Material Constructions

&
Properties

For Training Purpose Only

Material Constructions

Optional
layers

Main
layers
Material Constructions

It can be 1 layer, 2 layers,

3 layers, 4 layers or more
depend how you interprets
it
 Material Constructions
The basic label construction consists of 4 layers:
the facestock, adhesive, release coating, and the liner.

1)Facestock
-is the uppermost layer of a label construction. This layer is
where printing and/or writing is usually done on.
-When selecting a facestock, one should consider service
environments, label comformability, label dispensability,
print quality and durability as key considerations.
2)Adhesive
-is a sticky substance which bonds the label (facestock)
with the substrate.
-Factors influencing selection of an adhesive include
application conditions, substrate material type, service
environment, and removability.

3)The release coating

-is usually a silicone based coating between the liner and the
adhesive.
-It allows the facestock to seperate smoothly from the liner.
-A smooth and consistent release force are a very critical
factors for high speed converting and stripping, as well as
for automated label dispensing processes.
4)The liner
-is the lowermost layer of a label construction which
serves as label carrier for converting, printing and
dispensing.
-It also serves as a base for die-cutting. The liner
determines the flatness of the label.
 Types of Material
1. Pressure Sensitive Labels
- have facestock, adhesive & liner

2. Double sided Tape

- have adhesive & liner

3. Liner
- have 1 layer of liner only

4. Material only
- have 1 layer of material only
 Properties of Facestock Material
1. Paper – low cost, indoor, packaging
2. Polyester(PET) - synthetic polymer, resistance to
moisture & temperatures
• Polypropylene - Highly durable and resistant to most
acids
• PVC(Vinyl) - very versatile and durable, resistance
to solvents, moisture, scuffing and UV exposure.
• Polymide - ideal for high temperature applications
and suited for printed circuit board (PCB) barcode
labels.
 Properties of Adhesive
Rubber Economical, short-term adhesive with good initial
bond, suitable for indoor use. Rubber pressure sensitive
adhesives have minimal chemical, heat and UV resistance
and break down over an extended period of time.
Acrylic Extremely stable bond that strengthens over time (see
diagram below) and works well with most surfaces. Acrylic
pressure sensitive adhesives have exceptional chemical,
heat and UV resistance and are suitable for both indoor and
outdoor use.
Silicone Exceptional stability through a wide range of
temperatures with excellent ozone and oxidation resistance.
While less economical, silicone pressure sensitive
adhesives are recommended for high temperature and
cryogenic applications for exceptional reliability.
 Properties of Liner
Paper Used when particulation is not an issue
Typically silicone coated for easy label removal
Generally manufactured from kraft paper
Available bleached or unbleached and coated or uncoated

Synthetic Available as silicone free, standard (clear), safety

(colored) and ESD
Used primarily in cleanroom environment
Available in polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene,
polyethylene and polyolefin
Do not work well with permanent adhesives
Available with textured surface for anti-static applications

Both paper and synthetic liners are available in different

thicknesses.
 When choosing a label product, always ask yourself
these eight questions:

1. Do I need a permanent or removable label?

2. What is the composition of the substrate which I would apply
the label on?
3. What is the texture of the surface of the substrate?
4. What is the shape of the surface? (Circular, flat, etc.)
5. Is the application surface clean or contaminated?
6. Is there a possibility of migratory inhabitation of components
on the substrate?
7. What are the printing/imprinting and converting
requirements?
8. Are there special environmental factors which should be
considered? (e.g. Extreme temperatures, UV exposure,
outdoor weathering, sterilization, etc.)
Example of Materials