PERFORMANCE, Performance,

PACKAGED Packaged

Guide to Labels
A Guide To Label Elements and Materials

L&C

LABELING
& CODING
 Table of Contents

Guide to Labels Introduction............................................................. 1

Choosing the Correct Label..................................... 1

Parts of a Label........................................................3

Label Design and Dimensions..................................6

Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printing..........7

Label Categories......................................................8

Label Converting.................................................... 11

Label Manufacturing Capabilities........................... 13

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Introduction Choosing the Correct Label
Labels are important because Many factors influence the type of label needed for an
they identify a product, build application.
brand awareness, and provide
• How will the label be used? Once you define the label’s
information. A good label is
purpose you have an understanding of the required label
one that suits the application, features.
meaning that the materials - face
stock, adhesives, coatings - are • Consider the environment. Knowing where the label has
well suited for the environment to function determines important characteristics, such
in which the label is used. as the adhesive, face stock, and topcoat. Selecting the
correct label components are key to a successful label.
Label materials need to last through the demands of the application,
• Where will the label be applied? The surface to which
have an adhesive appropriate to bond to the surface it is applied to,
the label must adhere needs to be considered. Surfaces
and have a topcoat to ensure high quality printing of bar code, text,
include glass, plastic, metal, etc. Surfaces can be smooth
or images. or rough, flat or curved.
This eBook introduces the features of a good label and provides an • Regulatory requirements dictate label features. Examples
overview of label manufacturing. of regulatory requirements include UL, CSA, RoHS, Mil-
Spec, among others. Military, industry, or consumer
requirements might also need to be met.
• For best results, match the printing technology to the
application and environment. Decide whether to use
pre-printed labels or print them yourself. Commonly used
printing methods are Thermal Transfer, Direct Thermal,
Dot Matrix, Laser, or Inkjet.

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Page 2
Parts of a Label

The pressure sensitive labels that you see on the products

and cartons you use are actually made of several layers of
specialized materials sandwiched together to create a label
that looks good, identifies something, and lasts as long
as it is needed. The components of a label are the Liner,
Release Coat, Adhesive, Facestock, and Topcoat.

Liner
The liner is a critical component of any pressure sensitive
label. The liner is the backing paper that carries the die-cut
labels to the applicator and releases the adhesive-backed
label onto the product. The liner supports the label through
manufacturing and use, protects the adhesive until the
label is applied, and provides appropriate label application,
either by automatic or mechanical means.
Liners come in different types to meet specific
performance criteria. Typical performance and quality
characteristics include strength, smoothness, density,
release level, and stability. Liners are made of paper or film.

Release Coating
The release coating is a coating applied to the top surface of
the liner. The release coat is designed to resist the adhesive
so that the facestock and adhesive peel away from the liner
smoothly.

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Adhesives
Adhesives are made of rubber or acrylic
Pressure sensitive labels stick to a surface with light or
moderate pressure from a label applicator. The amount
Rubber Acrylic
of pressure needed, the permanence of the label, and
the surface the label adheres to determines the adhesive
Quick Stick / Initial Tack Broad Temperature Range
needed.
Some factors to consider when selecting an adhesive Ultimate Adhesion Open Time / Repositionable
include: Adhesion to Low Surface Energy Easy to Die Cut & Strip
• Permanence: Will the label remain forever or will it Substrates
Clear in Color
be removed at some point? In some applications, Good Availability
the adhesive becomes permanent after a period of Long Shelf Life - Archival
time. Water Resistance
UV Resistance
• Residue: If a label is removed, what will be left on Direct Food Contact
Chemical Resistance
the surface?
Well Established
Clarity – No Label Look
• Surface: What type of surface will the label adhere
to – paper, plastic, glass, metal? Economical
Good Mandrel Hold
• Texture: Is the surface rough or smooth?
• Temperature: What is the storage temperature of
the label? What is the temperature when the labels
are applied?
• Environment: Is the environment in which the label
must function wet or dry, oily, dusty, etc.? Will the
label be exposed to solvents?
Permanent adhesives create labels that cannot be removed
without damaging the label or the surface to which the label is
applied.
Removable adhesives create labels that can be removed
cleanly from a surface. However, certain removable
adhesives can be more permanent after a period of time or
environmental exposure.
Repositionable adhesives allow short-term removability in
cases where the label needs to be repositioned or reapplied.

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Adhesives have varying properties that are suited to different Facestock
applications. Important properties include:
This is the main material that is used for making self-adhesive
• Tack - The immediate holding strength of the adhesive when labels. It is the top or “face” of the material from which labels are
it comes in contact with a surface. Low tack allows the label made. Facestock materials include:
to be removed easily. High tack has stronger bonding to the
• Paper - A natural product made from wood or pulp.
container.
• Film - A synthetic or plastic type of material.
• Ultimate Adhesion - The maximum strength of bonding
the label can achieve once fully adhered to a surface. The • Foil - A thin layer of aluminum or alloys.
time it takes to achieve ultimate adhesion depends upon • Tag - Stock that is typically 5-10 mils thick and generally
variables such as environmental conditions, the smoothness supplied without any adhesive or liner.
of the surface the label is applied to, and viscousness of the
adhesive. • Tape - Facestock of paper or film with adhesive, but no liner.
• Resistance to Solvents - Adhesives have varying resistance • Static Cling - Vinyl facestock, no pressure sensitive
to solvents such as to water, alcohol, petrochemicals, etc., adhesive, with a liner.
so the environment must be considered. • Magnets - Paper or film on the top layer with a flexible
• U.V. Resistance - Labels exposed to U.V. light for long magnet as the bottom layer.
periods might change color or the adhesive can weaken and • Holograms - Micro embossed metalized film.
lose bonding power. U.V. laminates or other coatings added
to labels can improve U.V. resistance. • FDA Approved - Paper or film, direct or indirect food
contact.
• Adherence to Curved Surfaces - Adhesives with good
Mandrel hold won’t lift at the edges. Topcoat
• Cold Flow - An adhesive’s ability to bond to a container This is the coating or lamination applied over the facestock to
below normal temperatures is referred to as its cold flow. provide physical protection from abrasion or to enhance some
Some adhesives perform better when the label is applied to other property of the label. Topcoats can be used to improve
a surface in a cold environment. adhesion or legibility of secondary imprints, typically used for
date or lot coding.
• Application Temperature - Labels can lose adhesive
properties if not applied at the correct temperature range. • Varnish applied to a surface of a label gives it a protective
Adhesives lose their fluidity and can crystallize, losing gloss.
effectiveness, so knowing the temperature range at which
• Special UV sensitive varnishes or films can also be used,
labels will be applied is important.
depending on the application.
• Laminates are a protective film fused to the labels that
provide a high gloss finish and resistance to handling
abrasions and chemicals.

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Label Design and Dimensions
Designing a label starts with the length and width of the label, which
must match the requirements of the application. In addition, there
must be an allowance for the gaps between labels. Typically this gap
on a roll of labels is 0.125”. The label repeat is the label height plus its
gap. The label repeat is required even if the label is a round or oval
shape. The length measurement is taken at its tallest point.
Usually, four to six labels are printed across the face of the web to
improve throughput.
Labels in a roll format have an outer and inner diameter measurement.
These measurements are important to know so that the size of the
roll will fit onto the label applicator or within a label printer. A roll with
too large of an outer diameter will not fit into the space provided. A
roll with too small of an outer diameter an will require more frequent
roll changes.
Label suppliers diecut raw material and convert it into individual labels.
Diecutting makes a cut around the label, cutting through the top layer
while leaving the backing substrate untouched. Labels are shaped by Page 6
different die cuts.

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Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printing
Direct thermal and thermal transfer are two thermal ways
to print. Each uses a thermal printhead to apply heat to the
materials being printed.
Thermal transfer printing uses a ribbon, which is heated during
printing to transfer the mark onto the label material. The ink is
absorbed so that the image becomes part of the media. This
type of printing produces durable and long-lasting images on Direct Thermal Thermal Transfer
many types of label materials. Label materials and inks must be
matched for quality and performance. Used for short term applications, Used for longer term applications.
In direct thermal printing, chemically treated, heat-sensitive typically less than 6 months. Image is transferred from a ribbon.
media is used, which blackens when it passes under the thermal Image is activated with heat. Common applications include
printhead. Direct thermal printers have no ink, toner, or ribbon. warehouse, medical.
Generally less expensive than
Instead, the image is created directly onto the label materials. Thermal Transfer and Ribbon.
The media used for direct thermal printing is more sensitive to Generally, more expensive
Common applications include than Direct Thermal when also
light, heat, and abrasion, reducing the life of the label.
shipping, warehouse, weigh scale, considering ribbon cost.
medical, shipping labels, patient and Common applications are product
visitor identification, receipts, and identification, circuit board tracking,
ticket printing. permanent identification, sample
and file tracking, asset tagging,
inventory identification, certification
labels, laboratory specimens, cold
storage and freezers, and outdoor
applications.

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Label Categories Labels with Variable Data
Some labels are made to inform, some labels are made to attract With digital printing capabilities, variable data can be incorporated
attention, and some are made to allow tracking of an item. Each into the label design and production processes. Serialized barcodes,
label has a distinct purpose. As a result, different types of labels consecutive numbers, and other variable data can be added to
have different features. custom labels.
Prime Labels Some examples of labels with variable data include:
Prime labels are the labels that appear on the front of a product. • Serialized barcodes
Typically they are colorful and eye-catching, with high quality • Promotional labels with personalized images or text
images and text. Prime labels enhance brand awareness and attract
consumer attention. • QR codes
Flexographic and digital printing presses are used to produce high • Use by/sell by dates
quality full-color labels on a wide variety of label materials ranging • IRC Coupons
from one-color labels to ten+ colors.
• Sports tickets

Blank and Shell Labels

Blank and shell labels are typically produced with either thermal
transfer or direct thermal materials. Such labels are eventually used
within tabletop printers, mobile printers, and automatic printer
applicators.
Thermal Transfer blank and shell labels can be kitted with matching
ribbon. Kits ensure that performance requirements are met,
makes re-ordering supplies easier, and reduces downtime due to
consumable changeovers.

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Military Compliance Labels
Labels That Perform in the Toughest
The Department of Defense has specific requirements for
labels on items shipped to them. The MIL-STD-129 standard
Labeling Applications.
ensures uniformity in marking military equipment and supplies
that are transported through the DoD supply chain.
When you are labeling products subjected to high
The Military Shipment Label (MSL) is sometimes also used temperature, chemical exposure, prolonged exposure
as the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag required for to environmental elements or have a challenging
most shipments to the military. There are specific rules for the labeling application, you will want to be sure the label
placement of RFID tags defined by Mil-Std-129R. you choose is the right one, the very first time. An
unreadable bar code label, a label that falls off or fails,
MIL-STD-130 includes UID labeling to track parts throughout
can cost you money.
the supply chain for efficient inventory control, quality control,
and maintenance scheduling.
ID Technology manufactures industry-specific
durable labels to ensure rapid delivery whether you
need stock or custom labels for your application.
Choose from a wide variety of UL recognized and CSA
accepted labels & printing systems.

Our team has the expert knowledge to design

and manufacture labels for the most challenging
applications. We partner with world-class suppliers
for access to the best testing labs and innovative
materials. You get all that and more with every label
from ID Technology.

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Durable Thermal Transfer Labels
ID Technology manufactures durable labels that withstand the harsh
production operations and challenging applications.
Uses include bar code labels, work in process bar code labels, UL/CSA
electrical requirement plates, and rating / name plates on consumer
products. Choose from a wide variety of UL recognized and CSA accepted
printing systems for your identification needs.

• Polyimide (Kapton®) labels for high temperatures electronics manufacturing

processing.
• Durable label materials to reduce the damaging effects of Electro Static
Discharge (ESD).
• Labels to comply with the RoHS directive for lead-free manufacturing
processes, EIA-standard marking and UL-listed and CSA-certified labels.
• Preprinted labels with warnings, graphics, logos, with room to print variable
information on demand.
• Labels for cables, wire harnesses and assemblies.
• Bar code or alphanumeric identification of printed circuit boards for
tracking production lots, warranty information, product authentication, and
registration applications.
• Electronic assembly labels that withstand the high IR & vapor phase of solder
re-flow without burning, curling, or damage to the printed output.

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Label Converting
Manufacturing labels is frequently referred to as label converting, a
process consisting of multiple steps. Sometimes label converting is
completed on a single production line; other times converting is done
in two parts, printing and finishing. This is a brief description of the
stations typical in label converting.
Unwind
Here, the raw label stock is unwound from a large master roll and fed
into the press. The unwind provides a starting tension for the web.
Web Guides
Label substrates are not completely uniform in thickness and weight,
and this can cause web drift, the unwanted movement of the web from
side to side as it moves through the press. Web guides steer the web
through the press to control print registration side to side. The web
guides also control dimensional tolerances for the label and the liner.
Printing
One of the most common methods for printing pressure sensitive
labels is flexography. On a flexo press, a flexible plate, imprinted with a
negative of the image to be printed, is wrapped around a cylinder. Ink
is transferred to the face of the plate. The web is rolled over the plate,
transferring the image to the face stock. A flexo press includes one
station for each color used in the label.
Laminating
On labels that include a laminated top coat, the surface layer is adhered
to the face stock after printing.
Die Cutting
A label cutting die is very similar to a flexo printing plate, but rather
than a raised image, the die surface is imbedded with “cookie cutter”
like knives, designed to cut the face stock into the desired shape of a
label.

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Matrix Removal
Here the matrix, (the face stock material between the labels) is peeled
from the liner and collected on a waste rewind roller.
Web Splicing
Web splicing is a method of joining separate webs to create a
continuous web for enhancing productivity.
Slitting
At this step, the roll stock is cut lengthwise into four or six separate
rolls of labels, depending on the label design specifications. Precise
web guiding in the slitting station ensures that the edges of the web
are straight and parallel and that the label location on the web is
consistent throughout the roll.
Inspection
Images on the web are inspected and defects flagged. During a
separate process, the roll is unwound and the defects cut out of the
roll. The roll can then be spliced and rewound.
Rewind
At the rewind station, larger rolls are wound onto cores into the
format to meet customer specifications. The most important
factor at the rewind station is tension. If the roll is wound too
tight, the adhesive may bleed from underneath the labels. If
the roll is too loose, it will be hard to handle and may telescope
when carried horizontally.
Labels are finished in the manner suitable for a specific use, and
the typical formats are rolls, sheets, or fanfold.
The orientation of the copy on a label is an important
consideration when specifying for an automatic labeling system.
The roll form and copy position chart shown in the figure
provides a standardized way to describe the eight possible
combinations. For automatic labeling applications, labels are
typically wound out.

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Label Manufacturing Capabilities
Our six label converting plants in the US and Canada enable ID Technology
to support all types of labeling requirements. Our label manufacturing
capabilities include flexographic printing (including HD Flexo and full HD Flexographic Features
Flexo platemaking), HP Indigo digital, and hybrid flexo and digital options.

Print on a wide range of substrate materials

Flexographic Printing
Our flexo label presses can print up to 10 colors, as well as full color Printing is not heat sensitive
process printing on a wide range of substrate, both papers and synthetics,
yielding superior quality graphics and ANSI A grade barcodes. Flexo
Labels are durable
converting is ideal for medium to large runs and it offers economies of
scale benefits when comparing per label costs.
Fast production speed
We offer the industry’s highest quality printing plates to ensure that your
labels are printed to your exact specification.
Color matching is precise
• HD Flexo delivers exceptional printing throughout the entire tonal
range and higher imaging resolution for sharper images, smoother
tints and a greater color gamut. High-speed and high-volume mean affordable
long runs
• Full HD Flexo offers all advantages of HD Flexo, along with enhanced
quality in solids and whites, making this technology perfect for
reproducing skin tones in labels used for beauty products.

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Digital Options Hybrid Printing
Offering the flexibility and quality of digital printing, combined with Hybrid printing combines the advantages of digital presses
high volume output, ID Technology’s HP Indigo WS6800 digital press with the advantages of flexo presses to create the best possible
combines six color process with spot color printing. The HP Indigo printing solution. Hybrid printing includes the ability to match
system is the only digital press that can match the quality of gravure specific Pantone colors and add variable data. It keeps a happy
printing. medium between the long run flexo economies of scale and the
Digital printing is ideal for: short run efficiencies of digital technology.

• Short to medium sized custom orders. If you need to have variable data printed on your flexo labels –
sequential numbering, linear or 2D barcodes, text, images or
• Projects where art is going to change frequently. addresses – our wide array digital UV inkjet system is mounted on
• There are many different SKU’s. a 10 color flexographic press. This hybrid capability is the perfect
solution for ticketing, promotions, license plate barcodes and
• Variable data is required. many other data that it can be used on driven applications.
Since digital printing does not require printing plates, project startup
costs tend to be lower and lead times tend to be shorter.

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 Nationwide Service & Support
We pride ourselves in providing responsive nationwide
customer service and support from any of our 17 regional
sales, service and stocking facilities.
ID Technology technicians are PMMI Certified Trainers to
ensure the highest standards of quality training are being
met and unparalleled value is being given to the customer.
Our field service personnel are factory trained to service
and support our full range of labeling, coding and marking
equipment.
In addition to the field service team, ID Technology employs
factory trained bench service technicians to accommodate
timely depot service.
ID Technology boasts six label converting plants across the
US and Canada that produce top quality labels and tags with
local support.

Complimentary Limited
Lifetime Equipment Warranty

For customers using ID Technology

labels with our labeling systems, we
provide a lifetime limited equipment
warranty free of charge. Just ask us
for details!

5051 North Sylvania Avenue, Suite 405

Fort Worth, TX 76137
P: 888-438-3242 2018 ID Technology, All rights reserved.
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