How to Determine the Right Label Adhesive Specifications for your Application
One of the most important decisions of the ordering process is the type of adhesive and materials to be used. The adhesive specifications are what determines how well the identifier will stay on the surface of the container or packaging. If the wrong decision is made, it will not adhere properly and either fall off or become damaged. It is imperative to make certain the right label adhesive specifications are defined to match your application needs. This blog discusses the primary types of adhesives along with a few important properties to consider as you go through the design process.
Permanent Labels
As a commonly used choice, permanent adhesives offer benefits in rigorous exposure conditions where the printed information should remain intact. A strong bonding ability makes them reliable, but this characteristic also makes them less ideal when positioned wrong or frequent replacement is needed. Increased durability makes them a budget-friendly choice for many businesses.
Removable Labels
Removable adhesives allow information to be taken off within a specified time frame without causing damage. They are best for items that must be temporarily marked. Additionally, they may be used in office environments where tasks such as patient management occur frequently.
Repositionable Labels
A good adhesive choice for times when the label might be applied wrong. For example, labels applied on a production line may end up crooked. This option allows them to be re-applied without additional costs or excess waste.
Understanding Adhesive Properties
The above adhesive types are helpful in determining what will work best for meeting your application needs. However, it never hurts to be further informed prior to submitting an order. Every adhesive is capable of having a variety of characteristics. A few are more common in determining specifications and have proven to be helpful throughout the decision process:
- Cold Flow – The adhesive must be able to bond with the surface and maintain adhesion as it is exposed to or stored in below normal temperatures.
- Initial Tack – How well it bonds to a surface after it is first applied.
- Shear Resistance – Those with a low shear naturally flow onto the surface, but are also capable of splitting when put under extreme stress. Higher shear adhesives are stronger, but do not as easily flow onto the surface.
- Mandrel Hold – An adhesives ability to adhere to a curved surface. Those with a good hold are less likely to have the edges lose adherence after application.
An experienced provider will be able to help you in these more difficult decisions. It is easy to know what type of label you need, but not always as simple to determine what properties are important. If you have questions regarding this part of the design process, the team at Shamrock Labels is here to help. Contact us today to go over your specific label adhesive specification needs!