Printing

Substrates & adhesives

Test methods for pressure-sensitive labels

FINAT's technical committee provides globally recognized standardized testing methods (FINAT Test Method or FTM) for the PS label industry

Substrates & adhesives

Identification and characteristics of PSA label materials

Identifying the characteristics of self-adhesive materials is an essential if we are to fully understand their uses and applications

Substrates & adhesives

Self-adhesive labels: filmic face labels

An look into different types of filmic labelstocks, their properties and market applications

Substrates & adhesives

Paper face materials

Pressure-sensitive labels consist of an adhesive-coated face material, which can be either be paper or film, laminated to a release liner

Substrates & adhesives

Pressure-sensitive adhesive technologies

What is adhesive, how it works and why it can fail

Substrates & adhesives

Silicone release liner technology

This article examines the process and materials used for release liners, then looks at performance characteristics and how these are measured

Substrates & adhesives

Self-adhesive laminate constructions

Self-adhesive label materials are complex multi-layer laminate constructions in which each layer of the laminate has a specific purpose and function

Substrates & adhesives

Introduction to the self-adhesive label market

It seems unthinkable in today’s world that we could do without self-adhesive labels, yet they are a relatively modern phenomenon

Inks & coatings

Inks, coatings and varnishes – safety explored

Without ink it is not possible to reveal what is inside a pack, instructions regarding usage and of course who made the product

Substrates & adhesives

The importance of printing substrates in brand security

Learn more about how substrates play a key role in protecting a brand

Substrates & adhesives

Pressure-sensitive labels

It was in 1935 when Stanton Avery first manufactured the self-adhesive label, that labeling began to evolve from traditional wet-glue methods

Conventional printing

Print processes: Combination press

This format offers flexibility for printing, embellishing and converting labels in a single pass

Conventional printing

Print processes: gravure printing

Gravure is designed for printing fine tones with a sharp dot formation and offers high quality results on long runs

Conventional printing

Print processes: screen printing

Screen printing vastly increases the graphic options available for product decoration

Conventional printing

Print processes: flexographic printing

Considerable progress has been made in flexography, making it the leading process for printing self-adhesive labels

Conventional printing

The lithographic printing process

Offset lithographic and waterless offset printing are explored in detail

Conventional printing

Print processes: letterpress printing

The trend toward shorter runs created a market for letterpress technology in label industry

Conventional printing

The changing landscape of label printing

Over the last thirty years there has been a startling evolution in both the equipment and printing methods used for the manufacture of self-adhesive labels

Inks & coatings

Factors affecting surface treatment and ink adhesion

The main film substrates used for labels have differences in mechanical properties but also in how they can successfully be printed

Inks & coatings

Employing security inks and coatings

There are many ways to use inks and coatings to secure products against counterfeit, alteration, and to authenticate products

Inks & coatings

Impact of legislation on ink manufacture and usage

Inks, varnishes and coatings can contribute or involve potential physical, health or environmental hazards if not handled, stored, or used correctly

Inks & coatings

Inks: testing, proofing and quality assurance

Examining the established testing procedures for both color management and physical resistance

Inks & coatings

Automating ink logistics

Gaining operational efficiencies with automatic ink mixing

Inks & coatings

The role of coatings in the label value chain

Coatings are a critical part of the label value chain and have a multitude of functions

Inks & coatings

Developments in ink manufacturing

Today’s high-performance press systems has driven innovation for ink suppliers

Inks & coatings

Systems for optimum drying and curing

Optimum ink drying and curing is the key to faster press speeds and production efficiencies

Inks & coatings

Understanding ink systems and chemistries

A guide to which ink you should use and when

Inks & coatings

History of the ink manufacturing industry

Inks were already being used for hand-drawn calligraphy by both Chinese and Egyptian civilizations as far back as BC 2500

Inks & coatings

Introduction to color

This article looks at the role of inks and coatings from multiple points of view, to build an understanding of how ink is manufactured, stored, specified, mixed, used on press and tested before final despatch of the finished label roll

Digital printing

Markets and applications for digital label and package printing

Exploring the added-value benefits that digital printing can offer brand owner, retail group, industrial manufacturer

Digital printing

Managing the digital process in label and package printing plants

Investing in digital printing equipment involves more than just buying a new machine

Digital printing

Options and opportunities for digital print finishing

A look at finishing digitally printed labels in-line and off-line