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The abrasion resistance of labels and marking describes the resistance of a label surface to mechanical stress such as friction, scratches, or wear. It is particularly relevant for industrial applications where labels are exposed to strong physical stresses. The abrasion resistance of labels depends on factors such as material selection, printing processes, and protective laminates. Thermal transfer printing with resin ribbon offers particularly high resistance to abrasion. UV-cured inks and special coatings increase the durability of labels in demanding environments. In automotive, chemical, and technical marking, abrasion-resistant labels are essential to ensure permanent legibility. Standards such as BS 5609 for seawater resistance or ISO tests serve as a benchmark for abrasion resistance. Coatings, laminations, or specially formulated foils additionally protect against wear. The right combination of material and printing technology ensures durable marking despite mechanical stress.
Labeling foils made of acetate for the printing industry have some specific properties, such as:
Applications of acetate foils in the printing industry:
Acetate foils are therefore particularly suitable for applications that require not only functional but also aesthetic and environmentally friendly properties. They are an excellent choice for products where appearance plays an important role.
An acrylic adhesive is an adhesive based on acrylic polymers, used for durable, temperature- and chemical-resistant labels. It offers excellent aging resistance, high UV stability, and remains elastic over long periods. Acrylic adhesives are available in solvent-based, water-based, or hotmelt formulations and adhere reliably to many surfaces, including metals, plastics, and painted materials. Compared to rubber adhesives, acrylates often have lower initial tack, but develop stronger final adhesion and are more resistant to environmental influences. They are particularly used in the automotive, medical technology, chemical, and electronics industries for labeling with high requirements. Acrylic adhesives are suitable for both permanent and removable label solutions and enable a high degree of adaptability to different substrates. Special formulations can be optimized for extreme temperatures or contact with aggressive substances. Their transparent, non-yellowing property makes them ideal for long-lasting, high-quality labeling solutions.
The adhesion foil adheres to smooth surfaces without adhesive, through adhesion forces. These are based on physical interactions between the foil and the substrate, making it removable without residue and reusable. Typical materials are plasticized PVC foils or special polymer coatings, which enable static adhesion. Adhesion foils are often used for temporary labeling, window advertising, or protective applications. They adhere particularly well to glass, plastic, or painted surfaces, but lose adhesive strength in dusty or humid environments. In the industrial sector, they are used for flexible labeling solutions without residue. The advantage over conventional adhesive foils lies in the easy removal and reusability, which makes them more environmentally friendly. Adhesion foils are available in transparent or printable form and are suitable for short-term lettering or changing markings. Through special surface finishes, adhesion and reusability can be optimized.
The aging resistance of labels and marking describes a label's ability to retain its physical and chemical properties over a long period. It is crucial for applications where labels must remain legible and functional for years. Influencing factors include UV radiation, temperature, humidity, chemicals, and mechanical stress. Particularly polyester, polyimide, or special acrylic films, as well as durable adhesives, ensure high long-term stability. In industries such as automotive, aerospace, and medical technology, durable markings are essential. Standards like UL 969 or BS 5609 serve as a benchmark for durability under extreme conditions. Special printing processes such as thermal transfer printing with resin ribbon or UV-cured inks improve the print's resistance. Protective laminates or chemical coatings further extend the lifespan. The correct choice of material and printing technology ensures durable marking even under extreme environmental conditions.
Aluminum labels are often used in industrial labeling where robustness and durability are required. They are ideal for machine and equipment plates, as they can withstand extreme temperatures, chemicals, oils, and abrasion.
For asset tracking, aluminum labels are ideal for businesses due to their durability and tamper-proof properties. They can feature laser engraving or a permanent embossing that cannot be removed or easily damaged.
Aluminum is highly suitable for barcode labels used in harsh conditions, as it does not warp or break, ensuring good readability over a long period. In the defense industry, aluminum labels are used for marking equipment and parts that must withstand harsh environmental conditions and rough handling.
Furthermore, aluminum labels are used on electrical switch boxes, transformers, and other electrical components, as aluminum offers good electrical insulation and can resist heat. Aluminum signs are fire-resistant and are therefore often found in fire protection applications and for safety markings where non-combustible materials are required.
In labeling and marking technology, the term Apolar describes materials with low surface energy, to which conventional adhesives adhere poorly. These include plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PTFE (Teflon), or silicone, which are found in many industrial applications. Due to weak molecular interactions, the labeling of apolar surfaces requires special high-performance adhesives, mostly based on modified acrylates or rubber formulations. A pre-treatment using corona, plasma, or flame technology can increase the surface energy and improve adhesion. Especially in the automotive, chemical, and packaging industries, labels with optimized adhesive systems are required to ensure permanent marking. Testing methods such as contact angle measurement or test inks help to determine the surface energy and thus the adhesiveness. Without suitable adjustments, labels on apolar materials can easily detach or not adhere reliably, which can be problematic in safety-critical applications.
Polyurethane labeling foils therefore offer a combination of durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance, making them suitable for a variety of demanding applications.
A chemical-resistant label withstands the influence of aggressive substances such as oils, solvents, detergents, acids, or alkalis without changing the material, adhesive, or printed image. The resistance depends on the choice of foil, adhesive formulation, and printing technology.
The conformability of a labeling foil describes its ability to flexibly adapt to uneven, curved, or textured surfaces without tearing or detaching. Particularly in the industrial, automotive, and packaging sectors, conformable foils are essential for reliable adhesion to curved or textured materials. Highly flexible materials such as flexible PVC, polyolefin, or special elastomer foils enable secure labeling on bottles, pipes, containers, or technical components. Printing and adhesive technologies are crucial in ensuring long-term adhesion and legibility. Special highly stretchable or thermally deformable foils optimize adaptability and enable precise labeling on demanding surfaces. Conformable labeling foils improve product aesthetics, durability, and functionality in industrial applications.
Specialty films for labeling are processed on precision cutting machines into film blanks, roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet, and are available in any desired width. This enables the purchased material quantity to be adapted to individual, order-specific requirements.
Heat resistance describes the ability of a label or marking material to withstand high temperatures without deforming, discoloring, or losing adhesion. In industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and metal processing, heat-resistant labels are essential because they are often exposed to
The initial tack in labels and marking describes the immediate adhesion of an adhesive upon initial contact with a surface. It is a crucial factor for processing speed in industrial labeling, especially with high-speed dispensing machines. High initial tack ensures immediate fixation, while lower initial tack allows for precise positioning or correction. Adhesion is influenced by factors such as adhesive type, surface texture, and contact pressure. Particularly permanent acrylate or rubber adhesives offer strong immediate adhesion on difficult substrates such as rough, textured, or low-energy materials. In the technical industry, labels with optimized initial tack are essential to ensure secure marking even under demanding conditions. Test methods such as the Quick Stick test measure the immediate adhesive strength of a label. Depending on the application, the initial tack must be balanced with the final adhesion and removability of the label. The correct selection of the adhesive is crucial for reliable and permanent marking.
The term internal strength, in relation to labeling foils and labels in the printing industry, refers to the mechanical stability and resistance of the material to internal stresses and external influences. This is particularly important for the durability and functionality of labels during application and throughout their lifespan.
The internal strength of a foil or label determines how well the material can withstand stresses such as pulling, tearing, or deformation without failing. High internal strength is necessary to ensure that the foil or label remains intact during processing in printing machines, during transport, and when applied to products or packaging.
A label dispenser is a device or machine that automatically or semi-automatically removes labels from their backing material and prepares them for application. Dispensers are available in various versions, from manual table dispensers to fully automatic industrial labeling machines that apply labels directly to products or packaging. Label dispensers ensure efficient and error-free labeling, especially in logistics, production and the technical industry. They increase productivity by avoiding the time-consuming manual removal of labels. Modern dispensers use sensors or pressure mechanisms to position labels precisely. In Industry 4.0, label dispensers are often combined with printing and scanning systems to enable automated traceability. The selection of a suitable dispenser depends on the label material, size, shape and application requirements. High-quality label dispensers optimize the labeling processes and increase process reliability in industrial manufacturing.
A labeling foil is a specially developed foil material used for the production of labels, nameplates, or security markings. Depending on the application, it consists of polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), PVC, polycarbonate, or vinyl and offers properties such as weather, chemical, and temperature resistance. In the industrial, medical technology, automotive, and electronics sectors, labeling foils are essential for durable, easily legible markings. Depending on the requirements, they are optimized for printing processes such as thermal transfer, UV printing, or laser engraving. High-quality adhesives, such as acrylic or silicone adhesives, ensure permanent adhesion to various surfaces, including metal, plastic, or rough materials. Special variants, such as
A laminate film is a transparent or printed protective film that is applied over a label or marking to increase its durability and resistance. It protects against mechanical wear, UV radiation, chemicals, moisture, and extreme temperatures, thereby preserving the legibility and function of the label in the long term. Typical materials for laminate films are polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), or vinyl, depending on the desired resistance and flexibility. Laminated labels are particularly required in industrial, medical, and automotive applications to ensure permanent marking. Laminate films are available in various surface textures, including glossy, matte, or textured, to avoid reflections or to provide additional security features such as tamper protection. Self-adhesive laminate films are often used as overlays and applied to printed labels afterwards. The right combination of label material, adhesive, and laminate film ensures maximum durability and resistance under demanding conditions.
Non-polar surfaces have low surface energy, which impedes the adhesion of adhesives or printing inks. In industrial labeling, this often applies to plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene. For label manufacturers, selecting labeling films with appropriate adhesives is crucial to ensure a reliable bond. This way, labels adhere securely even to non-polar surfaces.
Typical low surface energy materials (LSE, 18–35 mN/m) include:
A permanent adhesive is specifically formulated to ensure lasting adhesion to various surfaces. Once applied, it develops a high final adhesion and can usually only be removed mechanically or with solvents. Permanent adhesives often consist of acrylate or rubber formulations and offer strong adhesion to materials such as metal, plastic, glass, or painted surfaces. They are particularly important in industrial labeling, logistics, medical technology, and the automotive industry, where labels must remain intact throughout the product's lifespan. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, chemicals, or UV radiation affect the adhesive strength, which is why the adhesive is optimized depending on the application. High-quality permanent adhesives meet standards such as UL 969 or BS 5609 to withstand even extreme conditions. Thanks to special high-performance adhesives, labels adhere even to rough, textured, or low-energy surfaces. The correct choice of permanent adhesive ensures that the labeling remains reliable, abrasion-resistant, and legible in the long term.
High-energy surfaces have a strong attraction for adhesives and inks. This allows labels and marking films to be processed exceptionally well and used durably. In industrial applications, such surfaces are advantageous as they guarantee reliable adhesion and resistance. High-energy substrates facilitate the production of high-quality B2B labeling solutions.
Typical materials with high surface energy (HSE, 290-2000 mN/m) include:
Polycarbonate is an extremely robust and versatile material in labeling. It is used in instrument panels, front panels and control panels, in industrial signs, in the labeling of medical devices, as electrical insulation material and for permanent labeling under extreme conditions. The advantages are:
Polyester identification films have high internal strength and a high thickness range. They are highly solvent-resistant and have high restoring forces. Furthermore, they are temperature and weather-resistant.
They are used in outdoor applications, in the electronics industry, in the automotive industry, and in the chemical industry. They can withstand continuous temperatures of up to 150 °C and can be bonded in heating and ventilation systems, among other applications.
The outstanding properties of labeling films made from polyimide are:
The unique combination of heat resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength makes polyimide an ideal material for applications that must function reliably under extreme conditions.
Labels and products made from polyimide are used in the electronics industry on electronic components such as circuit boards, where they withstand the high temperatures during the soldering process. Furthermore, they find application in the automotive industry near engines and on battery packs, in aerospace, and in other industrial applications.
Labeling films made from polyolefins, which primarily include polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), impress with their solvent resistance and resilience. Furthermore, they are temperature and water resistant.
Labels made from polyolefin labeling films are used for medical and pharmaceutical products due to their resistance to chemicals and their ability to withstand sterilization processes. These labeling films are also used in outdoor applications due to their UV resistance and moisture resistance.
Labeling foils made of calendered PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are versatile and durable, and are therefore frequently used in various applications, such as labels and stickers for indoor and outdoor use.
These types of foils can be used both permanently and temporarily, especially where greater resistance to abrasion and environmental influences is required. Calendering is a process in which the PVC is formed into a flat foil by rollers in a series of hot rollers.
Identification films made of cast PVC are very pliable and adhere well to uneven surfaces. They are stretchable and adapt well to curved surfaces. They do not shrink when exposed to aging or high temperatures. Furthermore, labels made of cast PVC are highly weather-resistant.
The release liner, also known as liner or backing paper, is the backing of a self-adhesive label that protects the adhesive material until application. It typically consists of siliconized paper or plastic film to allow for easy label release. The material varies depending on the intended use – from glassine paper for standard applications to PET liners for high-precision labeling. A high-quality liner ensures smooth processing in printing and dispensing systems. Especially in automated labeling, the tear resistance and lay-flat properties of the release liner play a crucial role. Silicone coatings influence the release forces and thus the handling in label printing and further processing. Environmentally friendly alternatives such as linerless materials (linerless) or recyclable backing materials are gaining importance. When choosing the appropriate liner, factors such as label format, application temperature, and processing method must be considered. In industrial labeling, innovative liner solutions contribute to increased efficiency and material savings.
A removable adhesive allows labels to be removed without leaving residue or damaging the substrate. It is usually based on specially modified acrylic or rubber formulations that have low final adhesion and yet offer reliable fixation. These adhesives are used in applications where labels are intended to adhere for a limited time, such as in the logistics, electronics, food or glass industries. The adhesive force can be influenced by factors such as substrate, temperature, humidity and peel angle. Removable adhesives adhere well to smooth and non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic or metal. Special versions are optimised for reusable or repositionable applications. In sensitive areas such as medical technology or automotive identification, removable labels must be able to be removed without residue even after a long period of time. Tests according to FINAT standards help to evaluate the removability and adhesive forces. Modern developments also enable sustainable, recycling-friendly label solutions with removable adhesives.
The resilience, with regard to labeling foils in the printing industry, refers to the ability of the foil to return to its original shape after deformation. This is particularly important in applications where the foil is applied to uneven or flexible surfaces.
Labeling foils must often be flexible enough to adapt to various surfaces, but at the same time stable enough not to deform permanently. Good resilience ensures that the foil regains its original shape after application and any stretching or bending. This is essential for maintaining the quality and legibility of the labeling, as well as for the longevity of the product.
A self-destructive marking foil is a special security material that disintegrates into small fragments or becomes unusable when removal is attempted. It serves to protect against tampering and is frequently used for security, type, or inventory labels in industries such as automotive, electronics, medical technology, and logistics. Typical materials include brittle acrylic foils or multi-layer special foils designed to tear or crumble when an attempt is made to remove them. This prevents the label from being removed unnoticed or transferred to another product. Void foils also leave behind a visible indication of tampering, such as "VOID" or a checkerboard pattern. Self-destructive marking foils are resistant to temperature, chemicals, and mechanical stress and adhere securely to various substrates such as metal, plastic, or painted surfaces. Their application contributes to counterfeit protection, traceability, and product protection, especially in security-critical areas.
The solvent resistance describes a label's ability to remain resistant to chemical exposure from alcohols, petrol, acetone, or other aggressive cleaning agents. It is particularly important in the chemical, automotive, medical technology, and electronics industries, where labels come into contact with aggressive substances. The resistance depends on the material, adhesive, and printing process. Polyester (PET), Polyimide (PI), or special vinyl films offer high solvent resistance, whereas unprotected paper labels are quickly damaged. Thermal transfer printing with resin ribbon, laser engraving, or UV-cured inks ensures permanent labeling that is not smeared or faded by solvents. Especially in the labeling of hazardous materials, laboratory samples, or machinery, labels must remain legible even after repeated contact with cleaners and chemicals. The correct selection of highly resistant materials and printing techniques ensures reliable and durable labeling even in aggressive environments.
A spacer film is used in labeling and industry to create distance between layers, provide mechanical buffering, or achieve specific functional properties. Typical materials for spacer films are polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), or PE foam, which have different thicknesses and flexibility depending on the application.
In the electronics industry, spacer films are used as an electrically insulating or heat-dissipating layer. They also help in the automotive and medical technology sectors to adapt labels to uneven or sensitive surfaces. Precise material selection ensures that the spacer film is temperature and chemical resistant and remains functional in the long term.
A splice refers to the joining of two material webs to continue processing roll stock without interrupting production. In the label manufacturing and printing industries, a splice is used to efficiently join foils, paper webs, or carrier materials. This involves the use of single-sided or double-sided adhesive tapes, thermal welding, or special adhesives. A high-quality splice must be tear-resistant, precisely aligned, and suitable for subsequent processing to avoid disruptions in printing or dispensing systems. Particularly in automated labeling and industrial marking, a seamless material transition is crucial to minimize downtime. Depending on the application, there are manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic splicing methods that enable a precise connection. In high-speed systems, sensor-monitored splicing stations are used to avoid interrupting production processes. The correct splicing technique increases efficiency, material utilization, and process reliability in industrial marking.
Surface tension describes the energy that acts on a material surface and determines how well adhesives or printing inks adhere. It is a key factor for label production: A permanent bond is only created if the labeling film and the labels are matched to the surface tension of the substrate to be labeled. This is how manufacturers ensure functional label solutions for demanding applications, for example in automotive, medical technology and chemicals.
To classify materials, the surface tension is divided into three areas:
LSE (Low Surface Energy, 18–35 mN/m)
Materials with low surface energy make adhesion more difficult and require specially developed adhesives. Typical examples are:
MSE (Medium Surface Energy, 37–70 mN/m)
This includes materials with medium surface energy, where adhesion is more successful, but adapted adhesives are still required:
HSE (High Surface Energy, 290–2000 mN/m)
Materials with high surface energy generally offer very good conditions for adhesion:
Thermal transfer printing is a widely used printing process for highly resistant and durable labels, particularly in the industrial, logistics, medical technology, and automotive sectors. It involves transferring a colored coating (wax, wax-resin, or resin) from a ribbon (thermal transfer film) onto the label material using heat. Depending on the application, different ribbon qualities are used: wax for paper labels, wax-resin for more durable prints, and resin for extreme resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and high temperatures. Thermal transfer printing is suitable for paper, polyester, polyimide, or vinyl labels and offers high print quality with precise barcodes, serial numbers, and logos. Compared to direct thermal printing, it is more durable because the material does not need to be heat-sensitive. The correct choice of print head, ribbon, and label material ensures optimum durability and legibility of the marking.
The thickness range with regard to labeling foil in the printing industry refers to the variation in thickness that is tolerated within a batch of foil material. It is an important quality characteristic, because a uniform thickness across the entire width and length of the foil is crucial for consistent printing results and the processability of the foil in printing machines.
An excessive thickness range can lead to problems in the printing application, such as uneven ink distribution, irregular adhesion to substrates, and difficulties in performing cutting and finishing processes. Manufacturers of labeling foil therefore strive for the smallest possible thickness range in order to ensure the high quality and reliability of their products.
Transfer tapes are thin, adhesive-coated materials without their own carrier, used for permanent or temporary bonds in industry, electronics, medical technology, and labeling technology. They consist of high-performance acrylate or rubber adhesives, applied to a release liner or a carrier film, and leave behind only a pure adhesive layer after application. They are particularly used in the production of labels, front panels, or laminates to securely connect material layers. Transfer tapes offer uniform adhesive strength, high temperature and chemical resistance, and adhere to metals, plastics, glass, or structured surfaces. They are ideal for invisible bonds, as they add minimal bulk after processing. Variants with UL certification or heat-resistant formulations are available specifically for demanding applications. Choosing the right transfer tape enables a reliable, durable, and clean bond in labeling and industrial production.
The UL certification is a certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) that evaluates the safety and durability of labels and marking materials according to strict US and international standards. Especially in the electronics, automotive, medical technology, and industrial sectors, UL certification is required to ensure compliance with legal regulations. Key standards include UL 969 for permanent markings and UL 94 for the flammability of plastics. UL-tested labels must withstand mechanical stress, high temperatures, chemicals, and moisture over long periods. The testing includes adhesive adhesion, print legibility, and material resistance under extreme conditions. Manufacturers using UL-listed labels benefit from faster product approval and worldwide acceptance. UL-certified labeling solutions are essential for secure traceability and compliant product identification in safety-critical applications.
UV inkjet printing is a digital printing process in which special UV-curing inks are applied to the label material and cured immediately by UV light. This technology enables high-resolution, smudge-proof and scratch-resistant printing on various surfaces such as paper, plastic and metal foils. Especially in industrial labeling, medical technology and the automotive industry, UV inkjet offers durable and chemical- as well as weather-resistant marking. Since no evaporative solvents are used, the process is suitable for environmentally friendly, low-VOC applications. The immediate drying allows high production speeds and direct further processing without waiting time. UV inkjet printing systems can be used for variable data, barcodes, serial numbers as well as for colored graphics. The use of hard or flexible UV inks allows the adhesion to be optimized on different materials. Compared to classic printing processes, UV inkjet offers high resistance, printing flexibility and excellent print quality, especially for industrial applications with high demands on durability and legibility.
UV resistance describes the resistance of labeling films, labels, and printing inks to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to color fading, material embrittlement, or loss of adhesion. Especially in outdoor applications, the automotive and chemical industries, and harsh industrial environments, labels must remain legible and functional for years. UV-resistant materials such as polyester (PET), polycarbonate, or special acrylic films offer high resistance to sunlight and weathering. Laminated or specially coated labels provide additional protection against UV damage and extend durability. Light-resistant printing processes such as thermal transfer printing with resin ribbon, UV-cured inks, or laser engraving ensure permanent marking without fading. Standards such as UL 969 or ISO 4892 test the UV resistance of label materials under simulated long-term stress. For extreme applications, high-performance adhesives are required that retain their adhesive strength even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Optimized material selection ensures long-term legibility and functionality of markings in outdoor or light-intensive environments.
The term Void refers to a special security and tamper-evident function in labels and identification foils. Void security labels leave a visible indication upon removal, such as the word "VOID" or a checkerboard pattern, making unauthorized removal immediately detectable. These labels usually consist of multi-layered polyester or acrylic foils, designed so that the top layer detaches upon removal, revealing the underlying structure. Typical applications are found in the electronics, automotive, medical, and logistics industries to ensure originality, product protection, and traceability. Void labels are essential, especially for warranty and type plates, as well as security seals. The adhesive strength can be adapted to various substrates to ensure reliable adhesion to metal, plastic, or coated surfaces. Standards such as
The term weather-resistant describes the ability of a label or marking foil to withstand external environmental influences such as rain, snow, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and humidity over the long term. Especially in outdoor marking, the automotive, construction, and chemical industries, labels must remain legible and adhesive even under extreme conditions. Materials such as polyester (PET), polycarbonate, vinyl, or polyimide offer high weather resistance and prevent discoloration, cracking, or detachment. Special UV-resistant inks or thermal transfer printing with resin ribbon ensure durable labeling that does not fade or smudge. Laminated or extra-coated surfaces provide additional protection against