AUTOMATIC LABEL APPLICATION
Automatic Application is a process whereby fully automatic labeling equipment dispenses labels from a liner at varying speeds and applies them to the container in the proper position, wrinkle free.
ALG daily produces labels that will be applied by our customers with automatic labeling equipment.
One of the most critical requirements is that the label MUST remove easily from the liner. Therefore proper die cutting of the label material without damaging or fracturing the liner is required.
If the cutting is too deep, the liner will break due to tension in the application process or the label adhesive may stick to exposed paper liner due to deep
cut-through of the silicone coating, exposing paper fibers to the adhesive.
The proper setting of the tooling specifications is a critical component to ensure the labels will meet or exceed the application requirements.
The blades on the rotary cutting dies are set to cut through the face stock and adhesive to the silicone layer of the liner. The blades just "kiss" the silicone layer without fracturing it, so the liner stays intact.
PEELER BAR TEST
Peeler bar is used in automatic application to dispense the label from the liner. It is a piece of metal with varying degrees of "sharpness" to create the necessary edge that when pulled around, will cause the label to release from that liner.
At each press station there is a mounted peeler bar so the press operator can check the release from the liner throughout the production run.
Proper release can be negatively impacted by:
DIE STRIKE, STAIN TEST
A die strike/stain test is done throughout a production run to verify the die is NOT cutting through the silicone coating of the liner to the paper.
The test is done by removing the die cut labels, "painting" the entire liner with a dye and then examining the back of the liner for any signs of the dye bleeding into the paper liner.
Checks are done at initial setup. Die cutting pressure is then measured throughout the run with gauges to maintain consistent pressure.
SNAP and PRESSURE TEST
Since you cannot use the die stain test on a clear film liner to check die cutting depth, the snap/pressure test is performed on film liners to verify that the liner has not been compromised. This is achieved by removing the labels from the liner, holding the liner ends with both hands and snapping the web to ensure the strength of the liner. This simulates extreme tension beyond what the liner will receive during dispensing through automatic application.
Additionally, the pressure test is performed by rubbing your finger on the backside of the film liner following the lines of the die strike. This pressure is another method to verify the liner has not been compromised in the die cutting process and will withstand the tension created during automatic application.
PEELER BAR
DIE STRIKE, STAIN TEST
SNAP/PRESSURE TEST
ALG has strict quality control processes, (as seen in the section below), to ensure the depth of cut is set properly to work on all types of automatic labeling equipment.
ALG Labels and Graphics is a custom manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels and decals celebrating over 50 years in business. Our focus is delivering value to our customers with responsive service, quality products and low cost production. Our mission is to make it easy for you to do business with ALG.
3005 4th Avenue South,
Birmingham, Alabama 35233
205.328.0104
(f) 205.328.0123
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