Finat Technical Handbook10 LR

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK
TEST METHODS
10TH EDITION
FINAT
TECHNICAL
HANDBOOK
Test Methods - 10th edition
Copyright © 2019 by FINAT, The Hague, The Netherlands. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher.
FINAT
The Hague, September 2019
Photo caption: Gallus Labelmaster Advanced

PREFACE
preface to the 10th edition
It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 10th edition of the FINAT Technical

Handbook which is globally acknowledged as being the authoritative
benchmark on test procedures for adhesive labels. The FINAT test methods
described in the Handbook are used to evaluate label stock and frequently
serve as a basis for producing specifications. Since the first edition 30 years
ago, the Technical Handbook has been continually revised. New test methods
have ben added, current ones edited and obsolete ones deleted.
The FINAT Technical Handbook, as well as the TLMI Manual of Recommended

Standard Test Methods for Pressure Sensitive Labels and other various ASTM
tests form the basis for the application-oriented testing of self-adhesive labels.
This edition features a new test method: FTM 30: Measurement of the UV
drying of UV inks and white print colours. FTM 5, dealing with accelerated
ageing – extended storage, has been entirely revised. For some test methods,
the test conditions have been made more flexible in order that the tests can
be adapted to the individual application.
I take this opportunity to thank all members of the Technical Committee

for their excellent contributions to the design, translation and revision of
the content. I am particularly grateful to the members of the Subcommittee
on Test Methods, who are the driving force behind this handbook. The
composition of the Technical Committee, which incompasses the entire self-
adhesive label industry, guarantees the quality and wide acceptance of the
FINAT test methods worldwide.
Hans Lautenschlager
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Test Methods
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 5

CONTENTS
section 1 | finat test methods
Method Description Construction Test relevant to
FTM 1 Peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm per minute Face stock Adhesion 8
FTM 2 Peel adhesion (90°) at 300 mm per minute Face stock Adhesion 10
FTM 3 Low speed release force Laminate Delamination 12
FTM 4 High speed release Force Laminate Matrix stripping 13
FTM 5 Accelerated ageing – Extended storage Laminate Ageing 15
FTM 6 Resistance to ultra-violet light Laminate Ageing 16
FTM 7 Silicone Coat Weight by energy-dispersive
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry Liner Coating quality 18
FTM 8 Resistance to shear from a standard surface Face stock Adhesion 20
FTM 9 Loop’ tack measurement Face stock Adhesion 22
FTM 10 Quality of silicone coated substrates for
self-adhesive laminates: release force Liner Dispensing 24
FTM 11 Quality of silicone coated substrates for
self-adhesive laminates: subsequent adhesion Liner Silicone cure 26
FTM 12 Adhesive coat weight Face stock Coating quality 28
FTM 13 Low temperature adhesion Face stock Adhesion 29
FTM 14 Dimensional stability Face stock Stability 31
FTM 15 Surface tension of plastic films Face stock Printing 33
FTM 16 Chemical resistance – Spot method Face stock Stability 35
FTM 17 Chemical resistance – Immersion method Face stock Stability 36
FTM 18 Dynamic shear Face stock Adhesion 38
FTM 19 Recycling compatibility of self-adhesive labels Face stock Recycling 40
FTM 20 Fluorescence and whiteness Face stock Printing 41
FTM 21 Ink adhesion - basic Face stock Printing 43
FTM 22 Ink adhesion - advanced Face stock Printing 45
FTM 23a Testing for die-strike on paper liners Laminate Dispensing 46
FTM 23b Testing for die-strike on clear filmic liners Laminate Dispensing 48
FTM 24 Mandrel hold Face stock Adhesion 50
FTM 25 Evaluation of the silicone coverage of coated
papers by use of a water based stain test Liner Coating quality 52
FTM 26 Wash-off paper and film labels Face stock Adhesives 55
FTM 27 Rub test for uv printed labels ink /
varnish surface against substrate or ink /
varnish surface against ink / varnish surface Laminate Printing 56
FTM 28 Evaluation of bleeding through paper Face stock Printing 58
FTM 29 Scratch resistance of an UV ink film on
different print materials Face stock Printing 60
FTM 30 Measurement of the UV drying of UV-inks
and white print colours Face stock Printing 62

6 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

section 2 | guidelines
2.1 Recommended joins in self-adhesive laminates for roll labels 64

2.2 Processing recommendations 65
2.3 Surfaces requiring caution 67
2.4 Safety guide for users of self-adhesive label stock products 68
2.5 Handling and storage of label stock throughout printing and converting 70
2.6 Qualitative Adhesion testing 71
2.7 Adhesives 72
Nomenclature for adhesives used in self-adhesive laminates
2.8 Unwind roll chart 73
2.9 Recommendations regarding static electricity 74
2.10 Advices about light fastness of printing inks and light exposition 76
section 3 | test equipment

3.1 Standard FINAT Test Roller 78
3.2 Automatic Rolling Device 78
3.3 Sources of Test Equipment 78
3.4 Testing institutes 90
3.5 tesa test tapes product information and worldwide addresses
®
97
Note from the editor
Although the 30 FINAT Test Methods described in this publication have been prepared with the utmost care and
accuracy, it should be noted that the safety, efficiency and performance of these test methods and associated
procedures is the responsibility of the end-user. FINAT cannot be held liable for any loss, damage or injury resulting
from their application. Furthermore, the test methods and associated information do not in themselves imply any
specification of performance relating to the materials under test.

FTM1
peel adhesion (180°) at
300 mm per minute
scope
This test method is designed to quantify the permanence
of adhesion or peel ability of self-adhesive pressure
sensitive materials.
definition
Peel adhesion is defined as the force required to remove
pressure sensitive coated material, which has been applied
to a standard test plate under specified conditions from the
plate at a specified angle and speed.
Peel adhesion is measured 20 minutes and 24 hours after

application, the latter being considered as the ultimate
adhesion. procedure
Remove the backing material from each strip and place the
test equipment adhesive coated facing material, adhesive side down, on to
a clean test plate using merely light finger pressure.
• A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling a Roll twice in each direction with the standard FINAT test
laminate through an angle of 180° with a jaw separation roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per second to
rate of 300 mm per minute with an accuracy of ± 2%. obtain intimate contact between the adhesive mass and
the surface.
• Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass.
After applying the strips to the test plate, leave for a period
• A standard FINAT test roller. of 20 minutes before testing. Repeat the procedure with
a second set of strips and leave for a period of 24 hours
before testing.
test pieces
Fix the test plate and strip in the machine so that the
These should be strips taken from a representative sample angle of peel is 180°. Set the machine at 300 mm per
of material. The strips should be 25 mm wide and have minute jaw separation rate. It makes sense to use as many
a minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction. measurement points as technically possible from the
The cuts should be clean and straight. At least three strips middle area of the test strip to calculate the average value
should be taken from each material sample. of this sample.
test conditions
Temperature 23°C ± 2°C, 50% RH ± 5% RH.

The test sample or test strips and test panels should be
conditioned for not less than 4 hours before testing.

FTM1
300 mm per minute
results Alternative methods which remove contamination

properly can be adopted e.g. ultrasonic cleaning.
Peel adhesion (180°) is expressed as the average result for
the strips tested in Newton per 25 mm width for either Prior to use, the cleaned plates should be left for
20 minutes or 24 hours application time. 4 hours under standard test conditions. Care should
be taken to handle clean plates by the edge only.
Failure Description Code
2. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as
CP Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel. stainless steel (example: AFERA1 quality stainless steel
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area, but no plates), aluminium or polymeric substrates, but this
tacky residue of adhesive on both the panel and must be clearly stated alongside the results.
the front material.
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during 3. If adhesion values are required when paper tear has
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the occurred, then this test can be conducted at lower jaw
panel and the front material. separation rates quoting the latter against the results.
AT Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates clearly
from the front material, leaving adhesive film on 4. Conversion 1kgf- = 9.81 N
the test panel. The approximate extent of
transfer should be quoted as percentage. Issued October 1985
PT Paper Tear - the adhesive force exceeds the Revised:
strength of a paper facing material. The results March 1999
quoted should be the maximum reached before May 2001
the paper tears. February 2014
July 2019
notes
1. The test plates must be thoroughly cleaned so that no
trace of adhesive, grease, silicone or moisture is left
on the surface. The following solvents can be used to
clean the test plates:
• Diacetone alcohol non-residual,

technical grade or better
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
• Acetone
• Ethanol with 1% MEK > 96%
• n-Heptane
• Ethyl Acetate
The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical

gauze, cotton wool or tissue. To be suitable, materials 1
The AFERA defines stainless steel test substrates as:
must be lint-free during use, absorbent, contain no A 50 mm by 125 mm no less than 1.1 mm thick stainless
additives that are soluble in the solvents listed above, steel 1.4301 in accordance with the 2R quality defined in
and made exclusively from virgin materials. EN10088-2 having a bright annealed finish. The surface
roughness height shall be (50 ± 25) nm arithmetical average
Dispense one of the solvents listed above on to the deviation from the mean line. Panels showing stains,
panel, wiping it to dryness with fresh absorbent discoloration, or many scratches are not acceptable.
cleaning material. Repeat for a total of three washes More details can be found in the AFERA test method manual.
with the solvent. Final wipe shall be with MEK or
acetone. www.afera.com


FTM2
300 mm per minute
scope
This test method differs from FTM 1 in that it can allow
the end-user to compare the repositionability of different
laminates. Measuring peel adhesion at 90° normally gives a
lower value than at 180° and allows values to be measured
for materials normally giving paper tear.
definition
Peel adhesion is defined as the force required to remove
pressure sensitive coated material, which has been applied
to a standard test plate under specified conditions, from
the plate at a specified angle and speed. Adhesion is
measured 20 minutes and 24 hours after application, the
latter being considered as the ultimate adhesion.
test equipment
• A tensile tester or similar machine capable of peeling a
laminate through an angle of 90° with a jaw separation
rate of 300 mm per minute and an accuracy of ±
2%. The apparatus must be equipped in a manner
which ensures that the test plate can move freely in a
horizontal position when the pressure sensitive material
is removed in order to maintain an angle of peel of 90°. procedure
• Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass.
• A standard FINAT test roller. Remove the backing material from each strip and place
the adhesive coated facing material, adhesive side down,
on to a clean test plate using merely light finger pressure.
test pieces Roll twice in each direction with the standard FINAT test
roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per second to
These should be strips from a representative sample of obtain intimate contact between the adhesive mass and
material. The strips should be 25 mm wide and have a the surface.
minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction. The
cuts should be clean and straight. At least 3 strips should After applying the strip to the test plate, leave for a period
be taken from each material sample. of 20 minutes before testing. Repeat the procedure with
a second set of strips and leave for a period of 24 hours
before testing.
test conditions
Fix the test plate and strip into the horizontal support
23°C ± 2°C and which has been secured into the bottom jaw of the
50% RH ± 5% RH tensile tester. Set the machine at 300 mm per minute jaw
The test sample separation rate. Carry out t/m each strip vervangen door:
or test strips and It makes sense to use as many measurement points as
test panels should technically possible from the middle area of the test strip to
be conditioned calculate the average value of this sample.
for not less than
4 hours before
testing.

FTM2
300 mm per minute
results Alternative methods which remove contamination

properly can be adopted, e.g. ultrasonic cleaning.
Peel adhesion (90°) is expressed as the average result for
the strips tested in Newtons per 25 mm width for either Prior to use, the cleaned plates should be left for
20 minutes or 24 hours application time. 4 hours under standard test conditions. Care should
2. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as
CP Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel. stainless steel (example: AFERA1 quality stainless steel
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area, plates), aluminium or polymeric substrates, but this
but no tacky residue. must be clearly stated alongside the results.
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the 3. If adhesion values are required when paper tear has
panel and the front material. occurred then this test can be conducted at lower jaw
AT Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates cleanly separation rates quoting the latter against the results.
from the front material, leaving adhesive film on
the test panel. The approximate extent of transfer 4. Conversion 1 kgf = 9.81 N
should be quoted as percentage.
PT Paper Tear - the adhesive force exceeds the Issued October 1985
strength of a paper facing material. The results Revised:
quoted should be the maximum reached before March 1999
the paper tears. May 2001
February 2014
July 2019
notes
• Diacetone alcohol non-residual, technical grade or

better
• Acetone
• n-Heptane
• Ethyl Acetate

gauge, cotton wool or tissue. To be suitable, materials 1
The AFERA defines stainless steel test substrates as:
must be lint-free during use, absorbent, A 50 mm by 125 mm no less than 1.1 mm thick stainless
contain no additives that are soluble in the solvents steel 1.4301 in accordance with the 2R quality defined in
listed above, and made exclusively from virgin EN10088-2 having a bright annealed finish. The surface
materials. roughness height shall be (50 ± 25) nm arithmetical average
deviation from the mean line. Panels showing stains,
Dispense one of the solvents listed above on to the discoloration, or many scratches are not acceptable.
panel, wiping it to dryness with fresh absorbent More details can be found in the AFERA test method manual.
cleaning material. Repeat for a total of three washes
with the solvent. Final wipe shall be with MEK or www.afera.com
acetone.

FTM3 low speed release force
scope test conditions

This test method allows the end-user to determine the Place the strips under test between two flat metal or
force required to separate the release backing from the glass plates and keep for 20 hours at 23°C ± 2oC under a
pressure sensitive adhesive coated face material. It may pressure of 6.86 kPa (70 g/cm2) to ensure good contact
be used in the preliminary evaluation of the conversion between the release material and the adhesive. Up to
aspects of the laminate, - very low values may create label 20 strips can be kept between the plates. After storage
fly during converting or application - high values may in this manner, take the strips from between the plates
produce web break when skeleton stripping die-cut labels and keep for not less than 4 hours at the standard test
or dispensing failure during automatic application. conditions of 23 ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
definition procedure
Low speed release force is defined as the force required Fix each strip to the plate by means of a double sided
to separate a pressure sensitive adhesive coated material tape (which should cover the full test area of the sample),
from its backing or protective sheet (or vice versa) at an so that the laminate can be peeled apart at an angle of
angle of 180° and a jaw separation rate of 300 mm per 180°. The facing material may be peeled from the release
minute. substrate, or vice versa, depending on how the sample is
applied to the plate. The method of peel must be quoted
with the results.
test equipment
A tensile tester or similar
machine, capable of peeling
a laminate through an angle
of 180° with a jaw separation
rate of 300 mm per minute
with an accuracy of ± 2%.
The equipment should be
fitted with a back plate to
which the test strip can be
attached in order to maintain
an angle of peel of 180°. Picture 2: Test strips attached to the back plate
Set the machine at 300 mm per minute jaw separation

Picture 1: Q-TEC ZPE Low Speed rate. It makes sense to use as many measurement points as
Release Peel Tester technically possible from the middle area of the test strip to
calculate the average value of this sample.
Metal or glass pressure plates loaded to give a pressure of
6.86 kPa (70 g/cm2) on the test piece.
results
test pieces Low speed release force is expressed as the average result
for the strips tested in centiNewton per 50 mm width.
These should be strips taken from a representative sample
of material. The strips should be 50 mm wide and have a
minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction. The notes
cuts should be clean and straight. At least 3 strips should
be taken from each sample. Conversion 1 kgf = 981cN.
Revised:
March 1990
March 1999
May 2001
December 2013
July 2019
high speed release force
FTM4
scope test pieces
This test method allows the label user to assess the These should be taken from a representative sample of
separation force of a laminate at speeds comparable to material. The strips should be 25 mm wide and have a
those typically used to convert and dispense the material. minimum length of 300 mm in the machine direction. The
It therefore gives a far more meaningful assessment of testing device may require extra length for clamping the
the converting characteristics than FTM 3. Very low values material. The strips must be free from damage (creases,
may create label fly during conversion or application. High blisters etc.) and cut with clean edges.
values may produce web break when skeleton stripping
die-cut labels or dispensing failure during automatic
application. test conditions
The material under test is placed between two flat metal
definition or glass plates and kept for 20 hours at 23°C ± 2°C under
a pressure of 6.87 kPa (70 g/cm2) to ensure good contact
High speed release force is defined as the force required to between the release paper and the adhesive.
separate:
Up to 20 strips can be kept between the plates.
• (Mode 1): a pressure sensitive adhesive coated material
from its backing or protective sheet. After storage in this manner, the strips should be taken
• (Mode 2): the backing from the adhesive coated from between the glass plates and kept for not less than
material, both at an angle of 180° and at jaw separation 4 hours at the standard test conditions of 23°C ± 2°C and
rates between 10 m and 300 m per minute. 50% RH ± 5% RH.
Accelerated ageing may be carried out by placing a similar
The two modes will mostly give different results. set of strips between two flat metal or glass plates and
keeping for 20 hours in an air circulating oven at 70°C ±
5°C. The strips should then be removed and conditioned
test equipment for at least 4 hours as above. See also FTM 5.
A machine capable of peeling a laminate through an angle

of 180° with a jaw separation rate range of 10 - 300 m per
minute. The machine should preferably have a facility for
recording the release force continuously (see picture 1).
procedure
MODE 1:
Separating adhesive coated face material from release
backing
When the adhesive component is pulled from the backing
by a roller mechanism, it may be necessary to prevent the
adhesive sticking to the rollers in the drive mechanism.
This may be achieved by a strip of glassine release base
covering the exposed adhesive. The protective strip
should be 5-10 mm wider and 20-30 mm longer than the
adhesive component test piece, to minimise the risk of
misalignment.
Picture 1: Imass ZPE-1000 High Speed Release Peel Tester

FTM4 high speed release force
The procedure is as follows:

1. Place the test piece in the machine and fix the release
backing in the load cell clamp.
2. Place the protective strip (silicone side) squarely on
and parallel to the adhesive side of the adhesive face
component, in such a way that the protective strip will
follow the adhesive component during the release test.
3. Set the machine at the desired test speed.
4. Place the adhesive component with protective strip in
the drive roller mechanism and carry out the test, noting
either the individual display reading or the average
reading from the recorder.
If a sample width of 50 mm is used, the adhesive
coated face paper cannot be removed in the described
way. Check the manual of the testing device whether
release values below 15 cN/25 mm are reliable.
MODE 2:
Separating release backing from adhesive coated face
material
The procedure is as described above except that the
position of the laminate components is reversed and it is
not necessary to use a protective strip.
results
High speed release force is expressed as the peak or
average result for the strips tested in centiNewtons (cN)
per 25 mm width. This should be quoted alongside the test
speed used and the means of peeling employed:
• (Mode 1) facing material from release backing or
• (Mode 2) release paper from facing material. The type
of result (peak or average) should be quoted.
notes
1. Results based on merely peak and/or average release
force values may be misleading, particularly at high
separation speeds. It is strongly recommended that
the release test device be used with a high speed
trace recorder.
2. Conversion 1 kgf = 981 cN
Issued October 1988

Revised:
October 1995
March 1999
May 2001
December 2013

FTM5
accelerated ageing
– extended storage

This test method is suitable for rating laminate Ageing tests are typically carried out for a period of 4
constructions according to their ability to withstand weeks, and the tests are done once a week.
extended storage periods. To evaluate accelerated aging of The test should always include a previously tested, known
rolls or stacks of material the use of an air circulating oven product reference. This makes it easier to interpret the
is sufficient. To evaluate single sheets of material humidity results. Test parameters may be adjusted to specific
can play a bigger role in ageing and the use of a climate requirements.
chamber is recommended. The final test can be anything
(e.g. adhesion, migration, release) and is combined with 1. Drying oven ageing
other FINAT Test Methods. Typical purpose: testing of adhesive migration and
release force stability
Typical testing parameters:
test equipment Temperature: 70°C
Samples kept under pressure of pressure of
• Ventilated oven 6.87 kPa (70 g/cm2)
• Climate chamber 2. Climate chamber testing

Typical purpose: testing of changes in adhesion
• Paper cutter properties
Typical testing parameters:
Temperature: ± 50°C
procedure Relative humidity: 75% RH
Samples not kept under pressure
Testing rolls or stacks of material in an air
circulating oven
Accelerated ageing is carried out by placing the material results
under test between two flat metal or glass plates and kept
for the testing period at the specified temperature under Resistance to accelerated ageing by submitting test
a pressure of 6.87 kPa (70 g/cm2) to ensure good contact samples to elevated temperature is expressed as the
between the release paper and the adhesive. Up to 20 percentage reduction (any increase being denoted as such)
strips can be kept between the plates. After storage in this in each average value, when compared to the control.
manner, the strips should be taken from between the glass
plates and kept for not less than 4 hours at the standard Issued October 1985
test conditions of 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH. Revised:
March 1999
A control set of strips test is placed between two flat metal May 2001
or glass plates and kept at 23°C ± 2°C under a pressure of October 2008
6.87 kPa (70 g/cm2) July 2019
Test the aged strips, together with the control (non-aged)
strips.
Testing single sheets of material in a climate chamber

Place the strips, still covered with their protective backing
material in the climate chamber under the test conditions
without allowing them to come into contact with each
other (i.e. hanging freely).
At the end of the accelerated ageing test period, remove
the strips from the ageing cabinet and allow them to
condition according to the appropriate FINAT test method.
Retain the control set of strips at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH

± 5% RH. Test the aged strips, together with the control
(non- aged) strips.

FTM6 resistance to ultra-violet light
scope Since lamp characteristics change with time, the distance/

time combination should be checked at intervals during the
This test method offers a means of comparing the life of the lamp.
weathering characteristics of self-adhesive laminates.
The test may also be conducted under more severe
conditions when appropriate by using Blue Wool Scale No.
definition 5 or No. 6 as the starting point for the standard, each unit
step in the Blue Wool Scale approximately doubling the
Ultra-violet light is the high energy light which is largely exposure level.
responsible for the deterioration of adhesive coated
materials during weathering.
procedure
The resistance of a pressure sensitive material to ultra-
violet light is defined as the reduction in peel adhesion Expose the strips to the lamp for the time and distance
(FTM 1 or 2), shear (FTM 8), loop tack (FTM 9) and the defined under “Test Conditions”. The strips should be
degree of adhesive discoloration and strike through after exposed as a laminate with the facing material towards
exposure to a defined amount of radiation similar in the lamp. Retain the control set of strips at 23°C ± 2°C and
spectrum to that of solar radiation. 50% RH ± 5% RH.
At the end of the test period remove the strips from the
test equipment apparatus and, after allowing the specified conditioning
period appropriate to each test method, test the strips,
Any apparatus capable of exposing samples to a mercury together with the control strips, by the appropriate test
vapour lamp, xenon arc or other radiation source with method (FTM 1, 2, 8 or 9).
similar spectral characteristics to that of solar radiation.
The temperature reached by the sample should not exceed The single strip and a control should also be evaluated for
50°C. discoloration and strike through of adhesive by removing
them from their protective release material, then adhering
to black card and carrying out a visual examination.
test pieces
These should be strips taken from a representative sample results
of material. The strips should be 25 mm wide and have
a minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction. Resistance to ultra-violet light is expressed as the
The cuts should be clean and straight. A minimum of three percentage reduction (any increases being denoted as
strips are required for each physical property being tested such) in each average value when compared to the control
together with a single strip for evaluation of discoloration samples.
and strike through. A duplicate set of strips is also required
to act as control. The discoloration and strike-through should be reported
descriptively as nil, slight, moderate or severe.
test conditions If conditions other than the standard (Blue Wool Scale 4 -
Grey Wool Scale 3) are used, then this must be stated.
The distance of the samples from the radiation source and
the time of exposure should be such that, at this distance/
time combination, a standard Blue Wool Scale No. 4 will
fade by Grey Scale step 3 (see Notes). This defines the
total quantity of radiation falling on the sample and is
approximately equivalent to 1 month summer sunlight.

resistance to ultra-violet light
FTM6
notes
1. The exposure levels are taken from the International
Standard ISO 105: 1978
‘Textiles - Tests for Colour Fastness’. The equivalent
British Standard is BS 1006:1978 – ‘Colour Fastness of
Textiles and Leather’.
2. The Blue Wool Scales and Grey Scales are obtainable
from various national Standard Organisations
including:
Association Française de Normalisation

11, rue Francis de Pressensé
F-93571 La Plaine Saint-Denis Cedex, France
Tel.: +33-1-41628000
URL: www.afnor.fr
BSI – UK National Standards Body

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-345-0809000
E-Mail: cservices@bsigroup.com
URL: www.bsigroup.com
For more addresses visit:
www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/global-contact-details
Bureau de Normalisation NBN

40, Rue Jozef II, Boite 6
B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel.: +32-2-7380111
Fax: +32-2-7334264
URL: www.nbn.be
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.

Am DIN-Platz
Budapester Straße 31
10787 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49-30-2601-0
Fax: +49-30-26011231
URL: www.din.de
Japanese Standards Association

Mita MT Bldg., 3-13-12 Mita
Minato-ku, Tokyo 109-0073, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-42318502
URL: www.jsa.or.jp
Issued 1985
Revised:
October 1995, March 1999, May 2001
Addresses revised:
January 2014, August 2019

silicone coat weight by
FTM7 energy-dispersive x-ray

fluorescence spectrometry
scope should remain switched on to maintain optimum stability.

(Supplier addresses and websites ref. section 3.3 test
This test method provides a rapid and precise equipment). Along with the XRF equipment, it is generally
determination of the amount of silicone release coating advisable to use a suitable sample cutter to prepare sample
present on the surface of a range of different substrates discs to fit the XRF.
with minimal sample preparation. The test method is
applicable for all kinds of silicone-based release coatings
used in the manufacture of self adhesive tapes and labels test pieces
and when properly calibrated is capable of measuring coat
weights in the range of 0 to 4 g/m2. A suitable number of test specimens are taken from the
representative area of the self adhesive laminate or from
the pure siliconised release liner under investigation. Using
definition a suitable sample cutter for the XRF equipment being
used will guarantee a reliable positioning of the sample
Silicone coat weight is expressed as the quantity of cured within the XRF equipment. Contamination of the samples
silicone release coating on a standard area of release base especially from any silicone materials present in the area
material. It is expressed in grams per square meter (g/m2). must be avoided. Sample discs should be cut or punched
Silicone coat weight can be one of the key parameters in onto a dry and clean a surface and should then be handled
assessing the quality of release base performance. on the edge of the sample with tweezers. Samples require
no pre-conditioning.
test equipment
This method is based on the use of a ‘bench-top’ X-ray
fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) for laboratory and also
routine production measurement of silicone coat weight
using the principle of X-ray fluorescence. A number of
benchtop XRF analysers have been used in the past,
but the main commercially available equipment most
commonly used are from the Oxford Instruments Lab-X
series (which includes the Lab-X 3500 and X-Supreme
models as well as the older Lab-X 3000 and 2000 models).
procedure
The sample discs are placed into a special sample holder
designed by the manufacturers to handle paper or film
substrates, ensuring that a flat reproducible sample surface
is measured by the analyser. The samples are introduced
into the analyser where they are ultimately moved into
a special measurement chamber where irradiation
with primary X-rays results in the emission of resultant
secondary fluorescence X- rays characteristic of the element
being analyzed, in this case silicon. After a period of time
Picture 1. – Oxford LAB-X 3500 XRF Analyser (e.g. 30-60 seconds) measurements are complete and the
software will provide a read out of coat weight directly in
These all utilize the same technique of Energy Dispersive g/m2 of silicone (as Polydimethylsiloxane).
X-ray (EDX) fluorescence spectrometry to measure the
level of a characteristic energy band (in this case the one Several samples should be taken from a representative
corresponding to the Silicon atom), and by comparing this coated substrate, including samples along and across the
against a calibration curve to convert this into an equivalent web (particularly for wider webs), since variations can
silicone coat weight. Wherever possible, the instrument occur. In general, the greater the count time the greater the

silicone coat weight by
energy-dispersive x-ray
fluorescence spectrometry
FTM7
precision. Precision within the range of ±/- 0.05 to 0.01 to represent many different kinds of thermally cured
(g/m2) has been reported within the industry. silicone release coatings, there are still occasions
The exact procedure for the operation of these instruments where the release coating chemistry is different
has to be followed from the operator’s manual of the enough that a correction factor needs to be applied
appropriate instrument supplier. However, some general to overcome these differences. It is recommended
points are worth noting; that the silicone release coating supplier be contacted
to confirm whether a correction factor needs to be
1. The XRF technique is a comparative rather than applied for a given release coating.
an absolute method of analysis and therefore a
calibration curve must be established before routine 5. In some cases, it is recommended to purge the
analysis can be performed. The accuracy of the coat XRF measurement chamber with an inert gas
weight measurement will strongly be dependent on (typically Helium), to achieve accurate results.
the quality and accuracy of this calibration curve. This recommendation is based on the low level of
interference to the X-ray measurements which can
2. Typically, the calibration procedure involves setting up come from air-borne contaminants, both industrial
the instrument for recording silicon X-ray intensities and naturally occurring (especially Argon). Whilst
followed by the measurement of known standards. the use of a Helium gas purge would improve
The precise procedure is explained by the supplier of reproducibility in the measurements it is not essential.
each instrument. However, it has to be emphasized
that each base substrate will have a different
behaviour towards the secondary fluorescence X-rays results
(what is referred to as being a different “matrix”
in XRF), and this implies that each base substrate These are directly provided in grams per square meter
requires its own specific calibration curve (and silicone (g/m²). As mentioned before, care should be
therefore a specific set of calibration standards is taken if the silicone release coating is based on a more
needed as well). unusual chemistry, as the majority of calibrations are based
In practice, though, it is possible to use the same upon silicone as polydimethylsiloxane. Some silicones, in
initial calibration for a range of substrates provided particular radiation cured may need a different conversion
that a “blank” re-calibration is carried out for each factor to allow for different chemistries. If in doubt consult
new grade of paper or film, and that the substrates do the silicone supplier.
not contain silicon (which will directly interfere with
the coat weight measurement), or significant levels
of some other elements which may also interfere quality control
with the X-ray measurement (such as Aluminium,
Chlorine and Argon). The suitability of any particular The use of quality control programmes can assist in
substrate can quickly be established during the “blank maintaining statistical control of this test method. For the
correction” measurement by comparing the level purpose of establishing the statistical control status of the
of the ‘background’ signal for the blank substrate testing process since the last valid calibration, a quality
against the value of the ‘blank’ substrate used for the control sample is to be regularly tested as if it was an
calibration itself. unknown production sample. Results are recorded and
analyzed by control charts to ascertain statistical control
3. One set of substrates which cannot be reliably tested status of the total testing process. Any out of control data
for coat weight using this standard XRF method are should trigger investigation which may result in instrument
the ‘Clay Coated’ substrates (such as CCK). The level recalibration.
of interference with the X-ray measurements for such
grades of paper is usually so high that the normal
calibration curve cannot give reliable results. In certain literature
cases it is possible to use special filters to reduce the
interference of the clay on the X-ray analysis (e.g. an L. Price and L. Morrison, Spectroscopy, Vol. 7, No 6, July/
Aluminium filter for clay coated substrates), but it August 1992 pp 32-38.
is still necessary to have a specific set of calibration Coatings Technology Handbook, 2nd ed., edited by D. Satas
standards to establish a new calibration curve in these and A.A.Tracton, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 2001, pp.
cases. 97-101.
4. Most calibration curves are established for silicone Issued April 2001
release coatings as ‘PDMS’. Whilst this can be used Revised January 2014

FTM8
resistance to shear from
a standard surface
scope test pieces

This test method measures the ability of an adhesive to These should be strips taken from a representative sample
withstand static forces applied in the same plane as the of material. The strips should be 25 mm wide and have
label stock. a minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction.
It gives an indication of the likely mode of bond failure, i.e. The cuts should be clean and straight. At least three strips
adhesive failure or cohesion failure. should be taken from each material sample.
definition test conditions

Resistance to shear from a standard surface is defined as 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
the time required for a standard area of pressure sensitive The test sample or test strips should be conditioned for not
coated material to slide from a standard flat surface in a less than 4 hours before testing.
direction parallel to the surface.
procedure
test equipment
• A rack or jig to hold the test plate precisely 2° from the
vertical (see diagram on the right).
• 1 kg weight.
• A standard FINAT Test roller.
• Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass
Remove the backing material from each strip and place the
adhesive coated facing material, adhesive side down, on to
a clean test plate using light finger pressure, so that a square
of pressure sensitive coated material, 25 mm x 25 mm, is in
actual contact with the surface. Roll twice in each direction
with the standard FINAT test roller at a speed of approximately
10 mm per second to obtain intimate contact between the
adhesive mass and the surface. Any strips found by inspection
to have air bubbles trapped between the adhesive mass and
test plate should be discarded.
Place the test plate into the rack of jig and attach the
1 kg weight to the free end of the test strip (not less than
5 minutes and not more than 10 minutes after rolling).
Note the time taken for the strips to part from the plate.

FTM8
resistance to shear from
a standard surface
results 2. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as

stainless steel or aluminium, but this must be clearly
Resistance to shear from a standard surface is expressed stated alongside the results.
as the average time taken for the three strips to shear from
the test plate. 3. Alternative weights can be used, but these must be
clearly stated alongside the results.
Failure Description Code:
Issued October 1985
CP Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel. Revised:
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area, but no March 1999
tacky residue. May 2001
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during July 2019
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the
panel and the front material.
AT Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates cleanly
the test panel.
The approximate extent of transfer should be quoted as
percentage.
notes
• Diacetone alcohol non-residual, technical grade or better
• Acetone
• n-Heptane
• Ethyl Acetate

gauze, cotton wool or tissue. To be suitable, materials
must be lint-free during use, absorbent, contain no
additives that are soluble in the solvents listed above,
and made exclusively from virgin materials.
Dispense one of the solvents listed above on to the

panel, wiping it to dryness with fresh absorbent
with the solvent. Final wipe shall be with MEK or
acetone.
Alternative methods which remove contamination

properly can be adopted, e.g. ultrasonic cleaning.
Prior to use, the cleaned plates should be left for

4 hours under standard test conditions. Care should

FTM9 ‘loop’ tack measurement

This test method describes a means of assessing probably 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
the most important and yet the hardest to measure
property of pressure sensitive materials, the tack. The The test sample or test strips should be conditioned for not
method described should allow the end-user to compare less than 4 hours before testing.
the “initial grab” or “application tack” of different laminates
and can be extremely useful to those working with
automatic labelling equipment where this property is of
particular importance.
definition
The ‘loop’ tack value of a pressure sensitive material is
expressed as the force required to separate, at a specified
speed, a loop of material (adhesive outermost) which
has been brought into contact with a specified area of a
standard surface.
test equipment
• A tensile tester or similar machine with reversing facility procedure
and a vertical jaw separation rate of 300 mm per
minute with an accuracy of ± 2%. It should also have a Remove the backing
capability of measuring direct loads up to at least material from each strip
20 Newton with an accuracy of ±2%. immediately prior to
the test being carried
• A flat plate made of float glass or equivalent plate glass out. Hold the two ends
measuring 25 ± 0.5 mm x 30 ± 2.0 mm x minimum of the adhesive coated
thickness 3.0 mm. A metal peg is attached at the centre facing material strip and
of one face of the plate. The dimensions of the peg from the strip into a
should be such that the peg can be clamped in the loop, adhesive surface
lower jaw of the tensometer. outermost, by bringing
the two ends together.
Clamp the ends of the
test pieces loop for a distance of
10 mm into the top
These should be strips taken from a representative sample jaw of the tensile tester
of material. The strips should be 25 mm wide and have a leaving the loop hanging
minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction. The vertically downwards.
cuts should be clean and straight. At least five strips should The sides of the jaw
be taken from each sample. should be protected from the adhesive coating.
Clamp the glass plate in the lower jaw with the longer axis
of the plate positioned at right angles to the long axis of
the strip. Start the machine and bring the loop into contact
with the glass plate at a speed of 300 mm per minute.
When full contact over the glass plate has been achieved
(25 mm x 25 mm) immediately reverse the direction of the
machine and allow separation to take place at a speed of
300 mm per minute. It is important that delay in reversing
direction is kept to an absolute minimum.

‘loop’ tack measurement
FTM9
If the force exceeds the strength of a paper facing material,
the result quoted should be the maximum reached before
the paper tears and this result should be followed by the
postscript PT (paper tear).
If adhesive transfer occurs, this should be indicated by the

letters AT, and the approximate extend of transfer quoted
as percentage.
notes
1. The rigidity of the sample affects the results and must
be considered when comparing different adhesives on
different facing materials.

• Acetone
• n-Heptane
• Ethyl Acetate

gauze, cotton wool or tissue. To be suitable, materials must
be lint-free during use, absorbent, contain no additives
that are soluble in the solvents listed above, and made
exclusively from virgin materials.
Dispense one of the solvents listed above on to the panel,

wiping it to dryness with fresh absorbent cleaning material.
Repeat for a total of three washes with the solvent. Final
wipe shall be with MEK or acetone.
Alternative methods which remove contamination properly

can be adopted, e.g. ultrasonic cleaning.
Prior to use, the cleaned plates should be left for 4 hours

under standard test conditions. Care should be taken to
handle clean plates by the edge only.
Record the maximum force necessary to completely 3. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 Newton.
separate each loop from the glass plate.
Issued October 1985
Revised:
results March 1999
May 2001
‘Loop’ tack is expressed as the average value (ignoring the January 2014
initial peak) and range for the five strips tested in Newton. July 2019

quality of silicone coated
FTM10 substrates for self-adhesive

laminates: release force
scope • A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling a

laminate through an angle of 180° at a jaw separation
This test method describes a simple method of assessing rate of 300 mm per minute and with an accuracy of
the suitability of a siliconised (or indeed any other type of ± 2%.
release) backing material for pressure sensitive lamination.
• A circulating hot air oven capable of maintaining a
temperature of 70 ± 2°C.
definition
• A standard FINAT test roller.
Release force is defined as the force required to separate
a pressure sensitive adhesive coated material from its • Metal or glass pressure plates loaded to give a pressure
backing or protective sheet (or vice versa) under specified of 6.86 kPa (70 g/cm2) on the test pieces.
conditions and at a specified angle and speed.
• A standard pressure sensitive adhesive tape, 25 mm
wide e.g. tesa 7475 PV2 (acrylic) or tesa 7476 (rubber),
test equipment or a standard pressure sensitive adhesive coated facing
paper (see Notes).
test pieces
The silicone coated substrate may be tested either against
the standard tape or against a standard pressure sensitive
adhesive coated facing paper, the adhesive chosen being
that which will simulate the end application for which the
release paper is intended.
Take a representative sample of the silicone coated
substrate of minimum dimensions 450 mm x 250 mm.
Apply to this, using light finger pressure, the adhesive tape
in strips along the machine direction. Alternatively apply a
suitable sized sheet of pressure sensitive adhesive coated
facing paper to the sample.
Cut test strips 25 mm wide and 175 mm in the machine
direction. The cuts should be clean and straight. Roll the
strips twice in each direction with the standard FINAT test
roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per second.
At least 6 strips should be prepared from each sample if
subsequent adhesion tests are to be carried out. In the
case of samples showing very low release force, the width
(and hence the width of tape) may be 50 mm in order to
obtain a meaningful measurement. However, release force
should still be expressed as release force per 25 mm width.
test conditions
Place the strips under test between two flat metal or
glass plates and keep for 20 hours at 23°C ± 2°C under a
pressure of 6.86 kPa (70 g/cm2) to ensure good contact
between the silicone coated substrate and the adhesive.
After storage in this manner take the strips from between
the plates and keep for not less than 4 hours at the
Picture 1: Q-TEC ZPE Low Speed Release Peel Tester standard test conditions of 23°C ± 2°C, 50% RH ± 5% RH.

substrates for self-adhesive
laminates: release force
FTM10
Accelerated ageing may be carried out by placing a similar notes
set of strips between two flat metal or glass plates and
keeping it for 20 hours in an air circulating oven at 1. The strips should be retained for subsequent adhesion
70°C ± 5°C. The strips should then be removed and testing.
conditioned for at least 4 hours as above.
2. See FTM 11 for interpretation of results.
procedure 3. The adhesive tape or adhesive coated facing paper

used should be as stable to changes in temperature
Fix each strip in the machine so that the tape or facing as possible and of steady and reproducible adhesion
material can be stripped away from the silicone coated value.
substrate at an angle of peel of 180°. Set the machine
to operate at 300 mm per minute jaw separation rate. 4. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 Newton.
It makes sense to use as many measurement points as
technically possible from the middle area of the test strip See also notes for FTM 11.
to calculate the average value of this sample.
Issued October, 1985
Revised:
March 1999
May 2001
January 2013
July 2019
Picture 2: Test strips attached to the back plate
results
Release force is expressed as the average result for
the strips tested in Newton per 25 mm width either
under standard conditions or under accelerated ageing
conditions.

FTM11 substrates for self-adhesive

laminates: subsequent adhesion
scope test pieces

This test method describes a technique whereby the effect These are the 175 mm x 25 mm tape or pressure sensitive
of the release surface on the adhesive properties can be adhesive coated facing paper strips which were peeled
assessed. It is of particular interest both to manufacturers from the silicone coated substrate in FTM 10, plus a
of release paper and also to pressure sensitive laminate control set of at least three strips from the standard tape
manufacturers in determining the key and degree of cure of or pressure sensitive adhesive coated facing paper which
the release system. have not been in contact with the silicone coated substrate
under test.
definition
test conditions
Subsequent adhesion is defined as the force required, at a
specified angle and speed, to remove a pressure sensitive 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
adhesive coated material from a standard test plate after The test strips should be conditioned for not less than
it has previously been in contact with a silicone coated 4 hours before testing.
substrate under specified conditions.
Percentage subsequent adhesion is expressed as the
percentage ratio of this result compared with the adhesion procedure
of similar material which has not been in contact with the
silicone coated substrate. Apply the test strips of adhesive coated tape or facing
paper from FTM 10, adhesive side down, on to a clean
test plate using light finger pressure. Roll twice in each
test equipment direction with the standard FINAT test roller at a speed
of approximately 10 mm per second to obtain intimate
• A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling a contact between the adhesive mass and the surface.
laminate through an angle of 180° with a jaw separation After applying the strip to the test plate leave for a period
rate of 300 mm per minute with an accuracy of ± 2%. of 20 minutes before testing. Prepare a second set of strips
and leave for a period of 24 hours before testing.
• Test plates made of float glass or equivalent plate glass.
Fix the test plate and sample in the machine so that the
• A standard FINAT test roller. angle of peel is 180°. Set the machine at 300 mm per
minute jaw separation rate. It makes sense to use as many
• The test samples from FTM 10. measurement points as technically possible from the
middle area of the test strip to calculate the average value
• A standard pressure sensitive tape, 25 mm wide, or of this sample.
a standard pressure sensitive adhesive coated facing
paper (see Notes to FTM 10 and FTM 11). This procedure should then be repeated for the control set
of tape or adhesive coated facing paper strips which have
not been in contact with the silicone coated substrate in
order to determine percentage subsequent adhesion.
Picture 1: Cheminstruments Tensile Tester AR-1000

substrates for self-adhesive
laminates: subsequent adhesion
FTM11
results 5. The test plates must be thoroughly cleaned so that no
Subsequent adhesion is expressed as the average result for on the surface. The following solvents can be used to
the strips tested in Newtons per 25 mm width for either clean the test plates:
20 minutes or 24 hours application time.
Force required to remove test tape = technical grade or better
Subsequent adhesion% = 100 X • Acetone
Force required to remove control tape • n-Heptane
• Ethyl Acetate
If the adhesive force exceeds the strength of a paper facing
material the result quoted should be the maximum reached The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical
before the paper tears and this result should be followed gauze, cotton wool or tissue. To be suitable, materials
by the postscript PT. If adhesive transfer occurs, this should must be lint-free during use, absorbent, contain no
be indicated by the letters AT. additives that are soluble in the solvents listed above,
and made exclusively from virgin materials.
notes panel, wiping it to dryness with fresh absorbent
1. Low values of release force (FTM 10) in conjunction with the solvent. Final wipe shall be with MEK or
with high subsequent adhesion (FTM 11) usually acetone.
indicate that the silicone coating has been properly Alternative methods which remove contamination
applied and cured. properly can be adopted, e.g. ultrasonic cleaning.
2. High values of release force (FTM 10) usually indicate Prior to use, the cleaned plates should be left for
that the silicone coating is inadequate or uneven 4 hours under standard test conditions. Care should
(unless the product is designed to give high release) be taken to handle clean plates by the edge only.
or that the adhesive has reacted with an improperly
cured film. 6. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as
stainless steel or aluminium but this must be clearly
3. Low values of release force (FTM 10) with low stated alongside the results.
percentage subsequent adhesion values indicate
silicone migration. However, the subsequent adhesive 7. If adhesion values are required when paper tear has
strength of an adhesive after contact with silicone occurred, then this test can be conducted at lower jaw
coated paper is very much dependent on the surface separation rates quoting the latter against the results.
texture of the substrate to which the release coating
has been applied. In general, the smoother the surface 8. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 Newton.
of the substrate, the higher will be the percentage
subsequent adhesion value obtained. Values of Issued October 1985
70-80% are not unusual. Revised:
March 1999
4. Care should be taken in the interpretation of the May 2001
results obtained from the accelerated ageing release July 2019
test carried out at elevated temperature as the
rheological properties of adhesives are temperature
dependent. Excessive flow of adhesive at high
temperature can give high release values, particularly
with pinholed or imperfect silicone coatings.

FTM12 adhesive coat weight
scope procedure
This test may be used to determine with reasonable 1. The specimen is placed in an oven at 105°C for
accuracy the amount of dry adhesive material applied to 5 minutes.
the surface of a pressure sensitive label construction. 2. It is removed and any release liner is detached.
3. Exactly one minute after removal from the oven,
the weight of the specimen is recorded to at least
definition 3 decimal places.
4. Soak the specimen in the beaker of solvent to soften
Adhesive coat weight is expressed as the weight of dry the adhesive - approximately one minute.
adhesive on a standard area of material - in grams per 5. Remove from the beaker and carefully scrape the
square meter (g/m2). adhesive off completely, rinsing in clean solvent to
remove any residue.
6. When all adhesive has been removed, return
test equipment specimen to oven for further 5 minutes.
7. Exactly one minute after removal from the oven
• A press or template enabling samples to be cut 100 cm 2
reweigh and record new weight of specimen.
in area to a high degree of accuracy.
Recommendation:
• A circulated hot air oven capable of maintaining a If you do the measurements under lab conditions the
temperature of 105°C ± 2°C. results will be more accurate.
• A balance capable of recording sample weights to an

accuracy of at least ± 0.001 g. results
• A beaker of solvent - suitably chosen to enable the Subtract the final weight from the initial weight and
adhesive film to be softened prior to removal. multiply this figure by 100 to express the final result in
g/m2. Carry out the test taking 5 specimens per sample and
Recommendations: record the average coat weight obtained.
1. For an acrylic adhesive - aliphatic solvent
(e.g. special ether) with a boiling point around
90°C, if necessary add some polar solvent (e.g. note
ethylacetate)
2. For a rubberbased adhesive - aliphatic solvent Particular care should be taken when testing laminates
(e.g. special ether) with a boiling point manufactured from specialty papers or synthetic films
around 90°C. (particularly vinyls) since the solvent used to remove
the adhesive may also dissolve components of the face
material resulting in significant errors.
test specimens
Issued October, 1985
Samples of 100 cm cut from representative positions in
2
Revised:
the web. March 1999
May 2001
August 2019

low temperature adhesion
FTM13
scope test pieces
This test method allows a subjective assessment to be These should be cut from a representative sample of
made of the ability of a pressure sensitive material to material. The test piece should be 25 mm x 15 mm cut
adhere under low temperature conditions. with the machine direction parallel to the short edge.
definition test surfaces

Low temperature adhesion is defined as the ability • Polyester
of a pressure sensitive coated material to adhere at • Glass
temperatures below 5°C. This test method allows a • Stainless steel
subjective assessment to be made of the ability of a • Aluminum foil
pressure sensitive material to adhere under chill (4°C) and • Low Density Polyethylene (PE - LD)
deep freeze (-25°C) conditions. Other test conditions are • High Density Polyethylene (PE - HD)
possible (see note 1) and if used should be reported with • Oriented Polypropylene (OPP)
the results. • Where laminates or adhesives are being designed for
specific applications the test surfaces should be chosen
to represent the final end use. Other test surfaces may be
test equipment used and should be reported with the results (see note 2).
• A cabinet capable of maintaining a temperature of 4°C ± 1°C.

procedure
• A chest freezer capable of maintaining a temperature of
-25°C ± 1°C. Place the test surfaces in the cabinet set at 4°C and the
chest freezer set at -25°C 24 hours before the start of the
• Both should be large enough to allow examination of test. The surfaces should be dry before they are placed into
the test pieces without removal. the test cabinets and any filmic materials should be placed
in contact with glass plates to ensure an even temperature
• A standard FINAT test roller. distribution. The test surfaces should remain in the test
cabinets at all times during the test.
Holding the test pieces by the edge, remove the backing

material. Place the test piece, adhesive side down, on the
test surface - do not press down as this can lead to local
heating - then roll once in each direction with the standard
FINAT test roller, that has been conditioned for at least
4 hours to the test conditions, at a speed of approximately
10 mm/sec to obtain intimate contact between the
adhesive mass and the surface. At least 3 test pieces from
each laminate under test should be applied to each test
surface.

FTM13 low temperature adhesion
left on test plate after removal

The labelled test surfaces should then be stored in the
test cabinets for the prescribed period. The recommended results
periods are 1 hour and 7 days though other time periods
are possible (see note 3). The time period used should be For each surface average the score of the test pieces. To
reported with the results. obtain the overall score of the laminate average the score
per surface by the number of surfaces. For adhesives
designed for specific surfaces the results on those surfaces
should be quoted as well as the average (see notes 4 and 5).
notes
1. The test conditions listed in the method are only two
of many possibilities. Other conditions that can be
used are:
• apply the labels at -40°C, test at -40°C;
• apply the labels at ambient, test at 4°C, -25°C, -40°C;
• apply the labels at ambient to moist test
surfaces, test at 4°C, -25°C, -40°C;
• apply the labels at -25°C,-40°C to icy surfaces,
test at -25°C, -40°C.
After the test period, remove the test pieces from the test In all cases the test conditions chosen should reflect
surfaces with the test surfaces remaining in the test cabinet as closely as possible the final end use of
and assess the adhesion. Removal of the test piece should the material. The chosen test conditions should be
start at one corner. If the label starts to tear removal should recorded with the results.
be attempted from the opposite corner and continued even
if the label tears again. 2. The test surfaces listed in the method are
recommended surfaces only. Each is subject to the
variations normal for commercial suppliers and the
test surfaces used should be representative of that
supplier’s product.
3. The test periods indicated in the method are

recommended periods only. Other time periods such
as 24 hours or 1 month can be used if required.
In all cases the chosen time period should reflect the
final application and be recorded with the results.
4. The label substrate has considerable effect on the

adhesion performance as described by this test
method. As such this method should be regarded as
measuring the low temperature adhesion of the label
construction rather than the adhesive in isolation.
5. The maximum rating possible for a removable

Rate the adhesion in the following manner: construction is 3.
Rating Description 6. Label constructions using plastic films such as PVC

0 Label detached from the test surface. which may embrittle at low temperatures can give
1 Poor bond-no label tear. high readings on this test but be unsuitable for the
2 Moderate bond - no label tear. final end use.
3 Good bond - no label tear.
4 Very good bond - up to 50% of label surface left Issued October 1985
on test plate after removal. Revised:
5 Excellent bond greater than 50% of label surface March 1999
May 2001

dimensional stability
FTM14
scope procedure
This test method allows the user to assess the dimensional Remove the backing material and place the adhesive
stability of a pressure sensitive material when subjected coated facing material adhesive side down onto a clean
to specified test conditions. It is particularly relevant to test plate using light finger pressure and without stretching
synthetic film based materials such as Polyvinyl chloride the material. Roll twice in each direction with the rubber-
(PVC), Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyester etc. covered roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per
second to obtain intimate contact between the adhesive
and the aluminium plate surface.
definition
This property is defined as the dimensional change of a
pressure sensitive material which has been applied to
a standard test plate under specified conditions when
subjected to elevated temperatures.
test equipment
• An air circulating oven maintained at 70°C ± 2°C.
• Test plates made of smooth aluminium or aluminium

alloy 150 mm x 100 mm x 0.6 mm gauge.
• A rubber covered roller of sufficient width and a mass of

1 kg per 25 mm width. Then condition the applied material for 72 hours at 23°C ±
2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
• A scaled magnifying glass.
After this conditioning procedure the applied material
should be trimmed to the dimension of the test plate.
test conditions
The material to be tested should be conditioned at 23°C ±
2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH for not less than 4 hours before
application.
test pieces
These should be cut from a representative sample of
material min. 165 mm x 115 mm with the 165 mm edge
running parallel to the length-wise edge of the test
material.
Cut with a sharp knife, parallel to the sides of the test plate,
a crosscut in the middle of the test sample.

FTM14 dimensional stability
failure description codes

CP Clean Panel - no visible stain on panel.
PS Panel Stain – discoloration of test area,
but no tacky residue.
CF Cohesive failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive film on both
the panel and the front material.
from the front material, leaving the adhesive film
on the test panel.
notes
Insert the test plate into the oven at 70°C ± 2°C for 1 week
after which it is removed and conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C for 1. The test conditions given can be varied to suit any
10 - 15 minutes to cool. particular application, whereby the conditioning time
and/or the exposure time and/or the substrate (e.g.
Measure the shrinkage in the crosscut to the nearest 0.05 glass) and/or the temperature of the oven can be
mm in both the length-wise direction and cross to the changed. This should be clearly stated alongside the
length-wise direction of the label. test results.
2. The quality finish and thickness of the aluminium used

should be recorded.
3. Dimensions of the recommended test plate (150 mm

x 100 mm x 0.6 mm gauge) are those of a panel of the
QUV Accelerated weathering tester.
4. Dimensional stability quoted as a percentage can be

misleading and should be avoided e.g. 0.2% on
150 mm dimension cannot be related to a one meter
dimension.
Issued April 1991

Revised:
results March 1999
May 2001
The dimensional stability (shrinkage) is expressed in mm, April 2003
as the change in dimensions at the cross cut, in both May 2004
the length-wise direction and cross to the length-wise December 2013
direction of the label.
optional
For removable application (advertising on coaches, etc.)
the type of adhesive failure can be observed by peeling
the label from the aluminium panel by hand at an angle of
approx. 135°.

FTM15
surface tension of plastic
films

This method covers measurement of the surface tension 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH. The test sample should
of plastic film surfaces in contact with drops of specific preferably be conditioned for not less than four hours
test fluids. Surface tension (wettability) of plastic films is before testing, unless an immediate reading is required.
one of the properties used to judge surface characteristics
related to printability and adhesion of other coatings/
adhesives. Although the print key or adhesion property is test fluids
not dependent on the surface tension only, this method is
often used as a quick practical method. It is furthermore For polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and/or similar
important to note that the determined wettability type of films, test fluids A, according to Table 1 are
characterises the immediate surface condition only, and prepared by mixing Formamide (surface tension = 58
that this condition can change during storage. mN/m and 2 ethoxyethanol (surface tension 30 mN/m).
These chemical raw materials may not be readily available.
In that case FINAT recommends the use of ready prepared
definition solutions as listed at the end of this test method.
Approximately 1 gram of a blue dye (e.g. Victoria blue or
The surface tension is measured by applying to the surface Methylene blue) is added to each litre of test fluid.
of the plastic film, a test fluid of known surface tension and For plastic films such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) which are
recording the time taken for the continuous film of the fluid affected (e.g. swelling) by the test fluids of series A, the test
to break into droplets. The surface tension is defined as fluids B shown in Table 2 are prepared by mixing methanol
that level when a continuous film of the test fluid remains (surface tension 23 mN/m) and distilled water, or water of
intact for 2 seconds. similar quality (surface tension 73 mN/m). Approximately 1
gram of a red soluble dye (e.g. Fuchsine) is added to each
litre of test fluid.
procedure
Lay the specimen on a smooth flat surface.
Spread the test fluid of known surface tension using a felt
tip pen or soft brush lightly over an area of approximately
200 mm x 10 mm of the test specimen. Let de fluid act for
< 2 or > 2 seconds. If the fluid breaks into drops in less
than 2 seconds, a lower numbered test fluid should be
tried.
Shrinkage of the liquid film on the sides of the applied fluid
does not necessarily indicate a lack of wetting. The aim is
to establish the lowest reading at an optimal dwell time of
Picture 1: example of test specimen staying as applied and two seconds.
breaking into droplets Extreme care must be taken to ensure that the film surface
is not touched or contaminated in the areas in which the
tests are to be made as this will influence the test results.
test equipment
• A range of test fluids. results
• A stopwatch.
The lowest reading (surface tension) at an optimum dwell
of 2 seconds is deemed equivalent to the surface tension of
test pieces the test piece, and is recorded in mN/m (see Notes).
The test specimens must be at least 200 mm x 10 mm

taken with their length in the cross direction of the roll.

FTM15 surface tension of plastic films
notes Table 1 : Test Fluid Series A
Surface tensions
1. Ready made test fluids of series A (see Table 1) can be 2-Ethoxyéthanol Formamide
of Test Fluids
obtained from: vol.% vol.%
Series A [mN/m]
Pillar Technologies 30 100.0 -

www.pillartech.com 32 89.5 10.5
34 73.5 26.5
Arcotec GmbH
www.arcotec.com 36 57.5 42.5
38 46.0 54.0
For addresses please consult section 3.3 of this book. 40 36.5 63.5
42 28.6 71.5
2. The test fluids must be kept in brown glass containers.
The test fluids should be renewed depending on 44 22.0 78.0
frequency of use, e.g. when used on a daily basis 46 17.0 83.0
dispose of remaining fluid after three months. 48 13.0 87.0
50 9.3 90.7
3. All precautions must be maintained when handling
the chemicals used in the test fluids as they can be 52 6.3 93.7
injurious to health and can cause skin irritation. 54 3.5 96.5
56 1.0 99.0
4. The Sl unit for this property is mN/m and replaces the
formerly used Dyne/cm, conversion factor being one
to one. Table 2. Test Fluid Series B
5. Preparation of solution by volume is best done by Surface tensions

Methanol Water
measuring separately and adding together. of Test Fluids
vol.% vol.%
Series B [mN/m]
6. For more accurate determination of surface tension, 30 67.0 33.0
contact angle measuring equipment is used. Such
32 59.8 40.2
units can be purchased from ABB as a L & W Surface
Wettability Tester, Code 28. However, it must be 34 53.5 46.5
noted that the results obtained may not necessarily be 36 47.9 51.1
comparable. 38 42.8 57.2
40 38.3 61.7
7. DIN 53 364 and ASTM D2578-67 are standards
relating to surface tension measurement. 42 34.2 65.8
44 30.5 69.5
8. FINAT FTM 15 is an effective tool for quick and reliable 46 27.1 72.9
printability assessment of print substrates in terms
48 24.0 76.0
of their surface tension. Experience has shown that
print substrates tend to show poor printability if their 50 21.1 78.9
surface tension is below 38 mN/m. In this case, test 52 18.5 81.5
prints should be produced. With surface tension 54 16.0 84.0
levels below 31 mN/m, print substrates are no longer
56 13.7 86.3
printable with standard printing inks at all, but will
generally require special inks. The surface tension
limit value (38 mN/m) is correspondingly valid for These chemical raw materials may not be readily available.
other upgrading processes, such as varnishing, gluing, In that case FINAT recommends the use of ready prepared
laminating and hot film embossing. As a rule, the solutions as listed previously.
surface tension drops over time, so ideally a suitable Issued April 1991
measurement time should be chosen before printing. Revised:
March 2005
Addresses revised January 2014

FTM16
chemical resistance - spot
method
definition results
Chemical resistance here is defined as the ability of the Colour change is assessed against the untreated control
pressure sensitive coated material to resist colour change either descriptively as nil, slight, moderate or severe attack,
when subjected to a chemical substance placed on its rate 0 to 5 (5 excellent resistance, 0 non resistant) or by
surface for 24 hours or 7 days at 23°C ± 2°C. determining colour fastness against the Blue Wool Scale 4
or Grey Wool Scale 3 standards.
test equipment Printing ink permanency can be assessed by measuring the

key of the printing ink before and after the chemical test
• Test plates employing standard tesa tapes.
• A standard FINAT test roller

notes
• Test chemical
1. The time of surface contact can be varied to suit any
given end application.
procedure
2. Temperature can also be changed by placing the test
Remove the backing material from the test piece and place piece in an oven set at the required condition.
the adhesive coated facing material, adhesive side down,
onto a clean test plate. Roll twice in each direction with the 3. This test method only allows an assessment of the
standard FINAT test roller. chemical resistance of the surfacing material. For total
product resistance, the immersion technique (FTM 17)
Place the test specimen horizontally. Cover up to 50% of is employed followed by bond assessment.
the exposed surface area with the test substance ensuring
that it does not reach the edge of the sample, thus avoiding 4. It is essential that detergents or inert solvents used
edge attack. Leave undisturbed for 7 days at 23°C ± 2°C. for cleaning purposes are such that they have no
It may be necessary to cover the test container to prevent influence on the perceived colour(s) after the
excess evaporation if a volatile chemical substance is used. completion of chemical contact.
At the end of the test period, wash the test specimen Issued October 1995
in a detergent solution to remove all residual chemical Revised:
substance and dry carefully employing an absorbent paper March 1999
or cloth. If the surface remains ‘wet’, indicating that the May 2001
chemical substance still remains, an inert solvent such as
industrial alcohol or white spirit should be used to remove
the test chemical. Dry again carefully using absorbent
paper or cloth.
Immediately assess any colour change of the material

or permanence of legend if a printed substrate has
been employed, either as a general colour change or for
individual printing ink colours.

FTM17
chemical resistance -
immersion method
Chemical resistance here is defined as the ability of the Remove the backing paper from each strip/sample and
pressure sensitive coated material to maintain its physical place the adhesive coated material, adhesive side down,
and adhesive characteristics after being completely onto a clean test plate using light finger pressure.
immersed in a chemical substance for 24 hours at Roll twice in each direction with the standard FINAT test
23°C ± 2°C. roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per second, to
obtain intimate contact between the adhesive and the test
surface. Condition for 24 hours at 23°C ± 2°C.
test equipment
Carry out peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm per minute (as
• Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass described in FTM 1) on a set of three strips.
(see Notes)
Completely immerse the second set of test samples in the
• A standard FINAT test roller chemical substance for 24 hours at 23°C ±2°C (see note 1).
It may be necessary to cover the test container to prevent
• Test chemical/large beaker excess evaporation if a volatile chemical substance is used.
• Metal ruler
test pieces
For subsequent testing against FTM 1, or assessing colour
change, strips should be taken from a representative
sample of material, which should be 25 mm wide and have
a minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction.
The cuts should be clean and straight. At least two sets of
above strips should be taken from each material sample.
For measurement of dimensional change after chemical

immersion, a test piece of 10 cm x 10 cm is ideally required
cut with one edge running parallel to the lengthwise edge
of the product.
At the end of the test period, wash the test specimen
in a detergent solution to remove all residual chemical
test conditions substance and dry carefully employing an absorbent paper
or cloth. If the surface remains ‘wet’, indicating that the
23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH. chemical substance still remains, an inert solvent such
as industrial alcohol or white spirit should be used to
The test substance or test strips should be conditioned for remove the chemical substance. Dry again carefully using
not less than 4 hours before testing. absorbent paper or cloth.
Condition for 1 hour at 23°C ± 2°C, then measure peel

adhesion (180°) as before.
Recovery of bond can be additionally assessed by repeating

the above but allowing the test samples to condition for
24 hours at 23°C ± 2°C before re-measuring peel adhesion
(FTM 1). Any colour change on the test samples should also
be noted. For assessment of dimensional change, immerse
the ‘100 mm x 100 mm’ test sample in the chemical
substance for 24 hours at 23°C ± 2°C. Dry as before and
re-measure in both directions.

FTM17
chemical resistance -
immersion method
In all of the above tests, assess any colour change of the

material or permanence of legend if a printed substrate has
been employed, either as a general colour change or for
individual printing ink colours. Any other deterioration of
the test piece, e.g. blisters, should also be noted.
results
1. Peel Adhesion
An average is taken of the three strips prior to and
after immersion. Determine the percentage loss in
peel adhesion (180°) against the non-immersed
sample. Chemical resistance (bond) can be expressed
as follows:
Loss Resistance
0 Excellent
5% Good
50% Moderate
75% Poor
100% Non-resistant
2. Colour Fastness
Colour change is assessed against the untreated
control either descriptively as nil, slight, moderate
or severe, rated 0 to 5 as above (5 excellent, 0 non
resistant) or by determining colour fastness against
the Blue Wool Scale 4 or Grey Wool Scale 3 standard.
3. Dimensional Stability
This is expressed as the increase or reduction in
millimetres (denoted ± or -) after immersion of each
sample against its original length.
notes
1. The temperature and time of immersion can be varied
and alternative test substrates other than float plate
glass may be used to suit any given application.
2. This test method allows an assessment of the

chemical resistance of the total laminate. For an
assessment of the face material only, the Spot
Method (FTM 16) should be employed.
3. It is essential that detergents or inert solvents used

for cleaning purposes are such that they have no
influence on the perceived colour(s) after the
completion of chemical contact.
Issued October 1995

Revised:
March 1999
May 2001

FTM18 dynamic shear
scope sample preparation

This method is designed to determine the resistance of an Laminate the aluminium foil or the polyester on the front
adhesive coated label stock on a standardised surface, to of the sample. Then cut five test pieces of 12.7 ± 0.1 mm
shear at a constant speed. width and at least 50 mm length in the machine direction.
Dynamic shear is defined as the maximum force per unit Prior to testing, clean five test panels thoroughly with
width required to remove the adhesive coated label stock n-heptane.
from a specified area in the direction parallel to the surface. Slowly remove the backing from a test piece.
Gently place the test piece in the middle of the panel,
without applying pressure. The small edge of the test piece
principle shall be placed against the scribed line, at 12.7 mm from
the edge of the panel as shown in the next picture:
A test piece is partly adhered to a test panel under
controlled pressure. A constant speed of deformation
is applied to the free end of the test piece in the length
direction of the test piece. The adhesive layer resists
this deformation. This resisting force grows during the
increased deformation of the adhesive, until the adhesive
cannot follow the deformation anymore and starts to fail.
The maximum force during the test is measured.
test equipment
• An electronic tensile tester with capability of jaw
separation with an accuracy of 1% or better. The
movable grip should be capable of being driven at a
rate of 5.0 mm/min.
• An accurate cutting device to cut test pieces conforming Cover the adhesive of the free part of the test piece with a
to the required dimensions. strip of material. Do not use siliconised material, to prevent
• Flat stainless steel panels of at least 50 mm x 50 mm, slip in the grips. Support the free part of the test piece with
with two scribed lines over the total width of the panel: an extra panel and roll down the test piece with the roller,
one at 12.7 mm and one at 25 mm as indicated in twice in each direction with a speed of 10 mm/s, without
figure 1. applying any additional pressure. An automatic rolling
• Rubber covered steel roller as described in FTM 1; device is strongly recommended.
(Automatic rolling device is strongly recommended).
• Aluminium foil or polyester coated with a permanent Set the tensile tester to the following conditions:
(pressure sensitive) adhesive to eliminate elongation • initial distance between the grips: 40 mm
effects in the front material of the sample. The • grip separation speed: 5 mm/min
overlaminating film to withstand 100 Newton.
After a dwell time of 20 ± 2 minutes, the test panel shall
be placed in the fixed grip of the tensile tester. The bottom
test conditions of the grip shall be in line with the scribed line at 25 mm.
In case of the fixed grip is connected to the load cell: set
23°C ±2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH. The samples shall be the force reading of the tensile tester to zero, to adjust for
conditioned for at least 4 hours before testing. the weight of the panel. Move the lower grip to its starting

dynamic shear
FTM18
position and tighten the free end of the test piece firmly notes
to prevent slipping. Start the tensile tester and wait until
panel and construction are completely separated. Record 1. The test plates must be thoroughly cleaned so that no
the maximum force during this test and the mode of failure trace of adhesive, grease, silicone or moisture is left
for each test piece individually. The codes for the failures on the surface. The following solvents can be used to
modes are listed below. clean the test plates:
Failure description code • Diacetone alcohol non-residual,

CP Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel. • Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area, • Acetone
but no tacky residue. • Ethanol with 1% MEK > 96%
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during • n-Heptane
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the • Ethyl Acetate
AT Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates cleanly The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical
from the front material, leaving adhesive film gauze, cotton wool or tissue. To be suitable, materials
on the test panel. must be lint-free during use, absorbent, contain no
The approximate extent of transfer should be additives that are soluble in the solvents listed above,
quoted as percentage. and made exclusively from virgin materials.

results panel, wiping it to dryness with fresh absorbent
Calculate and report the mean value as well as the with the solvent. Final wipe shall be with MEK or
standard deviation of the maximum forces in Newton acetone.
per 12.7 mm width (N/12.7 mm). Also report the failure
code in case the same failure mode occurred for all five Alternative methods which remove contamination
measurements. In case different failure modes occurred, properly can be adopted, e.g. ultrasonic cleaning.
calculate and report the mean, standard deviation and
number of measurements for each code individually Prior to use, the cleaned plates should be left for 4
(results with failure codes CP and PS can be combined). hours under standard test conditions. Care should be
taken to handle clean plates by the edge only.
repeatability 2. Static (FTM8) and dynamic shear do not correlate.
The variance coefficient for five measurements is about 3. Changes in speed and substrate need to be reported.
3-6%.
4. Panels of float glass can also be used.
remarks Issued October 1995

Revised:
The relationship between shear force and test area is March 1999
curvilinear. The standard deviation increases with the width May 2001
of test piece. July 2019

FTM19
recycling compatibility of
self-adhesive labels
introduction test methods

The method is based on research of INGEDE, which
was conducted at the TU Darmstadt and PTS Munich. • INGEDE Method 4
The testing procedure should provide the basis for Analysis of macrostickies in pulps (Revised
further developments in adhesive technology as well April 2013)
as for assessment of existent techniques. It simulates • INGEDE Method 11
the recycling conditions applied in the Paper and Board Assessment of Print Product Recyclability — Deinkability
Industry. As some paper mills are converting 100% Test (Revised January 2018)
recovered paper, “stickies” have become a serious • INGEDE Method 12
problem in the papermaking process. Self-adhesive labels Assessing the Recyclability of Printed Products —
are, among others, a source of adhesive residue within Testing of Fragmentation Behaviour of Adhesive
the re-covered paper. Scattered labels are considered Applications (Revised January 2013)
insignificant. However, label supplements of magazines
returned in batches may cause substantial interference and For a brief summary visit:
expense in the process of papermaking from recovered http://pub.ingede.com/en-GB/methods/
paper.
INGEDE
Oetztaler Str 5 B | 81373 Munich | Germany
scope Tel.: +49-89-7692333
E-mail: info@ingede.com
This test method allows the user to determine the URL: www.ingede.de & http://pub.ingede.com
behaviour of self-adhesive labels in the recycling process of
recovered paper.
Recovered paper contains variable types of labels which results
may generate stickies and thus reduce the quality
of recovered paper products or lead to problems in European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC)
processing. http://www.paperforrecycling.eu/publications/
Publications: 18 July 2011
Assessment of Printed Product Recyclability
definition Scorecard for the Removability of Adhesive Applications
Recycling compatible labels are paper labels whose Basis for the scorecard is INGEDE-project 129 09
adhesive does not interfere with the processing of “Preparation of an Adhesive Application Database and
recovered paper. The adhesive should preferably form large Development of a Recyclability Scoring System (Adhesive
stickies which can be removed via screening process. The Applications) dated 13 October 2010, Paper Technology
particle size should exceed 2000 µm. and Mechanical Process Engineering (PMV),
Technische Universität Darmstadt.
test pieces
evaluation
Label paper coated with adhesive.
As described in the assessment of the scorecard, self
adhesive laminate must reach a positive score in order to
attain a satisfactory recyclability.
Issued December 1995

Revised:
March 1999
May 2001
Addresses revised February 2009
June 2012

fluorescence and whiteness
FTM20
introduction test methods
Whiteness measures the relative balance of light reflected For inspection and control purposes simple visual test
from the surface at all wavelengths across the whole visible methods can be used, even for coloured or printed
spectrum. The material appears to be white if it reflects surfaces. Alternatively and especially for more exact
light equally at all wavelengths. Otherwise it appears evaluation of white surfaces specific measuring devices like
having a certain colour. spectrophotometers can be used.
Certain chemical compounds (fluorescent whitening International standards exist for whiteness and
agents, FAWs) have an ability to absorb invisible UV light fluorescense e.g. ISO11475 (“outdoor” illuminant),
and re-emit light at visible blue and violet wavelengths. ISO11476 (“indoor” illuminant), TAPPI T560 and T562.
This phenomenon is called fluorescence and it makes the These standards describe in detail both whiteness and
paper or textile material appear more white. fluorescence measurements and it is recommended to
follow these. It is worth to note that these measurements
Fluorescent substances in papers, inks and coatings are are valid for white materials and not for coloured surfaces.
used in labels for example for spotting and identifying
purposes as well as for enhancing the appearance of Testing of fluorescence:
(printed) media. 1. A surface with FAWs or printed with fluorescent inks
is viewed by a naked eye under UV-light which reveals
The whiteness of an optically brightened paper (or other whether the surface is emitting blue/violet light or
“white” material) depends on many factors as: not. A light cabinet can be used for better visibility and
1. Chemical structure of the FAW for blocking the effect of surrounding light sources.
2. Concentration of FAW in the material Samples can be compared to each other or a known
3. The ‘activation potential’ of paper raw materials in reference sample(s) can be used.
relation to the FAW
4. The light source, it’s intensity and the amount and 2. Actual measurement of fluorescence is possible with
wavelength of the UV radiation for example a spectrophotometer or other similar
5. The whiteness detection angle and method devices, methods are described in the international
6. The material surface structure and reflectance patents or in the manual of the equipment. In some
properties equipment it is also possible to pre-set a threshold that
allows the equipment to decide whether the printing is
It is worth noting that all whiteness measurements are only satisfactory or whether a label is present or not.
models and approximations of what a human eye can see.
Even every human being can see the colours differently. Testing of whiteness
1. A set of calibration plates or a defined whiteness scale
Not only the light source but also the detection method ruler used to be available on the market for quick
can strongly affect the measured value of fluorescence and visual assessment of the whiteness of the samples. The
whiteness. International standards define several standard light source should also contain the UV-light in order to
illuminations like A, C (“indoor”) and D65 (daylight, see the effect of fluorescence on the whiteness as well.
“outdoor”). For measurement the best option is a well A light cabinet can be used for better visibility and for
equipped spectrophotometer. blocking the surrounding light sources.
2. The best assessment of whiteness is obtained using

test equipment a spectrophotometer that allows UV calibration of its
light source (for example standard light source C or
• Spectrophotometer D65). Following the known international standards is
• Light cabinet recommended.
• If still available: Calibration plates or whiteness scale
ruler

FTM20 fluorescence and whiteness
literature
• E. Ganz, Whiteness: photometric specification and
colorimetric evaluation. Appl. Optics 15 (1976) 9 pp
2039-2058.
• Rolf Griesser (1979), Methods and uses of colorimetric
evaluation of paper. CIBA-Geigy pamphlet 7009,
pp 25-29.
• Whiteness and fluorescence in paper – Perception and
optical modelling. Licensiate thesis No. 47. Ludovic
Gustaffsson Coppel, Mid Sweden University, (2010).
• Color measurements on prints containing fluorescent
whitening agents, art.no. 64930Q, Proceedings of SPIE
– The International Society for Optical Engineering,
Mattias Andersson, Ole Norberg. (Jan 2007).
• Examples of equipment and material suppliers:
Sick, Laetus, Datacolor, Ciba-Geigy
Issued March 1999

Revised:
May 2001
May 2004
February 2014
August 2019

ink adhesion - basic
FTM21
This method allows rapid assessment of the degree of 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
adhesion of a printing ink or lacquer to a filmic label stock. If practical, the test pieces should be conditioned for at
least 4 hours prior to testing.
definition
procedure
The printing ink or lacquer is applied to the substrate and
cured on the printing press by using a standard method
appropriate for the type of ink. 1. Tape Test
Lay the specimen on a smooth, flat, hard surface and
The ink adhesion is then estimated by the amount of ink apply the adhesive tape, leaving a small part of the
that can be removed when adhesive tape is applied and tape unfixed to the test piece, ensuring that no air
peeled off. bubbles are trapped under the tape.
The resistance of the ink to mechanical removal is also Using the FINAT roller, press down the tape by passing
measured by scratching the ink and by deformation under the roller twice in each direction over the specimen,
pressure. and then bend the unattached part of the tape back
on itself at an angle of 180°.
test equipment Within 1 minute after rolling down the tape, mount
the specimen in a frame or use one hand to hold
• A means of applying and curing the ink. the specimen firmly, then pull the free piece of tape
towards you using the other hand: at first slowly under
• Adhesive tape of high peel adhesion (‘aggressive’), for constant speed, then very rapidly and accelerating.
example tesa 4104 or 3M Scotch® 810 MagicTM tape. (The faster speed is the more aggressive test).
• FINAT roller to smooth the tape over the test piece. The performance of the specimen is recorded by
comparison with control samples which have been
• Metal spatula. previously measured, or by reference to the following
grading:
• Gloves.
Grade 1 No removal of ink
Grade 2 Slight removal of ink (< 10%)
test pieces Grade 3 Moderate removal of ink (10 - 30%)
Grade 4 Severe removal of ink (30 - 60%)
If the required ink has not already been applied to the Grade 5 Almost complete removal of ink (> 60%)
substrate as part of the printing process, prepare samples
for testing by coating the ink to a uniform thickness (for If a new application is evaluated, it is recommended
example, with a Meyer bar for low-viscosity inks) and to repeat the tape test after 24 hours. The same
curing the coating as recommended by the supplier. A-4 shall apply to retain samples from print production.
sheets are a conveniently-sized sample for this test. A minimum ink adhesion of 70 – 90 % should be
achieved with the instant tape test.

FTM21 ink adhesion - basic
2. Mechanical Tests notes

• Scratch Test 1. The presence of waxes and silicones in some inks and
Place the test piece against a firm, flat backing, varnishes can result in poor adhesion between the
and rub a blunt metal implement (for example, a adhesive tape and the ink surface, and consequently
spatula) back and forth over the test piece until the tape is unable to separate ink from the substrate
the ink starts to be removed from the substrate. even when the adhesion is poor, leading to a false
Record the number of rubs required to fail the ‘pass’ result. To address this risk, it is recommended to
sample, and compare this to standard samples to adopt both a tape test and another method of testing
determine if the sample passes or fails. ink adhesion when evaluating unfamiliar inks.
Note: an instrument should be chosen which does 2. Different batches of the same adhesive tape can
not cut the ink (a printer’s knife is not suitable) have very different peel strengths (in excess of the
and which is consistent between operators (a minimum specified), and therefore give different
fingernail is not). results on the same print, so a possibly false “fail”
can arise. For rigorous work, or where ink adhesion
Please also refer to FTM 29 to apply a more is critical, it is recommended to calibrate new lots of
standardized method for rating the scratch tape by testing them on printed samples of known
resistance. performance before testing unknown samples.
• Rub test 3. If a numerical result from the adhesive tape test is

Place the test piece against a firm, flat backing, required, the percentage adhesion can be obtained by
and press your thumb firmly onto the test piece using a cross-hatching tool to score the ink into 2 mm
and twist it back and forth. Compare the test squares before applying the tape, and then measuring
piece with previously-assessed control samples to the number of squares remaining after the tape test is
determine if the piece has passed. performed. The cutting tool needs to be constructed
to cut entirely through the ink layer but through no
(Note: it is recommended that appropriate Health more than a small fraction of the substrate, otherwise
& Safety measures are taken in case the ink is tear of the substrate will occur.
insufficiently cured).
4. Substrates of weak cohesive strength may split during
Please also refer to FTM 27 to apply a more this test. In this case the result of the test cannot be
standardized method for rating the rub resistance. used to determine the ink anchorage.
Issued March 1999

Revised:
June 2001
May 2004
October 2008
July 2019
FTM22: International IGT Printability tester

ink adhesion - advanced
FTM22
This method allows rapid assessment of the degree of 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
adhesion of a printing ink or lacquer to a label stock. It is If practical, the test pieces should be conditioned for at
designed for the testing of digital print media. least 4 hours prior to testing.
The printing ink or lacquer is applied to the substrate and Tape Test
cured on the printing press by using a standard method Lay the specimen (30 mm by 175 mm) on a smooth, flat,
appropriate for the type of ink. hard surface and apply the adhesive tape, ensuring that no
The ink adhesion is then estimated by the amount of ink air bubbles are trapped under the tape.
that can be removed when adhesive tape is applied and Using the FINAT roller, press down the tape by passing the
peeled off. roller twice in each direction over the specimen, and then
bend the unattached part of the tape back on itself at an
angle of 180°.
test equipment After waiting 1 minute fix each strip in the machine, so that
the tape can be stripped away from the printed substrate at
• A means of applying and curing the ink an angle of peel of 180°. Set the machine to operate at 300
mm/min jaw separation rate.
• Adhesive tape of high peel adhesion (‘aggressive’),
for example tesa 7475 PV2 (acrylic based), tesa 7476
(rubber based), tesa 4104 or 3M Scotch® 810 MagicTM evaluation
tape
The peel value is expressed as the average result for the
• A standard FINAT test roller strips tested in Newton per 25 mm. The peel force gives
an indication of the force that has affected the ink and
• A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling an approximate measurement of the adhesion of an
a laminate through an angle of 180° at a jaw overlaminate to the ink. The colour is measured on the
separation rate of 300 mm per minute and with an printed substrate before and after removing the tape. The
accuracy of ± 2%. colour difference is expressed in ΔE.
• Spectrophotometer, e.g. X-Rite DTP22, Datacolor ΔE measurements can be rated as:

Elrepho 3000, Hunterlab Ultrascan XE. ΔE = 0 - 3 Excellent
ΔE = 3 - 5 Very good
ΔE = 5 - 10 Good
test pieces ΔE = 10 - 15 Acceptable
ΔE = 15 - 20 Poor
The ink is brought onto the substrate. After that, a certain ΔE = 20 - 25 Unacceptable
period of time has to be taken into consideration, to make
absolutely sure that the ink is completely hardened and/
or dry. If the print system works with a one or more colour remark
system, it is preferred that the adhesion of the pure colours
is evaluated, and not that of a combination of colours. This test is based on FTM 21.
The adhesion of the ink can be evaluated by measuring

the colour before and after the application of the adhesive note
tape. The amount of ink that has been removed can be
expressed, in ΔE, by the colour change measured by the The presence of waxes and silicones in some inks can lead
spectrophotometer, on the ink coated sample before and to false “pass” results. Therefore it is important to mention
after application of the adhesive tape. the peel adhesion value.
Issued June 2001

Revised: October 2008, January 2014, July 2019

FTM23 A die-strike for paper liners
scope procedure
This test method allows the converter to assess the degree Stain Solution Preparation
and consistency of die-strike and cutting during the If a pre-prepared stain solution is used (such as “Shirlastain
converting process. A”), then no stain solution preparation is necessary and the
The method can be used during press make ready to solution can be directly used.
assess the condition and settings of cutters, to prevent For all other dyes a stain solution needs to be prepared
label dispensing failures or web breaks during high speed first. The following steps outline the procedure to prepare a
dispensing. The test is applicable to paper-based liners. ‘typical’ stain solution where the concentration level of dye
is approximately 0.5 wt%.
definition a. Take a 1 litre container (a capped polyethylene bottle

is suitable), and place on an electronic balance.
The display, by use of water-based coloured dye solutions,
of silicone or paper damage caused by die-cutting. b. Wearing the appropriate safety equipment*, and
taking care when handling the dye, weigh out carefully
5g of dye into the container (Malachite Green Oxalate,
test equipment Neocarmine A, Methylene Blue or Chrystalline Violet
are some of the recommended materials).
• Dye solution
(See procedure for different dye solution preparations) c. Measure out 1 litre of distilled water using the
measuring cylinder and add to the container. Seal and
• Electronic balance shake the container thoroughly to dissolve the dye.
• 1 litre measuring cylinder *Safety comment

Particular care should be taken to read and follow the safe
• Protective gloves handling instructions for the dye as many of the materials
are hazardous in their pure state. Although the final 0.5
• Cotton swabs wt% dye solutions are not usually considered hazardous,
it is still recommended to wear protective gloves when
• Sample bath handling them.
• Clean water Stain Test
• Stopwatch or clock 1. Quick – End-of-press Test

Remove the labels from the die cut sample.
Wet a cotton swab liberally with the dye solution.
test pieces Wipe the surface of the exposed silicone release liner,
where the labels have just been, with the dye-soaked
The test specimen should be at least one complete width swab.
and repeat of the cutter. Wipe off the excess dye solution from the silicone
release liner with a dry swab and assess the die-
cutting.
test conditions
No special conditions apply.

die-strike for paper liners
FTM23 A
Retain samples indicating acceptable results in envelopes

to support traceability. Note that some dyes (such as
Malachite) may fade over time when exposed to a strong
light source. To avoid this, electronic scanning and storage
of the image may be used.
safety
It is strongly recommended to carefully read and follow
the Safe Handling instructions for the dye being used
(especially when handling the undiluted dye during
solution preparation). In addition, it is recommended to
always wear protective gloves, even when handling the
final dye solution.
2. Formal Assessment - Laboratory Conditions

Wearing protective gloves, prepare two baths of notes
appropriate size, one containing not more than 1 cm
height of the prepared dye solution, and the other of The most commonly used dye solution is Malachite
clean water. solution. This is based on using the dye Malachite Green
Slowly delaminate and remove labels from the die-cut Oxalate (Basic Green 4), C.I. number 42000. Malachite
sample under evaluation, taking care not to damage or solutions should be stored in well closed containers and
crease the liner in any way. kept away from exposure to daylight. The storage life of the
Take the sample in both hands and ‘float’ it, silicone solution is about 1 month.
side down, on the surface of the dye solution, taking
care not to allow contact of the solution with the Alternative dyes could be used to replace Malachite Green
reverse side of the liner. Oxalate, such as;
Allow the sample to remain in contact with the • Chrystalline Violet
solution for 30 seconds and then remove the sample, • Methylene Blue
allowing the dye solution to drain back into the bath. • Neocarmine A – Recommended for yellow coloured
Take the sample in both hands and place, silicone side liners as the colouration is red
down, into the clean water bath and agitate gently to
remove excess dye. If a pre-prepared dye solution is preferred, then one
After cleaning, remove and place the sample between recommendation is to consider SHIRLASTAIN ‘A’ which is
any suitable paper materials to dry (e.g. tissue paper supplied by:
or cotton wool swab).
SDL Atlas Ltd.
www.sdlatlas.com
results
For addresses consult section 3.3. of this book.
Assess the die-strike pattern for intensity and consistency.
Look at the reverse side of the liner for complete Issued May 2001
penetration. There should be no signs of dye penetration
through the backing.
The deeper and more visible the die-cutting, the greater

the risk of the adhesive adhering into the backing, which
will cause the labels to fail to dispense. Excessive visible
damage of the backing can also give rise to liner web
breaks.

FTM23 B die-strike on clear filmic liners
scope test procedure

This test method describes a technique for assessing 1. Take a length of die-cut labels equivalent to at least
die-strike on filmic release liners. twice the repeat of the die-cutter.
2. Remove all labels from the backing liner and note the
definition position of each label relative to the die-cutter.
The evaluation of backing damage or marking to the liner 3. Visually inspect the die-cut quality to check for any
that may be caused due to kiss cutting via a die. obvious, excessive damage. If an area of damage
is observed that causes concern, particularly in the
transverse direction, then a tensile test should be
background carried out on this area.
Label stock generally consists of face stock on a backing 4. Cut a strip of appropriate width and length for the
liner. Once the matrix has been stripped from the facestock tensometer test in use (jaw width and separation) to
the web integrity is maintained by the liner. If a misaligned include the area of damage. Take care not to introduce
die should cut into the liner excessively, this could reduce any edge knicks that may cause unrelated failure by
the tensile strength of the web sufficiently to cause a using a sharp cutting tool.
web break. As such, damage in the transverse direction
(TD) across the web can be more of an issue than in the 5. Place each end of the liner strip into the respective
machine direction (MD) along the web. jaws of the tensometer & secure tightly.
When placed under increasing tension, most filmic 6. Perform a tensile test according to the standard
materials will show elastic behaviour up to the yield point, operating conditions for the instrument.
after which they will deform irreversibly and eventually
break. In labelling applications the tensions used will
generally not be above the yield point and so if the liner results
can be tensioned to this point successfully, without
breakage, then any die-strike impression should not cause 1. Each strip should achieve a yield point prior to
a problem. snapping – this constitutes a pass.
For some materials, for example polyester films, such as 2. If the liner snaps prior to reaching the yield point then
polyethylene terephtalate (PET), the yield point can be this is a fail.
difficult to locate accurately.
In this case measurement of F5 (ensuring that the liner can • If this is achieved on the cut from the die, then
be loaded to 5% strain) can be used as a substitute target. note & advise that the die-cutter should be
adjusted accordingly.
• If the sample damage has not occurred on the
test equipment die-cut portion of the sample then repeat the
test, as the break may have been initiated by
• Tensometer (e.g. Instron, Hounsfield, Lloyds, etc.); edge damage when cutting into strips, or similar
miscellaneous damage.
• Cutting implement.
test conditions

die-strike on clear filmic liners
FTM23 B
notes
Die-strike through filmic liners can be influenced by several
parameters. We recommend to carefully check them in
case of die-strike problems:
• The solidity and robustness of die-cutting unit;

• The tool diameter should be adjusted according to the
width of the printing equipment;
• The tolerance between magnetic and anvil cylinder;
• The quality of the flexible die (wear, blade geometry
and height);
• The consistency of the liner thickness;
• The temperature at which the die-cutting operation
takes place (influence of UV light on the film and
adhesive softness); With a perfect die-cut on PET liner material, only a razor-thin
• In case of problems: impression of the outline is visible.
• Adjust the cutting angle to improve the die-cutting

operation.
• Verify the tension of the web (avoid too-high
tension).
• Strip the matrix immediately after the die-cutting
operation to avoid recovery of the adhesive
between the die-cutting and the stripping steps.
Cool down the laminate before the die-cutting
operation.
Issued October 2005
The die-cut is too deep, the cut outlines will in contrast show a
clear impression (reflection) on the liner

FTM24 mandrel hold
scope procedure
This test is used to determine the ability of a pressure Use new test materials for any new test.
sensitive adhesive to adhere to cylindrical curved surfaces. Clean the glass tubes/rods with acetone or other suitable
solvent (heptane) before using them, to avoid any deposit,
grease or dust. Other tubes/rods not made from glass
definition should be used such as supplied. Avoid to touch them with
fingers before any test.
Mandrel adhesion is defined as the edge lifting (expressed Remove the backing from the face material avoiding curling
in mm) of pressure sensitive adhesive coated material of the face material, and touching the adhesive surface.
from standard cylindrical rod / tubes of small diameter, Apply the sample around the tube/rod with the long side of
after being applied with light finger pressure for a specified the sample perpendicular to the axis of the rod/tube.
amount of time.
test equipment
• Rack to support tubes/rods without having contact
between test samples and supporting rack.
• Rods/tubes of 8 mm and 15 mm diameter (the

diameter of the mandrel should be representative of
the end-use). Rods/tubes made of glass and
polyethylene. Other materials and diameters may be
used as necessary, and reported as such.
test pieces
Put some light finger pressure to obtain sufficient
The test piece dimensions should be adapted so that the adhesion/contact between the whole adhesive coating
length of the sample label covers 3/4 of the circumference area and the test tube/rod. (It may be easier to cut the
of the test tube/rod. label longer than needed and to trim the excess of label
The width of the sample should be half of the length of the sample at time of application on the tubes/rods.)
label.
Examples:
10 mm x 20 mm for a 8 mm diameter tube/rod
15 mm x 35 mm for a 15 mm diameter tube/rod
Test pieces should be cut in the machine direction AND in

the cross direction. Three test pieces should be taken from
material sample. Cuts should be clean and straight.
test conditions
Test pieces should be conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and
50% ± 5% RH during at least 16 hours before being cut.
Other conditions might be used, but this must be clearly
reported.

mandrel hold
FTM24
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during

the test, leaving residueof adhesive on both the
AF Adhesive Failure – the adhesive separates cleanly
from the test panel.
the test panel.
The approximate extent of transfer should be
quoted as percentage
Indicate any deviations from above procedure.

The labelled tubes/rods are inspected after 1 week. The
edge lifting if any, is measured in mm at each side of the
label (l1, l2). notes
Edge lift is the total length of each label no longer in contact
with the test tube/rod divided by 2, e.g.: (l1 + l2)/2. Specific application equipment can be used to reduce
variation of results due to “light finger” application
procedure.
The results of the tests are very much dependant of the

face materials used. These materials need to be well
identified and their specification well known.
Issued May 2001
results
Report identification of the samples and test tubes/rods
materials.
Calculate and report the mean value of the 3 tests for the
edge lift measurement described above for each sample/
testing material, and the time evolved since application of
the face material.
Describe the type of failure (AF, CF, AT).

evaluation of the silicone
FTM25 coverage of coated papers by use

of a water based stain test
scope test equipment

This test method describes a technique for assessing the • Cobb Tester with ring of an approximate diameter of
quality of coverage of silicone coatings. This test can only 11,5 cm.
be carried out on paper based liners which can be coloured
by the stain test solution utilised. • Count down stopwatch with alarm function.
• Small container, marked to show level occupied by

definition 200ml of Stain.
Silicone coverage quality is commonly evaluated by water • Test stain solution.

soluble dye stain testing.
There are many dye stains used, available both in solution • Absorbent cleaning paper.
(which can be directly used), and powder form (which
must be prepared). These include Shirlastain ‘A’, Malachite
Green, Methylene Blue, Hahn Stain, Rhodamine 6 GDN and test pieces
Neocarmine A).
Where possible, several samples should be evaluated from
For paper substrates only, a quantity of liquid dye stain is the release sheet.
applied to the silicone coated liner for a finite period of If these are from a known position on the web their
time, rinsed or wiped off and the liner dried. location should be noted for reference.
Coverage is then determined by visual inspection or by
colorimeter (for a more quantitative measurement). In
general the darker the coloration from the stain solution, test conditions
the poorer the silicone coverage.
procedure

Stain Solution Preparation
If a pre-prepared stain solution is used (such as “Shirlastain

A”), then no stain solution preparation is necessary and the
solution can be directly used.
For all other dyes a stain solution needs to be prepared
first. The following steps outline the procedure to prepare a
‘typical’ stain solution where the concentration level of dye
is approximately 0.5 wt%;

coverage of coated papers by use
FTM25
a. Take a 1 litre container (a capped polyethylene bottle 6. Blot the test piece dry with absorbent paper or cotton
is suitable), and place on an electronic balance. swab (DO NOT RUB), and allow the dried sample to sit
b. Wearing the appropriate safety equipment*, and for a further 5 minutes (method usually recommended
taking care when handling the dye, weigh out carefully with Shirlastain ‘A’), before examining or making
5g of dye into the container (Malachite Green Oxalate, measurements on the sample.
Neocarmine A, Methylene Blue or Chrystalline Violet Alternatively, the sample can be rinsed under a
are some of the recommended materials). running tap and then blotted dry (method usually
c. Measure out 1 litre of distilled water using the recommended with Malachite Green). Once dry, the
measuring cylinder and add to the container. Seal and sample can then be examined / measured.
shake the container thoroughly to dissolve the dye.
*Safety comment results

Particular care should be taken to read and follow the safe
handling instructions for the dye as many of the materials The visual assessment of the sample should be to assess
are hazardous in their pure state. Although the final 0.5 for general level of colour of the sample and to look for
wt% dye solutions are not usually considered hazardous, evidence of dye penetration into the base paper. For
it is still recommended to wear protective gloves when good silicone coverage there should ideally be NO sign
handling them. of penetration by the stain solution. Penetration of the
stain is identified by the appearance of dark lines or spots.
Coverage test The deeper and more visible the stain, the greater the
risk of an adhesive being able to penetrate through the
1. Cut a 14 cm x 14 cm (or size suited to Cobb tester release coating and into the base substrate, which could
used), sample of release liner (or liner of self-adhesive cause issues with release force (leading possibly to label
laminate after removal of face material). Care must be dispensing failures, tape release problems etc.).
taken to ensure that there are no holes or perforations If the particular sample being tested is deemed satisfactory
present in the backing paper. In all cases, regardless of in all other performance requirements, then it should
the substrate or dye being used, care should be taken be used as a benchmark for future tested samples. Each
to avoid contact with the silicone surface prior to backing paper type should have its own benchmark
testing since this may introduce imperfections in the sample for comparison (i.e. a silicone coated liner where
stain result. the performance is deemed acceptable and where the
2. Place the release liner sample on the base of the Cobb stain test has been carried out). Future tests can then be
tester, silicone side up, under the test ring. compared against the benchmark sample (or range of
3. Clamp the ring securely in place to prevent the stain samples if a more precise rating is required), and results
leaking out during the test. should be the same as, or better than the ‘acceptable’
4. Add 200 ml of the ‘Stain’ solution into the Cobb coverage benchmark. It is also possible to use this test to
tester and start the stopwatch / clock. The ‘exposure’ establish a graded ‘scale’ of silicone coverage from 0 – 10
time used should be adjusted to suit the dye where:
solution but also the type of substrate paper and
silicone coat weight. See below some typical starting • 0 = Total stain of paper surface equivalent to that of
recommendations for the different stains. unsiliconised paper
Neocarmine A - • 10 = Perfect stain with no sign of coloration
an exposure time of 60 sec is typical
Methylene Blue -
Malachite Green -
Shirlastain ‘A’ -
5. At the end of the specified ‘exposure time’ chosen
for the test, immediately drain off the stain solution,
unclamp the test ring and lift it away from the sample.
(Yellow glassine paper with different levels of silicone coverage,
stained with a solution of Methylene Blue.)

FTM25 coverage of coated papers by use

The ‘acceptable’ level of coverage would need to be set

depending on other product performance criteria.
For a more quantitative measure of silicone coverage, the

degree of coloration of the coated paper sample may be
used. A colorimeter should be used to measure the colour
‘vector’ values for the sample and then compared against
the same measurement for the uncoated base paper to
give a “Delta – E” value for the sample. A specification may
then be set on the target “Delta – E” that is acceptable.
Though this method can give a quantification of the stain
test, attention must still be paid to the regularity of the
coverage (to look for defects in the coating), as the colour
measurement only gives an ‘average’ of the surface. The
usual approach is to accompany the colour measurement
on the sample with a descriptive comment about the
sample.
safety
It is strongly recommended to carefully read and follow
the Safe Handling instructions for the dye being used
(especially when handling the undiluted dye during
solution preparation). In addition, it is recommended to
always wear protective gloves , even when handling the
final dye solution.
notes
The most commonly used dye solution is the Malachite
solution. This based on using the dye Malachite Green
Oxalate (Basic Green 4), C.I. number 42000. Malachite
solutions should be stored in well closed containers and
kept away from exposure to daylight. Storage life of the
solution is about 1 month.
Alternative dyes could be used to replace Malachite Green
Oxalate, such as:
• Chrystalline Violet
• Methylene Blue
• Neocarmine A – Recommended for yellow coloured
liners as the colouration is red
If a pre-prepared dye solution is preferred, then one

recommendation is to consider SHIRLASTAIN ‘A’ which is
supplied by.
SDL Atlas Ltd.

www.sdlatlas.com.
For addresses please consult section 3.3. of this book.

FTM26
wash-off paper and film
labels
scope procedure
This test procedure describes the preparations and testing
of pressure-sensitive adhesives, which can be washed off
with aqueous alkaline solution.
This test procedure can be used for the testing of the

detachability of pressure-sensitive adhesives in a hot,
aqueous alkaline solution.
definition
“Wash-off ability” is the ability of an adhesive to detach
itself quickly and completely in a 1.0-2.0% solution of
sodium hydroxide at 65 - 75°C.
The content of NaOH and the wash-off temperature has to
be noted in the report.
test equipment
• Heatable magnetic stirrer.
• Magnetic stirring bar. After storage, fill the bottles with water at the testing
• 2 - 5 litre glass beaker. temperature and immediately immerse the bottle in the
• Thermometer. prepared solution of sodium hydroxide at the testing
• Glass bottles (glass bottle type and the pre-treatment temperature. The labelled part of the bottle has to be fully
of the glass surface, such as specific coatings, washings, covered by the liquid.
etc. have to be mentioned in the report).
results
preparation
Indicate the time in seconds until the labels become
Label and adhesive should be adapted for wash-off purpose. detached.
The label material can be paper or filmic.
Cut out labels with a dimension of 60 x 80 mm from the Report where you find the adhesive after the label has
finished coating. detached:
Prior to testing, clean the glass bottles in a dishwasher at • On the bottle
min. 65°C. • On the label
The use of an alkaline cleaner is recommended. • Both on the label and the bottle
Most of the glass bottles are recycled or re-used bottles.

The life / cycling time of the glass bottle may influence the notes
test results. It is recommended to use new bottles after
the first washing. In any case, the state of the glass bottle The type of face stock material, paper or filmic, its
should be mentioned in the report. properties and condition such as porous, non porous, semi
permeable, etc., influence the “wash-off ability” significantly.
Furthermore, printing coverage, especially UV-varnish,
test pieces affects the wash-off times. It is recommended to perform
trials with printed labels. Additionally, ageing of the labelled
Prior to testing, remove the silicone release backing from glass bottles e.g. outdoor storage, UV-light or humidity may
the label and stick the label onto the glass bottle. Store affect also the wash-off result. Deviations from the testing
the bond for at least 24 hours under standard climate method have to be mentioned in the report.
conditions: 23°C ± 2°C, 50% RH ± 5% RH
Issued October 2008, Revised January 2014

rub test for uv printed labels ink / varnish
FTM27 surface against substrate or ink / varnish

surface against ink / varnish surface
scope preparation and procedure

This test method is suitable for checking out rub resistance 1. Remove one label from the master reel sample.
of printed UV ink or varnish: ink or varnish surface against 2. Cut off a short piece of blank substrate from the reel in
substrate or UV ink or varnish surface against UV ink or the size of the rubber bed on the right hand side of the
varnish surface.Bad adhesion cannot be detected with Ink Rub Tester.
this method as long as scratch or rub resistance is good. 3. Adhere blank substrate to the rubber bed on the right
The specific resistances must be determined with different hand side of the Ink Rub Tester and adhere the printed
methods, e.g. FTM 21. In difficult cases bad adherence and label to the rubber of the 2 lbs* weight. It is important
bad rub resistance can occur together. that the sample on the 2 lbs weight is covered with ink
This test procedure can be handled by lab personnel of a all over the test area.
printing factory or a pressman / production manager who 4. Place the 2 lbs weight completely with label onto the
is instructed to the Ink Rub Tester equipment. retaining clip. Both printed label and substrate should be
facing each other ink side to substrate surface.
5. Set up the machine to 100 moves per minute.
definition 6. Set the machine to 25 cycles and press start.
7. At the end of the cycles, observe the labels for rub of or
Normally rub resistance is a question of through curing or scratch off.
reactivity of an UV ink or varnish. Rubbing off or scratching 8. If rub of or scratch off is present, repeat the test after the
off describes the damage of an UV ink or varnish surface following improvement trials using fresh printed labels
by mechanical influence, e.g. two labelled bottles rubbing for every trial:
against each other during transport. • decrease printing speed or
Scratch or rub resistance describes the mechanical • add suitable photo initiator to the UV ink if available
resistance of an ink or varnish surface. • choose an anilox roll with less volume as long as
Further causes for ink or varnish rub off are listed in chapter colour shade is still sufficient or
“remarks”. • add 5% of blending varnish as long as colour shade
is still sufficient
• replace UV bulb
test equipment • clean up UV lamp reflector
• check substrate for excess abrasivity
• Ink Rub Tester (e.g. Testing Machines Inc.) • consider label design to limit damage from rubbing
• Heating cabinet. • consider applying a protective overprint varnish if not
already present
It is important to do the tests step by step to expose the real

cause of bad rub or scratch resistance. If the problem cannot
be solved 100% at any test take a second sample and repeat
the related test with the best result after 2 hours in an oven at
40°C – 104°F or 8 hours at room temperature 21°C – 70°F**. If
the problem persists change the batch of ink. If there is still no
improvement contact the ink supplier.
Pictures 1+2: Ink Rub Tester
* 1 lb = 453.6 g
** The radical UV system has an element of post cure,
test pieces which can take up to 24 hours.
Printed labels should be fresh from the press.

Blank substrate should be from the same reel currently results
being printed on.
To give an impression of
good and bad test results
conditions please look at the following
pictures.
Conditions should be at 23° ±-2°C / 70 - 77°F ±- ;
50% RH ±- 5% RH. Picture 3: Slightly scratched ink
surface: sufficient result

rub test for uv printed labels ink / varnish
surface against substrate or ink / varnish
surface against ink / varnish surface
FTM27
silicone in inks and varnishes
If inks consist of silicone this migrates to the surface
and works like a lubrication. Then a rub resistance test
can end in a good result even if the ink does not have
fundamentally good rub resistance. Silicone residues
should be carefully wiped off with a 70% isopropyl alcohol
before starting this test.
Picture 4: Substrate in Picture 5: Bad rub resistance Most of the labels are overprinted with a varnish to
comparison: surface is scratched caused by bad ink reactivity or provide different functions to the final product. E.g. if slip
through curing. Ink can be properties are to be improved a silicone containing varnish
scratched and rubbed easily. will be applied. Then it is essential that the label is tested
at its final status. It might then appear as reasonable to
Rating scale repeat the test procedure of 25 cycles or to extend to a
Level 1: Slightly scratched surface < 5% damage, no meaningful number of cycles related to the final use of the
scratch off, no rub off, no substrate visible printed label.
Level 2: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film,
< 10% substrate visible Matte varnishes
Level 3: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film, Matte varnishes are printed to achieve an e.g. decorative
10 - 30% substrate visible or haptic effect. To deliver consistency during product life,
Level 4: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film, it is necessary to apply varnish types with a sufficient rub
30 - 60% substrate visible resistance to avoid polishing. It is recommended to apply
Level 5: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film, the rub resistance test considering a meaningful number of
> 60% substrate visible cycles related to the final use of the printed label.
remarks notes
It is normal that the ink surface will be scratched by this test This test is to be repeated with ink side to ink side if
method even if there is a proper curing (Level 1). But the ink required. Then also the sample on the rubber bed should
should not be rubbed off (please view picture 3)! Level 1 have an ink coverage all over the test area.
should be the target to be achieved. If wet rub resistance is to be checked repeat the test with
Depending on the substrate quality also this can be scratched a drop of water applied onto the sample mounted on the
by this test method (please view picture 4). rubber bed on the right hand side of the Ink Rub Tester.
If the ink should be removed completely by this test, then rub
resistance is an issue together with poor reactivity (picture 5).
combination printing
Absorbant label stock
In case of label stock material with high absorbance (for In cases of combining water born inks with a UV Flexo
example matte label paper) it should be considered that overprint varnish it is reasonable to set up the test as a
the full curing of the ink or varnish film may be insufficient wet rub resistance test. Then beside damage of the varnish
because the UV radiation does not penetrate the film surface ink bleeding can be the indicator for bad curing of
layer completely due to absorbtion into the substrate. the overprint varnish. If ink bleeding occurs not only the
Consequently, the rub resistance of an UV ink or varnish curing of the overprint varnish might be insufficient but also
film may be insufficient. A preliminary tape test will result the curing/drying of the waterborne ink. Then the curing of
in a split ink film. This effect should be resolved before ink and varnish should be checked individually.
carrying out the rub resistance test, e.g. by printing a
transparent white before the colour shade. Required material for the wet rub resistance test:
Further causes for insufficient rub resistance can be: • Pipette
• Water
• Wrong combination of substrate and ink or varnish; • Labels and substrates as described under ‘Test Pieces’
• Rough substrate surface;
• Excessive ink film weight; Issued October 2008
• Abrasively of contact surface (if not face-to-face contact Revised July 2019
e.g. inappropriate transit packaging design)

FTM28
evaluation of bleeding
through paper
scope procedure
This procedure describes the spectrometric assessment Ageing:
of the migration of a label adhesive through the paper • Place the strip (sample B) to be tested in oven, by
substrate at elevated temperature. piling up the strips of samples on top of the other with
polyester films between the samples.
• Do the same for sample C.
test equipment • Take the samples out of the oven after 2 weeks ageing.
Allow to cool down to room temperature.
• Ventilated ovens.
Testing:
• Paper cutter. Differences between aged samples (B) and references
(A and C) can be observed either visually or measured with
• Substrate: Label paper, release liner as appropriate, and a spectrophotometer.
polyester film.
1. Visual comparison:
• Reflectance Spectrophotometer Example: Hunterlab
Ultrascan XE. The aged samples are compared to reference A, to detect
any bleed through.
The samples are either ranked on bleed through
test pieces characteristics or on their non acceptance if any bleeding
occurs.
These should be strips from representative samples of label
material. (e.g. of the 3 layers: label paper, adhesive and 2. Use of a spectrophotometer
release paper)
Reference sample:
For each sample being evaluated, and for each temperature
at which the test will be done, prepare 3 strips of samples • Place the center of sample A or C at the reflectance
of about 5 cm x 20 cm, cut in the machine coated direction. port, with the label paper facing the transmittance port.
• Set the spectrophotometer as follows:
Prepare following samples: • Scale: CIELAB
• Illuminant: C
Sample A: label laminate • Observer: 2°
(face paper ± adhesive ±release paper) • Area view: Large
Sample B: label laminate • Selected Indices: WI E313-98
Sample C: non coated face paper
• Measure whiteness index (according to ASTM E 313)
in the middle of each of the three samples which have
test conditions been prepared.
Sample A is kept as reference for further testing. Aged samples:

Sample B and C are exposed to accelerating ageing at
60oC during 2 weeks. Measure whiteness index (according to ASTM E 313) in
the middle of each of the three samples which have been
Sample B can be tested either : prepared.
• under light pressure from a carton board which will
ensure that the sample remains flat after test,
• or under a pressure of about 70 g/cm2 which would
simulate roll pressure during storage.
Sample C will be aged, and kept under light pressure under

a cardboard to ensure it will remain flat (see samples B).
Above time and temperature can be adjusted to fit special

requirements.

FTM28
evaluation of bleeding
through paper
results
Calculate the average for each set of 3 readouts.
Average whiteness index of the aged coated samples B = WI(B)

Average whiteness index of reference sample A = WI(A)
Average whiteness index of reference sample C = WI(C)
The bleed through resistance BTR (%) is measured as:
The smaller the drop, the lower the degree of bleed

through and the better the quality of the label.
notes
Detailed information on how to use the Hunterlab
Ultrascan XE spectrophotometer are provided in the
Hunterlab operating manual.
The following internet site:
https://www.hunterlab.com/
?q=labscan-xe-spectrophotometer.html
is providing explanations on the various color scales, color

difference scales, indices, and procedures available for
display in the data views of Universal Software used by the
Hunterlab equipment.
Universal Software performs integration of reflectance/
transmittance values over the visible spectrum to arrive at
tristimulus X, Y, and Z values. The ASTM 308 is providing
more information on how to calculate the tristimulus
values.
Issued March 2012

Address revised August 2019

FTM29
scratch resistance of an uv ink
film on different print materials
scope
This test method describes how to test the scratch resistance
of a UV ink film applied to different printed surfaces.
For this test to give reliable results it is important that the
ink has been cured to a sufficient level, and this can be
checked in advance using FTM 2, or as a quick check a
thumb smear test can be used.
This test method is also suitable for water based and

solvent based inks and varnishes, although the original test Picture 2: Tip of the Tungsten Carbide Tool
development has been done with UV inks.
This relatively simple test procedure can be performed by test pieces

lab personnel of a printing facility or any other who has
been instructed in use of the test equipment. The printed labels should be fresh from the press. The test
can be performed directly after printing or after 24 hours
storage.
definition Non printed label material should also be tested to confirm
that the unprinted surface is not being damaged by too
The scratch resistance of an ink is normally dependent on high a spring force, rather than the ink layer itself being the
the level of curing of the ink film both at the surface curing point of failure. This will avoid confusing a failure of the
and within the bulk of the ink. The scratching of the ink film printing with a failure of the label material being printed.
describes the damage of an ink surface through mechanical
means, e.g. by the edge of a metallic spatula.
conditions
test equipment Temperature 23° ±-2° C / 70 - 77° F ±-
Humidity: 50% RH ±- 5% RH.
Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester (referred to
as a „Sclerometer“).
The Sclerometer is provided with three springs which preparation and procedure
operate at different levels of force:
• natural: 0 – 3 N (0 lbf to 0.67 lbf) Preparation of print sample
• Red: 0 – 10 N (0 lbf to 2.2 lbf) 1. Remove one label from the master reel.
• Blue: 0 – 20 N (0 lbf to 4.5 lbf) 2. Put it on a hard surface. A polished steel plate is
prefered. The surface should be free of any scratches/
For each spring a different scale is engraved on the shank marks. If necessary fix the sample in place with
of the Sclerometer matched to the colour of the spring. adhesive tape avoiding any wrinkles.
The tip of the Scleromteter consists of a tool with a 0,75 Preparation of Sclerometer
mm (0,03“) diameter tungsten carbide tip. This is moved Loosen the knurled screw and slide of the collar off the
over the specimen with different preset spring force. Sclerometer. Select the appropriate spring and insert into
the Sclerometer. Always choose the natural spring as the
weakest to begin. Refit the collar. Find the scale on the
Sclerometer which matches the colour of the spring and
adjust the tip force by sliding the collar to the required
setting on the scale. Tighten the knurled screw.
Procedure
1. Place the Sclerometer perpendicular to the surface
being tested and apply sufficient downwards force to
compress the spring by approx. 2 mm. Do not allow
the bottom of the Sclerometer (other than the tip), to
Picture 1: Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester touch the surface being tested.

FTM29
scratch resistance of an uv ink
film on different print materials
2. Move the Sclerometer to produce a linear scratch of Level 1: Distorted surface; no ink scratched off; only
approximately 20 mm in length. the ink surface distorted.
3. Inspect the tested surface of the sample for any sign Level 2: Scratched ink surface; ink has been removed
of damage. from surface but surface of printing material is not visible.
Level 3: Ink film is scratched off; surface of printing
If the ink surface is not damaged set the spring material is visible.
compression to the next required force position and repeat
steps 1 – 3.
remarks
Once a scratch becomes visible it should be examined
using a magnifying glass, to determine whether there has There will nearly always be some slight distortion of the
only been a deformation on the ink surface or whether ink surface depending on the selected spring force, even if
the ink has been scratched away from the surface. If it the curing of the ink is excellent (level 1 on the scale), but
is confirmed that the ink has been scratched from the the ink film should not be so scratched that the printing
surface then it is important to identify whether it is only material surface becomes visible (see image 3). The target
the upper layers of ink that have been removed (indicating should always be to achieve a “Level 1” result.
cohesive failure within the ink), or whether the ink has
been removed down to the printing material. Both the The wide range of printing materials and printing inks
level of curing of the ink and the spring force used for available in the market means that it is not possible to
the Sclerometer will have an impact on this result. This specify a single spring force that can be applied for all
investigation is important to create comparable test results. testing. This has to be evaluated for each print sample
individually. The target should be to identify the highest
possible spring force at which a “level 1” result can still be
results achieved for that print material and then use this is as a
minimum for the final printed product using that material.
The advantage of this method is the simplicity with which

it can be used to reproduce the same level of scratch
resistance for repeated print jobs with the same materials
or jobs using similar materials.
Different self-adhesive materials have different softness.

This leads to a different deformation of substrate and ink
and substrate together. The softer a material is, the easier
it might be damaged/scratched. This means that the same
ink on a harder substrate can be tested with a higher spring
force than on a softer material.
Picture 3: Distorted ink surface alongside scratched ink surface
Silicone and wax in printing inks
Silicone and waxes inside the ink intend to migrate to
the surface after curing. Waxes also have the function of
increasing scratch resistance. These migratory materials
can be pushed aside with increasing spring force, but these
inks can still be tested by this method.
Combination printing
Where ink is applied in several layers using different
printing techniques on the same line, it is important to
measure each ink layer separately directly on the printing
material. This does not mean however that overprinting ink
layers are not also tested, as it is important to understand
Picture 4: Substrate in comparison: the surface is distorted above adhesion between different ink layers. This is especially the
the blue line case if printed using different print processes. The skilled
knowledge of the ink supplier is then important.
The scratch appearance as described in the “procedure”
leads to the following rating scale: Issued September 2013

FTM30
measurement of the uv drying of
uv-inks and white print colours
application procedure
This test method is intended for the testing of UV-curing Using a pipette, a drop of the potassium permanganate
transparent lacquers and UV-White inks. It is not suitable solution should be applied to an area of the lacquer/white
for testing coloured UV-inks as the test method is based on ink directly after printing and crosslinking of the material.
colour comparison testing. This test is only of limited use in Leave the solution in contact with the sample for
the evaluation of ‘matte’ lacquers. 60 seconds, and then absorb/soak-up the remainder of the
drop using the absorbent paper followed by a brief wipe of
the surface. The colour density of the treated area should
definition then be measured using a colorimeter and the result
compared against a similar colorimeter measurement on
This test method exploits the reaction of Potassium the untreated background.
Permanganate (KMnO4, 5% solution in water), with
remaining unreacted acrylate groups present in the UV-
Lacquer. Unreacted acrylate groups are oxidized by the
Potassium Permanganate solution, and become visible as
they undergo a colour change to dark brown. The colour
density of the dark spots on the surface correlates well to
the crosslinking level of the lacquer and can be measured
using a colorimeter. The darker the spot, the worse the
lacquer crosslinking is.
test equipment
• Stopwatch (with countdown and alarm functions) Picture 1: Place a drop of solution on the lascquer Absorb excess,
• Container with 5% potassium permanganate solution don’t wipe!
• Pipette
• Absorbent paper for cleaning
• Colorimeter
test pieces
Test labels either printed with the lacquer/white ink applied
over a ‘white’pre-printed background or labels with an
unprinted but white coloured base. For instances where
the lacquer/white is printed on a transparent film without a
white pre-printed background, it is still possible to run the
test by placing the test sample over a white background (e.g. Picture 2: Take a reference measurement on the white background
white paper or plastic sheet). The white background should
be large enough so that it is possible to make at least one
reference measurement as well as one test measurement.
test conditions
The label samples must be taken freshly from the printing
press. They must then be in contact with droplets of
potassium permanganate solution for 60 seconds before
soaking up the excess solution using absorbent paper
(taking care not to ‘wipe’ the solution across the surface).
The colour density is then immediately measured with Picture 3: Measure the treated area
the colorimeter in the dark spots as well as a reference
measurement on the untreated white background.

FTM30
measurement of the uv drying of
uv-inks and white print colours
results comments
Each user must define their own colour density limits for For very poorly crosslinked inks, there is the possibility
the correct level of drying/crosslinking of their own specific that the permanganate solution can be ‘absorbed’ within
ink (see comments). the ink layer leading to inaccurate results. It is therefore
recommended to always combine this test with other
An example of a typical crosslinking curve for a printing assessments of the ink (such as the smell and tackiness of
ink is shown below. Such a curve must be developed the ink surface), to have the most reliable evaluation of the
individually for each different printing ink or lacquer. level of ink drying/crosslinking.
Inks and lacquers are made up of a wide range of different

raw materials. For this reason it is not possible to use
this as a ‘comparison’ test for comparing the reactivity of
different inks and lacquers. It is critical that this test only be
used to measure the level of drying/crosslinking of a single
specific ink/lacquer.
High siliconised lacquers can repel the test solution.

Therefore, their surface must be carefully cleaned with a
cotton cloth.
Practical Observations
Comparative tests carried out by a number of different
label producers have indicated that:
• Colour density results of ≤0.8 are usually associated

with an acceptable level of drying/crosslinking;
• Results between 0.8 and 1.2 may indicate some
undercure of the ink/lacquer;
• Results ≥1.2 can be considered ‘critical’.
These density values are related to KmNO4 spots on a

white background. As most of the times the varnish is
applied on top of colour shades, this values cannot be
considered. Instead they will appear as more dark and less
useful to distinguish good and bad curing. Consequently,
it is mandatory to print a varnish spot beside the image
design if ever possible.
Issued November 2016

Revised July 2019

It is important that a join in a self-adhesive laminate should be
made in such a way that it will minimize problems
joinswhen
2.1
recommended in
converted into roll labels. The join should
self be angled
-adhesive so that the
laminates
feed-in is gradual, the width of facing tapelabels
and backing tape
SECTION for roll
should differ so that there is not too great a step in increased
thickness and the total thickness of the join should be kept to a
minimum in order to avoid damage to or misplacement of the
cutters.
conversion
The following specification is recommended:
a) The angle of the join should be 10° - 30° from the cross
It is important that a join in a self-adhesive laminate should be
made in suchdirection.
a way that it will minimize problems when
converted into roll labels. The join should be angled so that
b) The width of tape on the facing paper should be at least >

the feed-in is gradual, the width of facing tape and backing
tape should differ so that there is not too great a step in
30 mm.
increased thickness and the total thickness of the join should
be kept to a minimum in order to avoid damage to or mis-
placement of the cutters.
c) The width of tape on the backing paper should be broader
than
The following the is tape
specification of the face material > 36 mm.
recommended:
a. The angle of the join should be 10° - 30° from the

d) The tape between the face and the backing paper should be
cross direction.
b.
a smaller tape, at least < 20 mm.
The width of tape on the facing paper should be at
least > 30 mm.
e) The tapes should have a thickness of no more than
c.
0.063mm inclusive of adhesive.
g. Where applicable, the tapes should withstand the
The width of tape on the backing paper should be
temperatures involved in label printing processes.
broader than the tape of the face material > 36 mm.
d. f) The tape used on the backing paper should be a colored

The tape between the face and the backing paper Issued October 1985
tape for ease of identification but the tape on the face March 1999
should be a smaller tape, at least < 20 mm. Revised:
e. material
The tapes should have can either
a thickness bethan
of no more a colored tape for a similar reason,October or
2008
a white printable tape for use with laminates which are to be

0.063 mm inclusive of adhesive.
f. converted
The tape to paper
used on the backing security
should beor
a sequentially numbered labels, i.e.
coloredwhen alloflabels
tape for ease must
identification but thebe
tape accounted
on for.
the face material can either be a colored tape for a
similar reason, or a white printable tape for use with
g) Where applicable the tapes should withstand the
laminates which are to be converted to security or
temperatures involved in label printing processes.
sequentially numbered labels, i.e. when all labels must
be accounted for.
Tape
Adhesive Face material
Adhesive
Adhesive
Tape
Silicone
Adhesive
Backing paper
Tape

processing recommendations
SECTION 2.2
roll stock
1. Generally, self-adhesive paper roll stock can be 10. With UV cured inks, always check the cure before
considered as normal paper with respect to ink choice proceeding. Checks should be made at regular
etc. synthetics. Filmic and foil roll stock, however often intervals on UV output of the lamps.
need special materials involving consultation with ink
suppliers. 11. It is advisable to use an antistatic bar at the point
of matrix de-lamination for easy matrix removal
2. Corona treatment is required for filmic face stock by neutralizing the generated static charge by de-
to enhance the ink adhesion. When the substrate lamination. This prevents matrix break.
is corona pre-treated, it is advisable to refresh the
corona treatment on press. 12. Avoid excessive tension in reels of finished labels. This
will prevent bleeding and label shifting.
3. Chemically top coated filmic face stock substrates
should not be corona treated on press without prior 13. Wind finished labels on to cores of an appropriate size.
contact with the supplier. Large labels should not be wound on to small cores. It
is therefore advisable to use 6” core instead of 3” core
4. Always check with the supplier if his material to prevent the label curling.
can withstand the intended process conditions,
particularly if excessive temperatures or unusual web 14. Finished work should be shrouded in polythene prior
feed patterns are involved. to packing.
5. Do not change the winding direction of the roll prior to 15. Wherever possible, the manufacturer’s batch/order
conversion, as this will alter the release properties and references should be retained in case of complaints.
could affect curl problems.
16. To take dust out of the roll stock it is advisable to use
6. Always use the correct die for the product. Therefore a web cleaner on un-wind section.
it is advisable to mention to the die manufacturer the
type of face stock substrate. 17. To reduce the static electricity mainly from the filmic
roll stock it is advisable to use antistatic devices
7. Labels should be designed with matrix stripping in between the printing units and before web rewinding.
mind. Refer to the supplier if complex shapes are
involved. Wherever possible, use round corners for Revised May 2001
labels and avoid narrow matrices. Revised October 2008
Revised July 2019
8. Check the depth of die-cutting before proceeding with
any lengthy run.
Excessive die pressure will cause weakening of
the backing paper / liner and should be avoided
in products intended for high speed automatic
application. Check also the dimensional size of the
label because on filmic you can have a retraction
of the material generally on wide press or during
processing.
9. Use the minimum amount of heat for hot air drying

inks e.g. water and solvent based inks to avoid the
temperature increase of the web. It is advisable to
keep the web temperature on re-wind under 24°C.

SECTION 2.2 processing recommendations
filmic sheet stock paper sheet stock
1. Check that the ink is compatible with the product to 1. Self-Adhesive paper sheet stock can be considered
be used and is approved or recommended by the ink as normal paper with respect to ink type, dryers,
supplier. retarders, etc.
2. Allow sufficient unprinted edge trim on the screen to 2. When using self-adhesive sheet stock in offset litho
prevent edge lift due to shrinkage. printing, however the following points should be
noted:
3. Avoid excessive amounts of thinners or retarders to
prevent shrinkage. a) Reset the impression nip between the
blanket and plate cylinder to allow for the extra
4. Ensure that all machinery in the vicinity of solvent thickness. This will reduce problems of tail edge
fumes is fitted with anti-static devices and solvent creasing, misregister etc.
extractors where possible. b) The double sheet trip should always be used to
prevent any damage to plates, etc.
5. Use a minimum of heat to dry the ink in order to avoid c) Always use minimum of damping to prevent
sheet curl. edge waving, etc.
d) To prevent edge curl, always shroud sheets in
6. When using a jet drier for multi-colour runs, shroud polythene between colors if multi-colour
the sheets in polythene between runs to prevent machines are not being used.
sheet curl.
3. Finished work should be shrouded in polythene until
7. When rack drying, avoid changes in temperature or cut and boxed.
humidity between runs to prevent sheet curl.
4. The manufacturer’s recommendations on guillotining
8. Always allow sufficient time between passes for each and slitting should be used.
colour to dry. This is of particular importance in the
case of flood coating. 5. Wherever possible, retain the manufacturer’s batch/
order references in case of complaint.
9. Print successive close-register colours as soon as
possible after each other. Printing separate colours Issued May 1987
under different atmospheric conditions will cause
difficulties with register.
10. Finished work should be shrouded in polythene until

cut and boxed.
11. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations

on guillotining and slitting.
12. Wherever possible, retain the manufacturer’s batch/

order references in case of complaint.

surfaces requiring caution
SECTION 2.3
Caution should be exercised when labelling surfaces listed Ageing
below. In many cases products are available which will Surfaces where adhesive may be significantly exposed
overcome the problems of application and you are strongly over time to severe environmental conditions resulting
recommended to contact your material supplier. in eventual breakdown and failure of the adhesive, e.g.
drum labelling, exposure to salt water, and or high levels of
Surfaces where damage can be caused by application or sunlight.
removal of self-adhesive products
Weaker bonded surface finishes e.g. (plasticized/soft) Applications where specific advice should be sought
PVC, flock coated fabric, acrylic vehicle paint, paper, card. Direct food labelling, toy labelling, any medical or
Animal skins and natural fibres, e.g. suede, leather wool. pharmaceutical applications, e.g. direct skin contact,
Tarnishable metal surfaces, e.g. copper, brass, silver. blood bags, phials, items requiring sterilization processes.
Some coated glass surfaces e.g. self cleaning, and optical Apparel and fabric labelling, leather, luxury goods, extreme
lenses. environment exposures e.g. temperatures 80°C or -20°C,
direct/continuous exposure to sunlight, UV, seawater or
Surfaces to which it is difficult to obtain satisfactory chemicals.
adhesion
Low energy surfaces where ‘wetting’ is difficult e.g. (See also Section 2.6 Qualitative Adhesion testing)
PT.F.E., untreated polyolefins, silicone treated or
contaminated surfaces, surfaces chemically treated for Issued March 1987
corrosion resistance, waxed surfaces, printed polyethylene Revised:
(polyamide inks), greasy surfaces. Surface energy changes May 2001
due to migration or loss of effectiveness of pre-treatment. October 2008
Rough surfaces where surface contact is likely to be

low, lacquered finishes, cork, foam, open weave fabrics,
embossed finishes, unglazed pottery.
Moist and/or cold surfaces where adhesive tack will

be momentarily deadened by either water or the low
temperature e.g. surfaces with condensation bloom, ice,
deep frozen food and chilled packs.
Irregular shaped surfaces in particular curved surfaces of

less than 25 mm diameter where the label is applied to the
convex surface (phials, ampoules, bottle miniatures).
Dusty, friable, oily surfaces where adhesive tack may be

destroyed on surface contact, e.g. plaster, rusty metal,
masonry, concrete and tires.
Surfaces prone to gassing (caused by undercure) which if it

occurs after label application, may lead
to eventual bond failure, e.g. polycarbonate, fibreglass,
sealant.

2.4
safety guide for users of
self-adhesive label stock
SECTION products
storage fire
Normal storage principles should be applied when storing The laminates will burn in the event of contact with a
and stacking laminate rolls. See also section 2.5. flame, smoky fumes being given off by the adhesive itself.
Materials involved are generally flammable and therefore Fires may be extinguished with water provided that live
should be stored away from all sources of heat and electrical equipment is not in the vicinity. Otherwise
ignition. powder or C02 should be used. The advice of your Fire
Officer should be initially sought having regard for the
Consideration should be given to listing types of material layout of your premises and the particular operations
stored to assist the Fire Brigade in the event of fire. involved. The following extra precautions are applicable to
the products stated.
usage 1. Films
Plastic films pass through a melt stage and will
1. Handling therefore drip before burning - this may cause severe
Safe methods of roll and pallet handling should be burns if skin contact is made. In the event of a fire,
applied. During un-banding pallets, care should be the use of self contained breathing apparatus is
exercised to avoid whiplash when banding is cut – recommended during fire-fighting.
eye protection and gloves are recommended. It is
important to remember that the outside wrappers, or 2. PVC (vinyl)
laps, of a roll are for protection only and should not During combustion, hydrochloric acid gas is evolved,
be relied upon to support the roll if excessive stresses as well as dense smoke and other acrid fumes which
are applied. Ideally, lifting and movement should be can have a corrosive and irritant effect. Self contained
conducted in a safe horizontal manner using centre positive-air breathing equipment should be readily
core support where possible. available for fire fighting and rescue work.
Operators should be forewarned that self-adhesive
laminate rolls show a greater tendency to
telescope than rolls of plain paper and therefore health and safety
greater care should be exercised.
Under normal conditions of handling, no hazards are
2. Conversion anticipated, but good industrial hygiene should always
Care should be taken to avoid cuts from exposed be observed. For specialized applications e.g. food, toy
paper or laminate edges during handling. During or surgical labelling, advice should be sought from the
the conversion of pressure sensitive laminates static individual supplier.
build-up may occur. Therefore, conversion equipment
should be adequately earthed. In situations where
highly flammable solvents or inks are being used,
specialist recommendations on static elimination may
be necessary (See also Section 2.9).

2.4
safety guide for users of
self-adhesive label stock
products
SECTION
waste disposal
Waste laminate is usually classified in most countries as
“non-hazardous” but local and national regulations must
be examined and complied with.
The following points should be noted:
Vinyl laminate should only be considered for incineration

if the incinerator is suitably constructed to cope with
corrosive fumes and dense smoke, and operates under
conditions that prevent the formation of dioxins.
FINAT Solutions
While research and development efforts continue towards
material recycling solutions, FINAT has arranged a disposal
system for release liners in a number of countries.
For laminate waste, thermal recycling is recommended.

This is based on high temperature combustion as a
substitute for fuel in the cement industry and in power
stations.
For release liner there are possibilities for material

recycling, provided the waste is clean. Several collection
schemes for release liner waste are available to label
converters and users.
Such schemes can only be set up and implemented in a
collective approach for the industry.
For information, contact the FINAT secretariat or visit:

https://www.finat.com/sustainability/recycling
other information
The Technical Department of the supplier should be

contacted for any additional specific information required.
Issued January 1987

Supplement FINAT Waste Management Systems Issued
December 1995
Revised:
March 1999
October 2008

2.5
handling and storage of
label stock throughout
SECTION printing and converting
roll stock sheet stock

Receipt of goods Receipt of goods
On receiving goods into premises, inspect for signs of On receiving goods into premises, inspect for signs of
damage. Inform supplier of any shortage or damage damage. Inform supplier of any shortage or damage
immediately. immediately.
Store all material on a clean dry floor. Where goods are Store all material on a clean dry floor.
supplied on pallets, it is advisable to retain the material on Transport and store the material supported on a flat base to
these, and in the original package, until needed. prevent bending.
Rolls can be stored in horizontal or vertical position. If
stored horizontally, there is a risk for pressure mark in the Storage Conditions
area touching the ground Store in a cool and dry place.
Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH.
High temperatures might cause adhesive bleeding.
Fluctuations in humidity might cause cockles or wavy
edges.
Avoid stacking more than 10 packages on a pallet. Do not
stock pallets with stacked reams on top of each other.
Materials should not be stored near to sources of heat and
ignition, or in direct sunlight.
Horizontal storage = Vertical storage = Do not unwrap pallets and reams until required.
core aligned horizontally core aligned vertically Pay particular attention to the supplier’s recommended
shelf-life and ensure correct stock rotation.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place. Preparation of material for processing
Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH. The material should be allowed to condition (still in the
High temperatures might cause adhesive bleeding. wrapper) for at least 24 hours at printing room conditions.
Fluctuations in humidity might cause cockles or wavy Longer times might be needed if the storage conditions are
edges. radically different from the conditions in the print room.
Materials should not be stored near to sources of heat and Failure to condition sheets at print room conditions may
ignition, or in direct sunlight. create curling or wavy edges.
Do not unwrap rolls until required. If sheets require cutting before printing, then the knife of
Pay particular attention to the supplier’s recommended the guillotine should be sharp and clean. Cut the minimum
shelf-life and ensure correct stock rotation. number of sheets practicable, referring to the manufacturer
for advice if necessary. Use minimum pressure to avoid
Preparation of material for processing adhesive bleed.
Pay attention not to damage the reels when transporting Some filmic materials are best cut face down.
material with forklift trucks. If stacks are left overnight, protect from humidity changes
Remove moisture-proof wrapping and leave to attain print by shrouding with polythene.
room conditions for at least 24 hours before processing, Before printing, fan out the sheets.
as handling cold or hot material in a shop with normal
temperatures may cause wavy edges and curling. Storage and Handling of finished product
Store in a cool and dry place.
Storage and Handling of finished product Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH.
Store in a cool and dry place. Wrap in polythene and pack flat in boxes or on pallets to
Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH. give protection during transport and further handling.
Store finished coils on end (vertical storage), ideally use Take care, if banding, to avoid pressure marking.
two-side silicone release coated interleaving sheets
between the coils. Issued April 1987
Wrap in polythene and pack in boxes or on pallets to give Revised:
protection during transport and further handling. March 1999
October 2008

qualitative adhesion testing
SECTION 2.6
recommended adhesion test surfaces to be labelled
1. Cut out several labels, same size and in the same 1. Surfaces may not be what they appear to be. For
machine direction as the proposed printed label. example glass may have a protective coating or
antiscuff agent on the surface. There is no substitute
2. Peel off backing and apply to object to be labelled in for a test carried out on the actual object to be
the same position as the eventual requirement. Rub labelled.
down lightly with fingers or a rubber pad.
2. Test for adhesion under conditions which are as close
3. Ideally, prepare several samples and place one in a dry as possible to the end application. This should take
atmosphere and one in high humidity or other specific into consideration temperature and humidity.
conditions simulating potential end applications.
3. Do not carry out the test on a flat, empty plastic bag
4. Leave for 24 hours minimum before assessment of when the end-user is labelling one filled with product.
adhesion.
4. Check whether the label is to be applied to a plain or a
printed part of the pack.
assessment of adhesion
5. On plastic or filmic surfaces, materials that can migrate
to the surface may be present. Advice should be
1. Examine visually for edge lift. sought from suppliers since these materials can have a
detrimental effect on adhesion.
2. Lift up corner of the label and peel with a firm, slow
pull. Issued 1987
Revised:
3. Good adhesion should result in at least 30% fibre tear March 1999
(by area) in the label paper. October 2008
Filmic labels can only be assessed by the peel force
required to remove the label.
Removable labels can be tested in the same way, but
should not give any fibre tear or surface damage when
removed.

SECTION 2.7 adhesives
Pressure sensitive adhesives were first developed in the mid nineteenth century for self-adhesive bandages. However, it
was only ninety years later that the idea was used to make self-adhesive labels.
At that time, the adhesive used was made from natural rubber and applied by coating from a solvent solution. Today,
solvents are not very popular any more, and alternative self-adhesive materials are available. Acrylic adhesives which are
also available as water-based emulsions, have excellent ageing properties. They are easy to coat and clearly eliminate the
hazards linked with solvent coating.
Hot melt adhesives can be coated at very high coating weights, because there is no drying or curing process involved.
Due to modern coating and drying technology both types of adhesives are able to be applied at high machine speeds.
types of pressure sensitive nomenclature for adhesives

adhesives and major used in self-adhesive laminates
applications • Purpose:
To offer a standard nomenclature for describing
• Permanent different types of adhesives used in self-adhesive
An adhesive with high ultimate adhesion, where laminates. This nomenclature can be used in technical
labels are not intended to be removed. Available from leaflets, brochures and other documents, and it
standard to very high coating weights, depending on makes it easier to describe and understand the basic
the end application. composition and character of each adhesive.
• Removable, Peelable • Content:

An adhesive with a low ultimate adhesion to a wide Each adhesive should be categorized in four ways. The
range of surfaces. Careful choice of adhesive must be three first categories are compulsory, the last one optional:
made, particularly for surfaces like fabrics, paper and
plastic films. 1. Chemical basis
2. Physical state + drying/curing
• Water Removable 3. Main final use
An adhesive which releases the label by contact with 4. Additional significant properties
water. Certain adhesives already lose their adhesion
force with plain water, others need alcaline water. 1. Chemical basis:
• Acrylic (pure, tackified)
• Low Temperature • Rubber (natural, synthetic)
An adhesive capable of functioning at temperatures • Other
below +5°C, i.e. chill conditions (+5°C to -5°C), deep
freeze conditions (-5°C to -25°C) and blast freeze 2. Physical state + drying/curing
conditions (-25°C to -50°C). • Water borne
• Solvent borne
• Re-positionable • Hot melt
An adhesive which permits removal and repositioning • Radiation cured hot melt
shortly after application, prior to the development of
ultimate adhesion. 3. Main final use
• Permanent
• Food Contact • Removable
An adhesive with the appropriate F.D.A., BfR. or other • Deep-freeze
appropriate approval for application to foodstuffs. • Re-positionable
• Food contact
• Recycling Friendly • Wash-off
An adhesive which is designed to be less harmful to • Other
paper recycling; already used in N.A. for self-adhesive
stamps these adhesives support the trend of trouble 4. Additional significant properties
free recycling of self-adhesive materials. e.g. “direct food contact according to
FDA 175.125” or for pharmaceutical purposes.
Issued May 2005

Revised October 2008

unwind roll chart
SECTION 2.8
indicate unwind direction by number as follows
Extract from TLMI Manual of Recommended Standards (where the chart has 16 positions).

2.9
recommendations
regarding static electricity
SECTION
what is static electricity? factors influencing
When a material holds a net electrical charge, either

static electricity
negative or positive, it is said to have a static charge.
Polymeric substrates (plastics) generally have high Among the many factors that affect the generation and
resistivities. This allows them to maintain static charges for retention of static electricity are humidity, the substrate
long periods of time; on the other hand metals have very type, repetition and change in temperature.
low resistances. Paper has lower resistivity than plastics,
due to moisture content and polarity. Substrate
Generally, all polymeric substrates and polymeric coated
Static electricity is usually measured in volts. The voltage or laminated paper tend to become charged with static
present on a material is dependent of two factors: electricity, and some of them are more readily charged
a) the amount of charge on the material than others. Paper is less prone to become charged, but
b) the capacitance of the material it can happen especially in very dry conditions. Whether a
The simple relationship is Q=CV where Q is the charge, V substrate charges positively or negatively depend on the
the voltage and C the capacitance of the material. other material with which it has come into contact. For
example, when a polyamide (PA) film passes over a rubber
There are two major types of static electricity, volumetric nip roller, it becomes negatively charged, a polyethylene
and surface. Volumetric static charges are charge will be positively charged. The triboelectric series provides
imbalances within the body of a material, whereas surface information about the corresponding charge.
static electricity is only present on the very outer surface
of a material. All the static electricity problems found in Humidity
the web printing and converting industry relate to surface The dryer the environment of the print room, the higher
charges. Whether the charge is volumetric or on the the level of static charge, and conversely the higher the
surface of the substrate depends of the conductivity of the humidity, the lower the static charge.
substrate.
Repetition
Repeated action such as friction or separation will increase
how is static electricity created? the level of static electricity on the web. When the web
passes over many idler rollers the static charge will be
Static charges are generated by friction, contact and higher.
separation of the material as it is being pulled from the
feed roll and as the material passes over the idler rollers of Battery effect
a press or a converting machine. Rewinding the many layers of a low charged web can lead
Friction leads to closer contact thus more contact points to extremely high voltage charges. This is noticeable on the
and therefore increases the level of charge generation. roller of a rewind unit on a printing press or a slitter.
As two materials are rubbed together, the electrons
associated with the surface atoms on each material Change in temperature
come into very proximity with each other, and can be As a material cools down, it has a tendency to generate
moved from one material to the other. The donor material charge. For example, when a web passes UV-lamps or IR-
becomes positive and the absorbing material is charged dryer it gets heated; then the surface temperature of the
negatively. This effect is also called triboelectric charging. web will be cooled down by passing over a chill roller or
When static electricity is created by separation of materials, the web will cool down by itself at the room temperature.
the faster the separation, the higher the charge generated Overall, this will create static charge on the surface.
and conversely, the slower the separation the lower the
charge. The amount of charge is also dependent on the
size of the surface, the contact pressure and the respective
materials. As an example, when printing a PVC substrate
the web is moving over a PTFE (Teflon®) coated roller.
When the materials separate, the electrons tend to adhere
to the PTFE, generating a negative charge on the PTFE and
a positive charge on the PVC-film.

2.9
recommendations
regarding static electricity
SECTION
problems and elimination measuring the static charge

of static electricity There is a variety of measuring instruments for static
electricity available in the market.
Problems Some instruments are calibrated to measure the field at
Static charges result in electrostatic attraction to the a given distance. The surface voltage and the polarity are
substrate surface, of dirt and airborne particles present then displayed on the screen. Other instruments indicate
around the press and converting machines. Web speeds the electrical field strength in kV/m. To calculate the surface
complicate this process, because the faster the web speed voltage, the reading has to be multiplied by the distance
the higher the static charge level. This problem affects all between instrument and surface.
printers and converters, especially when converting filmic
substrates. In the label printing industry dust attraction
decreases the print quality.
Material misbehavior is another type of electrostatic

attraction. This can be noticed on a sheeter, stacker,
conveyer, where the sheets would stick to themselves or
will be misrouted or repelled each other on the equipment.
Elimination
The basic principle for neutralization of static charges is
the same whatever the technique used: one should re-
establish the electrical neutrality of the surface by adding
or removing the electrons which create the imbalance of
the surface charge. As previously mentioned the moisture
in the press room has an impact on static charge, therefore
it makes sense to control the moisture. We suggest to
maintain the relative humidity at 50-65% and the room
temperature at about 22-24°C.
Passive ionisation
Carbon or stainless steel fibre earthed brushes placed Source: Simco-Ion
closely over the surface of the web of a press or a
converting machine will leach away the static charges
down to earth. Passive eliminators are thus useful for
reducing very high level of static charges, say tens of kV’s glossary
down to medium high levels of a few kV’s. However by
their very nature, they are not able to completely neutralize Coulomb: The unit of measure of electrical charges.
the surface electricity, therefore residual charges remains (Symbol : C)
on the substrate surface.
Electron: Negatively charged elementary particle.
Active ionisation (1.6x10ˉ19 coulombs)
By using high voltage AC or DC bars over the web of a
press or converting machine, ionized air can be produced Ion: Electrically charged atom or molecule.
which can be used to neutralize the surface charge of (A negatively charged ion has an excess of
the substrate. Around the ionizing pin/head a cloud of electrons, whereas a positively charged ion
positive and negative ions will be produced. In the absence has an electron deficiency)
of outside influences, the positive and negative ions are
attracted to each other or a nearby earth, and would either Capacitance: A measure of the ability of a substrate to
neutralize each other or be dissipated to earth. However hold the charge. Unit: farad (F)
with the presence of a nearby static charged surface an
ion will be attracted to an opposite charge on the surface Issued October 2008
of the substrate and the surface will be completely Revised July 2019
neutralized.

2.10
advices about light fastness of
printing inks and light exposition
SECTION
light fastness Light Fastness

Average number Number of
of lifetime days summer days
Over time, prints that are exposed to light will fade because
the UV radiation of pigments and dyes has a decomposing BWS 1 (very low) 5 2,5
effect. The resistance to this decoloration or colour change
process is termed “light fastness”. In accordance with BWS 2 (low) 10 5
ISO 2835 (DIN 16525) it is classified numerically from
BWS 1 (= poor) to BWS 8 (= outstanding). BWS 3
20 10
(moderate)
(BWS stands for “Blue Wool scale”; originally, the BWS 4 (rather
standardized incrementation was a testing instrument of 40 20
good
the textile industry.) The light fastness according to
ISO 2835 is tested with a daylight-simulating xenon lamp. BWS 5 (good) 80 40
In this test only the influence of direct exposure to light
is taken into account. Other influencing factors such as BWS 6 (very
160 80
fluctuations in temperature and humidity (weather!) good
remain unaccounted for.
BWS 7
350 175
(excellent)
For a short-lived advertising brochure it is not
necessary for the light fastness to be particularly high; a BWS 8
700 350
standard pigment can be used. For printers of magazines, (outstanding)
books and commercial print work the light fastness BWS 4
(= rather good) is normally adequate. By contrast, inks of
automobile stickers or outside signs are expected not to remark
fade as quickly, which requires the use of pigments with
high light fastness. Quoted light fastness of the ink supplier will normally be
High lightfastness pigments are usually more costly than indicative of a standard printing condition (film weight,
equivalent lower lightfastness equivalents and may differ in density, substrate etc), and standard test condition/
colour shade. exposure scenario. As well above listed level and duration
is concerned to a 100% full solid print.
The actual time during which the ink of a print is resistant
is dependent on the accumulated incident light radiation, The actual printed labels shall be tested at a certified
which however, as is known, varies with season, but also laboratory or by the ink supplier if he has the appropriate
with geographic altitude. testing equipment available to determine the actual light
fastness of the printed label which might be different from
The table below of the BWS incrementation shows an the quoted value.
approximate indication (without guarantee) of the
duration of resistance of the ink on direct exposure to the Prints have to be made under so-called standard conditions
sun under Central European daylight conditions ISO 2835 concerned to film weight, density and substrate applicable
(DIN 16525). to the required print job.
For the printer, in particular the following points are

important:
• In the case of mixed inks the ink with the lowest light
fastness is decisive because it governs the earliest time
of fade-out.
• Mixed inks are frequently mixed in very different ratios.

As a result of the mixing an ink could be very
intensively thinned, thereby losing its original light
fastness. (For example, a certain orange could be

2.10
advices about light fastness of
printing inks and light exposition
SECTION
comprised of 1 part red and 20 parts yellow. Thinned

by a factor of 20 the inherently good light fastness of
the unmixed red exhibits a significantly poorer light
fastness. When exposed to light, the orange quickly
becomes yellow.)
• In lightened colours (mixed with white or extended

with pastes) the pigment concentration is lower; the
light fastness is correspondingly lower. For pastel
shades of adequate light fastness only printing inks of
fastness categories BWS 6 to BWS 8 should therefore
normally be used.
• Weak ink deposit / screens: the light fastness of inks

of categories BWS 7 and BWS 8 printed in thinner ink
films or in screens is scarcely reduced. By contrast, with
decreasing ink film thickness the light fastness of inks
of category BWS 5 or lower declines noticeably. Screen
dots fade more rapidly than solids.
• The effect of daylight fluorescent prints is so intensive

because they reflect a part of the light from the
ultraviolet spectrum as visible light. But it is this
very conversion capability that suffers strongly from
the effect of light; it is destroyed by the UV rays. On
exposure to light the fluorescent power is sustained
only for a short time. Daylight fluorescent inks normally
have a light fastness of BWS 1 to BWS 2.
• Manufacturers data: The light fastness data always

relate only to the resistance to incident light, without
taking into account other influencing factors such as
the effects of the weather. Moreover, the printing ink
manufacturer’s warranty covers only the fastness of the
unmixed, non-extended ink printed as a solid tone and
on a white substrate in a film thickness commonly used
in practice.
• The requirements on resistance to the weather go

beyond those on light fastness. The resistance to the
weather (frequently confused with light fastness) is
measured according to DIN 54071. Weather-resistant
inks are fully exposed to the weather and have to be
resistant to moisture, fluctuations in air temperature
and humidity and to the influence of certain air
pollutants. In addition to light-fast pigments, weather-
resistant binder resins are also required. Appropriate
overvarnishing provides additional protection.
Issued January 2014

Revised July 2019

SECTION 3 test equipment (manufacturers)
3.1 standard finat test roller

Performance requirements for this test roller are that it applies a standard pressure irrespective of the variation in hand
pressure on the handle.
Specifications
Diameter of roll: mm 85 ± 2.5
Roll cover: rubber to hardness scale Shore A 80 ± 5
Width of roll: mm 50 ± 1
Weight of roller: kg 2 ± 0.05
Rollers made to the earlier specifications
92-98 mm diameter are still acceptable.
3.2 automatic rolling device

The FINAT automatic roller unit ensures correct guidance of the contact roll and electronic adjustment of the rolling
speed. The number of roll movements can be set at between 1 and 9 by a selector switch. The roll can easily be taken
from its mounting. Rolls to other standards can also be used. The roll can also be safely lifted from the substrate in the
end position.
Technical data
Roller speed 3 levels 5, 10, 200 (± 1 %) mm/s
Length of roll area adjustable max 300mm Mains connection 220 V/50 or 110V/60
Roll data
Diameter: mm 85 ± 2.5
Width: mm 50 ± 1
Weight: kg 2 ± 0.05
Hardness of rubber surface: Shore A 80 ± 5
Thickness of rubber layer: mm 6 ± 0.5
Rolls can be supplied to other standards
3.3 test equipment manufacturers

Test equipment is available in a wide variety. A number of manufacturers of such equipment is listed below, where
possible with an indication of the type of their equipment. Please note that the list is far from complete and that it may be
subject to change. We advise you to consult the websites of the respective manufacturers for more details and updates.
Company Country Test equipment Page
ABB Switzerland & Worldwide pulp & paper testing 84

(Lorentzen & Wettre Products)
Adhesive Technical Services Ltd. United Kingdom adhesion 84
Ametek Inc. USA & Worldwide adhesion 86
Arcotec GmbH Germany & Worldwide ready made test fluids 81
(partner of Ametek)
Cheminstruments USA 86
Datacolor USA & Worldwide colour measurement 86
Elcometer United Kingdom & Worldwide scratch resistance 85

test equipment manufacturers
SECTION 3.3
Company Country Test equipment Page
Erichsen GmbH & Co KG Germany tensile, adhesion testers,

agent Chemsultants 81
Hach Company USA & Worldwide colour measurement 87
Haida International China tensile testers 80
HARTECH meet- & testapparatuur The Netherlands peel & adhesion 83
(agents of Mecmesin & Testometric)
Heraeus Noblelight Fusion UV Inc USA & Worldwide UV Curing systems 86
Dr. Hönle AG (European headquarters) Germany & Worldwide UV curing equipment 81
Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc. USA & Worldwide colour measurement, spectophotometers 87
IGT Testing Systems The Netherlands, USA,
Singapore & Japan viscometers, tensile testers 83
Imass Inc USA high speed release tester 87
Instron USA & Worldwide tensile, adhesion testers 88
Kiffe Engineering GmbH Germany dynamic cohesion 81
Konica Minolta Sensing Europe The Netherlands & Worldwide colour measurement 83
Labthink Instruments Co. Ltd. China & USA tensile testers 80,87
Laetus GmbH Germany & Worldwide colour measurement 81
Lloyd Materials Testing see Ametek tensile, tear, peel, adhesion testers 86
Lorentzen & Wettre Gmbh see ABB Paper & pulp testing 84
Malvern Panalytical BV Netherlands & Worldwide silicone coat weight measurement 84
M.C. TEC B.V. Netherlands hand rollers, rub testers,
colorimeters, spectrophotometers 84
Mecmesin Ltd. United Kingdom & Worldwide peel and adhesion 85
MTS Systems USA & Worldwide tensile testers for release,
tack and peel, specimen cutters 87
Oxford Instruments USA & Worldwide X-ray spectometers
ED-XRF, WD-XRF and XRD instruments 87
Pausch Messtechnik Germany shear testers, hand rollers,
colour measurement 81
Pearson Panke Equipment Ltd. United Kingdom tensile testers, loop tack,
viscometers, rub testers 85
Phoseon Technology (headquarters) USA & Worldwide UV curing applications 87
Pillar Technologies Surface Treatment USA ready made test fluids 88
PTI GmbH Austria tensile, adhesion testers 80
RK PrintCoat Instruments Ltd. United Kingdom & Worldwide peel and adhesion 85
Rocholl GmbH Germany test panels 82
Rycobel Group Belgium, The Netherlands & France adhesion/release testers 80,84
SDL Atlas USA, China & Hong Kong textile testing, shirlestain 80,88
Sick Vertriebs-GmbH Germany & Worldwide Fluorescence 82
Simco Nederland BV Netherlands Static electricity measurement 84
Spectro Analytical Instruments (part of Ametek) Germany & Worldwide X-ray spectometers 82
Stable Micro Systems Ltd. United Kingdom & Worldwide tensile/compression equipment 85
Techkon GmbH Germany, USA & Japan colorimetric equipment 82,88
tesa AG Germany & Worldwide test tapes 82,95-98
Testing Machines Inc The Netherlands & USA ink rub tester 84,88
TestResources Inc. USA tensile/peel testers 88
The Testometric Company Ltd. United Kingdom tensile, dynamic shear,
adhesion, peel tester 89
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc USA & Worldwide viscometers 88
3M United Kingdom & Worldwide test tapes 85
Tinius Olsen USA & Worldwide tensile testers 88
TQCSheen Netherlands & Worldwide hardness, scratch resistance 84
Weiss Technik Ges.m.b.H. Germany & Worldwide humidity tester 82
X-Rite USA & Worldwide X-rite equipment to FTM 22 88
Ziegler Industrie-Elektronik Germany handroller, adhesion & shear tester 82
Zwick Roell Group Germany & Worldwide tensile testers 82

SECTION 3.3 test equipment manufacturers
austria
PTI Austria GmbH Hauptstr. 41a Tension adhesion testers

D-4663 Laakirchen and sample preparation
Tel.: +43-7613-9060700
Fax: +43-7613-90607144
E-mail: office@frank-pti.com
URL: www.frankpti.com
belgium
Rycobel Nijverheidslaan 47 Tensile testers

B-8540 Deerlijk Cobb testers, Ink-rub testers
Tel. +32-56-782170
E-mail: info@rycobel.com
URL: www.rycobel.com
china
Haida International Contact: Ms.Zhong Tensile testers

Caibai No.1 Industrial Zone
Daojiao Town, Dongguan City,
Guangdong Province
Tel : +86-769-89201068 (direct)
E-mail : manager@qc-test.com
URL: www.haidatestequipment.com
Labthink Instruments 144 Wuyingshan Road Adhesive strength test

Jinan 250031 Shandong
Co. Ltd. Tel.: +86-531-85068566
Fax: +86-531-85062108
E-mail: trade.en@labthink.cn
URL: www.labthinkinstruments.com
http://en.labthink.com
SDL Atlas China 1B, Building B Textile testing machines

Junxiang Da Mansion Shirlestain
No. 9 Zhongshan Yuan Road
Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518052
Tel.: +86-755-26711168
Fax: +86-755-26711337
E-mail: info@sdlatlas.com.cn
URL: www.sdlatlas.com
SDL Atlas Hong Kong 3J Garment Centre Textile testing machines

The SDL Hong Kong office covers Asia 576 Castle Peak Road Shirlestain
(except China), Africa and Australia Kowloon
Tel.: +852-34434888
Fax: +852-34434999
E-mail: info@sdlatlas.com.cn
URL: www.sdlatlas.com
france
Rycobel SARL Tel. +33-3-28402217 adhesion/release testers

E-mail: info@equintech.com
URL: www.equintech.com

SECTION 3.3
germany
Arcotec GmbH Rotweg 24 Corona treatment

D-71297 Mönsheim Ready made test fluids
Tel.: +49-7044-92120 FTM 15
Fax: +49-7044-921212
E-mail: info@arcotec.com For more addresses visit:
URL: www.arcotec.com www.arcotec.com/kontakt.htmlocations
Erichsen GmbH & Co KG Am Iserbach 14 Tensile, adhesion testers

D-58675 Hemer Humidity cabinets
Tel.: +49-2372-96830 Thickness gauges
Fax: +49-2372-6430 Agent of Chemsultants
E-mail: info@erichsen.de
URL: www.erichsen.de
Frank PTI GmbH Auf der Aue 1 Tensile, adhesion testers

D- 69488 Birkenau
Tel.: +49-6201-840
Fax: +49-6201-84290
E-mail: office@frank-pti.com
URL: www.frankpti.com
Dr. Hönle AG UV-Technologie UV curing equipment

Lochhamer Schlag 1
(European headquarters) D-82166 Gräfelfing
Tel.: +49-89-856080
Fax: +49-89-85608148 For more addresses visit:
E-mail: uv@hoenle.de https://www.hoenle.com/company/
URL: www.hoenle.com locations
Kiffe Engineering GmbH Am Krebsgraben 18 Dynamic cohesion

D-78048 VS-Villingen
Tel.: +49-7721-80030
E-mail: info@kiffe.net
URL: www.kiffe.net
Laetus GmbH Location Alsbach Colour measurement

Sandwiesenstrasse 27 FTM 20, 22
D-64665 Alsbach-Hähnlein
Location Bensheim https://www.laetus.com/en/about-us/
Berliner Ring 89 laetus-in-the-world/
D-64625 Bensheim
Tel.: +49-6257-50090
Fax: +49-6257-3119
E-mail: contact@laetus.com
URL: www.laetus.com
Pausch Messtechnik GmbH Karlstrasse 6 Q-sun and QUV weathering testers

D-42781 Haan Outdoor weathering services
Tel.: +49-2129-341878 Colour measurement
Fax: +49-2129-341879 Shear testers (FTM 8) for ambient
E-mail: info@pausch.com and oven shear testing
URL: www.pausch.com Hand rollers

germany
Rocholl GmbH Schwarzacher Strasse 15 Test panels

D-74858 Aglasterhausen
Tel.: +49-6262-916780
Fax: +49-6262-9167810
E-mail: post@rocholl.eu
URL: www.rocholl.eu
Sick Vertriebs-GmbH Willstätterstrasse 30 Fluorescence measurement

D-40549 Düsseldorf Industrial sensors
Tel.: +49-211-53010
E-mail: info@sick.de https://www.sick.com/de/en/contact/
URL: www.sick.com worldwide
SPECTRO Analytical Boschstrasse 10 X-ray spectometers (XRF)

Instruments GmbH D-47533 Kleve FTM 7
Tel.: +49-2821-8920
(member of Ametek) Fax: +49-2821-8922200 For more addresses visit:
E-mail: spectro.info@ametek.com https://www.spectro.com/about-us/
URL: www.spectro.com spectro-worldwide
TECHKON GmbH Wiesbadener Straße 27 Colorimetric equipment

D-61462 Königstein
Tel.: +49-6174-924450
Fax: +49-6174-924499
E-Mail: info@techkon.com
web: www.techkon.com
tesa SE Global Headquaters Hugo-Kirchberg-Strasse 1 Test tapes 7475, 7476, 4104

D-22848 Norderstedt FTM 10, 11, 21, 22
Tel. +49-40-888990 See also list of agents worldwide
Fax: +49-40-888996060
URL: www.tesa.com For more addresses visit:
https://www.tesa.com/en/about-tesa/
locations-subsidiaries
FINAT MEMBER
Weiss Umwelttechnik GmbH Simulationsanlagen-Messtechnik Humidity tester

Greizer Strasse 41-49
D-35447 Reiskirchen-Lindenstruth
Tel.: +49-6408-840
E-mail: info@weiss-technik.com https://www.weiss-technik.com/en/
URL: www.weiss-technik.com company/locations/
Ziegler Industrie-Elektronik Feldmochinger Strasse 412 Handroller, adhesive peel force

D-80995 München tester, FTM4 high speed release
Tel.: +49-89-3131760
Fax: +49-89-3131621
tester, shear tester FTM 8
E-mail: info@ziegler-tec.de
URL: www.ziegler-tec.de FINAT MEMBER
Technical Contact: Josef Ziegler

SECTION 3.3
germany
Zwick GmbH & Co. August-Nagel-Strasse 11 Tensile tester

D-89079 Ulm
Prüfmaschinen Tel.: +49-7305-100
E-mail: info@zwickroell.com https://www.zwickroell.com/
URL: www.zwick.roell.com locations-around-the-world
japan
Techkon Japan Co. Ltd Tel.: +81-04-71818200 Colorimetric equipment

E-mail: info@techkon.co.jp
URL: www.techkon.co.jp
netherlands
HARTECH Bonte Kraaiweg 16 Peel & adhesion testers

meet- & testapparatuur NL-1521 RD Wormerveer (agents of Mecmesin & Testometric)
Tel: +31-75-6144080
Fax: +31-75-6144079
E-mail: info@hartech.nl
URL: www.hartech.nl
IGT Testing Systems Randstad 22-02 Circular sample cutters

NL-1316 BX Almere Printability testes for liquid and paste
Tel. +31-20-4099300 inks for coating, proofing and printing
Fax: +31-20-4099339 Rub/scratch and abrasion testers
E-mail: info@igt.nl Cobb testers
URL: www.igt.nl Horizontal tensile testers for peel and
loop tack tests, Viscometers
For more addresses visit: Lab UV curing devices, Tack testers
http://www.igt.nl/contact Gloss meters, Viscometers
FINAT MEMBER
Konica Minolta Marconibaan 57 Colour measurement

Sensing Europe B.V. 3439 MR Nieuwegein
Tel. +31-30-2481193 For more addresses visit:
Fax: +31-30-2481280 https://www.konicaminolta.com/
E-mail: info.sensing@ instruments/network/index.html
seu.konicaminolta.eu
URL: www5.konicaminolta.eu
FINAT MEMBER
Malvern Panalytical BV Lelyweg 1 silicone coat weight measurement

Netherlands and worldwide 7602 EA Almelo measurement, FTM 7
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31-546-534444 For more addresses visit:
E-mail: info@panalytical.com https://www.malvernpanalytical.com/en/
URL: www.malvernpanalytical.com about-us/contact-us

netherlands
M.C. TEC B.V. Distributiestraat 73 Hand rollers, Rolling ball track

4283 JN Giessen testers, contact o meter for surface
Tel.: +31-183-445050 wetting properties, viscometers, rub
Fax: +31-183-445059 testers, gloss meters, colorimeters
E-mail: info@mctec.nl and spectrophotometers
URL: www.mctec.nl FTM 1, 2, 3, 8, 9
Services Benelux & United Kingdom
Rycobel BV Tel.: 0800-6655222 adhesion/release testers

E-mail: info@rycobel.nl
URL: www.rycobel.nl
Simco Nederland BV Aalsvoort 74 Static electricity measurement

7241MB Lochem
Tel.: +31-573-288333
Fax: +31-573-288380
E-mail: general@simco-ion.nl
URL: www.simco-ion.nl
Testing Machines Inc. Fokerstrat 24 Ink rub testers

c/o Messmer Buchel (Buchel BV) NL-3905 KV Veenendaal
Tel: +31-318-521500
+31-318-540358
E-mail: buchel@buchelbv.com
URL: www.testingmachines.com
TQC Sheen HQ Molenbaan 19 Adhesion tester

NL-2908 LL Capelle aan den IJssel Tapes for adhesion testing
Tel.: +31-10-7900100 FTM 3
Fax: +31-10-7900129
E-mail: info@tqcsheen.com For more addresses visit:
URL: www.tqcsheen.com https://www.tqcsheen.com/en/contact/
adresses/
switzerland
ABB Ltd. Headquarters Affolternstrasse 44 Lorentzen & Wettre Products

CH-8050 Zurich Paper & pulp testing equipment
Tel.: +41-43-3177111
Fax: +41-43-3174420
URL: www.new.abb.com
https://new.abb.com/contact-centers or
https://new.abb.com/locations/map
united kingdom
Adhesive Technical Services Botany Way Industrial Park, Adhesive, label and tape testing
Purfleet, Essex RM19 1SR according to FINAT, AFERA, PSTC,
Tel.: +44-1708-867355 PSMA and ASTM.
Fax: +44-1708-869804 Agents for Cheminstruments
E-mail: sales@adhtechnical.com
URL: www.adhtechnical.com

SECTION 3.3
united kingdom
Elcometer Limited Edge Lane Scratch resistance

Manchester M43 6BU
Tel: +44-161-3716000
E-mail: sales@elcometer.com https://www.elcometer.com/en/
URL: www.elcometer.com contact-us.html
Mecmesin Ltd. Newton House Peel and adhesion testers

Spring Copse Business Park
Slinfold, West Sussex RH13 0SZ
E-mail: info@mecmesin.com https://www.mecmesin.com/distributors
URL: www.mecmesin.com
Pearson Panke 1-3 Hale Grove Gardens Special tensile testers

London NW7 3LR Release FTM 3, peel (FTM1, 2), loop
Equipment Ltd. Tel.: +44-20-89593232 tack (FTM 9)
Fax: +44-20-89595613 Rolling ball tack testers
URL: www.pearsonpanke.co.uk Contact o meter for surface wetting
properties
Viscometers, Rub testers, gloss meters
Colorimeters and spectrophotometers
RK PrintCoat Litlington, Royston Sample preparation equipment

Instruments Ltd. Herts SG8 0QZ (coating, proofing and printing)
Tel.: +44-1763-852187
E-mail: sales@rkprint.com For more addresses visit:
URL: www.rkprint.com https://www.rkprint.com/global-
representatives/global-representatives-a-z/
Stable Micro Systems Ltd. Vienna Court, Lammas Road Tensile/compression equipment
Godalming, Surrey GU7 1YL FTM 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 18, 22
Tel.: +44-1483-427345
Fax: +44-1483-427600 For addresses of global
E-mail: stable@stablemicrosystems.com distributors visit:
URL: www.stablemicrosystems.com https://www.stablemicrosystems.com/
Distributors.html
The Testometric Unit 1, Lincoln Business Park Tensile, compression, loop tack,
Company Ltd. Lincoln Close, Rochdale probe tack, 90 & 180 degree
Lancashire OL11 NR peels, friction, dynamic shear and
Tel.: +44-1706-654039 adhesion/peel tests, conducted
Fax: +44-1706-646089 at cryogenic and elevated
E-mai:l info@testometric.co.uk temperatures
URL: www.testometric.co.uk
3M United Kingdom Plc 3M Centre TTapes 810 magic TM tape FTM 21,
Cain road 22
Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 8HT
Tel.: +44-8705-360036 For locations in the USA visit: https://
URL: www.3m.co.uk www.3m.com/3M/en_US/plant-
www.3m.com locations-us/

usa
AMETEK, Inc. Corporate Headquarters Adhesion testers

1100 Cassatt Road
Berwyn, PA 19312
Tel.: +1-610-647-2121
E-mail: info.corp@ametek.com
URL: www.ametek.com For more addresses visit:
www.ametektest.com https://www.ametek.com/products/
www.ametekcalibration.com businessunits/worldwideoffices
AMETEK Brookfield 11 Commerce Blvd. Viscosity, Texture Analysis and

Middleboro, MA 02346 USA Powder Flow
Tel.: +1-508-9466200
Fax: +1-508-9466262
Sales: ma-mid.sales@ametek.com For more addresses visit:
Service: ma-mid.ccs@ametek.com https://www.brookfieldengineering.com/
URL: www.brookfieldengineering.com contactus/international-laboratory-rep-list
ChemInstruments, Inc. FTM 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 9, 10, 11, 13, 14,

510 Commercial Drive 15,18, 21, 24
Fairfield OH 45014
Tel. +1-513-8601598
Fax +1-513-8601597
URL www.cheminstruments.com
Datacolor 5 Princess Rd Colour measurement

Lawrenceville
New Jersey, 08648
Fax: +1-609-8957414 https://www.datacolor.com/contact/
URL: www.datacolor.com business-solutions-contacts/
Hach Company P.O. Box 389 Colour measurement

Loveland, Colorado, 80539-0389
Tel.: +1-800-2274224
E-mail: techhelp@hach.com
URL: www.hach.com For more addresses visit:
https://www.hach.com/contact
Heraeus Noblelight 910 Clopper Road Supplier of UV curing systems

America LLC Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
Fax: +1-301-5272661 https://www.heraeus.com/en/hng/
URL: www.heraeus.com contact_heraeus_noblelight/regional_
contacts.html

SECTION 3.3
usa
Hunter Associates 11491 Sunset Hills Road Colour measurement FTM 20, 22
Reston, VA 20190-5280
Laboratory Inc. Tel.: +1-703-4716870 For more addresses visit:
Fax: +1-703-4714237 https://www.hunterlab.com/
E-mail: info@hunterlab.com contact-us.html
URL: www.hunterlab.com
Imass Inc P.O. Box 134 High speed release tester

Accord, MA 02018
Tel.: +1-781-8343063
Fax: +1-781-8343064
E-mail: sales@imass.com
URL: www.imass.com
Instron Worldwide 825 University Avenue Tensile, adhesion testers

Norwood, MA 02062-2643
Headquarters Tel.: +1-800-8776674 (general) For more addresses visit:
E-mail: web@instron.com https://www.instron.us/en-us/
URL: www.instron.com our-company/about-us/locations
Labthink International Inc. 200 River’s Edge Drive Tensile testers, peel testers,
Medford, MA 02155 ink rub testers
Tel.: +1-617-8302190
Fax: +1-781-2193638
E-mail: info@labthinkinternational.com
URL: en.labthink.com
MTS Systems 14000 Technology Drive Tensile testers for release,

Eden Prairie, MN 55344 tack and peel
Tel.: +1-800-3282255 Specimen cutters, rollers
Fax: +1-952-9374515
E-mail: info@mts.com For more addresses click on the button
URL: www.mts.com ‘global MTS in top right corner of the
website.
Oxford Instruments 360 El Pueblo Road X-ray spectometers (XRF) FTM 7

Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Tel.: +1-831-4396061
URL: https://xray.oxinst.com/ https://xray.oxinst.com/support/
Phoseon Technology 7425 NE Evergreen Parkway UV curing applications

Hillsboro OR 97124
(headquarters) Tel: +1 503 439 6446 Visit also www.phoseon.de,
E-mail: info@phoseon.com www.phoseon.fr, www.phoseon.it,
URL: www.phoseon.com www.phoseon.es. www.phoseon.br.com,
www.phoseon.cn, www.phoseon.jp,
www.phoseon.kr, www.phoseon.tw
FINAT MEMBER

usa
Pillar Technologies 475 Industrial Drive Ready made test fluids

Surface Treatment Hartland, WI 53029 FTM 15
PO Box 110, WI 53029-0110 Corona Treatment
Tel.: +1-262-9127200
Fax: +1-262-9127272
E-mail: treaters@pillartech.com
URL: www.pillartech.com
SDL Atlas 3934 Airway Drive Textile testing machines

Rock Hill, SC 29732-9200 Shirlestain
Tel.: +1-803-3292110
Fax: +1-803-3292133
E-mail: info@sdlatlas.com This office is the main sales and service
URL: www.sdlatlas.com center for the Americas and Europe
Techkon USA LLC 185 Centre St. Suite 101 Colorimetric Equipment
Danvers, MA 01923
Tel.: +1-978-7771854
Fax: +1-978-7773576
E-mail: info@techkonusa.com
URL: www.techkonusa.com
Testing Machines Inc. 40 McCullough Drive, Ink rub tester FTM 27

New Castle, DE 19720
Tel.: +1-302-6135600
+1-800-6783221 (toll free) For more addresses visit:
E-mail: info@testingmachines.com https://www.testingmachines.com/
URL: www.testingmachines.com rep-locator
TestResources Inc. 701 Canterbury Road S, Tensile/peel testers

Shakopee, MN 55379
Tel: +1-952-9446534
Toll Free: +1-800-4306536
Email: info@testresources.com
URL: www.testresources.net
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 168 Third Avenue Viscometers

Waltham, MA 02451
Tel. +1-781-6221000
Fax: +1-781-6221207
URL: www.thermoscientific.com For addresses of distributors visit:
http://thermofishervendors.com/
Tinius Olsen 1065 Easton Road Tensile testers

Horsham, PA 19044-8009
Tel.: +1-215-6757100
Tel: +1-800-6785599
E-mail: sales@tiniusolsen.com For additional addresses visit:
URL: www.tiniusolsen.com https://www.tiniusolsen.com/contact
X-Rite Inc. 4300 44th Street SE X-rite equipment FTM 22

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
(Corporate Headquarters)
Tel.: +1-800-2489748
+1-616-8032100
E-mail: info@xrite.com For additional addreses visit:
URL: www.xrite.com https://www.xrite.com/about-us/locations

testing institutes
SECTION 3.4
This is a list of independent testing laboratories/institutes that can carry out specific tests in relation to packaging, food
contact (migration) and other industry areas. FINAT does not have any business relations or agreement with them, unless
they are a member of our association. This is mentioned by the comment ‘FINAT member’.
belgium
CELABOR, Research and Avenue du Parc 38 All FTMs except for 4, 7 and 19.
B-4650 Herve
Testing Centre Tel. +32-87-322454
Fax +32 -87-341387
E-mail info@celabor.be
URL www.celabor.be
china
ICAS Testing Technology Huading Tower

No. 2368 West Zhongshan
Service (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. Rd., Xuhui District, Shanghai
Tel. +86-21-51114700
URL www.icasiso.com/EN
URL http://vip.icasiso.com.cn/index.html
National Institute of Quality No.900 Jiang Yue Rd. Minhang

District Shanghai
Inspection and Research in Tel. +86-21-54336399
Shanghai URL www.icasiso.com/EN
URL www.sqi.com.cn/
sqi_web_new/index.html
denmark
Eurofins Product Testing Smedeskovvej 38 Testing of food contact materials,

Denmark A.S. DK-84y64 Galten equipment & printing.
Tel. +45-70-224276
E-mail product-testing@eurofins.com For more addresses visit:
URL www.eurofins.dk https://www.eurofins.com/
consumer-product-testing/
about-us/locations/
Dansk Teknologisk Institut Gregersensvej 1 Tensile testing

DK-2630 Taastrup
Tel. +45-72-202000
Fax +45-72-202019
E-mail www.dti.dk
URL www.teknologisk.dk
finland
KCL P.O. Box 70 KCL carries out research in pulping

FIN-02151 Espoo and papermaking. Research
Tel. +358-40-7387842
Fax +358-9-464305
covers the entire process from raw
E-mail kcl@kcl.fi materials to the four-colour printed
URL www.kcl.fi end-product.

SECTION 3.4 testing institutes
finland
VTT Technical Research P.O. Box 1000 VTT is an impartial expert organisation
FIN-02044 VTT Espoo
Centre of Finland Tel. +358-20-722111
that carries out technical and techno-
economic research and development work.
Fax +358-29-7227001
E-mail info@vtt.fi VTT also produces information services.
URL www.vtt.fi
URL www.vttresearch.com For more addresses visit:
https://www.vttresearch.com/contact-info
france
CTP Domaine Universitaire Migrating & packaging testing

BP 251 Polymers, nanomaterials, plastic,
(Centre Technique du Papier)
F-38044 Grenoble Cedex 9
Tel. +33-4-76154015
paper, carton
Fax +33-4-76154016
URL www.webCTP.com
I.A.N.E.S.C.O. 6, rue Carol Heitz, Biopole Migration & packging testing

F-86000 Poitiers Cedex
(Institut d’Analyses et d’Essais
Tel. +33-5-49447614
en Chimie de l’Ouest) +33-5-49447604 (lab)
E-mail ianesco@ianesco.fr
URL www.ianesco.fr
IPC Clemont /3S’inPack Biopole Clermont-Limagne Product & packaging testing

2 rue Michel Renaud
F-63360 Saint Beauzire
Tel. +33-4-43980162
E-mail Jacques.THEBAULT@ct-ipc.com
URL www.ct-ipc.com
URL www.3sinpack.fr
Ligépack Le Mans Innovation Migration & mechanical testing

57 bd Demorieux
F-72000 Le Mans
Tel. +33-2-43473685
E-mail contact@ligepack.com
URL www.ligepack.com
LNE 1 rue Gaston Boissier Migration testing (food contact),

F-75724 Paris cedex calibration tests
(Laboratoire national de
Tel. +33-1-40433700
métrologie et d’essais) Fax +33-1-40433737
E-mail info@lne.fr
https://www.lne.fr/fr/contact
URL www.lne.eu
SGS-CTS Bat 8, Parc du Golf FTM 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 13, 14,

F-13594 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 21, 22, 23 25
Tel. +33-4-42977213
Mob. +33-4-11738138
E-mail fabien.mille@sgs.com
https://www.sgsgroup.fr/en/
URL www.sgsgroup.fr
office-directory
FINAT MEMBER

testing institutes
SECTION 3.4
germany
BFSV Hamburg Ulmenliet 20 BFSV Hamburg Packaging Institute

Packaging Institute GmbH D-21033 Hamburg GmbH is an international service
Tel. +49(0)40 / 4 28 75 6016 provider and consultant for testing
Fax +49(0)40 / 7 21 63 78 and qualification of packaging
E-Mail karg@bfsv.de systems. They can perform tests
URL www.bfsv.de/english/home/ along the following FTMs: 1, 2, 3, 5,
Contact: Udo Lüder 8, 9, 10 and 11.
Eurofins Dr. Specht Am Neuländer Gewerbepark 2 Migration testing

D-21079 Hamburg
Laboratorien GmbH Tel. +49-40-8814480 For more addresses visit:
Fax +49-40-881448101 https://www.eurofins.de/lebensmittel/
E-mail Specht-Laboratorien@eurofins.de labore/
URL www.eurofins.de
Fabes Forschungs-GmbH Schragenhofstrasse 35 Migration testing

D-80992 München
für Analytik und Bewertung von
Tel. +49-89-149009-50
Stoffübergangen Fax +49-89-149009-80
E-mail info@fabes-online.de
URL www.fabes-online.de
FOGRA Forschungsgesellschaft Einsteinring 1a The purpose of the FOGRA is to

Druck (Graphic Technology Research D-85609 Aschheim b. München promote research into, and the
Tel. +49-89-43182 0 development and application of
Association) Fax +49-89-43182 100 printing technology and to make
E-mail info@fogra.org the result available to the printing
URL www.fogra.org industry.
Fraunhofer Process engineering & packaging Migration testing

Giggenhuaser Strasse 35
Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und
D-85354 Freising
Verpackung IVV Tel. +49-8161-4910
Fax +49-8161-491491
E-mail info@ivv.fraunhofer.de
URL www.fraunhofer.de
Innoform GmbH Testservice Matthias Bösel FTM 1, 2

Industriehof 3 Test service provider for film
D-26133 Oldenburg packaging
Tel. +49-441-94986-0 (switchboard) Migration testing
+49-441-9498611
Fax +49-441-94986-29
E-mail info@innoform.de FINAT MEMBER
Matthias.boesel@innoform.de
URL www.innoform.de
ISEGA GmbH Zeppelinstraße 3 ISEGA is an independent testing

D-63741 Aschaffenburg institute with the capability for
Tel. +49-6021-49890 analytical and consulting work in:
Fax +49-6021-498930 • pulp, paper and board
E-mail info@isega.de • plastics
URL www.isega.de • packagings and consumer goods
• colours, lacquers, additives and
other chemicals

germany
PTS Papiertechische Stiftung Pirnaer Straße 37 PTS conducts materials tests and
(The Paper Technology Specialists) 01809 Heidenau analyses in:
Tel. +49-352-955160 Pulps and recovered paper, coating
Fax +49-352-9551899 pigments, process additives; Paper,
URL www.ptspaper.de paperboard, Adhesives, films,
composites and coatings; Paper
converting products and paper coating
products; Food microbiological and
food chemistry testing, environmental
compatibility; Water/effluents, sludge,
solid wastes/waste
Wessling Laboratorien GmbH- Oststrasse 6 Migration & sensory testing

Produktanalytik D-48341 Altenberge quality, safety, health and
Tel. +49-2505-890 environmental protection
Fax +49-2505-89119 applications
E-mail info@wessling.de
URL https://de.wessling-group.com
japan
Chemitox, Inc. 1-14-18, Kamiikedai, Ohta-ku Weathering, product safety,

Tokyo 145-0064 photovoltaic modules, static
Tel.: +81-3-37277111 electricity, tensile strength tests
Fax +81-3-27281710
URL www.chemitox.co.jp/eng/
DJK Corporation 5376-1, Shimo-shinjuku, Kimagase, Peel adhesion, release force, coat
Noda-shi, Chiba 270-0222 weight, chemical resistance
Tel +81-4-71984111
E-mail info@djklab.com For more addresses visit:
URL www.djklab.com/eng http://www.djklab.com/eng/office
JCII ITOHPiA hashimoto bldg. 7F Low temperature tests, tensile tests

(Japan Chemical Innovation and 11-9, Iwamoto-cho 2-chome thermal properties tests, optical
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0032 and weathering (light) tests
Inspection Institute) Tel. +81-3-5823-5521
E-mail info_jcii@jcii.or.jp
URL www.jcii.or.jp/en/
netherlands
Hechtingsinstituut Delft Kluyverweg 1 Adhesive bonding tests

2629 HS Delft
Tel +31-015-2785353
Fax +31-015-2787151 FINAT MEMBER
E-mail: j.a.poulis@tudelft.nl
URL https://www.tudelft.nl/en/ae/
research/research-institutes/
adhesion-institute/

testing institutes
SECTION 3.4
netherlands
IGT Testing Systems Randstad 22 - 02 CEPI comparative testing,

1316 BX Almere printability testing, maintenance &
1100 AR Amsterdam calibration
Tel +31-20-4099300
Fax +31-20-4099339 For more addresses visit:
E-mail info@igt.nl http://www.igt.nl/contact
URL www.igt.nl
FINAT MEMBER
TNO Tel. +31-88-8660000 (switchboard) REACH Migration service for food

+31088-8660866 (infodesk) contact. Equipment for ultra precise
URL www.tno.nl production and measurement

https://www.tno.nl/en/about-tno/
locations/
spain
BIP Barcelona Institute of Packaging Centro tecnológico LEITAT Packaging testing: chemical
C/ De la Innovació, 2 properties, physical mechanical
E-08225 Terrassa (Barcelona) properties; aging tests; rheological
Tel. +34-937-882300 properties; logistic tests
E-mail info@barcelonapackaging.org
URL www.barcelonapackaging.org
sweden
RISE INNVENTIA AB Drottning Kristinas väg 61 Rise Innventia carries out research
SE-11486 Stockholm in pulping and papermaking.
Tel. +46-10-5165000 Research covers the entire process
E-mail info.innventia@ri.se from raw materials to the four-
URL www.innventia.com colour printed end-product.
united kingdom
Adhesive Technical Services Botany Way Industrial Park, Adhesive, label and tape testing
Purfleet, Essex RM19 1SR according to FINAT, AFERA, PSTC,
Tel. +44–1708–867355 PSMA and ASTM.
Fax +44–1708–869804 Agents for Cheminstruments
E-mail sales@adhtechnical.com
URL www.adhtechnical.com
Element (Materials Technology) Wilbury Way Accelerated ageing,

Hitchin Limited Hitchen, Herts SG4 0TW expertise in elastomers,
Tel. +44-1462-427850 thermoplastics, composites and
Fax +44-1462-427851 structural adhesives. Mechanical
E-mail info.hitchin@element.com testing, chemical exposure
URL www.element.com testing, FEA, rubber compound
development, inspection, test
equipment and software design.

https://www.element.com/locations

united kingdom
National Physical Laboratory Hampton Road NPL maintains world-class

Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW metrology facilities and offers
Tel. +44-20-89773222 calibration services with the
URL www.npl.co.uk highest available accuracy in
physics and materials science.
Smithers PIRA Cleeve Road FTM 1, 2, 3, 9

Testing Services Europe Leatherhead Food contact testing
Surrey, KT22 7RU Adhesive and label tests
Tel. +44-1372-802000
URL www.smitherspira.com
usa
Adherent Laboratories Inc. 3804 Dunlap Street North Product development, consulting
Saint Paul, MN 55112 and testing laboratory specialising
Tel. +1- 651-4821264 in adhesives, sealants, coating and
E-mail info@adherentlabs.com material science.
URL www.adherentlabs.com
Ametek Broofield 11 Commerce Boulevard Viscosity, Texture Analysis and

Middleboro, MA 02346 U.S.A. Powder Flow
Tel. +1-508-9466200
+1-800-6288139 (toll free)
Fax +1-508-9466262 For more addresses visit:
E-mail ma-mid.sales@ametek.com https://www.brookfieldengineering.com/
URL www.brookfieldengineering.com contactus/international-laboratory-rep-list
Chemsultants, Inc. Chemsultants, Inc. FTM 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 18

9079 Tyler bvd Chemsultants International
Mentor OH 44060 Network is a source for contract
Tel. +1-440-9743080 research, laboratory testing,
Fax +1-440-9743081 pilot coating, consulting, test
URL www.chemsultants.com instruments and hands-on
seminars.
Smithers Pira 6539 Westland Way, Suite 24 FTM 1, 2, 3, 9

Lansing, MI 48917
Tel. +1-517-322 2400
URL www.smitherspira.com

tesa test tapes product
information and
worldwide addresses
SECTION 3.5
tesa® 4104 transparent tesa® 7476
Transparent filmic packaging tape Test tapes for the characterisation of silicone coatings
Product Information Productinformation

tesa® 4104 is a premium packaging tesa® 7476 has been successfully
tape based on a PVC-film backing and deployed for many years when it
a natural rubber adhesive. It shows comes to assessing the release
excellent performance on all kind of properties of silicone coatings (FTM
cardboards and secures a safe closure. 10 or similar).
The natural rubber adhesive system
is designed to show best results for For a comprehensive characterization
applications on different kind of surfaces. of release properties it is
recommended to use both tesa® 7475
Main Application (acrylic adhesive) and tesa® 7476 (natural rubber adhesive).
• sealing small boxes (card-board or plastic) It is recommended to store tesa® 7476 at 23 °C and 50 %
• sealing tins and bags relative humidity.
• sealing of cartons of medium to heavy-range weight.
Characterization of silicone coatings
Technical Data • Test tapes for the characterisation of silicone coatings
• Backing material - PVC film
• Total thickness - 65 µm Technical Data
• Type of adhesive - natural rubber • Backing material - cotton cloth
• Adhesion to steel - 2.3 N/cm • Type of adhesive - natural rubber
• Elongation at break - 60% • Type of liner - glassine
• Tensile strength - 60 N/cm • Shelf life time - 12 months
Additional Info
tesa® 4104 is easily printable.
latest information
tesa® 7475 pv2 tesa® 4104-http://l.tesa.com/?ip=04104
tesa® 7475-http://l.tesa.com/?ip=07475
Productinformation tesa® 7476-http://l.tesa.com/?ip=07476
tesa® 7475 has been successfully
deployed for many years, both when
it comes to assessing the release
properties of silicone coatings
(FTM 10 or similar) and testing the
curing of silicone coatings (FTM 11
or similar). For a comprehensive
characterization of release properties
it is recommended to use both tesa® 7475 (acrylic
adhesive) and tesa® 7476 (natural rubber adhesive).
It is recommended to store tesa® 7475 at 23 °C and
50 % relative humidity.
Main Application
• Characterization of silicone coatings
Technical Data
• Backing material - PET film
• Type of adhesive - acrylic
• Type of liner - glassine For the latest information on these
• Shelf life time - 24 months test tapes visit www.tesa.com

3.5
tesa test tapes product informa-
tion and worldwide addresses
SECTION
AFGHANISTAN BRAZIL CHINA CROATIA
tesa SE tesa Brasil Ltda. - Curitiba tesa tape (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. tesa tape Kft.
Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 Ave. João Gualberto, No. 1259 - 18th Floor Room 1002-03, Zhongzhou Trading Representative Office
22848 Norderstedt Centro Empresarial Lais Peretti Center, No. 1008, Xin Gang East Road, Tijardoviceva 8
Germany Alto da Gloria Haizhu District, Huangzhou 510335 10.000 Zagreb
Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 80030-000 Phone: +86 (20) 89300200 Phone: +385 (1) 3882929
Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Curitiba-PR Fax: +86 (20) 89300201 Fax: +385 (1) 3882929
Phone: +55 (41) 30218100
Fax: +55 (41) 30218110
www.tesatape.com.br
ALL AFRICAN COUNTRIES CHINA CZECH REP.

tesa SE tesa tape (Hong Kong) Ltd. tesa tape s.r.o.
Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 The gate way tower 2, Suite 712, Pekarská 14
22848 Norderstedt BULGARIA 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon, 155 00 Praha 5
Germany tesa tape A.E. Hongkong Phone: +420 (296) 824546
Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 Representative Office Phone: +852 (2) 25839980 Fax: +420 (296) 824549
Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 2, Agiou Nektariou Str. Fax: +852 (2) 25839244 www.tesa-tape.cz
GR-153 44 Gerakas / Attiki
Phone: +30 (210) 6600290
Fax: +30 (210) 6610657
ARGENTINA CHINA DENMARK

tesa tape Argentina S.R.L. tesa tape (Shanghai) Co., Ltd tesa A/S
Av. Del Libertador 6966 5° B No.1, 2500 Lane Xiu Pu Road, Klintehøj Vaenge 12
(C1429BMP) CHILE Pudong Shanghai 3460 Birkerød
Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires tesa tape Chile S.A. Phone: +86 (27) 68183110 Phone: +45 (45) 998200
Argentina Av. Presidente Riesco 5561. Oficina 1104 Fax: +86 (27) 68183860 Fax: +45 (45) 810145
Phone: +54 (11) 47811846 Las Condes, Santiago www.tesa.dk
Fax: +54 (11) 47869107 Phone: +56 (2) 3693600
www.tesatape.com.br Fax: +56 (2) 3693699
www.tesa.cl
CHINA
tesa tape (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd ESTONIA
Room 11f, Jingyun Century tesa A/S Estonia
AUSTRALIA Mansion , No.6033 Shennan Street, Sepise 1
tesa tape Australia Pty. Ltd. CHINA Futian District, Shenzhen 518040 11415 Tallinn
Unit 8, 2 Southridge Street, tesa (Suzhou) Co., Ltd Phone: +86 (755) 33958620 Phone: +372 (640) 1366
Eastern Creek NSW 2766, Room 1716, Century Fiernancial Tower, Fax: +86 (755) 33958621 Fax: +372 (640) 1359
Sydney No.1 West Suzhoudadao, Suzhou www.tesa.dk
Phone: +61 (2) 98303929 Industrial Park, Jiangsu 215021
Fax: +61 (2) 98303928 Phone: +86 (512) 62965613
Fax: +86 (512) 62965693
CHINA
tesa Tape (Tianjin) Co., Ltd FINLAND
Room 11D1 Building A, DaAn Mansion, tesa Oy
AUSTRIA No.41, Friendship Road, HeXi Dist, Puutarhakatu 53
tesa GmbH CHINA Tianjin 300211 20100 Turku
Laxenburger Str. 151 tesa tape (Beijing) Co. Ltd. Phone: +86 (22) 28362660 Phone: +358 (2) 2103400
1100 Wien Room A704, Zhengjia Mansion, Fax: +86 (22) 28361990 Fax: +358 (2) 4103291
Phone: +43 (1) 614000 No.7, Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang www.tesa.dk
Fax: +43 (1) 61400455 District, Beijing, 100024
www.tesa.at Phone: +86 (10) 85931022
Fax: +86 (10) 85931021
CHINA
tesa Tape (Wuhan) Co., Ltd FRANCE
Room 710, 7/F New World Centre, tesa s.a.s.
BAHRAIN Tower A, Hangkong Road, Jiefang La Croix du Sud - ZAC CARRE SENART
tesa Export CHINA Avenue, Wuhan 430022 2 Allée de la Mixité
Quickbornstraße 24 tesa tape (Changchun) Co. Ltd. Phone: +86 (27) 68838713 77127 Lieusaint
20253 Hamburg Room 1101, Fax: +86 (27) 68838710 Phone: +33 (1) 78482000
Germany ZhongTian Mansion No. 2066, Fax: +33 (1) 78482001
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095 Puyang Street, Lvyuan Dist, www.tesa.fr
Fax: +49 (40) 4909 2265 Changchun 130062
Phone: +86 (431) 87060978
Fax: +86 (431) 87060986 COLOMBIA
tesa tape Colombia Ltda.
Calle 67 Norte #7N-59 piso 3 GREECE
BELGIUM Barrio Menga tesa tape A.E.
tesa sa-nv CALI - Valle del Cauca 2, Agiou Nektariou Str.
Chaussée de Ruisbroek, 76 CHINA Servicio al cliente: 018000 950505 GR-153 44 Gerakas / Attiki
Ruisbroeksesteenweg, 76 tesa tape (Chongqin) Co., Ltd Phone: +57 (2) 6878484 Phone: +30 (210) 6600290
1180 Bruxelles Room1103, Tower, No. 38, Jianxin North Fax: +57 (2) 6878475 Fax: +30 (210) 6610657
Phone: +32 (2) 5250811 Road, Jiangbei District, Chongqing www.tesa.gr
Fax: +32 (2) 5250833 40020
www.tesa.be Fax: +86 (23) 67612062

GUATEMALA ITALY JORDAN MEXICO
tesa tape Centro América S.A. tesa SpA tesa SE tesa tape México
Diagonal 6, 10-50 Zona 10 Via L. Cadorna 69 Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 Av. Santa Fe No. 170
Edificio Interamericas WFC 20090 Vimodrone (Milano) 22848 Norderstedt German Centre P 6-3-3
Torre Norte nivel 12, oficina 1202 Phone: +39 (02) 25010811 Germany Col. Lomas de Santa Fe
Guatemala, C.A. Fax: +39 (02) 25010841 Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 D.F. C.P. 01210
Phone: +502 (2) 2449100 Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Phone: +52 (55) 52926978
Fax: +502 (2) 2449191 www.tesatape.com
JAPAN
tesa tape K.K. KOREA
HUNGARY 8F, Shirokanetakanawa Station Bldg. tesa tape Korea Ltd. NETHERLANDS
tesa tape Kft. 1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku City Air Tower 159-9, Room 1805 tesa BV
2040 Budaörs Tokyo 108-0072 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu Stationsplein 3-1
Szabadság út 117. Phone: +81 (3) 68332300 Seoul 135-973 1211 EX Hilversum
Phone: +36 (23) 814154 Fax: +81 (3) 34737440 Korea Phone: +31 (35) 6250200
Fax: +36 (23) 814160 www.tesa.jp Phone: +822 (569) 8451 Fax: +31 (35) 6250240
www.tesa.hu Fax: +822 (569) 8455 www.tesa.nl
JAPAN
INDIA tesa tape K.K. (Nagoya) KUWAIT NEW ZEALAND
tesa Tapes (India) Pvt. Ltd. 7F, arex Bldg, tesa SE tesa tape New Zealand Ltd.
301, 3rd Floor, Lakhani Centrium, 1-4-12, Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya- Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 PO Box 33-121
Plot No 27, Sec 15, CBD Belapur, shi, 22848 Norderstedt Takapuna, 0740
Navi Mumbai - 400614 Aichi-ken 460-0002 Germany Auckland
Maharashtra Phone: +81 (52) 2234511 Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 Phone: +64 (0800) 837269
Phone: +91 (22) 47419200 Fax: +81 (52) 2234512 Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Fax: +64 (0800) 837267
Fax: +91 (22) 47419299 www.tesa.jp
LATVIA NORWAY
INDONESIA JAPAN tesa A/S tesa AS
tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. tesa tape K.K. (Osaka) Vienibas gatve 109 Karihaugveien 89
11th Floor, Suite A, Perwata Tower 4F, Risoshinosaka Bldg, 4-3-7-Miyahara, LV 1058, Riga 1086 Oslo
CBD Pluit, Jl Pluit Selatan Raya Yodogawa-ku. Osaka-shi, Phone: +371 (679) 30180 Phone: +47 (22) 907979
Jakarta Utara 14440 Osaka-fu 532-0003 Fax: +371 (679) 30179 Fax: +47 (22) 300376
Phone: +62 (21) 66672978 Phone: +81 (6) 63965811 www.tesa.dk www.tesa.dk
Fax: +62 (21) 66672985 Fax: +81 (6) 63967648
www.tesa.jp
LEBANON OMAN
IRAN tesa SE tesa SE
tesa SE JAPAN Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1
Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 tesa tape K.K. 22848 Norderstedt 22848 Norderstedt
22848 Norderstedt Technical Center (tTC) Germany Germany
Germany 10F, Shirokanetakanawa Station Bldg Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 Tel: +49 (0) 40888990
Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060
Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Tokyo 108-0072
Phone: +81 (3) 68332321
Fax: +81 (3) 54235753
www.tesa.jp
LITHUANIA PAKISTAN
IRAQ tesa A/S tesa SE
tesa SE V.Gerulaicio str.1 Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1
Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 08200 Vilnius 22848 Norderstedt
22848 Norderstedt JAPAN Lithuania Germany
Germany tesa tape K.K. Warehouse Phone: +370 (5) 2191555 Tel: +49 (0) 40888990
Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 C/O Japan transcity Corp, Fax: +370 (5) 2191554 Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060
Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 1221 Minamibansyu, Mitsubuchi, www.tesa.dk
Komaki-shi, Aichi-ken 485-0075
Phone: +81 (568) 427161
Fax: +81 (6) 63967648
www.tesa.jp PHILIPPINES
ISRAEL MALAYSIA tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
tesa SE tesa tape (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Rep. Office Philippines
Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 No 49, Jalan P10/21 164 Gul Circle
22848 Norderstedt Taman Industri Selaman, Seksyen 10 Singapore 629621
Germany 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Phone: +65 (68) 612026
Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 West Malaysia Fax: +65 (68) 612361
Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Phone: +60 (3) 89273010
Fax: +60 (3) 89273028

3.5
tesa test tapes product informa-
tion and worldwide addresses
SECTION
POLAND SLOVENIA TAIWAN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
tesa tape Sp. z o.o. tesa tape d.o.o. tesa tape (Hong Kong) Ltd. - tesa Middle East
ul. Gnieznienska 32 Pot k sejmiscu 30 Taiwan Branch Office No.: LOB 15-604C
61-021 Poznan 1231 Lj.-Crnuce 9F-1, 3, Sec 1 Min Sheng Road Jebel Ali Free Zone,
Phone: +48 (61) 8746147 Phone: +386 (1) 5602409 Panchiao 220, Taipei Hsien PO Box 261534
Fax: +48 (61) 8746019 Fax: +386 (1) 5602415 22069 Taiwan Dubai, United Arab Emirates
www.tesa.pl www.tesa.si Phone: +886 (2) 29579662 Phone: +971 (4) 8808933
Fax: +886 (2) 29579433 Mobile: +971 (5) 54056706
PORTUGAL SOUTH AFRICA

tesa Portugal, Lda. tesa SA TAIWAN UNITED KINGDOM
Rua Soeiro Pereira Gomes, 59 21 Lighthouse Drive tesa tape (Taiwan) Co., Ltd tesa UK Ltd.
Queluz de Baixo, Apartado 87 Umhlanga Rocks 4319 9F-1, No.3, Sec. 1 Mingsheng Rd, Yeomans Drive, Blakelands
PT 2746-901 Queluz South Africa Panchiao Dist, New Taipei City 220, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK 14 5LS
Phone: +351 (21) 4349600 Phone: +27 (31) 2678534 22069 Taiwan Phone: +44 (1) 908 211333
Fax: +351 (21) 4351499 Mobile: +27 (82) 9084752 Phone: +8 (52) 25839980 Fax: +44 (1) 908 211555
www.tesa.pt Fax: +8 (52) 25989244 www.tesa.co.uk
SPAIN
QATAR tesa tape S.A. THAILAND USA
tesa SE Ctra. de Mataró a Granollers, P. Km. 5,4 tesa tape Thailand Limited tesa tape inc.
Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 08310 Argentona 1858/80, 17th Floor, Nation Tower 800 W. El Camino Real - Suite 180
22848 Norderstedt Phone: +34 (93) 7583300 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangna Bangna Mountain View, CA 94040
Germany Fax: +34 (93) 7583444 Bangkok 10260 electronics.tesa.com
Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 www.tesatape.es Phone: +66 (2) 751 4025 to 4029
Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Fax: +66 (2) 7514030
VIETNAM
SRI LANKA tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
ROMANIA tesa SE TURKEY Unit 705A, 7th Floor, Me Linh Point Tower
tesa tape SRL Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 tesa Bant Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. No. 2 Ngo Duc Ke Street
str.Observatorului , nr.113A, etaj 1, 22848 Norderstedt Merdivenköy Mah. Bora Sokak No:1 District 1
Cluj-Napoca, 400363 Germany Nida Kule Göztepe K:4 Ho Chi Minh City
Romania Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 34732 Kadıköy İstanbul Phone: +84 (8) 823 7850 Ext 2805 &
Phone: +40 (364) 401140 Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Phone: +90 (216) 5789000 2806
Fax: +40 (364) 401141 Fax: +90 (216) 5789001 Fax: +84 (8) 8237840
www.tesatape.ro www.tesabant.com.tr
SWEDEN
tesa AB VIETNAM
RUSSIA Box 10275 TURKEY tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
tesa tape OOO 434 23 Kungsbacka tesa scribos Turkey Unit 210, 2nd Floor, V-Tower
Shabolovka 10, Building 2 Phone: +46 (300) 55350 Merdivenköy Mah. Bora Sokak No:1 649 Kim Ma Street, BaDinh District
119049 Moscow Fax: +46 (300) 19494 Nida Kule Göztepe K:4 Hanoi
Phone: +7 (495) 2584024 www.tesa.dk 34732 Kadıköy İstanbul Phone: +84 (4) 7667800
Fax: +7 (495) 7923245 Phone: +90 (216) 5789000 Fax: +84 (4) 7667801
www.tesatape.ru Fax: +90 (216) 5789001
www.tesa-scribos.com
SWITZERLAND
tesa tape Schweiz AG YEMEN
SAUDI ARABIA Industriestr. 19 tesa SE
tesa SE 8962 Bergdietikon UKRAINE Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1
Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1 Phone: +41 (44) 7443444 Representative Office 22848 Norderstedt
22848 Norderstedt Fax: +41 (44) 7412672 tesa tape KFT Germany
Germany www.tesa.ch 104 Saksaganskogo street Tel: +49 (0) 40888990
Tel: +49 (0) 40888990 Office 4 Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060
Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060 Kyiv 01032
Phone: +380 (44) 2357692
Fax: +380 (44) 2341810
SYRIA
tesa SE
SLOVAKIA Hugo-Kirchberg-Straße 1
tesa tape s.r.o. - organizacna 22848 Norderstedt
zlozka Slovensko Germany
Riznerova 5 Tel: +49 (0) 40888990
81101 Bratislava Fax: +49 (0) 40888996060
Phone: +421 (257) 101620
Fax: +421 (257) 101600
www.tesa.sk

FINAT
Tel. +31-70-3123910 | Fax +31-70-3636348
P.O. Box 85612 | NL-2508 CH The Hague Netherlands
E-mail: info@finat.com | URL: www.finat.com
finat - the association for the european self-adhesive labelling and adjacent narrow web converting industries

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FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK

Photo caption: Gallus Labelmaster Advanced

It is my pleasure to introduce you to the 10th edition of the FINAT Technical

The FINAT Technical Handbook, as well as the TLMI Manual of Recommended

I take this opportunity to thank all members of the Technical Committee

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 5

6 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

2.1 Recommended joins in self-adhesive laminates for roll labels 64

section 3 | test equipment

Note from the editor

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 7

Peel adhesion is measured 20 minutes and 24 hours after

Temperature 23°C ± 2°C, 50% RH ± 5% RH.

8 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

results Alternative methods which remove contamination

• Diacetone alcohol non-residual,

The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 9

10 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

results Alternative methods which remove contamination

• Diacetone alcohol non-residual, technical grade or

The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 11

scope test conditions

Set the machine at 300 mm per minute jaw separation

A machine capable of peeling a laminate through an angle

Picture 1: Imass ZPE-1000 High Speed Release Peel Tester

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 13

The procedure is as follows:

2. Conversion 1 kgf = 981 cN

Issued October 1988

14 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

scope test conditions

• Climate chamber 2. Climate chamber testing

Testing single sheets of material in a climate chamber

Retain the control set of strips at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 15

scope Since lamp characteristics change with time, the distance/

16 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

Association Française de Normalisation

BSI – UK National Standards Body

Bureau de Normalisation NBN

DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.

Japanese Standards Association

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 17

FTM7 energy-dispersive x-ray

scope should remain switched on to maintain optimum stability.

18 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 19

scope test pieces

definition test conditions

20 | FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition

results 2. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as

The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical

Dispense one of the solvents listed above on to the

Alternative methods which remove contamination

Prior to use, the cleaned plates should be left for

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 10 th edition | 21