Application Instructions for Inotec Barcode and RFID Labels

To ensure reliable adhesion, long-lasting marking and stable performance of Inotec barcode and RFID labels, it is important to follow the recommended surface preparation, application and storage guidelines.

The surface must be clean and dry

Before applying the label, the surface must be dry, clean and stable. Condensation must be avoided. Condensation may occur when the material to be marked is moved from a cold environment into a warm one.

Dust, grease, oil and release agents must be removed from the surface. The surface should be thoroughly wiped with a cloth moistened with a suitable solvent. Use a solvent that does not damage the surface material, such as cleaning benzine or isopropyl alcohol.

Do not label containers immediately after injection moulding

To ensure optimum bonding between the label and the substrate, labels should not be applied to plastic containers that are still warm after the injection moulding process.

Ideally, labelling should be carried out 48 hours after moulding. If fast labelling of containers is unavoidable for production reasons, this must be tested individually and taken into account when selecting the appropriate label type.

In-mould products

During the moulding process, damage to the label surface caused by ink or high temperatures must be avoided.

It is also important to ensure that the in-mould labels are fully bonded to the plastic surface of the product.

Special requirements for applying RFID labels

To prevent damage to the RFID chip, special requirements must be followed when applying RFID labels.

The surface of the dispenser feed roller should be made of rubberised material. The container with the labels should be fed using a spring-loaded pressure plate, for example a stamp. The stamp must be compressible.

For manual application of RFID labels, a plastic squeegee may be used. The pressure should be sufficient to ensure proper contact, but not excessive.

Excessive bending of the labels must be avoided, as this may damage the connection between the RFID chip and the antenna. After RFID labels have been applied, their functionality should be checked on a sample basis.

Labelling areas must be strong and stable

Surfaces to which labels are applied must be made of strong and stable material. All loose particles, chalky residues or unstable surface materials must be removed.

The maximum bonding capability of the adhesive layer is determined by the molecular attraction between two different substances. This property is called adhesion.

The force of attraction depends on the surface energy of the material. Based on this characteristic, surfaces are classified as having either high or low surface energy.

Surfaces with high surface energy

Inotec adhesives are well suited for surfaces with high surface energy. These materials accept coatings easily and allow the adhesive to spread evenly, helping to achieve reliable bonding.

Typical surfaces with high surface energy include:

steel;
aluminium;
polyester;
PVC;
polycarbonate;
silicone-free acrylic coating.

Surfaces with low surface energy

Surfaces with low surface energy are more difficult to coat. Applying adhesive to such materials is more challenging because the attraction between the adhesive and the surface is low.

Typical materials with low surface energy include:

polyethylene;
polypropylene;
Teflon;
silicone;
silicone-coated lacquer with a structured surface.

To ensure stable adhesion on these surfaces, it is recommended to use a modified acrylic adhesive that provides good spreading properties even on materials with low surface energy.

Rough and structured surfaces

Rough and structured surfaces require a thicker adhesive layer than smooth surfaces. This is necessary to ensure contact between the adhesive and the recesses or irregularities of the surface.

Application temperature

The ideal application temperature is approximately +20 °C. Application is not recommended if the surface temperature is below +10 °C.

Pressing the label after application

The bonding strength of the adhesive depends on the contact formed between the adhesive and the substrate. Good surface contact is achieved by firmly pressing the label with a pressure roller or plastic scraper.

Inotec labels reach their final bonding strength after 72 hours at room temperature. Marking and load testing should only be carried out after the adhesive has reached its optimum strength.