also available with a removable adhesive for temporary identifications.

Paper, Tag

- This is a white 8 or 10 pt. tag stock, coated on both sides and does not have an adhesive. This can be used for our scratch-off cards and also ID/Membership cards. Both sides of this stock can be imprinted.

Source: Whitlam Label Company.

For more info, visit http://www.whitlam.com/learning-center/label-materials-descriptions/