Complete Labeling Solutions www.greatlakeslabel.com
Labeling Resource Guide
OUR PROMISE
WE’RE MORE THAN JUST LABELS OUR VISION IS TO PROVIDE EXTRAORDINARY VALUE TO CUSTOMERS BY OFFERING COMPLETE TURNKEY SOLUTIONS FOR LABEL AND LABEL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS. WE FOCUS ON THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE MARKETS THEY SERVE.
Great Lakes Label works as a Research and Development arm for a number of companies. We have an onsite R&D department where our professional staff develops application specific materials and adhesives for pressure sensitive labels and engineered adhesive components.
Our Services: • Research and Development • Label Design • Applicator Design • Consulting
Capabilities: • High Quality printing up to eight colors • Web widths to 13” • Four Color process printing • PMS color, exact match printing • UV Coating, varnishing, and overlamination • Multi-web lamination • Custom Die Cutting • High Speed Slitting • Ink Jet numbering • Thermal and Direct Transfer Printing • Product Packaging and Fulfillment
Table of Contents
Labeling Terminology: Terms To Know What To Consider: Labeling Checklist Inks and Coatings/ Tooling and Plates Applying Methods Cutting and Separation Options Finishing Formats and Rewind Your Checklist
Labeling Terminology: Terms To Know Bleed: When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of the labels.
Face Slit (Peel Tab): A slit in the face material of a pressure sensitive product to facilitate removal for the liner/carrier.
Butt Cut Labels: Rectangular labels in continuous form separated by a single knife cut to the liner across the web.
Finish: The surface property of a paper or film determined by its texture and gloss.
Butted Rectangles: Die Cut rectangles butted to each other with no around and/or across matrix to remove.
Heat Seal: Otherwise known as a heat activated label, this label paper has a plastic coating that melts under heat to form the bonding agent.
Carrier/Liner (Backing): Refers to the backing material the pressure sensitive labels are carried on, also known as liner. Continuous Label: Fan-folded labels manufactured form a continuous web of label stock which is not cut into units prior to execution. Corner Radius: Describes the arc or curvature of the die blades where they meet so that they can impart a rounded corner to a die cut label. CSA: Canadian Standard Association Die Cut Label: Pressure sensitive labels mounted on a release liner form which the matrix has been die cut and usually removed.
Imprinting: A technique which applies variable copy to blank or pre-printed labels with a secondary device such as Thermal and Direct Thermal Printers. Kiss Cut: A die cutting operation which cuts through the face sheet to a liner but not through the liner. Label Stock (Roll Stock): Pressure sensitive laminate from which labels are produced. Common stocks are; matte, matte opaque laser matte, gloss, semi-gloss, semigloss opaque, kraft, vinyl, laminated foils, fluorescents, direct thermal, thermal transfer, clear poly. Matrix: The waste area of the facestock and adhesive that is removed from around the label after it is die cut.
or sharp steel
Plate: Flexible polymer material with raised surface used to pick up ink and transfer to face stock.
Die Lines: A hand drawn or computer generated layout of the die cut shape or shapes.
Score: To make an impression or a partial cut in a material for the purpose of bending, creasing, folding or tearing.
Die Cutting: The process of using dies rules to cut any shape for labels .
Embossed: Image is raised above the surface. Face Stock: Material- any paper, film, foil, vinyl material suitable for converting into pressure sensitive label stock. in the finished construction, this web is bonded to the adhesive layer and becomes the functional part of the construction.
U.L. : Underwriters Laboratories. Web: Roll paper that is used for printing on a web press. Wind Direction: Position of the printing as it comes off the finished roll.
What To Consider: Labeling Checklist At Great Lakes Label we take time to identify your needs based on your product and industry in order to provide you with the best turnkey solution for the job. Below is an assessment of what to consider when starting a labeling project.
Your Product: ✦ What will you your label adhere to? ‣ Glass ‣ Plastic ‣ Metal ‣ Aluminum ✦ What are the surface conditions of your product? ‣ Smooth ‣ Textured ‣ Flat ‣ Curved ‣ Clean ‣ Oily ‣ Other ✦ What type of environment will your label be exposed to? ✦ Does the label need to be permanent or removable?
Your Label: ✦ Do you have a sample? ✦ Do you require UL materials or inks? ✦ If you have sample do you need us to match it? ✦ What is the size of you label? Do you want the exact size? ✦ How many colors? ✦ What is the type of material of your label? ✦ Is your label “booklet” or extended text label? ✦ How will your label be applied? ✦ Does your label require bar codes ( QR, MS)
Finishing Requirements ✦ What is the finishing style? ✦ Is it die cut or butt cut? ✦ How do you want you finished copy position? ✦ What’s the quantity per roll or stack?
I Inks and Coatings It is important to determine which ink is best for your project in order to achieve the desired look and feel. Below are a list of the different types of inks and coatings to chose from. We can customize an ink to match your brand’s specific color. Great Lakes Label also offers fade resistant color depending on the material, application and uses of your label.
Inks and Coatings: ✦ Water Based Inks ✦ UV ✦ Primer ✦ Laminations ✦ Fade Resistant Inks
Tooling and Plates By utilizing state of the art plate technology and equipment, Great Lakes Label offers tooling and plates in custom sizes and shapes. Standard sizes are also available.
Applying Methods Consider whether your label will be hand applied, machine applied, or applied by the customer. The method of application will determine the width and length of the label on the roll and the core size. We can assist you with any questions concerning which length and size is right for you.
Roll Diameter: How big does the roll need to be?
What To Consider: ✦ What is the length of the label on the roll?
Inside Diameter (Core): This is determined by how the label will be applied.
✦ How will the label be applied? ✦ What is the size of the core? ✦ How will your labels be wound (see wind chart)
Cutting & Separation Options Obtaining the right look and feel is important to you and your brand. There are several cutting and separating options to choose from.
A Butt Cut label means there is no gap between each label. Typically, these labels go to the edge of the facestock leaving no edge.
A Die Cut label means there is a space between labels. Labels are mounted on a release liner which the matrix has been die cut and usually removed.
Separation Options
Perforation
Sheeted Peel Tab“Crack N’ Peel”
Finishing Formats & Rewind When starting a labeling project, special attention should be given to the rewind direction or how it should come off the roll. Use the illustrations below in order to determine whether your labels need to out-wound or in-wound.
Fanfold Labels
Sheeted Labels
Standard Rewind Position Chart
Label Roll
Your Checklist We can custom match a solution for all of your pressure sensitive label needs with a variety of face stocks, adhesives and techniques. In order to provide you with your complete custom label solution have the following prepared:
Quantity: How many labels, rolls, or sheets will you need? Size and Shape: Label Size Wide (Across) Label Size Around (Height) What is the shape of your label? Materials: What material will your label be applied to? Who or what will be applying your label? Is there a specific temperature requirement for your label? Face stock? Does your label need laminate or UV? Colors: What ink colors will you need? Will you need a fade resistant ink? Finishing: Do you need rolls? How does it need to come off the roll? How many labels need to be across? How large does the core need to be? Do you need it fan folded? How many labels do you need per stack? What is the length of fold? How many labels need to be across? Do you need sheeted labels? What type of package do you need? How many pieces need to be in a pack? How does your label need to come off the roll (rewind)? Special Certifications or Requirements: UL Approved * CSA Approved * * Not applicable if you do not have special requirements or certifications.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP Unsure of which material or cut to use for your labeling project? Give us a call and we will find the right solution for you. We have a team of dedicated experts that will find the right match for any labeling requirements you are looking to meet.
910 Metzgar CT. NW Â Comstock Park, Michigan 49321 P: (616) 647-9880 F: (616) 647-9881 E: info@greatlakeslabel.com