FINAT Technical Handbook 6th Edition, 2001

Note from the editor
Although the 24 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.
FINAT
The Hague, May 2001
FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001
Preface to the sixth edition
As the Chairman of the FINAT Technical Committee, it is my pleasure to introduce the 6th
edition of the FINAT Technical Handbook. Over the years, the FINAT Technical Handbook
and the FINAT Test Methods that it contains have developed as the international reference
standard for suppliers and users of self-adhesive materials.
This edition incorporates four new test methods, FTM 7, FTM 22, FTM 23 and FTM 24
respectively for the measurement of silicone coat weight, advanced ink adhesion, die-strike
test and mandrel hold test. In addition, all the test methods have been reviewed and along
with the information sections updated.
Section 13 has been added to offer guidelines for accelerated ageing tests.
FINAT owes recognition to the members of the FINAT Technical Committee, who were
closely involved in the revision of the Test Methods and thus actively contributed to the
committees main objective: to understand and promote the science and technology of self-adhesive labelling.
Drawing its knowledge from a wide range of industry members interests, the FINAT Technical Committee provides an
informed body of professional expertise focused on the processes and materials used in the manufacture of selfadhesive labelstock, their conversion and subsequent application.
By monitoring developments, trends in technology, in changing market use, and environmental issues, it provides an
ongoing source of technical data and expert opinion and encourages networking and improved technical
understanding throughout our global membership.
Andrew Jack
Chairman FINAT Technical Committee
Dow Corning Ltd.

Barry, UK
September 2001
Copyright 2001 FINAT, The Hague, The Netherlands
All rights reserved
Contents
Section 1
FINAT Test Methods
Section 2
Test Equipment
61
2.1 Standard FINAT Test Roller
61
2.2 Automatic Rolling Device
61
2.3 Sources of Test Equipment
61
Section 3
Recommended joins in self-adhesive laminates for roll labels
68
Section 4
Processing recommendations
69
Section 5
Surfaces requiring caution
71
Section 6
Safety guide for users of self-adhesive label stock products
72
Section 7
Handling and storage of label stock
74
Section 8
Adhesion problems
75
Section 9
Removal of adhesives or adhesive labels
76
Section 10
Adhesives
78
Section 11
Unwind roll chart
81
Section 12
Communication of technical data between labelstock manufacturer and label printer
82
Section 13
Guidelines for accelerated ageing tests
84
Section 1
FINAT Test Methods

for Self-adhesive Materials
FTM 1
Peel adhesion (180) at 300mm per minute
FTM 2
FTM 3
Low speed release force
11
FTM 4
High speed release Force
13
FTM 5
Resistance to elevated temperatures
15
FTM 6
Resistance to ultra-violet light
16
FTM 7
Silicone Coat Weight
18
FTM 8
Resistance to shear from a standard surface
20
FTM 9
Loop tack measurement
22
FTM 10
Quality of silicone coated substrates for self-adhesive laminates: release force
25
FTM 11
Quality of silicone coated substrates for self-adhesive laminates: subsequent adhesion
27
FTM 12
Adhesive coat weight
30
FTM13
Low temperature adhesion
31
FTM14
Dimensional stability
34
FTM15
Surface tension of plastic films .
36
FTM16
Chemical resistance Spot method
39
FTM17
Chemical resistance Immersion method
40
FTM18
Dynamic shear
42
FTM19
Recycling compatibility of self-adhesive labels
45
FTM20
Fluorescence and whiteness
50
FTM21
Ink adhesion (basic)
53
FTM22
Ink adhesion (advanced)
55
FTM23
Die strike
57
FTM24
Mandrel hold
59
FTM1
FINAT Test Method no. 1

Scope
This test method is designed to quantify the permanence of adhesion or peelability

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.
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

180 with a jaw separation rate of 300mm per minute with an accuracy of 2%.
Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass (Kristallspiegelglas, verre glace).
A standard FINAT test roller.
Test Pieces
These should be strips taken from a representative sample of material. The strips
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 three strips should be
taken from each material sample.
Test Conditions
Temperature 23C 2C, 50 % RH 5% RH. The test sample or test strips

should be conditioned for not less than 4 hours before testing.
180 v = 300 mm/min
Procedure
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.
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.
After applying the strips to the test plate, leave for a period of 20 minutes before
testing. Repeat the procedure with a second set of strips and leave for a period of
24 hours before testing.
Fix the test plate and strip in the machine so that the angle of peel is 180. Set the
machine at 300mm per minute jaw separation rate. Carry out the test taking at
least five readings at 10 mm intervals from the centre section of each test strip.
Average the five or more readings for each strip.
Results
Peel adhesion (180) is expressed as the average result for the strips tested in
Newtons per 25mm width for either 20 minutes or 24 hours application time.
Failure
CP
PS
CF
AT
PT
Notes
Description Code
Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel.
Panel Stain - discoloration of test area, but no tacky residue.
Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during the test, leaving residue
of adhesive on both the panel and the front material.
Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates cleanly from the front material,
leaving adhesive film on the test panel.
The approximate extent of transfer should be quoted as percentage
Paper Tear - the adhesive force exceeds the strength of a paper facing
material. The results quoted should be the maximum reached before the
paper tears.
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
Methanol 95 %
n-Heptane
Ethyl Acetate
The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical 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.
2. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as stainless steel or
aluminium or polyester film, but this must be clearly stated alongside the results.
3. If adhesion values are required when paper tear has occurred, then this test can
be conducted at lower jaw separation rates quoting the latter against the
results.
4. Conversion 1kgf- = 9.81 N
Issued October 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
FTM 2

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 300mm 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.
Test Pieces
These should be strips from a representative sample of material. The strips 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 three strips should be taken from
each material sample.
Test Conditions
23C 2C and 50% RH 5% RH. The test sample or test strips should be
conditioned for not less than 4 hours before testing.
Procedure
material, adhesive side down, on to a clean test plate using light finger pressure.
approximately 10mm per second to obtain intimate contact between the adhesive
mass and the surface.
After applying the strip to the test plate, leave for a period of 20 minutes before
testing. Repeat the procedure with a second set of strips and leave for a period of
Fix the test plate and strip into the horizontal support which has been secured into
the bottom jaw of the tensile tester. Set the machine at 300mm per minute jaw
separation rate. Carry out the test taking at least five readings at 10 mm intervals
from the centre section of the test strip. Average the five or more readings for each
strip.
Results
Peel adhesion (90) is expressed as the average result for the strips tested in
Newtons per 25 mm width for either 20 minutes or 24 hours application time.
Failure Description Code
CP
PS
CF
AT
Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates cleanly from the front
material, leaving adhesive film on the test panel.
PT
Paper Tear - the adhesive force exceeds the strength of a paper facing
material. The results quoted should be the maximum reached before the
paper tears.
Notes
Acetone
Methanol 95 %
n-Heptane
Ethyl Acetate
The cleaning material must be absorbent, e.g. surgical gauge, cotton wool or
Alternative methods which remove contamination properly can be adopted, e.g.
ultrasonic cleaning.

aluminium, but this must be clearly stated alongside the results.
3. If adhesion values are required when paper tear has occurred then this test can
results.
4. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 N
Issued October 1985
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
10
FTM 3

Low speed release force
Scope
This test method allows the end user to determine the force required to separate
the release backing from the pressure sensitive adhesive coated face material. It
may be used in the preliminary evaluation of the conversion aspects of the
laminate, - very low values may create label fly during conversion or application high values may produce web break when skeleton stripping die cut labels or
dispensing failure during automatic application.
Definition
Low speed release force is defined as the force required to separate a pressure
sensitive adhesive coated material from its backing or protective sheet (or vice
versa) at an angle of 180 and a jaw separation rate of 300mm per minute.
Test Equipment
A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling a laminate through an angle

of 180 with a jaw separation rate of 300mm 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.
Metal or glass pressure plates loaded to give a pressure of 6.86 kPa
2
(70 g/cm ) on the test piece.
Test Pieces
should be 50mm wide and have a minimum length of 175mm in the machine
taken from each sample.
Test Conditions
Place the strips under test between two flat metal or glass plates and keep for 20
hours at 23C 2oC under a pressure of 6.86 kPs (70 g/cm2) to ensure good contact
between the release material and the adhesive. Up to 20 strips can be kept
between the plates. After storage in this manner, take the strips from between the
plates and keep for not less than 4 hours at the standard test conditions of
23 2C and 50 % RH 5 % RH.
Procedure
Fix each strip to the plate by means of a double sided tape (which should cover the
full test area of the sample), so that the laminate can be peeled apart at an angle
of 180. The facing material may be peeled from the release substrate, or vice
versa, depending on how the sample is applied to the plate. The method of peel
must be quoted with the results.
Set the machine at 300mm per minute jaw separation rate, carry out the test
taking five readings at 10 mm intervals from the centre section of the test strip.
Average the five readings for each strip.
11
Results
Low speed release force is expressed as the average result for the strips tested in
centiNewton per 50mm width.
Notes:
Conversion 1 kgf- = 981cN.
Revised March 1990

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
12
FTM 4

High speed release force
Scope
This test method allows the label user to assess the separation force of a laminate
at speeds comparable to those typically used to convert and dispense the material.
It therefore gives a far more meaningful assessment of the conversion
characteristics than FTM 3. Very low values may create label fly during conversion
or application. High values may produce web break when skeleton stripping die cut
labels or dispensing failure during automatic application.
Definition
High speed release force is defined as the force required to separate:

(mode 1) a pressure sensitive adhesive coated material from its backing or
protective sheet,
(mode 2) the backing from the adhesive coated material, both at an angle of 180
and at jaw separation rates between 10m and 300m per minute.
The two modes will mostly give different results.
Test Equipment
A machine capable of peeling a laminate through an angle of 180 with a jaw

separation rate range of 10 - 300m per minute. The machine should preferably
have a facility for recording the release force continuously (see notes).
Test Pieces
These should be taken from a representative sample of material. The strips should
be 25 mm wide and have a minimum length of 300mm in the machine direction.
The testing device may require extra length for clamping the material. The strips
must be free from damage (creases, blisters etc.) and cut with clean edges.
Test Conditions
The material under test is placed between two flat metal or glass plates and kept
for 20 hours at 23C 2C under a pressure of 6.87 kPa (70 g/cm2) to ensure
good contact between the release paper and the adhesive.
Up to 20 strips can be kept between the plates.
After storage in this manner, the strips should be taken from between the glass
plates and kept for not less than 4 hours at the standard test conditions
of 23C 2C and 50% RH 5% RH.
Accelerated ageing may be carried out by placing a similar set of strips between
two flat metal or glass plates and keeping for 20 hours in an air circulating oven at
70C 5C. The strips should then be removed and conditioned for at least 4
hours as above. See also FTM 5
13
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.
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 50mm 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/25mm
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 are 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 25mm 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
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
14
FTM 5

Resistance to elevated temperatures
Scope
This test method is suitable for rating laminate constructions according to their
ability to withstand elevated temperatures and/or extended storage periods. It may
be combined with other FINAT Test Methods.
Procedure
Place the strips, still covered with their protective backing material in the test oven
under the test conditions without allowing them to come into contact with each
other (i.e. hanging freely). Retain the control set of strips at 23C 2C and 50%
RH 5% RH .
At the end of the test period, remove the strips from the oven and, after allowing
the specified conditioning period appropriate to each test method, test the strips,
together with the control strips, by the appropriate FINAT test method (FTM 1, 2, 8
or 9). For additional guidelines see Section 13.
The single strip and a control should also be evaluated for 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.
Results
Resistance to elevated temperatures is expressed as the percentage reduction (any

increase being denoted as such) in each average value when compared to the
control.
The discoloration and strike through should be reported descriptively as nil, slight,
moderate or severe.
All conditions should be carefully reported.
Issued October 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
15
FTM 6

Resistance to ultra-violet light
Scope
This test method offers a means of comparing the weathering characteristics of self
adhesive laminates.
Definition
Ultra-violet light is the high energy light which is largely responsible for the
deterioration of adhesive coated materials during weathering.
The resistance of a pressure sensitive material to ultra-violet light is defined as the
reduction in peel adhesion (FTM 1 or 2), shear (FTM 8), loop tack (FTM 9) and the
degree of adhesive discoloration and strike through after exposure to a defined
amount of radiation similar in spectrum to that of solar radiation.
Test Equipment
Any apparatus capable of exposing samples to a mercury vapour lamp, xenon arc
or other radiation source with similar spectral characteristics to that of solar
radiation. The temperature reached by the sample should not exceed 50C.
Test Pieces
should be 25mm wide and have a minimum length of 175 mm in the machine
direction. The cuts should be clean and straight. A minimum of three strips are
required for each physical property being tested together with a single strip for
evaluation of discoloration and strike through. A duplicate set of strips is also
required to act as control.
Test Conditions
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. Since lamp characteristics change with time, the distance/time
combination should be checked at intervals during the life of the lamp.
The test may also be conducted under more severe conditions when appropriate by
using Blue Wool Scale No. 5 or No. 6 as the starting point for the standard, each
unit step in the Blue Wool Scale approximately doubling the exposure level.
Procedure
Expose the strips to the lamp for the time and distance defined under "Test
Conditions". The strips should be exposed as a laminate with the facing material
towards the lamp. Retain the control set of strips at 23C 2C and
50% RH 5% RH.
At the end of the test period remove the strips from the apparatus and, after
allowing the specified conditioning period appropriate to each test method, test
the strips, together with the control strips, by the appropriate test method (FTM 1,
2, 8 or 9).
The single strip and a control should also be evaluated for 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.
Results
16
Resistance to ultra-violet light is expressed as the percentage reduction (any

increases being denoted as such) in each average value when compared to the
control samples.
The discoloration and strike-through should be reported descriptively as nil, slight,

moderate or severe.
If conditions other than the standard (Blue Wool Scale 4 - Grey Wool Scale 3) are
used, then this must be stated.
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:
British Standards Institution
2 Park Street, London WA 2BS
DIN Deutsches Institut fur Normung e.V.
Beuth Verlag GmbH
Burggrafenstrasse 6
D-10787 Berlin
Tel. +49 30 2601-2292
Japanese Standards Association
1-24 Akasaka 4
Minatoku, Tokyo
Institut Belge de Normalisation
Av. de la Brabanonne 29
B-1040 Bruxelles
Association Franaise de Normalisation
Tour Europe, CEDEX 7
F-92080 Paris la Defense
Issued 1985
Revised October 1995
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
17
FTM 7

Silicone Coat Weight
Scope
This test method provides a quantitative determination of the amount of silicone

release coating present on the release base materials used in the manufacture of
pressure sensitive laminates for self adhesive labels or other release liner
applications.
Definition
Silicone coat weight is expressed as the quantity of cured silicone release coating on
a standard area of release base material. It is expressed in grams per square metre
(g/m2). Silicone coat weight can be one of the key parameters in assessing the
quality of release base performance.
Test Equipment
This method is for the laboratory determination and also routine production
measurement of silicone coat weight using the principle of X-ray fluorescence
spectrometry (XRF). A number of benchtop XRF analysers are commercially available
the most commonly used being the Oxford Instruments Lab-X 3000, the Metorex XMET 800 and the Spectro T200/Titan.
(supplier addresses and websites ref. section test equipment p.61 sec 2.3)
Test Specimens
A suitable number of test specimens are taken from the representative area of the
release base sheet of laminate or from the pre siliconised release material under
investigation. With each type of XRF analyser a suitable sample cutter is generally
available. Contamination of the samples especially from any silicone materials
present in the area must be avoided. Sample discs should be cut or punched onto a
clean sheet of tissue paper and should then be handled with tweezers. Samples
require no pre conditioning.
Procedure
With most analysers samples are placed into a special device designed by the
manufacturers to handle paper or film substrates. They are then automatically
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
analysed, in this case silicon. After a period of time e.g 30-60 seconds
measurements are complete and the software will provide a read out of coat
weight directly in g/m2. silicone, (Polydimethylsiloxane). Ref. Results below.
The exact procedure for the operation of these instruments has to be followed from
the operators manual of the appropriate instrument supplier. However some
general points are worth noting.The operator inputs are accomplished via software
control and are activated using an integral keypad or linked computer system.
Software messages and results are shown on the analyser liquid crystal displays or
on the monitor of the computer system.
The XRF technique is a comparative rather than an absolute method of analysis and
therefore a calibration curve must be established before routine analysis can be
performed. This is explained for each instrument and the suppliers can offer sets of
calibration standards, information on standardisation, calibration and blank
correction.
Variations in technique are needed to accommodate different types of substrate e.g.
Glassine paper and Clay coated paper, and a blank sample of uncoated substrate is
generally needed to correct for silicon present in the uncoated base paper or film.
18
Results
These are directly provided in grams per square metre silicone. Care should be
taken when converting from elemental silicon to silicone as release coating. The
majority of polymers are based upon polydimethylsiloxane but some silicones, in
particular radiation cured may need a different conversion factor to allow for
different chemistries. If in doubt consult the silicone supplier.
Several samples should be taken from a representative coated substrate, and for
wide off coater samples the position across the web should be noted since
variations can occur.
In general the greater the count time the greater the precision.
Accuracy within the range of +/- 0.05 to 0.01 (g/m2) have been reported within
the industry.
Reference: L .Price and L. Morrison, Spectroscopy, Vol. 7, No 6,
July/August 1992 pp 32-38
Issued April 2001
19
FTM 8

Resistance to shear from a standard surface
Scope
This test method measures the ability of an adhesive to withstand static forces
applied in the same plane as the labelstock.
It gives an indication of the likely mode of bond failure, i.e. adhesive failure or
cohesion failure.
Definition
Resistance to shear from a standard surface is defined as the time required for a
standard area of pressure sensitive coated material to slide from a standard flat
surface in a direction parallel to the surface.
Test Equipment
A rack or jig to hold the test plate precisely 2 from the vertical (see diagram
below).
1 kg weight.
A standard FINAT Test roller.
Test Pieces
should be 25mm wide and have a minimum length of 175mm in the machine
taken from each material sample.
Test Conditions
23C 2C and 50 % RH 5% RH.

The test sample or test strips should be conditioned for not less than 4 hours
before testing.
Procedure
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, 25mm x 25mm, 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.
20
Results
Resistance to shear from a standard surface is expressed as the average time taken
for the three strips to shear from the test plate.
Failure Description Code:
CP
PS
CF
AT
Notes
Acetone
Methanol 95 %
n-Heptane
Ethyl Acetate
aluminium but this must be clearly stated alongside the results.
3. Alternative weights can be used, but these must be clearly stated alongside the
results.
Issued October 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
21
FTM 9

Loop tack measurement
Scope
This test method describes a means of assessing probably the most important and
yet the hardest to measure property of pressure sensitive materials, the tack. The
method described should allow the end user to compare 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 and a vertical jaw
separation rate of 300mm per minute with an accuracy of 2%. It should also
have a capability of measuring direct loads up to at least 20 Newtons with an
accuracy of 2%.
A flat plate made of float glass or equivalent plate glass measuring
25 0.5 mm x 30 2.0 mm x minimum thickness 3.0 mm. A metal peg is
attached at the centre of one face of the plate. The dimensions of the peg should
be such that the peg can be clamped in the lower jaw of the tensometer.
Test Pieces
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 five strips should be taken
from each sample.
Test Conditions
23C 2C and 50% RH 5% RH.

The test sample or test strips should be conditioned for not less than 4 hours
before testing.
22
Procedure
Remove the backing material from each strip immediately prior to the test being
carried out. Hold the two ends of the adhesive coated facing material strip and
from the strip into a loop, adhesive surface outermost, by bringing the two ends
together. Clamp the ends of the loop for a distance of 10 mm into the top jaw of
the ensile tester leaving the loop hanging vertically downwards. The sides of the
jaw 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. Record the maximum force necessary to completely separate
each loop from the glass plate.
Results
Loop tack is expressed as the average value (ignoring the initial peak) and range
for the five strips tested in Newtons.
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
Methanol 95 %
n-Heptane
Ethyl Acetate
23

3. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 Newton.
Issued October 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
24
FTM 10
FlNAT Test Method no. 10

Quality of silicone coated substrates for
self-adhesive laminates: release force
Scope
This test method describes a simple method of assessing the suitability of a

siliconised (or indeed any other type of release) backing material for pressure
sensitive lamination .
Definition
Release force is defined as the force required to separate a pressure sensitive

adhesive coated material from its backing or protective sheet (or vice versa) under
specified conditions and at a specified angle and speed.
Test Equipment

of 180 at a jaw separation rate of 300 mm per minute and with an accuracy of
2%.
A circulating hot air oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 70 2C.
Metal or glass pressure plates loaded to give a pressure of 6.86 kPa
(70 g/cm2) on the test pieces.
A standard pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, 25 mm wide, 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 six 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 50mm in order to obtain a meaningful
measurement. However, release force should still be expressed as release force per
25mm width.
Test Conditions
Place the strips under test between two flat metal or glass plates and keep for 20
hours at 23C 2C 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 standard test conditions of 23C 2C,
50 % RH 5% RH.
25
Accelerated ageing may be carried out by placing a similar set of strips between
two flat metal or glass plates and keeping it for 20 hours in an air circulating oven
at 70C 5C. The strips should then be removed and conditioned for at least 4
hours as above.
Procedure
Fix each strip in the machine so that the tape or facing material can be stripped
away from the silicone coated substrate at an angle of peel of 180. Set the
machine to operate at 300mm per minute jaw separation rate. Carry out the test
taking at least five readings at 10 mm intervals from the centre section of the test
trip. Average the five or more readings for each strip.
Results
Release force is expressed as the average result for the strips tested in Newtons per
25 mm width either under standard conditions or under accelerated ageing
conditions.
Notes
1. The strips should be retained for subsequent adhesion testing.

2. See FTM 11 for interpretation of results.
3. The adhesive tape or adhesive coated facing paper used should be as stable to
changes in temperature as possible and of steady and reproducible adhesion
value.
See also notes for FTM 11.
Issued October, 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
26
FTM 11

Quality of silicone coated substrates for
self-adhesive laminates: subsequent adhesion
Scope
This test method describes a technique whereby the effect of the release surface on
the adhesive properties can be assessed. It is of particular interest both to
manufacturers of release paper and also to pressure sensitive laminate
manufacturers in determining the key and degree of cure of the release system.
Definition
Subsequent adhesion is defined as the force required, at a specified angle and

speed, to remove a pressure sensitive adhesive coated material from a standard test
plate after it has previously been in contact with a silicone coated substrate under
specified conditions.
Percentage subsequent adhesion is expressed as the percentage ratio of this result
compared with the adhesion of similar material which has not been in contact with
the silicone coated substrate.
Test Equipment

of 180 with a jaw separation rate of 300mm per minute with an accuracy of
2%.
Test plates made of float glass or equivalent plate glass (Kristallspiegelglas, verre
glace).
The test samples from FTM 10.
A standard pressure sensitive tape, 25mm wide, or a standard pressure sensitive
adhesive coated facing paper (see Notes to FTM 10 and FTM 11).
Test Pieces
These are the 175mm x 25mm tape or pressure sensitive adhesive coated facing
paper strips which were peeled from the silicone coated substrate in FTM 10, plus a
control set of at least three strips from the standard tape or pressure sensitive
adhesive coated facing paper which have not been in contact with the silicone
coated substrate under test.
Test Conditions
23C 2C and 50 % RH 5% RH.

The test strips should be conditioned for not less than 4 hours before testing.
Procedure
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 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. After applying the strip to the test plate leave for a period of 20 minutes
before testing. Prepare a second set of strips and leave for a period of 24 hours
before testing.
Fix the test plate and sample in the machine so that the angle of peel is 180. Set
the machine at 300mm per minute jaw separation rate. Carry out the test taking at
least five readings at 10mm intervals from the centre section of each test strip.
Average the five or more readings for each strip.
27
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.
Results
Subsequent adhesion is expressed as the average result for the strips tested in
Newtons per 25 mm width for either 20 minutes or 24 hours application time.
Subsequent adhesion % = 100 X
Force required to remove test tape

Force required to remove control tape
If the adhesive 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. If adhesive transfer occurs, this should be
indicated by the letters AT.
Notes
1. Low values of release force (FTM 10) in conjunction with high subsequent
adhesion (FTM 11) usually indicate that the silicone coating has been properly
applied and cured.
2. High values of release force (FTM 10) usually indicate that the silicone coating is
inadequate or uneven (unless the product is designed to give high release) or
that the adhesive has reacted with an improperly cured film.
3. Low values of release force (FTM 10) with low percentage subsequent adhesion
values indicate silicone migration. However, the subsequent adhesive strength of
an adhesive after contact with silicone coated paper is very much dependent on
the surface texture of the substrate to which the release coating has been
applied. In general, the smoother the surface of the substrate, the higher will be
the percentage subsequent adhesion value obtained. Values of 70-80% are not
unusual.
4. Care should be taken in the interpretation of the results obtained from the
accelerated ageing release 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.
Acetone
Methanol 95 %
n-Heptane
Ethyl Acetate
28
aluminium but this must be clearly stated alongside the results.
7. If adhesion values are required when paper tear has occurred, then this test can
results.
Issued October 1985
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
29
FTM 12

Adhesive coat weight
Scope
This test may be used to determine with reasonable accuracy the amount of dry
adhesive material applied to the surface of a pressure sensitive label construction.
Definition
Adhesive coat weight is expressed as the weight of dry adhesive on a standard area
of material - in grammes per square metre (g/m2).
Test Equipment
1. A press or template enabling samples to be cut 100 cm2 in area to a high degree
of accuracy.
2. A circulated hot air oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 105C 2C.
3. A balance capable of recording sample weights to an accuracy of at least 0.001 g.
4. A beaker of solvent - suitably chosen to enable the adhesive film to be softened
prior to removal.
Recommendations:
a) for an acrylic adhesive - aliphatic solvent (e.g. SBP 2) + trace of aromatic
solvent (e.g. toluene);
b) for a rubber/resin adhesive - aliphatic solvent.
Test Specimens
Samples of 100 cm2 cut from representative positions in the web.
Test Procedure
1. The specimen is placed in an oven at 105 for five minutes.

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 3 decimal places.
4. Soak the specimen in the beaker of solvent to soften the adhesive approximately one minute.
5. Remove from the beaker and carefully scrape the adhesive off completely, rinsing
in clean solvent to remove any residue.
6. When all adhesive has been removed, return specimen to oven for further five
minutes.
7. Exactly one minute after removal from the oven reweigh and record new weight
of specimen.
Results
Subtract the final weight from the initial weight and multiply this figure by 100 to
express the final result in g/m2. Carry out the test taking five specimens per sample
and record the average coat weight obtained.
Note
Particular care should be taken when testing laminates manufactured from speciality
papers or synthetic films (particularly vinyls) since the solvent used to remove the
adhesive may also dissolve components of the face material resulting in significant errors.
Issued October, 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
30
FTM 13

Low temperature adhesion
Scope
This test method allows a subjective assessment to be made of the ability of a

pressure sensitive material to adhere under low temperature conditions.
Definition
Low temperature adhesion is defined as the ability of a pressure sensitive coated

material to adhere at temperatures below 5C. This test method allows a subjective
assessment to be made of the ability of a pressure sensitive material to adhere
under chill (4C) and deep freeze (-25C) conditions. Other test conditions are
possible (see note 1) and if used should be reported with the results.
Test Equipment
A cabinet capable of maintaining a temperature of 4C 1C.

A chest freezer capable of maintaining a temperature of -25C 1C.
Both should be large enough to allow examination of the test specimens without
removal.
Test Pieces
These should be cut from a representative sample of material. The test piece should
be 25 mm x 15 mm cut with the machine direction parallel to the short edge.
Test Surfaces
Polyester
Glass
Stainless steel
Aluminium foil
Low Density Polyethylene (PE - LD)
High Density Polyethylene (PE - HD)
Oriented Polypropylene (OPP)
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 used and should be reported with the results (see note 2).
Procedure
Place the test surfaces in the cabinet set at 4C and the chest freezer set at
-25C twenty four hours before the start of the test. The surfaces should be dry
before they are placed into the test cabinets and any filmic materials should be
placed in contact with glass plates to ensure an even temperature 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 testroller,
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 three test pieces from each laminate under test should be
applied to each test surface.
31
The labelled test surfaces should then be stored in the test cabinets for the
prescribed period. The recommended periods are 1 hour and seven days though
other time periods are possible (see note 3). The time period used should be
reported with the results.
After the test period, remove the test pieces from the test surfaces with the test
surfaces remaining in the test cabinet and assess the adhesion. Removal of the test
piece should start at one corner. If the label starts to tear removal should be
attempted from the opposite corner and continued even if the label tears again.
Rate the adhesion in the following manner:
Rating Description
0 Label detached from the test surface.
1 Poor bond-no label tear.
2 Moderate bond - no label tear.
3 Good bond - no label tear.
4 Very good bond - up to 50% of label surface left on test plate after removal.
Results
Notes
5 Excellent bond greater than 50% of label surface left on test plate after removal
.
For each surface average the score of the test pieces. To 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).
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 -40C, test at -40C;
* apply the labels at ambient, test at 4C, -25C, -40C; apply the labels at
ambient to moist test surfaces, test at 4C, -25C, -40C; apply the labels at 25C,-40C to icy surfaces, test at -25C, -40C. In all cases the test
conditions chosen should reflect as closely as possible the final end use of the
material. The chosen test conditions should be recorded with the results.
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 suppliers 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.
32
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 construction is 3.
6. Label constructions using plastic films such as PVC which may embrittle at low
temperatures can give high readings on this test but be unsuitable for the final
end use.
Issued October 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
33
FTM 14

Dimensional stability
Scope
This test method allows the user to assess the dimensional stability of a pressure
sensitive material when subjected to specified test conditions. It is particularly
relevant to synthetic film based materials such as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyester etc.
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 70C 2C.

Test plates made of smooth aluminium or aluminium alloy 150 mm x
150 mm x 2 mm gauge.
A rubber covered roller of sufficient width and a mass of 1 kg per 25 mm width.
A metal ruler or a scaled magnifying glass.
Test Condition
The material to be tested should be conditioned at 23C 2C 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 165
mm square with one edge running parallel to the length-wise edge of the test
material.
Procedure
material, adhesive side down, onto a clean test plate using light finger pressure and
without stretching the material. Roll twice in each direction with the rubber
covered roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per second to obtain intimate
contact between the adhesive and the aluminium plate surface. Then condition the
applied material for 72 hours at 23C 2C and 50% RH 5% RH. After this
conditioning procedure the applied material should be trimmed to the dimension of
the test plate. The length in each direction of the applied film is measured at the
centre point of the opposite sides. Insert the test plate into the oven at 70C 2C
for 48 hours, after which it is removed and conditioned at 23C 2C for 10 - 15
minutes to cool. The length in each direction is re-measured at the centre points.
Results
The dimensional stability (shrinkage) is expressed as the change in dimensions

expressed in mm against the original lengths; minus (-) should denote a reduction
in dimension and plus (+) an increase.
Notes
1. The test conditions given can be varied to suit any particular application,
whereby the conditioning time and/or the exposure time and/or the substrate
(e.g. glass) and/or the temperature of the oven can be changed. This should be
clearly stated alongside the test results.
34
2. The quality finish and thickness of the aluminium used should be recorded.
3. 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 metre
dimension.
Issued April 1991

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
35
FTM 15

Surface tension of plastic films
Scope
This method covers measurement of the surface tension of plastic film surfaces in
contact with drops of specific test fluids. Surface tension (wettability) of plastic
films is 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 not dependent on the surface tension only, this method is
often used as a quick practical method. It is furthermore important to note that the
determined wettability characterises the immediate surface condition only, and that
this condition can change during storage.
Definition
The surface tension is measured by applying to the surface of the plastic film a test
fluid of known surface tension and recording the time taken for the continuous
film of the fluid to break into droplets. The surface tension is defined as that level
when a continuous film of the test fluid remains intact for 2 seconds.
Test Equipment
A range of test fluids.

A stopwatch.
Test Pieces
The test specimens must be at least 200 mm x 10 mm taken with their length in
the cross direction of the roll.
Test Condition
23C 2C and 50% RH 5% RH. The test sample should preferably be

conditioned for not less than four hours before testing, unless an immediate
reading is required.
Test Fluids
For polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and/or similar type of films, test fluids A
according to Table 1 are prepared by mixing Formamide (surface tension = 58
mN/m and 2 ethoxyethanol (surface tension 30 mN/m). Approximately 1 gramme
of a blue dye (e.g. Victoria blue or Methylene blue) is added to each litre of test
fluid.
For plastic films such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) which are affected (e.g. swelling) by
the test fluids of series A, the test fluids B shown in Table 2 are prepared by mixing
methanol (surface tension 23 mN/m) and distilled water, or water of similar quality
(surface tension 73 mN/m). Approximately 1 gramme 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. Note the time taken for the continuous film of
the fluid to break into droplets. Breaking of the fluid into drops in less than two
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 two seconds.
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.
36
Results
The lowest reading (surface tension) at an optimum dwell of two seconds is

deemed equivalent to the surface tension of the test piece, and is recorded in
mN/m (see Notes).
Notes
1. Ready made test fluids of series A (see Table 1 ) can be obtained from:
Sherman Treaters Ltd.
Dormer Road,
Thame Industrial Estate
Oxfordshire OX9 3UW, England
Tel. +44 1844 213 686
Fax +44 1844 217 172
(Distributors in other countries also)
Arcotec GmbH
Rotweg 25
Postfach 1138
D-71297 Mnsheim
Germany
Tel. +49 7044 92120
2. The test fluids must be kept in brown glass containers. The test fluids should be
renewed depending on frequency of use, e.g. when used on a daily basis
dispose of remaining fluid after three months.
3. All precautions must be maintained when handling the chemicals used in the
test fluids as they can be injurious to health and can cause skin irritation.
4. The Sl unit for this property is mN/m and replaces the formerly used Dyne/cm,
conversion factor being one to one.
5. Preparation of solution by volume is best done by measuring separately and
adding together.
6. For more accurate determination of surface tension, contact angle measuring
equipment is used. Such units can be purchased from Lorentzen & Wettre as a L
& W Surface Wettability Tester, Code 28. However, it must be noted that the
results obtained may not necessarily be comparable.
7. DIN 53 364 and ASTM D2578-67 are standards relating to surface tension
measurement.
8. FINAT FTM 15 is an effective tool for quick and reliable printability assessment of
print substrates in terms of their surface tension. Experience has shown that
print substrates tend to show poor printability if their surface tension is below
38 mN/m. In this case, test prints should be produced. With surface tension
levels below 31 mN/m, print substrates are no longer 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 other upgrading processes,
such as varnishing, gluing, laminating and hot film embossing.
37
Table 1. Test Fluid Series A

Surface tensions of
Test Fluids Series A
[mN/m]
2-Ethoxyethanol
vol. %
Formamide
Vol. %
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
100.0
89.5
73.5
57.5
46.0
36.5
28.6
22.0
17.0
13.0
9.3
6.3
3.5
1.0
10.5
26.5
42.5
54.0
63.5
71.5
78.0
83.0
87.0
90.7
93.7
96.5
99.0
Surface tensions of
Test Fluids Series B
[mN/m]
Methanol
vol. %
Water
Vol. %
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
67.0
59.8
53.5
47.9
42.8
38.3
34.2
30.5
27.1
24.0
21.1
18.5
16.0
13.7
11.6
33.0
40.2
46.5
51.1
57.2
61.7
65.8
69.5
72.9
76.0
78.9
81.5
84.0
86.3
88.4
Table 2. Test Fluid Series B
Issued April 1991

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
38
FTM 16
FlNAT Test Method no. 16

Chemical resistance - Spot method
Definition
Chemical resistance here is defined as the ability of the pressure sensitive coated
material to resist colour change when subjected to a chemical substance placed on
its surface for 24 hours or 7 days at 23C 2C.
Test Equipment
Test plates.
Test chemical.
Procedure
Remove the backing material from the test piece and place the adhesive coated
facing material, adhesive side down, onto a clean test plate. Roll twice in each
direction with the standard FINAT test roller.
Place the test specimen horizontally. Cover up to 50% of the exposed surface area
with the test substance ensuring that it does not reach the edge of the sample,
thus avoiding edge attack. Leave undisturbed for 7 days at 23C 2C. It may be
necessary to cover the test container to prevent excess evaporation if a volatile
chemical substance is used.
At the end of the test period, wash the test specimen in a detergent solution to
remove all residual chemical substance and dry carefully employing an absorbent
paper or cloth. If the surface remains wet, indicating that the chemical substance
still remains, an inert solvent such as industrial alcohol or white spirits 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.
Results
Colour change is assessed against the untreated control either descriptively as nil,
slight, moderate or severe attack, rate 0 to 5 (5 excellent resistance, 0 non
resistant) or by determining colour fastness against the Blue Wool Scale 4 or Grey
Wool Scale 3 standards.
Printing ink permanency can be assessed by measuring the key of the printing ink
before and after the chemical test employing standard tesa tapes.
Notes
1. The time of surface contact can be varied to suit any given end application.
Temperature can also be changed by placing the test piece in an oven set at
the required condition.
2. This test method only allows an assessment of the chemical resistance of the
surfacing material. For total product resistance, the immersion technique (FTM
17) is employed followed by bond assessment.
Issued October 1995

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
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.
39
FTM 17

Chemical resistance- Immersion method
Definition
Chemical resistance here is defined as the ability of the pressure sensitive coated
material to maintain its physical and adhesive characteristics after being completely
immersed in a chemical substance for 24 hours at 23C 2C.
Test Equipment
Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass (see Note).
Test chemical/large beaker.
Metal rule.
Test Pieces
For subsequent testing against FTM1, 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.
Test Conditions
23C 2C and 50 % RH 5% RH.

The test substance or test strips should be conditioned for not less than four hours
before testing.
Procedure
Remove the backing paper from each strip/sample and place the adhesive coated
material, adhesive side down, onto a clean test plate using light finger pressure.
approximately 10 mm per second, to obtain intimate contact between the adhesive
and the test surface. Condition for 24 hours at 23C 2C.
Carry out peel adhesion (180) at 300 mm per minute (as described in FTM1) on a
set of three strips.
Completely immerse the second set of test samples in the chemical substance for
24 hours at 23C 2C (see note 1). It may be necessary to cover the test
container to prevent excess evaporation if a volatile chemical substance is used.
At the end of the test period, wash the test specimen in a detergent solution to
remove all residual chemical substance and dry carefully employing an absorbent
paper or cloth. If the surface remains wet, indicating that the chemical substance
still remains, an inert solvent such as industrial alcohol or white spirits should be
used to remove the chemical substance. Dry again carefully using absorbent paper
or cloth.
Condition for 1 hour at 23C 2C then measure peel adhesion (180) as before.
40
Recovery of bond can be additionally assessed by repeating the above but allowing
the test samples to condition for 24 hours at 23C 2C 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 23C 2C. Dry as before and remeasure in both directions.
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
o
5%
50%
75%
100%
Resistance
Excellent
Good
Moderate
Poor
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
Revised May 2001
41
FTM 18

Dynamic Shear
Scope
This method is designed to determine the resistance of an adhesive coated label

stock on a standardised surface, to shear at a constant speed.
Definition
Dynamic shear is defined as the maximum force per unit width required to remove
the adhesive coated label stock from a specified area in the direction parallel to the
surface.
Principle
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 any more 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 to the required
dimensions.
Flat stainless steel panels of at least 50 mm x 50 mm, with two scribed lines over the
total width of the panel: one at 12.7 mm and one at 25 mm as indicated in figure 1.
Rubber covered steel roller as described in FINAT Test Method no. 1; Automatic
rolling device is strongly recommended.
Aluminium foil or polyester coated with a permanent (pressure sensitive) adhesive
to eliminate elongation effects in the front material of the sample. The overlaminating film to withstand 100 Newton.
Test conditions
23C 2C and 50 % RH 5 % RH. The samples shall be conditioned for at least

Sample Preparation
Laminate the aluminium foil or the polyester on the front of the sample. Then cut
five test pieces of 12.7 0.1 mm width and at least 50 mm length in the machine
direction.
Procedure
Prior to testing, clean five test

panels thoroughly with nheptane. 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
shall be placed against the
scribed line, at 12.7 mm from
the edge of the panel as shown
in the next picture:
42
25 mm
12.7 mm
test piece
test panel
50 mm ore more
50 mm
Cover the adhesive of the free part of the test piece with a strip of material. Do not
use siliconised material, to prevent slip in the grips. Support the free part of the test
piece with an extra panel and roll down the test piece with the roller, twice in each
direction with a speed of 10 mm/s, without applying any additional pressure. An
automatic rolling device is strongly recommended.
Set the tensile tester to the following conditions:
initial distance between the grips:
40 mm
grip separation speed:
5 mm/min
After a dwell time of 20 2 minutes, the test panel shall be placed in the fixed grip
of the tensile tester. The bottom 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 the force reading
of the tensile tester to zero, to adjust for the weight of the panel. Move the lower
grip to its starting position and tighten the free end of the test piece firmly to
prevent slipping. Start the tensile tester and wait until panel and construction are
completely separated. Record the maximum force during this test and the mode of
failure for each test piece individually. The codes for the failures modes are listed
below.
Failure description code
CP
PS
CF
AT
Results
Calculate and report the mean value as well as the standard deviation of the
maximum forces in Newtons per 12.7 mm width (N/12.7 mm). Also report the
failure code in case the same failure mode occurred for all five measurements. In
case different failure modes occurred, calculate and report the mean, standard
deviation and number of measurements for each code individually (results with
failure codes CP and PS can be combined).
Repeatability
The variance coefficient for five measurements is about 3-6%.
Remarks
The relationship between shear force and test area is curvilinear. The standard
deviation increases with the width of test piece.
Notes
Acetone
Methanol 95 %
n-Heptane
Ethyl Acetate
43
2. Static (FTM8) and dynamic shear do not correlate.
3. Changes in speed and substrate need to be reported.
4. Panels of float glass can also be used.
Issued October 1995

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
44
FTM 19

Recycling compatibility of self-adhesive labels
Introduction
The method is based on information from various sources which all have been
dealing with this topic. This test should be the basis for further developments in
adhesive technologies in future as well as for testing existing technologies. It does
not simulate all recycling conditions used in the Paper and Board Industry. As
certain paper mills are using waste paper as a raw material up to 80 or even
100%, 'stickies' became a serious problem in the papermaking process. The self
adhesive industry has been challenged to help finding solutions. This test method is
a first step in that direction. Further steps will have to be taken in close cooperation with the paper making industry in order to find solutions acceptable for
both parties.
Scope
This test method allows the user to determine how self-adhesive paper labels will
behave in the recycling of waste paper. Waste paper contains many types of paper
labels and these can produce stickies that reduce the quality of waste paper
products, or lead to problems in processing.
Definition
Recycling compatible labels are labels whose adhesive does not interfere with the
processing of waste paper. The adhesive must form no stickies and must not add to
the burden in the water circuit of the paper mill (as measured by Chemical Oxygen
Demand).
Test Equipment
Standard disintegrator ISO 5263

2 ltr/1330 ml water 70 g. paper
Zellcheming ZM V/4/61
Slot fractionator 0.15 mm, e.g.
Haindl Type 9310
Fractionator Zellcheming V/1.4/86
Industriestr. 3a,
D-86438 Kissing
Germany
or
L&W Sommerville Fractionator
AB Lorentzen & Wettre
P.O.box 49006
S-10028 Stockholm
Sweden
Pump, reservoir
Flotation cell DIN 54606/11, Voith 18 litres
or
PTS flotation cell, 2 litre
Laboratory facility for Chem. Oxygen Demand ISO 6060
Suction filter
Paper mould ISO 5269/2 DIN 54358/1
e.g. Rapid-Kothen
Heatable press (e.g. photo print dryer)
45
Test Material
Label paper coated with adhesive

Uncoated paper consists of uncoated wood-free paper with a weight of
80 g/m2 neutral sized preferred. Fully de-ionised water, de-inking chemicals (soap,
H202, alkali silicate, NaOH), H2SO4
Test ConditionsThe testing procedure consists of several test methods that are
carried out one after the other. These are:
test 1
Disintegration ISO 5263 >> Sheet forming ISO 5269/2
I
test 2
Fractionation >> Sheet forming ISO 5269/2
I
Flotation DIN 54606/1
I
Sheet forming ISO 5269/2
I
Chem. Oxygen Demand (COD) ISO 6060; DIN 38409-41
The adhesive coated label paper is applied to uncoated paper. The papers, thus
bonded together, are cut into pieces of about 1 x 1 cm.
Uncoated paper is cut into pieces 1 x 1 cm.
If an 18-l Voith flotation cell is used in conjunction with a pulp concentration of
0.6%, a quantity of exactly 108 g. of paper moulding, 140 g. of pulp is required
for a complete test series. If smaller flotation cells, such as the PTS, are used,
smaller quantities are adequate.
Procedure
Disintegration
Pulp concentration: 5%
Adhesive concentration: 1 % calculated on pulp.
Place 3.5 g. label paper with adhesive; 66.5 g. uncoated paper and 330 g. deionised water at 45C in a pre-warmed disintegrator vessel and wash the whole
with 1000 g water at 45C. Adjust to pH 10-11 with a caustic soda solution of
20%. Disintegrate for 10 min at 3000 rpm.
Transfer the entire contents to a 2 liters glass beaker, add 200 ml of water, to give
a total quantity of 1600 ml water and 70 g. paper fibres. Prepare two lots to obtain
140 g. of fibres.
Fractionation (screening)
Fractionators, e.g. Haindl or Sommerville fractionators, are devices that were
originally designed for fractionating groundwood. In this test, they are used to
simulate screening processes in the recycling of waste paper. To meet the
requirements of this simulation, it is necessary to deviate slightly from the
manufacturer's operating instructions.
46
Apart from the fractionator, a drum is required as a reservoir. The drum is filled
with the quantity of water required to supply the fractionator. When the
manufacturer's instructions are followed, this requires more than 200 l of water. To
keep the degree of dilution as small as possible, only 20 l are used and are
recycled.
A 60 m-filter is installed between the drum and the fractionator to retain the
fractionated fibres. The quantities given below take into account subsequent
flotation in an 18-l Voith cell.
Dilute the entire suspension (3200 ml with 140 g of fibres) to 4200 ml with deionised water and divide it in 12 parts of 300 ml (10 g. of fibres each), which will
be diluted further to 2000 ml with de-ionised water. Discard the rest. Fit the
fractionator with a 0.15 mm slot plate. Pour 20 l of water into the drum and install
a 60 m filter. Pour an above described 2000 ml suspension part into the
fractionator and fractionate according to the instructions.
Then remove the 60 m filter, transfer the fibres to a glass beaker, filter off and dry
at 120C without the filter paper (corresponds to the thickening step). Reuse the
water from above filtration step to fractionate the next sample.
Repeat this procedure 12 times to provide 120 g of fibres for paper moulding and
flotation. Reuse the same water to keep the volume that has to be filtered as small
as possible, to avoid losing any stickies that it contains.
Filter off the circuit water and add the filter residue to the fibres.
Flotation
Take a quantity of fibres that corresponds to a dry weight of 108 g., dilute to 1600
ml with water and mix for 10 min at 3000 rpm in a disintegrator. Disintegrate the
paper moulded samples, add the de-inking chemicals in the following order and
proportions, calculated on the fibres:
0.5% soap (e.g. Servax) (100%)
3.0% alkali silicate (100%)
1.0% H202 (30%)
Adjust to pH 10-11 with a caustic soda solution at 20%.
Reaction time: stir slowly for 60 min at 45C. Then repeat again the disintegration
step for 3 min to disintegrate the paper moulded samples in the disintegrator.
Fill 5 l of water into the Voith cell, add the above sample and then fill to the brim
with water. This gives 18 l of suspension with 108 g. of fibres, i.e. a pulp density of
0.6%.
Treat for 10 min with an air throughput of 240 l/h. The level must be maintained
constant throughout the test and water added accordingly. Push foam towards the
automatic scraper manually using a hand-held scraper. Catch the overflow, filter
and dry it and calculate the loss. Remove the reclaimed pulp and immediately
adjust to pH 6.5-7 with H2SO4 to prevent alkali yellowing.
Sheet forming
The paper is moulded in a Rapid-Kothen paper mould according to PTS PR 252/90
(DIN 54 358 Part 1 or ISO 5269/2). Take a quantity of suspension to give a sheet
with an oven-dry weight of about 2 g. (equivalent to 62 g/m2).
Place the sample in the sheet mould dilute to 3 l with water, then apply vacuum to
the wire.
47
Transfer the sheet that has formed on the wire to a filter paper, smooth it and first
allow it to dry in the air.
Then place this sample paper sheet between two sheets of filter paper and dry at
90C for 5 min in a heated press.
Results
Specify test equipment, e.g. Fractionator, Flotation cell. Sheets moulded according
to PTS PR 252/90 are evaluated.
Determine:
whether the sample sheet sticks to the upper or lower filter paper;
whether the sample sheet is damaged when it is peeled from the filter papers;
whether it contains stickies, visible as transparent spots when held against the
light. Record size and frequency of the spots.
If the sample sheets contain neither transparent spots, nor any spots of
contamination that are visible to the naked eye, nor any adhesive impurities, the
label paper is regarded as repulpable or recycling compatible.
Notes
Recycling compatible labels (or self adhesive laminate) should provide positive
results at sheet forming described above and COD analysis carried out at the
flotation step.
Hydrodispersable self adhesive laminates already exhibit no contamination in the
sheets obtained after the disintegration step.
PTS references above concern recommendations of Papier Technische Stiftung and
the ISO and DIN standards to which they relate are given where appropriate.
Issued December 1995

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
48
66,5 gr uncoated Label paper (80 gr/m2)

3,5 gr adhesive coated label paper (80 gr/m2 paper + 20 gr/m2 adhesive)
no release liner used
Paper samples cut in 1 x 1 cm
No swelling
Quantity of pulp relates to Voith Flotation Cell, size 18 ltr.

Quantity to be changed with other cell volumes
Test 1
Disintegration
5 % Pulp
1 % Adhesive
45 C
deionised water/pH 10-11 (NaOH)
Test 2
Screening
Fractionator
e.g. Haindl or Sommerville
Slot Screen 0,15 mm
Flotation
Addition of Deinking Chemicals
0,1 % Soap
3,0 % Waterglass, Sodium Silikate aprox. 2 %
NaOH to pH 10-11 1 % H2O2
Standard Desintegrator
2 ltr/1330 ml Water + 70 g Paper
Zellcheming ZM V/4/61 - ISO 5263
10 min x 3000 Rpm = 30 000 R
Sheet Forming
3 - 5 sheets
pH = 7
Sheet Test PTS 252/90 ISO 5269/2
Drying minimum 90 C, 5 min heated press
Filtrate:
COD ISO 6060
Reaction time 90 min 40 - 45 C

Homogenisation, slow stirring
Flotation
0,6 Pulp Konz. in deionised water
pH = 10,5
Temp.: 45 C
Sheet Forming
pH = 7
Sheet Test PTS 252/90
ISO 5269/2
Drying 90 C, 5 min heated press
Filtrate:
COD ISO 606 1986
Laser Detector to be introduced
49
FTM 20
FINAT- Test Method no. 20

Fluorescence and whiteness
Introduction
Fluorescent substances in papers, inks and coatings are used in labels for spotting
and identifying particular types of labels. Fluorescent brighteners impart increased
brightness or whiteness to label papers. Assessment of whiteness requires a
specified standard light spectrum including a defined range and intensity of
ultraviolet radiation.
Fluorescence is the emission of light in the visible or adjacent UV or IR spectrum,
from matter that is suitably energised by incident radiation. The whiteness of paper
or textiles may be enhanced by the fluorescence of 'optical brighteners' that
convert the invisible UV component of daylight into visible light. The material thus
appears brighter and whiter.
The whiteness of an optically brightened paper depends on:
1. chemical structure of the optical brightener;
2. concentration of brightener;
3. the 'activation potential' of paper fibres in relation to the brightener;
4. the UV component of incident light (this means that for correct measurement of
whiteness a well defined standard light source is required).
Test methods
For inspection and control purposes test methods outlined here concern (A)
fluorescence and (B) whiteness.
A Fluorescence
1. A surface printed with fluorescent inks or optical brighteners is viewed under
UV light which reveals whether the print is as intended.
2. Actual measurement of fluorescence is possible with equipment (as supplied
by SICK or LAETUS) that emits ultraviolet light of controlled intensity and
measures reflected light at longer wavelengths. A pre-set threshold allows the
equipment to decide whether the printing is satisfactory or whether a label is
present or not.
B Whiteness
Whiteness is the result of basic white colour of the material and the effect of
optical brightener added. The effect of optical brighteners can only be
appreciated under a light source containing ultraviolet similar to daylight.
1. A set of twelve whiteness calibration plates was available from CIBA-GEIGY.
Steps 1 to 4 do not contain any optical brightener but have decreasing doses
of yellow pigment. Steps 5 to 12 have increasing doses of optical brightener.
CIBA GEIGY no longer produces this set, but it is still used as common
standard.
Based on the same concept, LAETUS has developed a ruler with a twelve
step whiteness scale allowing visual assessment of the whiteness of a paper
surface.
Again, the light used for such an assessment should combine UV-light,
otherwise no fluorescence will occur. Comparative testing is also possible
using the analogue output (in milliamps) of a fluorescence testing device.
50
2. The best assessment of whiteness is obtained using a spectrophotometer

that allows UV calibration of its light source (normally standard source D65).
One such device is the Datacolor Elrepho 3000.
White is in fact a colour like red, green or blue and may be determined with
colorimetric methods. The difference is that white has high brightness and low
saturation, which makes measurement more difficult than for a high saturation
colour. In the literature one finds over 100 whiteness formulas. The most practical
whiteness formula is the one developed by E. Ganz (see appendix). Ganz ratings
correlate with the CIBA GEIGY scale as follows:
GANZ rating
-20
5
25
50
70
90
105
130
150
175
185
210
Appendix
CIBA-GEIGY scale
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Fluorescence is a form of luminescence, the emission of radiation in the form of

light when an electron changes from a state of higher energy to a lower state. In
fluorescence this is caused by absorbed radiation, mostly ultraviolet followed by
emission in longer, visible wavelengths. Luminescence covers fluorescence and
phosphorescence, fluorescence lifetimes being from 10-6 to 10-9 second,
phosphorescence lifetimes being from 10-4 to 10-2 second.
For measurement of these phenomena a well defined light source is important, i.e.
constant output and constant spectral characteristic. Three types of standard light
sources have been defined: A, C, D65.
For FTM 20 only source type D65 is of interest, as it approximates average daylight
with a colour temperature of 6500K. It emits sufficient ultraviolet to induce
fluorescence of optical brighteners.
Light sources
1. For a first approximation, natural daylight may be used instead of a standard

light source. However, daylight varies in colour temperature and intensity.
2. Artificial daylight sources such as those available from HERAEUS provide a much
more constant source approximating D65.
3. Light cabinets are offered on the market, having lamps with different dominant
wavelengths, E.S. 254 nm and 360 nm. With such a cabinet one can observe
the activity of different optical brighteners.
4. When the purpose is to test fluorescence as such, without a basic whiteness of
the material (for instance, a transparent film overprinted with fluorescent ink),
an ultraviolet source should be used, normally a UV-A source with 380 nm
dominant wavelength.
51
5. The best source for testing whiteness is a standard D65 source used under the
standard lighting conditions of an Ulbricht integrating sphere. Also, the UV
spectrum of the source (generally a flash tube) needs to be calibrated. These
requirements are fulfilled in instruments such as the Datacolor Elrepho 2000 and
similar instruments from other suppliers.
Test Equipment
See Section 2 of this Handbook.
Ganz whiteness formula
Judgement of neutral whiteness varies from person to person. That is why in the
GANZ formula (or Ganz-Griesser formula)
W=(D.Y)+(P.x)+(Q.y)+C
where Y, x, y are luminance or luminosity and chromaticity coefficients or
tristimulus reflectance factors, GANZ parameters D, P, Q, C are introduced. They
reflect the judgement of the majority of observers.
Literature
1. E. Ganz, Whiteness: photometric specification and colorimetric evaluation. Appl.
Optics 15 (1976) 9 pp 2039-2058.
2. Rolf Griesser (1979), Methods and uses of colorimetric evaluation of paper.
CIBA-Geigy pamphlet 7009, pp 25-29.
Fluorescent marking standard negotiations are going on in the labelling industry to
establish a standard for fluorescent identification of labels, to ensure optimal
detection by an appropriate luminescence probe. Enquiries: Mr Peter Haas, Product
Manager Automation, Erwin Sick AG,
tel: +49 7681 2023271, fax: +49 7681 2023609.
Issued March 1999
Revised May 2001
52
FTM 21

Ink Adhesion - basic
Scope
This method allows rapid assessment of the degree of adhesion of a printing ink or
lacquer to a labelstock.
Definition
The printing ink or lacquer is applied to the substrate and cured on the printing
press or using a standard method appropriate for the type of ink.
The ink adhesion is then estimated by the amount of ink that can be removed
when adhesive tape is applied and peeled off.
The resistance of the ink to mechanical removal is also measured by scratching the
ink and by deformation under pressure.
Test Equipment
A means of applying and curing the ink.

Adhesive tape of high peel adhesion ('aggressive), for example Tesa 7475 (acrylic
based), Tesa 7476 (rubber based), or 3M Scotch 810.
FINAT roller to smooth the tape over the test piece.
Metal spatula.
Gloves.
Test Pieces
If the required ink has not already been applied to the substrate as part of the
printing process, prepare samples for testing by coating the ink to a uniform
thickness (for example, with a Meyer bar for low-viscosity inks) and curing the
coating as recommended by the supplier. A-4 sheets are a conveniently-sized
sample for this test.
Test condition 23C 2C and 50 % RH 5% RH.
If practical, the test pieces should be conditioned for at least four hours prior to
testing.
Procedure
1. Tape test
Lay the specimen on a smooth, flat, hard surface and apply the adhesive tape,
leaving a small part of the tape unfixed to the test piece, ensuring that no air
bubbles are trapped under the tape.
Using the FINAT roller, press down the tape by passing the 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.
Within 20 minutes after rolling down the tape, mount the specimen in a frame
or use one hand to hold the specimen firmly, then pull the free piece of tape
towards you using the other hand: at first slowly under constant speed, then
very rapidly and accelerating. (The faster speed is the more aggressive test).
53
The performance of the specimen is recorded by comparison with control

samples which have been previously measured, or by reference to the following
grading:
Grade 1
No removal of ink
Grade 2
Slight removal of ink
(< 10%)
Grade 3
Moderate removal of ink
(10 - 30%)
Grade 4
Severe removal of ink
(30 - 60%)
Grade 5
Almost complete removal of ink
(> 60%)
2. Mechanical tests
Scratch test
Place the test piece against a firm, flat backing, and rub a blunt metal
implement (for example, a spatula) back and forth over the test piece until the
ink starts to be removed from the substrate. Record the number of rubs
required to fail the sample, and compare this to standard samples to determine
if the sample passes or fails.
Note: an instrument should be chosen which does not cut the ink (a printer's
knife is not suitable) and which is consistent between operators (a fingernail is
not).
Rub test
Place the test piece against a firm, flat backing, and press your thumb firmly
onto the test piece and twist it back and forth. Compare the test piece with
previously-assessed control samples to determine if the piece has passed.
Note: it is recommended that appropriate Health & Safety measures are taken in
case the ink is insufficiently cured.
Notes
1. The presence of waxes and silicones in some inks and varnishes can result in
poor adhesion between the adhesive tape and the ink surface, and
consequently the tape is unable to separate ink from the substrate even when
the adhesion is poor, leading to a false pass result. To address this risk, it is
recommended to adopt both a tape test and another method of testing ink
adhesion when evaluating unfamiliar inks.
2. Different batches of the same adhesive tape can have very different peel
strengths (in excess of the minimum specified), and therefore give difference
results on the same print, so a possibly false "fail" can arise. For rigorous work,
or where ink adhesion is critical, it is recommended to calibrate new lots of tape
by testing them on printed samples of known performance before testing
unknown samples.
3. If a numerical result from the adhesive tape test is required, the percentage
adhesion can be obtained by using a cross-hatching tool to score the ink into 2
mm squares before applying the tape, and then measuring the number of
squares remaining after the tape test is performed. The cutting tool needs to be
constructed to cut entirely through the ink layer but through no more than a
small fraction of the substrate, otherwise tear of the substrate will occur.
Issued March 1999

Revised June 2001
54
FTM 22

Ink Adhesion - advanced
Scope
This method allows rapid assessment of the degree of adhesion of a printing ink or
lacquer to a labelstock. It is designed for the testing of digital print media.
Definition
The printing ink or lacquer is applied to the substrate and cured on the printing
press or using a standard method appropriate for the type of ink.
The ink adhesion is then estimated by the amount of ink that can be removed
when adhesive tape is applied and peeled off.
Test Equipment
A means of applying and curing the ink.

Adhesive tape of high peel adhesion ('aggressive'), for example Tesa 7475 (acrylic
based), Tesa 7476 (rubber based), or 3M Scotch 810.
A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling a laminate through an angle of
180 at a jaw separation rate of 300 mm per minute and with an accuracy of 2%.
Spectrophotometer, e.g. X-Rite DTP22, Datacolor Elrepho 3000, Hunterlab
Ultrascan XE.
Test Pieces
The ink is brought onto the substrate. After that, a certain 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 system,
it is preferred that the adhesion of the pure colours is evaluated, and not that of a
combination of colours.
The adhesion of the ink can be evaluated by measuring the colour before and after
the application of the adhesive tape. The amount of ink that has been removed
can be expressed, in E, by the colour change measured by the spectrophotometer,
on the ink coated sample before and after application of the adhesive tape.
Test condition
23C 2C and 50 % RH 5 % RH.

If practical, the test pieces should be conditioned for at least four hours prior to
testing.
Procedure
1. Tape test
Lay the specimen (30 mm by 175 mm) on a smooth, flat, hard surface and apply
the adhesive tape, ensuring that no air bubbles are trapped under the tape.
Using the FINAT roller, press down the tape by passing the 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.
Fix each strip in the machine, so that the tape can be stripped away from the
printed substrate at an angle of peel of 180. Set the machine to operate at 300
mm/min jaw separation rate.
55
Evaluation
The peel value is expressed as the average result for the strips tested in Newton per
25 mm.
The peel force gives an indication of the force that has affected the ink and an
approximate measurement of the adhesion of an overlaminate to the ink.
The colour is measured on the printed substrate before and after removing the
tape. The colour difference is expressed in E.
E measurements can be rated as:
E = 0 - 3 Excellent
E = 3 - 5 Very good
E = 5 - 10 Good
E = 10 - 15 Acceptable
E = 15 - 20 Poor
E = 20 - 25 Unacceptable
Remark
This test is based on FTM 21.
Note
The presence of waxes and silicones in some inks can lead to false "pass" results.
Therefore it is important to mention the peel adhesion value.
Issued June 2001
56
FTM 23

Die - Strike
Scope
This test method allows the converter to assess the degree and consistency of die
strike and cutting during the conversion process.
The method can be used during press make ready to assess the condition and
settings of cutters, to prevent label dispensing failures or web breaks during high
speed dispensing. The test is applicable to paper based liners.
Definition
The display, by use of a green water based dye, of silicone or paper damage caused
by die cutting.
Test Equipment
Malachite Dye
Electronic Balance
1 litre measuring cylinder
Latex Gloves
Cotton Swabs
Sample Bath
Clean Water
Clock
Test Pieces
The test specimen should be at least one complete width and repeat of the cutter.
Test Conditions
No special conditions apply.
Procedure
Preparation of Malachite Solution

Take a 1 litre container (a capped polyethylene bottle is suitable). Place the
container on an electronic balance.
Wearing latex gloves and taking care not to spill or touch the dye, weigh carefully
1 gram of Malachite into the container.
Measure out 1 litre of distilled water using a measuring cylinder and add to the
container.
Shake the bottle to dissolve the dye stuff.
1. Quick - End Of Press Test
Remove the labels from the die cut sample.
Wet the swab liberally with the Malachite Solution.
With the swab, wipe the silicone surface of the liner where the labels have been
with the swab.
Wipe off the excess solution with a dry swab and assess the die cutting.
57
2. Formal Assessment - Laboratory Conditions

Wearing latex gloves: Prepare two baths of appropriate size, one containing not
more than 1 cm height of the prepared Malachite Solution and one of clean
water.
Slowly delaminate and/ remove labels from the die cut sample under
evaluation. Take care not to damage /or crease the liner in any way.
With each hand take the ends of the sample and float it silicone side down on
the surface of the Malachite Solution. Take care that the Malachite Solution
does not make contact with the reverse side of the liner.
Allow the sample to remain in contact with the solution for 30 seconds and
then remove the sample. Allow the Malachite Solution to drain back into the
bath.
Place the sample silicone side down in the clean water bath and agitate to
remove any remaining Malachite Solution.
When washed, remove and place the sample between any suitable paper
materials to dry e.g. tissue paper or cotton wool swab.
Results
Assess the die strike pattern for intensity and consistency. Look at the reverse side
of the liner for complete penetration. There should be no signs of Malachite
penetration through the backing.
The deeper the visible die cutting, the greater the risk of the adhesive adhering into
the backing, this which will cause the label to failure to dispense.
Excessive visible damage of the paper can also give rise to liner breaks.
Retain samples indicating acceptable results in envelopes to support traceability.
Malachite may fade when exposed to a strong light source. To avoid this problem,
electronic scanning and storage of the image may be used.
Safety
Avoid any direct skin contact with the Malachite Solution.

Always wear gloves.
Notes
Malachite Solution should be stored in a well-closed container and away from

direct day light.
Storage life is about 1 month.
Alternative dye chemicals could be used , eg. crystal violet.
Issued May 2001
58
FTM 24

Mandrel Hold
Scope
This test is used to determine the ability of a pressure sensitive adhesive to adhere
to cylindrical curved surfaces.
Definition
Mandrel adhesion is defined as the edge lifting (expressed in mm) of pressure

sensitive adhesive coated material from standard cylindrical rod / tubes of small
diameter, after being applied with light finger pressure for a specified amount of
time.
Test Equipment
Rack to support tubes/rods without having contact between test samples and
supporting rack.
Rods/tubes of 8mm and 15mm 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.
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.
Test pieces
The test piece dimensions should be adapted so that the length of the sample label
covers 3/4 of the circumference of the test tube/rod.
The width of the sample should be half of the length of the 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. 3 test
pieces should be taken from material sample. Cuts should be clean and straight.
Test standard conditions:
Test pieces should be conditioned at 23C 2C and 50 % 5 % RH during at
least 16 hours before being cut. Other conditions might be used, but this must be
clearly reported.
Procedure
Use new test materials for any new test.

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 should be used such as supplied. Avoid to touch them with
fingers before any test.
Remove the backing from the face material avoiding curling of the face material,
and touching the adhesive surface.
Apply the sample around the tube/rod with the long side of the sample
perpendicular to the axis of the rod/tube.
Put some light finger pressure to obtain sufficient adhesion/contact between the
whole adhesive coating area and the test tube/rod. (It may be easier to cut the
label longer than needed and to trim the excess of label sample at time of
application on the tubes/rods)
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).
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.
59
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).
Failure Description Code
CF
AF
Adhesive Failure - the adhesive separates cleanly from the front material,
leaving adhesive film on the test sample.
AT
Indicate any deviations from above procedure.
Note:
Specific application equipment can be used to reduce variation of results due to

light finger application procedure.
Issued May 2001
60
SECTION 2
Test equipment
2.1 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.
2.2 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
2.3 Sources of test equipment

Test equipment is available in a wide variety. A number of manufacturers of such equipment are listed below, where
possible with an indication of the type of their equipment. Please check the FINAT website (www.finat.com) frequently
for updates.
Adhesive Technical Services
Beacon Hill Industrial Estate
PO Box 51
Purfleet, Essex RM19 1SY
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 1708 867 355
Fax. +44 1708 869 804
Agent for Sneep Industries BV (see below)
Beiersdorf AG
Unnastrasse 48
D-20245 Hamburg
Germany
Tel. +49 40 4909-0
Fax. +49 40 - 49093434
tesa test tapes 7475 and 7476 (FTM 10, 11)

see also list of agents world-wide below
61
Bro Mayr
Forststrasse 81
D-85521 Riemerling
Germany
Tel. +49 89 - 609 9679
Fax +49 89 609 8436
High Speed Release Tester, Standard Test Roller
ChemInstruments Inc.
(FTM 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 21)
Part of the Chemsultants Intl. Network
9349 Hamilton Drive
Mentor, Ohio 44060
U.S.A.
Tel. +1 440 352 - 0218
Fax +1 440 352 - 8572
URL: www.cheminstruments.com
European sales agents: Adhesive Technical Services, Erichsen, ICHEMCO
Datacolor AG
Brandbachstrasse 10
CH-8305 Dietlikon/Zrich
Switzerland
Tel. +41 1 835 3711
Fax +41 1 835 3739
Colour Measurement (FTM 20, FTM 22)
Erwin Sick AG
D-79183 Waldkirch
Germany
Tel: +49-7681-202 3271
Fax: +49-7681-202 3609
Colour Measurement (FTM 20)
Epprecht Instruments + Controls AG

Am Hgli 7 oder Neu Am Hgli 27
CH-5605 Dottikan
Switzerland
Tel. +41 57 242 419
Viscosity Tester
Erichsen
Am Iserbach 14
D-58675 Hemer
Germany
Tel. +49 2372 - 9683-0
Fax +49 2372 - 6430
Email: erichsen@t-online.de
URL: www.erichsen.de
Tensile Testers
Adhesion Testers
Humidity Cabinets
Thickness Gauges
Agents: Chemsultants Int. Network
Frank
Weinheimerstrasse 6
D-69488 Birkenau bei Weinheim
Germany
Tel. +49 6201 84-0
Fax +49 6201 84-290
62
Tensile Tester, Adhesion Tester
Hunter Associates Laboratory

11491 Sunset Hills Rd
Reston, VA 20190-5280
U.S.A.
Tel. +1 - 703 - 471 - 6870
Fax. +1 - 703 - 471 - 4237
Imass Inc.
P.O. Box 134
Accord, MA 02018-0134
U.S.A.
Tel. +1 781 982 8096
Fax +1 781 982 9647
Email: imass@worldnet.att.net
URL: www.imass.com
High Speed Release Tester
Instron Wolpert GmbH

Landwehrstrasse 55
64293 Darmstadt
Germany
Tel. +49 6151 324600
Fax +49 6151 - 324699
Email: instron-wolpert@instron.com
URL: www.instron.com
Tensile Tester, Adhesion Tester
Klemmt Mess- und Prftechnik GbR

Plinganserstrasse 40a
D-81369 Mnchen
Germany
Tel. +49 89 7472 460
Fax +49 89 7472 4622
Email: h.klemmt-@-t-online.de
URL: www.klemmt.de
Agent Sneep Industries BV

(see below)
Kttermann
Industriestrasse 2-10
D-31311 Uetze-Hnigsen
Germany
Tel. +49 5147 760
Fax +49 5147 7650
Humidity Tester
Laetus am Sandberg Geratebau GmbH

Postfach 1262
D-64660 Alsbach-Hahnlein
Germany
Tel: +49 6257 50090
Fax: +49 6257 - 5009260
63
Lorentzen & Wettre GmbH

Machtifinger Strasse 24
D-81379 Mnchen
Germany
Tel. +49 89 785 004-0
Fax.+49 89 785 004-43
URL: www.lorentzen-wettre.com
Paper testing equipment
MB+S
Wilhelmstrasse 8
D-32602 Vlotho
Germany
Tel. +49 5733 91000
Fax +49 5733 910050
Email: strichcode@mb-s.de
Barcode Readability Tester
Metorex International Oy
Email info@metorex.com
For a list of distributors see
www: metorex.com
X-ray spectrometers (XRF) (FTM7)

OES Analyzers
Minolta (Schweiz) AG
Riedstrasse 6
CH-8953 Dietikon
Switzerland
Tel. +41 1 740 3727
Fax +41 1 742 2350
Email: rio@minolta.ch
URL: www.minolta.ch
Colour Measurement
MTS Systems
Rue Auguste Perret
F-94200 Creteil
France
Tel. +33 1 58439000
Fax +33 1 58439020
Tensile Testers for release, tack and peel

Specimen cutters, rollers
Oxford Instruments
Halifax Road, High Wycombe,
Bucks HP12 3SE
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 1494 442 255
Fax +44 1494 524 129
Email: analytical@oxinst.co.uk
URL: www.oxford-instruments.com
64
Pausch Messtechnik
Nordstrasse 32
D-42781 Haan
Germany
Tel. +49 2129 - 6004
Fax +49 2129 - 1012
Q-Sun and QUV weathering Testers

Outdoor Weathering Sevices
Colour Measurement
Pearson Panke Equipment Ltd.

1-3 Halegrove Gardens
London NW7 3LR
United Kingdom
Tel. +44 020 89593232
Fax +44- 020 89595613
Email: michael.sheehan@pearsonpanke.co.uk
URL: www.pearsonpanke.co.uk
Special Tensile Testers:

0
0
Release (FTM 3),180 Peel (FTM 1), 90 (FTM 2), Loop tack (FTM 9)
Shear Testers FTM 8 for ambient and oven shear testing
Hand Rollers
Rolling Ball Tack Testers
Contact O Meter for surface wetting properties
Viscometers
Rub Testers
Gloss meters
Colourmeters and Spectrophotometers
Printech Tools & Technology

Schoosswiesen 14
CH-9225 Wilen Gottshaus
Switzerland
Tel. +41 71 422 5152
Fax +41 71 422 5153
Email: printech@bluewin.ch
Standard FINAT Test Roller

Special Peel, Release and Tensile Testers
(FTM 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Print Resistance Spot Proofer
(FTM 16)
UV Light Spectrometer (to check UV curing and
Exposure units for exact wave length and intensity)
Rambold Messgerte GmbH

Am Krebsgraben 18
D-78048 VS-Villingen
Germany
Tel. +49 7721 8003-0/8003-57
Fax +49 7721 8003-20
Dynamic Cohesion
Sick AG
Industrial Sensors
Seb. Kneippstrasse 1
D 79183 Waldkirch
Germany
Tel. +49 - 7681 2023271
Fax +49 - 7681 2023609
Email: haasp@sick.de
Fluorecense Measurement
Sneep Industries BV
P.O. Box 5726
NL-3290 AA Strijen
The Netherlands
Tel . +31 78 610 76 90
Fax. +31 78 610 76 91
Email: info@sneepindustries.com
URL: www.sneepindustries.com
Shear testers, hotmelt/holding power at

elevated temperature
High and low speed peel and release testers
Hand rollers, test plates of ss and glass
Automatic roll down machine
FTMs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9
Custom built testers
65
SPECTRO Analytical Instruments

GmbH. & Co. KG
Boschstrasse 10
D-47533 Kleve
Germany
Tel. +49 2821 8920
Fax +49 2821 892 2200
Email: info@spectro-ai.com
URL: www.spectro-ai.com
Weiss
Greizenstrasse 41-49
D-35447 Reiskirchen-Lindenstruth
Germany
Tel. +49 6408 84-0
Fax. +49 6408 84-341
Humidity Tester
X-Rite Ltd.
Acumen Centre
First Avenue
Poynton, Cheshire
SK 121 FJ
UK
X-Rite Inc.
3100 44th street S.W.
Grandville
Michigan
49418 USA
X-Rite Equipment to FTM 22
Zwick GmbH & Co. Prfmaschinen

August Nagelstrasse 11
D-89079 Ulm
Germany
Tel. +49 - 7305100
Fax +49 - 730510200
Email: info@zwick.de
URL: www.zwick.de
Tensile Tester
66
tesa world-wide
FINAT approved test tapes

Australia
Beiersdorf Australia Ltd.
90-94-Warren Road
Smithfield, N.S.W. 2164
Tel.: **61-2/9681 30 44
Fax: **61-2/9892 39 78
Colombia
BDF Colombia S.A.
Apartado Areo 7983
Cali
Tel.: **57-2/6510 200
Fax: **57-2/654 02 17
India
tesa Tapes (India) Pvt.Ltd.
Plot No. L-14, M.I.D.C.,
Taloja, Dist. Raigad-410208
Tel.: **91-22/740 21 53
Fax: **91-22/740 21 55
Norway
Beiersdorf A/S
PB 16 Leirdal
N-1008 Oslo 10
Tel.: **47-22/90 79 50
Fax: **47-22/32 55 03
Argentina
Beiersdorf S.A.
Triunvirato 2902
1427 Buenos Aires
Tel.: **54-11/4553 00 40
Fax: **54-11/4553 01 03
Czech Rep.
Beiersdorf spol. s.r.o.
Pekarsk 14
CS-15500 Praha 5
Tel.: **420-2/228 29 540
Fax: **420-2/228 29 549
Paraguay
Beiersdorf S.A.
Paso de Patria No. 3162
Asuncin
Tel./Fax: **595-21/55 53 58
Austria
Beiersdorf Ges mbH
Postfach 179
A-1101-Wien
Tel.: **43-1/6140 00
Fax: **43-1/61 40 03 20
Denmark
Beiersdorf A/S
Klintehj Vaenge 12
DK-3460 Birkerd
Tel.: **00420-2/22 82 95 40
Fax: **00420-2/22 82 95 49
Indonesia
tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte.
Ltd.
Sastra Graha Bldg.
6th floor - suite 603
Jl.Raya Pejuangan No. 21
Jakarta 11530
Tel.: **62-21/535 88 09
Fax: **62-21/535 88 08
Belgium
SA Beiersdorf NV
Boulevard Industriel 30
B-1070 Bruxelles
Tel.: **32-2/526 52 11
Fax: **32-2/526 52 19
Ecuador
Fbrica Nacional de
Adhesivos Co. Ltda.
Avenida 6 de Diciembre
3467 y Blgica
P.O.B. 17-12-222
Quito
Tel.: **593-2/44 18 97
Fax: **593-2/44 18 96
Bolivia
Beiersdorf SRL
Av. Las Amricas #136
Santa Cruz
Tel.: **591-3/37 69 28
Fax: **591/911 36 61
Chile
BDF Chile SA
13 393 Correo Central
Santiago, Chile
Tel.: **56-2/557 36 66
Fax: **56-2/557 38 83
China
Beijing:
tesa tape (HK) Ltd.
Room 102
Gan De Office Building
No.11, Beisanhuanxi Road
Haidian District
Beijing 100088
Tel.: **86-10/623 88 751
Fax: **86-10/623 88 716
Hong Kong:
tesa tape (HK) Ltd.
Shui On Centre
Room 2601-3
8, Harbour Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel.: **852/25 83 99 80
Fax: **852/25 98 92 44
Shanghai:
Beiersdorf (Shanghai)
Trading Company Ltd.
Room 601
Astronautic Building (North)
222 Caoxi Road
Shanghai 200233 PRC
Tel.: **86-21/6482 088
Fax: **86-21/6482 0689
Finland
Beiersdorf Oy
PL/Box 91
FIN-20101Turku/Abo
Tel.: **358-2/410 32 00
Fax: **358-2/410 32 70
France
Beiersdorf S.A.
1, rue de Sources
F-77176 Savigny le Temple
Tel.: **33-1/64 87 30 00
Fax: **33-1/64 87 30 10
Great Britain
Beiersdorf UK Ltd.
Yeomans Drive, Blakelands
GB-Milton Keynes, Bucks
MK 14 5LS
Tel.: **44-1908/21 13 33
Fax: **44-1908/21 15 55
Greece
Beiersdorf Hellas AE
P.O.Box 60 001
GR-15310 Ag. Paraskevis/
Athens
Tel.: **30-1/660 01 00
Fax: **30-1/661 23 44
Guatemala
BDF Centroamrica S.A.
Apartado Postal 2084
Guatemala (GCA)
Tel.: **502/476 25 25
Fax: **502/476 23 90
Hungary
Beiersdorf Kft.
Tartsay Vilmos U.3
H-1126 Budapest
Tel.: **36-1/457 39 00
Fax: **36-1/457 39 01
Island
J. S. Helgason H.F.
P.O.B. 10055
IS-130 Reykjavik
Tel.: **354-1/68 51 52
Fax: **354-1/67 44 52
Italy
Beiersdorf Spa
Casella Postale 17094
I-20170 Milano
Tel.: **39-02/25 77 21
Fax: **39-02/25 77 22 70
Japan
Beiersdorf Japan K.K.
No. 15. Arai Bldg.
6-19-20 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0001
Tel.: **81-3/57 78 62 41
Fax: **81-3/57 78 62 49
Korea
tesa tape (HK) Ltd.
Whawon Building, 6th Fl.
746-1 Yeoksam-Dong,
Kangnam-ku
Seoul 135-080
Tel.: **822/569 84 51
Fax: **822/569 84 55
Malaysia
tesa tape (Malaysia)
Sdn Bhd.
No. 16-1, First Floor
Jalan 1/149D
Bandar Baru Seri Petaling
57000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel.: **60-3/959 57 66
Fax: **60-3/959 64 66
Mexico
BDF Mxico S.A. de C.V.
Apartado Postal 15-067
02300 Mxico D.F.
Tel.: **52-5/729 02 00
Fax: **52-5/587 72 78
Netherlands
Beiersdorf N.V.
Postbus 3003
NL-1300 ED Almere
Tel.: **31-36/538 91 00
Fax: **31-36/538 94 70
Philippines
Ltd.
2170 Garrido Street,
Santa Ana
Manila
Tel.: **63-2/563 73 95
Fax: **63-2/563 73 95
Peru
Beiersdorf S.A.
Apartado 708
Lima 100
Tel.: **51-14/521 26 55
Fax: **51-14/85 08 40
Poland
Beiersdorf - Lechia S.A.
ul.Chlebowa 4/8
PL-60-960 Poznan
Tel.: **48-61/8746 100
Fax: **48-61/877 05 87
Portugal
Beiersdorf
Portuguesa Lda.
Apartado 9
P-2746 Queluz Codex
Tel.: **351-1/436 85 00
Fax: **351-1/436 28 74
South Africa
Buffalo Tapes
P.O.B. 43380
Industria 2042
Johannesburg
Tel.: **27-11/474 14 88
Fax: **27-11/474 80 15
Sweden
Beiersdorf AB
Box 10056
S-43421 Kungsbacka
Tel.: **46-300/550 00
Fax: **46-300/129 32
Switzerland
Bandfix AG
Industriestr. 19
CH-8962 Bergdietikon
Tel.: **41-1/744 31 11
Fax: **41-1/741 26 72
Taiwan
Beiersdorf AG
Branch Office Taiwan
17F - 1, 33 Min Sheng Road
Sec. 1, Pan Chiao City
Taipei Hsien
Tel.: **886-2/2957 9662
Fax: **886-2/2957 9433
Thailand
Ltd.,
252/94, 17 th Floor
Muang Thai-Phatra Office
Tower 2
Rachadaphisek Road,
Huaykwang
Bangkok 10320
Tel.: **66-2/693 2678
Fax: **66-2/693 2680
Russia
Beiersdorf AG Office
Prospekt Mira 33,
Building 1, Olympic Plaza
Business Center
GUS 129110 Moskau
Tel.: **7-095/258 4023
Fax: **7-095/258 40 27
Turkey
Beiersdorf Kimya Sanayi
ve Ticaret A.S.
Plaza Spring Giz Is Merkezi
Bykdere Cad. Meydan Sk.
No. 102/1
80670-Maslak-Istanbul
Tel.: **90-212/286 18 70
Fax: **90-212/286 18 77
Singapore
tesa tape Asia Pacific
Pte.Ltd.
164 Gul Circle,
Singapore 629621
Tel.: **65/861 20 26
Fax: **65/863 81 40
USA
tesa tapes inc.
5825 Carnegie Boulevard
Charlotte, N.C. 28209
Tel.: **1-704/554 07 07
Fax: **1-704/553 56 53
Spain
Beiersdorf S.A.
Ctra. de Matar a
Granollers, P. Km. 5,4
E-08310 Argentona
(Barcelona)
Tel.: **34-93/758 33 00
Fax: **34-93/758 34 44
Uruguay
Beiersdorf S.R.L.
Cuareim 1844 - Oficina 1
11800 Montevideo
Tel.: **598-2/924 08 20
Fax: **598-2/924 99 94
Venezuela
Beiersdorf S.A.
Avenida Romula Gallegos
Torre Poliprima
Piso 6, Oficina A
Santa Eduvigis
Caracas
Tel.: **58-22/85 74 59
Fax: **58-22/85 60 94
67
SECTION 3
Recommended joins in
self-adhesive laminates
for roll labels
Conversion
It is important that a join in a self adhesive laminate
should be made in such a way that it will minimise
problems when converted into roll labels. The join should
be angled so that 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 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.
The following specification is recommended:
a) The angle of the join should be 10 - 30 from the
cross direction.
b) The width of tape on the facing paper should be at
least 18 mm.
c) The width of tape on the backing paper should be
greater than the width of tape on the facing paper
and should be at least 36mm.
d) The tapes should have a thickness of no more than
0.063mm inclusive of adhesive.
e) The tape used on the backing paper should be a
coloured tape for ease of identification but the tape
on the facing paper can either be a coloured tape for
a similar reason, or a white printable tape for use with
laminates which are to be converted to security or
sequentially numbered labels, i.e. when all labels must
be accounted for.
f) Where applicable the tapes should withstand the
temperatures involved in label printing processes.
Issued October 1985
Revised March 1999
68
SECTION 4
Processing recommendations
Roll stock
1. Generally, self-adhesive paper roll stock can be
considered as normal paper with respect to ink choice
etc. Vinyl, filmic and foil roll stock, however often
need special materials involving consultation with ink
suppliers.
2. Always check with the Supplier if his material can
withstand the intended process conditions,
particularly if excessive temperatures or unusual webfeed patterns are involved.
3. Do not change the winding direction of the roll prior
to conversion, as this will alter the release lamination
and may create curl problems.
4. Always use the correct die for the product. The die
should always be checked for damage prior to start
up. Standard double bevelled dies are recommended
for paper products.
Band steel bevelled dies should be made with the
bevel towards the wastage to prevent crushed label
edges.
5. Labels should be designed with matrix stripping in
mind. Refer to the supplier if complex shapes are
involved. Wherever possible, use round corners for
labels and avoid narrow matrices.
8. Where heat is necessary use the minimum necessary

to achieve satisfactory matrix stripping. Excessive heat
(which can be easily induced by the use of hot plates)
may create adhesive stringing, fouling of the labels
and heat build up in the reel. Always try to work to a
fixed setting, paying particular attention to returning
to it after exceptional amounts of heat have been
used.
9. Avoid excessive tension in reels of finished labels. This
will prevent bleeding.
10. Wind finished labels on to cores of an appropriate
size. Large labels should not be wound on to small
cores.
11. Finished work should be shrouded in polythene prior
to packing.
12. Wherever possible, the manufacturers batch/order
references should be retained in case of complaints.
Revised May 2001
6. Check the depth of die-cutting before proceeding

with any lengthy run. Always avoid inconsistencies.
Excessive die pressure will cause weakening of the
backing paper and should be avoided in products
intended for high speed automatic application.
With heat set inks, use the minimum amount of heat
necessary for ink curing. Avoid winding up hot reels.
7. With UV cured inks, always check the cure before
proceeding. Checks should be made on the age and
output of the lamps involved.
69
Filmic sheet stock
Paper sheet stock
1. Check that the ink is compatible with the product to

be used and is approved or recommended by the ink
supplier.
1. Self-Adhesive paper sheet stock can be considered as

normal paper with respect to ink type, dryers,
retarders, etc.
2. Allow sufficient unprinted edge trim on the screen to

prevent edge lift due to shrinkage.
2. When using self-adhesive sheet stock in offset litho

printing, however the following points should be
noted:
a) Reset the impression nip between the blanket
and plate cylinder to allow for the extra thickness.
This will reduce problems of tail edge creasing, misregister etc.
b) The double sheet trip should always be used to
prevent any damage to plates, etc.
c) Always use minimum of damping to prevent
edge waving, etc.
d) To prevent edge curl, always shroud sheets in
polyethylene between colours if multi-colour
machines are not being used.
3. Avoid excessive amounts of thinners or retarders to

prevent shrinkage.
4. Ensure that all machinery in the vicinity of solvent
fumes is fitted with anti-static devices and solvent
extractors where possible.
5. Use a minimum of heat to dry the ink in order to
avoid sheet curl.
6. When using a jet drier for multi-colour runs, shroud
the sheets in polythene between runs to prevent
sheet curl.
7. When rack drying, avoid changes in temperature or
humidity between runs to prevent sheet curl.
8. Always allow sufficient time between passes for each
colour to dry. This is of particular importance in the
case of flood coating.
9. Print successive close-register colours as soon as
possible after each other. Printing separate colours
under different atmospheric conditions will cause
difficulties with register.
3. Finished work should be shrouded in polyethylene

until cut and boxed.
4. The Manufacturer's recommendations on guillotining
and slitting should be used.
5. Wherever possible, retain the Manufacturer's
batch/order references in case of complaint.
Source: PSMA
Issued May 1987
10. Finished work should be shrouded in polythene until

cut and boxed.
11. Always follow the Manufacturers recommendations
on guillotining and slitting.
12. Wherever possible, retain the Manufacturer's
batch/order references in case of complaint.
70
SECTION 5
Surfaces requiring caution
Caution should be exercised when labelling surfaces

listed below. In many cases products are available which
will overcome the problems of application and you are
strongly recommended to contact your material supplier
or the PSMA secretariat.
Surfaces where damage can be caused by
application or removal of self adhesive products
Plastics, e.g. plasticisers, PVC., polystyrene, Perspex.
Weaker bonded surface finishes e.g. flock coated fabric,
acrylic vehicle paint, paper, card. Animal skins and
natural fibres, e.g. suede, leather wool.
Tarnishable metal surfaces, e.g. copper brass, silver.
Some glass surfaces, e.g. optical lenses.
Surfaces to which it is difficult to obtain
satisfactory adhesion
Low energy surfaces where 'wetting' is difficult e.g.
PT.F.E., untreated polyolefins, silicone treated or
contaminated surfaces, surfaces chemically treated for
corrosion resistance, waxed surfaces, printed
polyethylene (polyamide inks), greasy surfaces. Surface
energy changes due to migration or loss of effectiveness
of pre-treatment.
Applications where specific advice should be sought

Direct food labelling, toy labelling, medical applications,
e.g. direct skin contact, blood bags, sterilisation
processes fabric labelling, promotional gimmicks, flag
days, extreme environment exposure e.g. temperatures
80C or -20C, direct/continuous exposure to UV,
seawater exposure, solvent laden atmospheres.
Applications involving any surface where damage can be
caused by application or removal of self adhesive
products as detailed above.
Applications involving any surfaces listed as difficult.
See also Section 8 Adhesion problems
Source: PSMA
Issued March 1987
Revised May 2001
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 packs.
Irregular shaped surfaces in particular curved surfaces of
less than 25 mm diameter where label is applied to the
convex surface (phials, ampoules, bottle miniatures).
Dusty or friable surfaces where adhesive tack may be
destroyed on surface contact, e.g. plaster asbestos, rusty
metal.
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.
Ageing
Surfaces where adhesive may be significantly exposed to
the atmosphere resulting in eventual breakdown and
failure of the adhesive, e.g. drum labelling.
71
SECTION 6
Safety guide for users of selfadhesive label stock products
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:
Storage
Fire
Normal storage principles should be applied when

storing and stacking laminate rolls.
Materials involved are generally flammable and therefore
should be stored away from all sources of heat and
ignition.
Consideration should be given to listing types of material
stored to assist the Fire Brigade in the event of fire.
The laminates will burn in the event of contact with a

flame, smoky fumes being given off by the adhesive
itself. Fires may be extinguished with water provided that
live electrical equipment is not in the vicinity, if not
powder or C02 should be used - the advice of your Fire
Officer should be initially sought having regard for the
layout of your premises and the particular operations
involved. The following extra precautions are applicable
to the products stated.
Usage
1. Handling
Safe methods of roll and pallet handling should be
applied. When unbanding pallets, care should be
exercised to avoid whiplash when banding is cut eye
protection and gloves are recommended. It is important
to remember that the outside wrappers, or laps, of a roll
are for protection only and should not be relied upon to
support the roll if excessive stresses are applied. Ideally,
lifting and movement should be conducted in a safe
horizontal manner using centre core support where
possible.
Operators should be forewarned that self adhesive
laminate rolls show a greater tendency to telescope than
rolls of plain paper and therefore greater care should be
exercised.
2. Conversion
Care should be taken to avoid cuts from exposed paper
of laminate edges during handling. During the
conversion of pressure sensitive laminates static build up
may occur and, 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.
72
1. Films
Plastic films pass through a melt stage and will therefore
drip before burning - this may cause severe burns if skin
contact is made. In the event of a fire, the use of self
contained breathing apparatus is recommended during
fire-fighting.
2. PVC (vinyls)
During combustion, hydrochloric acid gas is evolved, as
well as dense smoke and other acrid fumes which
can have a corrosive and irritant effect. Self contained
positive air breathing equipment should be readily
available for fire fighting and rescue work.
Health
Under normal conditions of handling, no hazards are
anticipated but good industrial hygiene should always be
observed. For specialised applications e.g. food, toy or
surgical labelling, advice should be sought from the
individual supplier.
Waste disposal
Other information
Waste laminate is usually classified in most countries as

non-hazardous" but local and national regulations must
be examined and complied with.
The Technical Department of the Supplier should be

contacted for any additional specific information
required.
The following points should be noted:

i) 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.
ii) Acrylic adhesive based laminates should only be
incinerated if the incinerator can cope with corrosive flue
gases.
iii) If the adhesive contains aluminium powder filler
notice of this should be give prior to incineration.
iv) Incineration of aluminium foil laminate is not
recommended due to possible blocking of the
incinerator.
Source: PSMA
Issued January 1987
Supplement FINAT Waste Management Systems issued
December 1995
Revised March 1999
While research and development efforts continue

towards material recycling solutions, FINAT has arranged
waste disposal systems in a number of countries for
laminates and release liners.
For laminate waste, these systems are based on high
temperature combustion as a fuel in the cement industry
and in power stations. The systems include provision for
collection, shredding and transport and require long term
commitment.
For release liner there are possibilities for material
recycling, provided the waste is clean. In Germany and
The Netherlands, a separate collection scheme for release
liner waste is 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.
73
SECTION 7
Handling and storage

of label stock
Roll stock
Sheet Stock
Receipt of goods
On receiving goods into premises, inspect packages or
drums for signs of damage. Inform supplier of any
shortage or damage immediately. Store all material on a
clean dry floor. Where goods are supplied on pallets, it is
advisable to retain the material on these until needed.
Rolls should be stored on end in supplier's original
packaging until required. Slit reels should have been
interleaved by the supplier.
Reels stored on their side may pressure mark or produce a
flat if stored for long periods.
Receipt of goods
Sheets are normally received packaged flat. Prior to putting
into stock, inspect for damage.
Transport material to storage area supported on a flat base
to prevent bending or flexing as this can
permanently distort the laminate.
Storage conditions
Whenever possible, do not unwrap rolls until required.
Avoid extremes of temperatures and humidity: conditions
should be ideally those of the print shop. (Ideal conditions
would be between 20-22C and 50 - 55% RH).
High temperatures could induce adhesive bleed and
cause strike through. Fluctuations in humidity could
cause cockles and wavy edges. Materials should not be
stored near to sources of heat and ignition, or in direct
sunlight.
Storage Conditions
Sheets should be kept in supplier's packaging until
required.
Store under stable temperature and humidity conditions
which should preferably be those of the print shop (ideal
conditions would be between 20-22C and 50 - 55% RH).
Stack height should be minimal.
Materials should not be stored near to sources of heat and
ignition or in direct sunlight.
Preparation of material for processing

Transport material carefully from storage.
Retain moisture-proof wrapping and allow to attain print
or process room temperature for at least 24 hours before
processing.
Handling cold material in a shop with normal
temperatures may cause wavy edges and curling.
If material requires slitting before processing, ensure
blades/knives are clean and sharp.
Avoid rewinding too tight since this may cause adhesive
bleed. Slit coils should be stacked on end, interleaved and
shrouded in polythene.
Preparation of material for processing

If storage conditions are not ideal, the material should be
allowed to condition (still in the wrapper) for at least 48
hours at printing room conditions.
Failure to condition sheets at print room conditions may
create curling or wavy edges due to variations in
temperature/humidity.
If sheets require cutting for printing, then the knife of the
guillotine should be very sharp with the flattest
possible bevel edge. Freshly cut sheets of vinyl should be
given the opportunity to shrink and stabilise prior to
printing.
Cut the minimum number of sheets practicable, referring to
the manufacturer for advice if necessary. Use
minimum pressure to avoid adhesive bleed.
Vinyls, polyesters and acetate are best cut face down. If
stacks are left overnight, protect from temperature and
humidity changes by shrouding with polythene.
Before printing full or cut sheets, fan them out, and in cases
where there is excessive bleed, wipe the edges with cotton
wool which has been sparingly dusted with talcum powder.
Storage and Handling of finished product

Store in a cool, dry place.
Stock finished coils on end, interleaved with release
coated clips of paper to avoid blocking. Pack in
polythene cartons or drums for despatch.
Storage and Handling of finished product

Store in a cool, dry place. Collate finished sheets and
pack in polythene.
Pack flat ensuring adequate rigidity.
Take care, if banding, to avoid pressure marking.
Pay particular attention to the supplier's recommended

shelf-life and ensure correct stock rotation.
Source: PSMA
Issued April 1987
Revised March 1999
74
SECTION 8
Adhesion problems
From time to time printers may encounter adhesion

problems and these can be expensive as they occur after
labels have been printed.
It is recommended that printers carry out a simple
adhesion check before proceeding with new business,
using specific self adhesive laminates.
Recommended adhesion test
1. Cut out several labels, same size and in the same
grain direction as the proposed printed label.
2. Peel off backing and apply to object to be labelled in
the same position as the eventual requirement. Rub
down lightly with fingers or a rubber pad.
3. Ideally, prepare several samples and place one in a
dry atmosphere and one in high humidity.
4. Leave for 24 hours minimum before assessment of
adhesion.
Release testing
This property is difficult to test without special
equipment.
Generally speaking, if labels can be produced on
converting equipment at normal speeds, without either
the skeleton breaking or labels dispensing, then the end
user will have no problems.
Where butt-cut labels or sheets are used, hand
delamination using a jerk and snatch action will give an
indication of possible tight release.
Source: PSMA 1987
Revised March 1999
Assessment of adhesion
1. Examine visually for edge lift.
2. Lift up corner of the label and peel with a firm, slow
pull.
3. Good adhesion should result in at least 30% fibre
tear (by area) in the label paper.
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.
Surfaces to be labelled
1. Surfaces may not be what they appear to be. For
example glass may have a protective coating or antiscuff agent on the surface. There is no substitute for
a test carried out on the actual object to be labelled.
2. Test for adhesion under conditions which are as close
as possible to the end user.
3. Do not carry out the test on a flat, empty plastic bag
when the end user is labelling one filled with
product.
4. Check whether the label is to be applied to a plain or
a printed part of the pack.
5. On plastic or filmic surfaces, materials that can
migrate to the surface may be present. Advice should
be sought from suppliers since these materials can
have a detrimental effect on adhesion.
75
SECTION 9
Removal of adhesives
or adhesive labels
It is imperative that the following paragraphs are

read before consulting the tables overleaf.
Methods
To remove adhesives or adhesive labels several possible
methods can be used. The following sequence of
methods is recommended:
a) Attempt to peel the label away slowly
b) Soak in hot water containing detergent. Remove
label by gentle rubbing or scraping. This method is
only suitable for substrates unaffected by water
and/or detergent.
c) Removal of label using household solvent, e.g.
lighter fuel, methylated spirits, white spirit. Caution:
It is necessary to check resistance of substrate
against solvent attack. Carry out test on unexposed
area.
d) Strong solvents (see notes on handling strong
solvents below and the tables).
e) Gentle scraping: often satisfactory for paper labels.
Scraping may be necessary prior to methods b) and
c) where filmic/foil labels have been applied, i.e. to
break label surface. Caution is required on
sensitive/weak substrates.
f) For filmic products it may be possible to peel off the
label using a hot air gun. Alternatively, failing label
removal by household solvents, soaking in solvents
such as isopropyl acetate, toluene, acetone or MEK
should be considered but it is advised that
beforehand recommendations be sought from the
label stock manufacturer.
Handling strong solvents

The following tables deal with STRONG solvents, some
are highly flammable and none should be inhaled,
therefore:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
USE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA

DO NOT SMOKE
KEEP AWAY FROM NAKED FLAMES
WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING PARTICULARLY
EYES AND HANDS
USE A PROPRIETORY BARRIER CREAM
READ CAREFULLY THE TECHNICAL
NOTIFICATION SUPPLIED BY THE SOLVENT
MANUFACTURER
It is very important to identify the surface in question

correctly, reference to the manufacturer can be made.
Even so, always check a small area first, in some place
where minor damage will not be important.
Source: PSMA 1987
Effectiveness of solvents
Both types of hydrocarbon solvents will in most cases
dissolve the adhesive, the aromatic type being the most
effective. Most of the aliphatic solvents on sale contain
small proportions of the aromatic type therefore it is
often difficult to predict accurately the effect on the
surface in question.
Therefore: USE CAUTION.
76
Label Application Surface Type

Some
Trade
Names
Solvent Effectiveness
Good ***/Medium**/Poor* A = safe to use/B = caution/C = do not use
***
Aliphatic
Hydrocarbons
Gasoline
White Spirit
Varsol 40
Exsol D40
***
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
Toluene
Xylene
*
Alcohols
***
Ketones
Ethanol
IMS
(Industrial
Methylated
Spirits)
Acetone
MEK
(Methyl
Ethyl
Ketone)
Lustran
Novodur
Cycolac
Ampcolite
Epoxy Resins
Araldite
Epon
Melamime Resins
Melatine
Memac
Polyamides (Nylon)
Akulon
Polychloroprene
Neoprene
Polyesters
Hostaphan
Melinex
Mylar
Polyethylene
(Polythene)
Escorene PE
Lactene
Lupolen
PLASTICS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene (ABS)
**
Chlorinated
Hydrocarbons
Carbon
Tetrachloride
Dichloromethane
Polyformaldehyde
Celon
(UF or MF)
Delrin
PolymethylMethacrylate
Plexiglass
Perspex
Polypropylene
Escorene PP
Hostalen PP
Moplen
Polystyrene
Lustrex
Styron
Polytetrafluorethylene
(PTFE)
Teflon
Polyurethanes
Desmodur
Desmophen
Polyvinylchloride rigid
(PVC)
Lucoflex
Soft PVC - vinyl
Polycarbonat
Lexan
Polyphenylene Oxide
(PPO)
Noryl
RUBBERS
Butyl
Natural or SB rubber
(SBR)
Silicone
Alkyd
Typical
surfaces
Woodwork
doors etc.
Cellulose &
Thermoplastic
Cars
PAINTS
Acrylics
Stove Enamel and
cross linked acrylics
Domestic
Appliances
Varnished surfaces
Polished
wood
(as the formulation of varnishes can vary greatly, use extreme caution)
OTHERS
Fabrics
These are frequently complex polymers and often mixtures of natural and synthetic fibres.
Use caution, starting with the least aggressive solvents
Glass
Leather
All solvents attack and shrink leather - use extreme caution
Metal
Wood
Key to the tables: A - safe to use subject to conditions on page overleaf; B - use with caution. Could damage in some cases, or with prolonged contact; X - do not use.
Please note that this list is presented only as a guide and is not comprehensive.
77
SECTION 10 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.
The adhesive used was made from natural rubber and
applied by coating from a solvent solution. Although the
product adhered well to a wide range of surfaces, its
ageing properties were not good, and the need to use
large quantities of solvent in the coating process was a
disadvantage.
The subsequent introduction of acrylic adhesives

overcame some of the shortcomings. Acrylics had
excellent ageing properties and were also available as
water-based emulsions. The water-based products were
easy to coat and clearly eliminated the hazards linked
with solvent coating.
Recently hot melt adhesives have been introduced. These
adhesives can be coated at very high speeds and very
high coating weights, because there is no drying process
involved.
Types for specific applications

Permanent
An adhesive with high ultimate adhesion, where labels are not intended to be
removed. Available from standard to very high coating weights, depending on the
end application.
Removable, Peelable
An adhesive with a low ultimate adhesion to a wide range of surfaces. Careful

choice of adhesive must be made, particularly for surfaces like fabrics, paper and
plastic films.
Water Removable
An adhesive which, upon contact with water, will have a reduced adhesive bond,
allowing clean removal.
Water Soluble
An adhesive which is completely soluble in water.
Low Temperature
An adhesive capable of functioning at temperatures below + 5C, i.e. chill

conditions (+ 5C to-5C), deep freeze conditions (-5C to-25C) and blast freeze
conditions (-25C to -50C).
Frosted Surface
An adhesive for application to goods which are already frozen.
High Temperature,
Heat Resistant
An adhesive capable of retaining its properties when used at high temperatures.
Light Stable, UV Stable
An adhesive for use with clear films where labels will be exposed to direct sunlight.
Water Resistant
An adhesive where labels are subjected to high humidity or immersion in water.
Plasticiser Resistant
An adhesive which, when applied to PVC or other plastics containing plasticisers,

maintains an acceptable level of performance.
Pigmented Adhesive
An adhesive used for over-labelling or masking heavily printed or coloured surfaces.
Re-positionable
An adhesive which permits removal and repositioning shortly after application, prior
to the development of ultimate adhesion.
78
Textile, Fabric, Garment
An adhesive designed for application to textiles. It may be permanent or removable

in type, according to specific applications. Careful choice of adhesive must be
made particularly for sensitive materials, e.g. suede, PVC, silk.
Marine Approved
An adhesive laminate construction, which complies with BS 5609, Adhesive Coated

Labels for Marine Use.
Food Contact
An adhesive with the appropriate F.D.A., B.g.V.V. or other appropriate approval for
application to foodstuffs.
Weather Resistant
An adhesive for use where labels are subjected to a variety of external conditions.
Odour and taint

Pressure sensitive adhesives are manufactured primarily from polymers and resins
and are selected to meet the challenging requirements of conversion and end user
adhesion performance.
Different adhesives will have a retained odour level characteristic of their chemical
type, but components are selected to ensure that the odour level is minimised and,
wherever possible, will be generally recognised as safe by virtue of prior industrial
experience or compliance with legislation concerning labelling.
Since various foods will respond differently to different odours, the final assessment
of tainting due to residual odour should be judged by the end user concerned
Source: PSMA
79
80
SECTION 11 Unwind roll chart
Indicate unwind direction by number as follows
Extract from TLMI Manual of Recommended Standards (where the chart has 16 positions).
81
SECTION 12 Communication of technical

data between labelstock
manufacturer and label printer
In June 1991, the European Pressure Sensitive
Manufacturers Association (EPSMA) published the
EPSMA Roll Label and Pallet Label Standard. This
standard enables manufacturers of self-adhesive
laminates to adopt a common method of bar coding,
which can be scanned and read by both laminate
manufacturer and converter. Label converters across
Europe can confidently introduce scanning systems in the
knowledge that all major labelstock suppliers have
adopted the EPSMA standard.
This initiative has added opportunities for scanning
during the printing operation to bring additional
efficiencies to production:
Better handling of stocks of adhesive materials and

finished products
Traceability for ISO 9000
Better inventory management
Less mistakes in shipments
A 10-minute video demonstrating the benefits of bar

coding for a converter is available free of charge in
English, French, German, or Spanish, from the FINAT
Secretariat.
Basic data: giving product code data on the selfadhesive construction -- face, adhesive and backing
(see figure 1)
Physical construction: for function, size, shelf life
Technical construction: with application and service
temperature, release and peel parameters (see figure 2)
Face: for weight, calliper and gloss
Adhesive: repeating the product code data
Backing: for weight, calliper and transparency
The LAMDATA Access Database currently provides

screen-based instructions in seven languages: Danish,
Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German and Spanish.
Other languages can be added. A number of standard
search routines have been provided in the software to
enable converters to select products from individual
manufacturers, or from the entire database.
A free demonstration of the LAMDATA Access Database,
with no time or user restrictions, is available either from
the FINAT Home Page (www.finat.com) or by ordering
direct from the FINAT secretariat.
Issued March 1999
The EPSMA/FINAT Laminate Product Database Standard

(LAMDATA)
This important new industry initiative, adopted in
1996/97, represents the second phase in the
development of fully-integrated industry standards. It is a
direct response to the dynamic development of electronic
dialogue between manufacturer and converter, which
identified a need for product data interchange in a
format that was universally compatible for both parties.
The LAMDATA Standard meets this need, and can be
used in its own right to create and update a converters
internal database, or to provide the basic data to enable
bar code scanning to interface more successfully with
computer systems.
Data complying with the LAMDATA standard format is
presented on disk as a data file but to enable them to
be imported into a converters computer system,
additional software may be required, in the form of the
LAMDATA Access Database. This software supports all 94
fields specified in the LAMDATA Standard, and the data
is presented on six screens (or forms):
82
83
SECTION 13 Guidelines for accelerated

ageing tests
Purpose
These guidelines should be used when planning tests for accelerated ageing of selfadhesive laminates. The final test can be anything (e.g. adhesion, migration,
release). These guidelines only define the ageing conditions.
Prior to testing, the samples should be removed from the ageing cabinet and
conditioned to the testing conditions, as described in each test method.
Ageing tests are typically carried out for a period of 4 weeks, and the tests are
done once a week.
The test should always include a previously tested, known product reference. This
makes it easier to interpret the results.
1 - Drying oven ageing
Typical purpose: testing of adhesive migration
Temperature: + 50 degree Celsius
Samples kept under pressure of approximately 25g/cm2 (15kg/A4 sheet)
2 - Climate chamber testing
Typical purpose: testing of changes in adhesion properties
Temperature: + 35 degree Celsius
Relative humidity: 75% RH
Samples not kept under pressure
Issued May 2001
84

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Note from the editor

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

Preface to the sixth edition

Dow Corning Ltd.

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

FINAT Test Methods

2.1 Standard FINAT Test Roller

2.2 Automatic Rolling Device

2.3 Sources of Test Equipment

Recommended joins in self-adhesive laminates for roll labels

Surfaces requiring caution

Safety guide for users of self-adhesive label stock products

Handling and storage of label stock

Removal of adhesives or adhesive labels

Unwind roll chart

Communication of technical data between labelstock manufacturer and label printer

Guidelines for accelerated ageing tests

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

FINAT Test Methods

Peel adhesion (180) at 300mm per minute

Peel adhesion (90) at 300mm per minute

Low speed release force

High speed release Force

Resistance to elevated temperatures

Resistance to ultra-violet light

Silicone Coat Weight

Resistance to shear from a standard surface

Loop tack measurement

Quality of silicone coated substrates for self-adhesive laminates: release force

Quality of silicone coated substrates for self-adhesive laminates: subsequent adhesion

Adhesive coat weight

Low temperature adhesion

Surface tension of plastic films .

Chemical resistance Spot method

Chemical resistance Immersion method

Recycling compatibility of self-adhesive labels

Fluorescence and whiteness

Ink adhesion (basic)

Ink adhesion (advanced)

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

FINAT Test Method no. 1

This test method is designed to quantify the permanence of adhesion or peelability

A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling a laminate through an angle of

Temperature 23C 2C, 50 % RH 5% RH. The test sample or test strips

180 v = 300 mm/min

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

Issued October 1985

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

FINAT Test Method no. 2

A tensile tester or similar machine capable of peeling a laminate through an angle

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

2. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as stainless steel or

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

FINAT Test Method no. 3

A tensile tester or similar machine, capable of peeling a laminate through an angle

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

Conversion 1 kgf- = 981cN.

Revised March 1990

FINAT Technical Handbook 6th edition, 2001

FINAT Test Method no. 4

High speed release force is defined as the force required to separate:

A machine capable of peeling a laminate through an angle of 180 with a jaw