FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK

Test methods
9th Edition
 FINAT
TECHNICAL
HANDBOOK
Test Methods - 9th edition

Copyright © 2014 by FINAT, The Hague, The Netherlands. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of the publisher.

FINAT
The Hague, May 2014
 PREFACE
preface to the 9th edition

It is my pleasure to herewith present you with the 9th edition of the Technical
Handbook. The Handbook is globally acknowledged as being the authoritative
benchmark on test procedures for adhesive labels. The FINAT test methods
described in the Handbook are used to evaluate label stock and frequently
serve as a basis for specifications. Since the first edition 30 years ago the
Technical Handbook has been continually revised. New test methods were
added, existing ones revised and obsolete ones deleted.

This edition features two new test methods (FTM 28 and FTM 29) on bleeding
through paper and scratch resistance of an UV ink film on different print
materials, and also Section 2.10 on the light fastness of printing ink. A number
of proven test methods are now much easier to understand as some graphic
material has been added to them.

At this juncture I should like to thank all members of the Technical Committee
for their excellent contributions to the design, translation and revision of the
content. I am particularly grateful to the members of the Subcommittee on
Test Methods who are the driving force behind this edition and take the main
responsibility for it. We owe the quality and high acceptance of the FINAT test
methods all over the world to the composition of the Technical Committee
where specialists from the entire adhesive label industry meet. Although
English is the globally accepted language of the industry we shall nonetheless
try to translate the Technical Handbook into as many languages as our
resources allow us to do.

Hans Lautenschlager
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Test Methods

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

5
 CONTENTS
section 1 | finat test methods
Method Description Construction Test relevant to

FTM 1 Peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm per minute Face stock Adhesion 8
FTM 2 Peel adhesion (90°) at 300 mm per minute Face stock Adhesion 10
FTM 3 Low speed release force Laminate Delamination 12
FTM 4 High speed release Force Laminate Matrix stripping 13
FTM 5 Accelerated ageing – Extended storage Laminate Ageing 15
FTM 6 Resistance to ultra-violet light Laminate Ageing 16
FTM 7 Silicone Coat Weight by energy-dispersive
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry Liner Coating quality 18
FTM 8 Resistance to shear from a standard surface Face stock Adhesion 20
FTM 9 Loop’ tack measurement Face stock Adhesion 22
FTM 10 Quality of silicone coated substrates for
self-adhesive laminates: release force Liner Dispensing 24
FTM 11 Quality of silicone coated substrates for
self-adhesive laminates: subsequent adhesion Liner Silicone cure 26
FTM 12 Adhesive coat weight Face stock Coating quality 28
FTM 13 Low temperature adhesion Face stock Adhesion 29
FTM 14 Dimensional stability Face stock Stability 31
FTM 15 Surface tension of plastic films Face stock Printing 33
FTM 16 Chemical resistance – Spot method Face stock Stability 35
FTM 17 Chemical resistance – Immersion method Face stock Stability 36
FTM 18 Dynamic shear Face stock Adhesion 38
FTM 19 Recycling compatibility of self-adhesive labels Face stock Recycling 40
FTM 20 Fluorescence and whiteness Face stock Printing 41
FTM 21 Ink adhesion - basic Face stock Printing 43
FTM 22 Ink adhesion - advanced Face stock Printing 45
FTM 23a Testing for die-strike on paper Laminate Dispensing 46
FTM 23b Testing for die-strike on clear filmic liners Laminate Dispensing 48
FTM 24 Mandrel hold Face stock Adhesion 50
FTM 25 Evaluation of the silicone coverage of coated
papers by use of a water based stain test Liner Coating quality 52
FTM 26 Wash-off paper and film labels Face stock Adhesives 55
FTM 27 Ink rub test for UV printed labels ink surface
against substrate or ink surface Laminate Printing 56
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

FTM 28 Evaluation of bleeding through paper Face stock Printing 58

FTM 29 Scratch resistance of an UV ink film on
different print materials Face stock Printing 60

6
section 2 | guidelines

2.1 Recommended joins in self-adhesive laminates for roll labels 62

2.2 Processing recommendations 63
2.3 Surfaces requiring caution 65
2.4 Safety guide for users of self-adhesive label stock products 66
2.5 Handling and storage of label stock throughout printing and converting 68
2.6 Qualitative Adhesion testing 69
2.7 Adhesives 70
Nomenclature for adhesives used in self-adhesive laminates
2.8 Unwind roll chart 71
2.9 Recommendations regarding static electricity 72
2.10 Advices about light fastness of printing inks and light exposition 74

section 3 | test equipment

3.1 Standard FINAT Test Roller 76
3.2 Automatic Rolling Device 76
3.3 Sources of Test Equipment 76
3.4 Testing institutes 88
3.5 tesa test tapes product information and worldwide addresses
®
95

Note from the editor

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Although the 29 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.

7
 FTM1
peel adhesion (180°) at
300 mm per minute

scope
This test method is designed to quantify the permanence
of adhesion or peel ability 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 300 mm per minute with an accuracy of ± 2%.
Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass.
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.
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.

test conditions
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Temperature 23°C ± 2°C, 50% RH ± 5% RH.

The test sample or test strips and test panels should be
conditioned for not less than 4 hours before testing.

8
results
Peel adhesion (180°) is expressed as the average result for
the strips tested in Newton per 25mm width for either 20
minutes or 24 hours application time.
Failure Description Code
CP Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel.
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area, but no
tacky residue of adhesive on both the panel and
the front material.
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the
panel and the front material.
AT Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates clearly
from the front material, leaving adhesive film on
the test panel.
The approximate extent of transfer should be
quoted as percentage.
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.
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 (example: AFERA1 quality stainless steel
plates), aluminium or polymeric substrates, 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
Revised February 2014

notes
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,
1
The AFERA defines stainless steel test substrates as:
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

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.
A 50 mm by 125 mm no less than 1.1 mm thick stainless
steel 1.4301 in accordance with the 2R quality defined in
EN10088-2 having a bright annealed finish. The surface
roughness height shall be (50 ± 25) nm arithmetical average
deviation from the mean line. Panels showing stains,
discoloration, or many scratches are not acceptable.
More details can be found in the AFERA test method manual.

9
 FTM2
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 300 mm 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 plates made of float glass or similar plate glass.
A standard FINAT test roller.
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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
10
peel adhesion (90°) at
300 mm per minute
test conditions
23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH
The test sample or test strips and test panels 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. 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. 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 into the horizontal support
which has been secured into the bottom jaw of the
tensile tester. Set the machine at 300 mm 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 Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel.
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area,
but no tacky residue.
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the
panel and the front material.
AT 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.
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.
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(example: AFERA1 quality stainless steel
plates),aluminium or polymeric substrates, 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 1 kgf = 9.81 N
Issued October 1985
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Revised February 2014

notes
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

gauge, 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 1
The AFERA defines stainless steel test substrates as:
materials. A 50 mm by 125 mm no less than 1.1 mm thick stainless
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

steel 1.4301 in accordance with the 2R quality defined in

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.
EN10088-2 having a bright annealed finish. The surface
roughness height shall be (50 ± 25) nm arithmetical average
deviation from the mean line. Panels showing stains,
discoloration, or many scratches are not acceptable.
More details can be found in the AFERA test method manual.

11
 FTM3 low speed release force

scope test conditions

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.
Place the strips under test between two flat metal or
glass plates and keep for 20 hours at 23°C ± 2oC under a
pressure of 6.86 kPa (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 ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.

definition procedure
Low speed release force is defined as the force required Fix each strip to the plate by means of a double sided
to separate a pressure sensitive adhesive coated material tape (which should cover the full test area of the sample),
from its backing or protective sheet (or vice versa) at an so that the laminate can be peeled apart at an angle of
angle of 180° and a jaw separation rate of 300mm per 180°. The facing material may be peeled from the release
minute. substrate, or vice versa, depending on how the sample is
applied to the plate. The method of peel must be quoted
with the results.
test equipment
A tensile tester or similar
machine, capable of peeling
a laminate through an angle
of 180° with a jaw separation
rate of 300 mm 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°. Picture 2: Test strips attached to the back plate

Set the machine at 300 mm per minute jaw separation

Picture 1: Q-TEC ZPE Low Speed rate, carry out the test taking five readings at 10 mm
Release Peel Tester intervals from the centre section of the test strip. Average
the five readings for each strip.
Metal or glass pressure plates loaded to give a pressure of
6.86 kPa (70 g/cm2) on the test piece.
results
test pieces Low speed release force is expressed as the average result
for the strips tested in centiNewton per 50 mm width.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

These should be strips taken from a representative sample

of material. The strips should be 50 mm wide and have
a minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction. notes
The cuts should be clean and straight. At least three strips
should be taken from each sample. Conversion 1 kgf = 981cN.

Revised March 1990

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Revised December 2013
12
 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 10 m and 300 m 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 - 300 m per
minute. The machine should preferably have a facility for
recording the release force continuously (see picture 1).
Picture 1: Imass ZPE-1000 High Speed Release Peel Tester
FTM4
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 300 mm 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 23°C ± 2°C 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 23°C ± 2°C 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 70°C ±
5°C. The strips should then be removed and conditioned
for at least 4 hours as above. See also FTM 5.
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
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
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.
13
 FTM4 high speed release force

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 50 mm 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/25 mm 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 is 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 25 mm 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

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Issued October 1988

Revised October 1995
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Revised December 2013

14
 FTM5
accelerated ageing
– extended storage

scope Drying oven ageing

Typical purpose: testing of adhesive migration
This test method is suitable for rating laminate Temperature: ± 500°C
constructions according to their ability to withstand Samples kept under pressure of approximately 25g/
extended storage periods. The final test can be anything cm2 (15kg/A4 sheet)
(e.g. adhesion, migration, release) and is combined with
other FINAT Test Methods. Climate chamber testing
Typical purpose: testing of changes in adhesion
properties
test equipment Temperature: ± 350°C
Relative humidity: 75% RH
Ventilated oven Samples not kept under pressure

Climate chamber
results
Paper cutter
Resistance to accelerated ageing by submitting test
samples to elevated temperature is expressed as the
procedure percentage reduction (any increase being denoted as such)
in each average value, when compared to the control.
Place the strips, still covered with their protective backing
material in the test oven under the test conditions without The discoloration and strike through should be reported
allowing them to come into contact with each other (i.e. descriptively as nil, slight, moderate or severe.
hanging freely). Retain the control set of strips at 23°C ±
2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH. All conditions should be carefully reported.

At the end of the accelerated ageing test period, remove Issued October 1985
the strips from the ageing cabinet and allow them to Revised March 1999
condition according to the appropriate FINAT test method Revised May 2001
(FTM 1, 2, 8 or 9). Test the aged strips, together with the Revised October 2008
control (non aged) strips.

To evaluate the migration – strike through, the single strip
and a control should also be evaluated for discoloration
and strike through of the adhesive, by removing them from
their protective release material, then adhering the samples
to black card and carrying out a visual examination.
Alternatively a spectrophotometer can be used.

test conditions
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
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

product reference. This makes it easier to interpret the

results.

15
 FTM6
scope
This test method offers a means of comparing the
weathering characteristics of self-adhesive laminates.
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
50°C.
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. 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
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
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.
16
resistance to ultra-violet light
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 23°C ± 2°C 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
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:

BSI – UK National Standards Body

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44-845-0869001
E-Mail: cservices@bsigroup.com
URL: www.bsigroup.com

DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.

Am DIN-Platz
Burggrafenstrasse 6
D-10787 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49-30-2601-0
Fax: +49-30-26011231
URL: www.din.de

Japanese Standards Association

Mita MT Bldg., 3-13-12 Mita
Minato-ku, Tokyo 109-0073, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-42308503
Fax: +81-3-42318650
URL: www.jsa.or.jp

Bureau de Normalisation NBN

40, Rue Jozef II, Boite 6
B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel.: +32-2-7380111
Fax: +32-2-7334264
URL: www.nbn.be

Association Française de Normalisation

11, rue Francis de Pressensé
F-93571 La Plaine Saint-Denis Cedex, France
Tel.: +33-1-41628000
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Fax: +33-1-49179000
URL: www.afnor.fr

Issued 1985
Revised October 1995
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Addresses revised January 2014

17
 FTM7
scope
This test method provides a rapid and precise
determination of the amount of silicone release coating
present on the surface of a range of different substrates
with minimal sample preparation. The test method is
applicable for all kinds of silicone-based release coatings
used in the manufacture of self adhesive tapes and labels
and when properly calibrated is capable of measuring coat
weights in the range of 0 to 4 g/m2.
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 based on the use of a ‘bench-top’ X-ray
fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) for laboratory and also
routine production measurement of silicone coat weight
using the principle of X-ray fluorescence. A number of
benchtop XRF analysers have been used in the past,
but the main commercially available equipment most
commonly used are from the Oxford Instruments Lab-X
series (which includes the Lab-X 3500 and X-Supreme
models as well as the older Lab-X 3000 and 2000 models).
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Picture 1. – Oxford LAB-X 3500 XRF Analyser
These all utilise the same technique of Energy Dispersive
X-ray (EDX) fluorescence spectrometry to measure the
level of a characteristic energy band (in this case the one
corresponding to the Silicon atom), and by comparing this
against a calibration curve to convert this into an equivalent
silicone coat weight. Wherever possible, the instrument
18
silicone coat weight by
energy-dispersive x-ray
fluorescence spectrometry
should remain switched on to maintain optimum stability.
(Supplier addresses and websites ref. section 3.3 test
equipment). Along with the XRF equipment, it is generally
advisable to use a suitable sample cutter to prepare sample
discs to fit the XRF.
test specimens
A suitable number of test specimens are taken from the
representative area of the self adhesive laminate or from
the pure siliconised release liner under investigation. Using
a suitable sample cutter for the XRF equipment being
used will guarantee a reliable positioning of the sample
within the XRF equipment. 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 dry and clean a surface and should then be handled
on the edge of the sample with tweezers. Samples require
no pre-conditioning.
procedure
The sample discs are placed into a special sample holder
designed by the manufacturers to handle paper or film
substrates, ensuring that a flat reproducible sample surface
is measured by the analyser. The samples are 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 second measurements are complete and the
software will provide a read out of coat weight directly in
g/m2 of silicone. (as Polydimethylsiloxane).
Several samples should be taken from a representative
coated substrate, including samples along and across the
web (particularly for wider webs), since variations can
occur. In general the greater the count time the greater the
precision. Precision within the range of ±/- 0.05 to 0.01 (g/
m2) has been reported within the industry.
The exact procedure for the operation of these instruments
has to be followed from the operator’s manual of the
appropriate instrument supplier. However some general
points are worth noting;
1. 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. The accuracy of the coat
weight measurement will strongly be dependent on
the quality and accuracy of this calibration curve.
2. Typically the calibration procedure involves setting up
the instrument for recording silicon X-ray intensities
followed by the measurement of known standards.
The precise procedure is explained by the supplier of
each instrument. However it has to be emphasized
that each base substrate will have a different
behaviour towards the secondary fluorescence X-rays
(what is referred to as being a different “matrix”
in XRF), and this implies that each base substrate
substrate requires its own specific calibration curve
(and therefore a specific set of calibration standards is
needed as well).
In practice, though, it is possible to use the same
initial calibration for a range of substrates provided
that a “blank” re-calibration is carried out for each
new grade of paper or film, and that the substrates do
not contain silicon (which will directly interfere with
the coat weight measurement), or significant levels
of some other elements which may also interfere
with the X-ray measurement (such as Aluminium,
Chlorine and Argon). The suitability of any particular
substrate can quickly be established during the “blank
correction” measurement by comparing the level
of the ‘background’ signal for the blank substrate
against the value of the ‘blank’ substrate used for the
calibration itself.
3. One set of substrates which cannot be reliably tested
for coat weight using this standard XRF method are
the ‘Clay Coated’ substrates (such as CCK). The level
of interference with the X-ray measurements for such
grades of paper is usually so high that the normal
calibration curve cannot give reliable results. In certain
cases it is possible to use special filters to reduce the
interference of the clay on the X-ray analysis (e.g. an
Aluminium filter for clay coated substrates), but it
is still necessary to have a specific set of calibration
standards to establish a new calibration curve in these
cases.
4. Most calibration curves are established for silicone
release coatings as ‘Polydimethlsilicone’. Whilst this
can be used to represent many different kinds of
thermally cured silicone release coatings, there are
still occasions where the release coating chemistry
is different enough that a correction factor needs
to be applied to overcome these differences. It is
recommended that the silicone release coating
supplier be contacted to confirm whether a correction
factor needs to be applied for a given release coating.
5. In some cases it is recommended to purge the
XRF measurement chamber with an inert gas
(typically Helium), to achieve accurate results.
This recommendation is based on the low level of
interference to the X-ray measurements which can
come from air-borne contaminants, both industrial
and naturally occurring (especially Argon). Whilst
the use of a Helium gas purge would improve
reproducibility in the measurements it is not essential.
results
These are directly provided in grams per square meter
silicone (g/m²). As mentioned before, care should be
taken if the silicone release coating is based on a more
unusual chemistry, as the majority of calibrations are based
upon silicone as polydimethylsiloxane. Some silicones, in
particular radiation cured may need a different conversion
factor to allow for different chemistries. If in doubt consult
the silicone supplier.
quality control
The use of quality control programmes can assist in
maintaining statistical control of this test method. For the
purpose of establishing the statistical control status of the
testing process since the last valid calibration, a quality
control sample is to be regularly tested as if it was an
unknown production sample. Results are recorded and
analyzed by control charts to ascertain statistical control
status of the total testing process. Any out of control data
should trigger investigation which may result in instrument
recalibration.
reference
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
L. Price and L. Morrison, Spectroscopy, Vol. 7, No 6, July/
August 1992 pp 32-38.
Coatings Technology Handbook, 2nd ed., edited by D. Satas
and A.A.Tracton, Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 2001, pp.
97-101.
Issued April 2001
Revised January 2014
19
 FTM8
scope
This test method measures the ability of an adhesive to
withstand static forces applied in the same plane as the
label stock.
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 plates made of float glass or similar plate glass
(Kristallspiegelglas, verre glace).
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
20
resistance to shear from
a standard surface
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
23°C ± 2°C 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, 25 mm x 25
mm, 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.
results 2. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as
stainless steel or aluminium but this must be clearly
Resistance to shear from a standard surface is expressed stated alongside the results.
as the average time taken for the three strips to shear from
the test plate. 3. Alternative weights can be used, but these must be
clearly stated alongside the results.
Failure Description Code:
CP Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel. Issued October 1985
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area, but no Revised March 1999
tacky residue. Revised May 2001
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the
panel and the front material.
AT 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

notes
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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

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.

21
 FTM9 ‘loop’ tack measurement

scope test conditions

This test method describes a means of assessing probably 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
the most important and yet the hardest to measure
property of pressure sensitive materials, the tack. The The test sample or test strips should be conditioned for not
method described should allow the end user to compare less than 4 hours before testing.
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 procedure
and a vertical jaw separation rate of 300mm per minute
with an accuracy of ± 2%. It should also have a capability Remove the backing
of measuring direct loads up to at least 20 Newton with an material from each strip
accuracy of ±2%. immediately prior to
the test being carried
A flat plate made of float glass or equivalent plate glass out. Hold the two ends
measuring 25 ± 0.5 mm x 30 ± 2.0 mm x minimum of the adhesive coated
thickness 3.0 mm. A metal peg is attached at the centre of facing material strip and
one face of the plate. The dimensions of the peg should be from the strip into a
such that the peg can be clamped in the lower jaw of the loop, adhesive surface
tensometer. outermost, by bringing
the two ends together.
Clamp the ends of the
test pieces loop for a distance of
10 mm into the top
These should be strips taken from a representative sample jaw of the ensile tester
of material. The strips should be 25 mm wide and have a leaving the loop hanging
minimum length of 175 mm in the machine direction. The vertically downwards.
cuts should be clean and straight. At least five strips should The sides of the jaw
be taken from each sample. should be protected from the adhesive coating.

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

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.

22

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.
2. 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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Record the maximum force necessary to completely 3. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 Newton.
separate each loop from the glass plate.
Issued October 1985
Revised March 1999
results Revised May 2001
Added pictures January 20
‘Loop’ tack is expressed as the average value (ignoring the
initial peak) and range for the five strips tested in Newton.

23
 FTM10
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
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%.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Picture 1: Q-TEC ZPE Low Speed Release Peel Tester
24
quality of silicone coated
substrates for self-adhesive
laminates: release force
A circulating hot air oven capable of maintaining a
temperature of 70 ± 2°C.
A standard FINAT test roller.
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
e.g. tesa 7475 PV2 (acrylic) or tesa 7476 (rubber), 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 50 mm in order to
obtain a meaningful measurement. However, release force
should still be expressed as release force per 25 mm width.
test conditions
Place the strips under test between two flat metal or
glass plates and keep for 20 hours at 23°C ± 2°C 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 23°C ± 2°C, 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 it for 20 hours in an air circulating oven at
70°C ± 5°C. 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 300 mm 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.

Picture 2: Test strips attached to the back plate

results
Release force is expressed as the average result for
the strips tested in Newton 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.
4. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 Newton.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

See also notes for FTM 11.

Issued October, 1985

Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Revised January 2013

25
 FTM11
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
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 equivalent plate glass
(Kristallspiegelglas, verre glace).
A standard FINAT test roller.
The test samples from FTM 10.
A standard pressure sensitive tape, 25 mm wide, or a
standard pressure sensitive adhesive coated facing paper
(see Notes to FTM 10 and FTM 11).
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Picture 1: Cheminstruments Tensile Tester AR-1000
26
quality of silicone coated
substrates for self-adhesive laminates:
subsequent adhesion
test pieces
These are the 175 mm x 25 mm 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
23°C ± 2°C 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 300 mm 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.
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.
Force required to remove test tape
Subsequent adhesion% = 100 X
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.
5. 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.
6. Alternative surfaces to plate glass can be used such as
stainless steel or 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 be conducted at lower jaw
separation rates quoting the latter against the results.
8. Conversion 1 kgf- = 9.81 Newton.
Issued October 1985
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
27
 FTM12
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 grams per
square meter (g/m2).
test equipment
A press or template enabling samples to be cut 100 cm2 in
area to a high degree of accuracy.
A circulated hot air oven capable of maintaining a
temperature of 105°C ± 2°C.
A balance capable of recording sample weights to an
accuracy of at least ± 0.001 g.
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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
28
adhesive coat weight
test procedure
1. The specimen is placed in an oven at 105°C 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 specialty 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
 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 5°C. This test method allows a
subjective assessment to be made of the ability of a
pressure sensitive material to adhere under chill (4°C) and
deep freeze (-25°C) 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 4°C ± 1°C.
A chest freezer capable of maintaining a temperature of
-25°C ± 1°C.
Both should be large enough to allow examination of the
test specimens without removal.
A standard FINAT test roller.
FTM13
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
• Aluminum 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 4°C and the
chest freezer set at -25°C 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 test roller, 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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
29
 FTM13
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:
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
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.
5 Excellent bond greater than 50% of label surface
left on test plate after removal
30
low temperature adhesion
results
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).
notes
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 -40°C, test at -40°C;
• apply the labels at ambient, test at 4°C, -25°C, -40°C;
• apply the labels at ambient to moist test
surfaces, test at 4°C, -25°C, -40°C;
• apply the labels at -25°C,-40°C to icy surfaces,
test at -25°C, -40°C.
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
supplier’s 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.
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
 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.
FTM14
procedure
Remove the backing material and place the adhesive
coated facing 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.

test equipment
An air circulating oven maintained at 70°C ± 2°C.

Test plates made of smooth aluminium or aluminium alloy

150 mm x 100 mm x 0.6 mm gauge.

A rubber covered roller of sufficient width and a mass of

1 kg per 25 mm width. Then condition the applied material for 72 hours at 23°C ±
2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
A scaled magnifying glass.
After this conditioning procedure the applied material
should be trimmed to the dimension of the test plate.
test condition

The material to be tested should be conditioned at 23°C ±

2°C 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 115 mm with the 165 mm edge
running parallel to the length-wise edge of the test
material.

Cut with a sharp knife, parallel to the sides of the test plate,
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

a crosscut in the middle of the test sample.

31
 FTM14
Insert the test plate into the oven at 70°C ± 2°C for 1 week
after which it is removed and conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C for
10 - 15 minutes to cool.
Measure the shrinkage in the crosscut to the nearest 0.05
mm in both the length-wise direction and cross to the
length-wise direction of the label.
results
The dimensional stability (shrinkage) is expressed in mm,
as the change in dimensions at the cross cut, in both
the length-wise direction and cross to the length-wise
direction of the label.
optional
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
For removable application (advertising on coaches, etc.)
the type of adhesive failure can be observed by peeling
the label from the aluminium panel by hand at an angle of
approx. 135°.
32
dimensional stability
failure description code :
CP Clean Panel - no visible stain on panel.
PS Panel Stain – discoloration of test area,
but no tacky residue.
CF Cohesive failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive film on both
the panel and the front material.
AT Adhesive Transfer - the adhesive separates cleanly
from the front material, leaving the adhesive film
on the test panel.
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.
2. The quality finish and thickness of the aluminium used
should be recorded.
3. Dimensions of the recommended test plate (150 mm
x 100 mm x 0.6 mm gauge) are those of a panel of the
QUV Accelerated weathering tester.
4. 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 meter
dimension.
Issued April 1991
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Revised April 2003
Revised May 2004
Revised December 2013
 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.
Picture 1: example of test specimen staying as applied and
breaking into droplets
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.
FTM15
test condition
23°C ± 2°C 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).
These chemical raw materials may not be readily available.
In that case FINAT recommends the use of ready prepared
solutions as listed at the end of this test method.
Approximately 1 gram 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
gram 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.
results
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
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).
33
 FTM15 surface tension of plastic films

notes Table 1 : Test Fluid Series A

Surface tensions
1. Ready made test fluids of series A (see Table 1) can be 2-Ethoxyéthanol Formamide
of Test Fluids
obtained from: vol.% vol.%
Series A [mN/m]

Pillar Technologies 30 100.0 -

www.pillartech.com 32 89.5 10.5
34 73.5 26.5
Arcotec GmbH
www.arcotec.com 36 57.5 42.5
38 46.0 54.0
For addresses please consult section 3.3 of this book. 40 36.5 63.5
42 28.6 71.5
2. The test fluids must be kept in brown glass containers.
The test fluids should be renewed depending on 44 22.0 78.0
frequency of use, e.g. when used on a daily basis 46 17.0 83.0
dispose of remaining fluid after three months. 48 13.0 87.0
50 9.3 90.7
3. All precautions must be maintained when handling
the chemicals used in the test fluids as they can be 52 6.3 93.7
injurious to health and can cause skin irritation. 54 3.5 96.5
56 1.0 99.0
4. The Sl unit for this property is mN/m and replaces the
formerly used Dyne/cm, conversion factor being one
to one. Table 2. Test Fluid Series B

5. Preparation of solution by volume is best done by Surface tensions

Methanol Water
measuring separately and adding together. of Test Fluids
vol.% vol.%
Series B [mN/m]
6. For more accurate determination of surface tension, 30 67.0 33.0
contact angle measuring equipment is used. Such
32 59.8 40.2
units can be purchased from Lorentzen & Wettre as a
L & W Surface Wettability Tester, Code 28. However, 34 53.5 46.5
it must be noted that the results obtained may not 36 47.9 51.1
necessarily be comparable. 38 42.8 57.2
40 38.3 61.7
7. DIN 53 364 and ASTM D2578-67 are standards
relating to surface tension measurement. 42 34.2 65.8
44 30.5 69.5
8. FINAT FTM 15 is an effective tool for quick and reliable 46 27.1 72.9
printability assessment of print substrates in terms
48 24.0 76.0
of their surface tension. Experience has shown that
print substrates tend to show poor printability if their 50 21.1 78.9
surface tension is below 38 mN/m. In this case, test 52 18.5 81.5
prints should 54 16.0 84.0
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

56 13.7 86.3
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 These chemical raw materials may not be readily available.
special inks. The surface tension limit value (38 mN/m) is In that case FINAT recommends the use of ready prepared
correspondingly valid for other upgrading processes, such solutions as listed previously.
as varnishing, gluing, laminating and hot film embossing.
Issued April 1991
Revised March 2005
Addresses revised January 2014
34
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 23°C ± 2°C.
test equipment
Test plates.
A standard FINAT test roller.
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 23°C ± 2°C.
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.
FTM16
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.
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
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
35
 FTM17
chemical resistance -
immersion method

definition procedure
Chemical resistance here is defined as the ability of the Remove the backing paper from each strip/sample and
pressure sensitive coated material to maintain its physical place the adhesive coated material, adhesive side down,
and adhesive characteristics after being completely onto a clean test plate using light finger pressure.
immersed in a chemical substance for 24 hours at Roll twice in each direction with the standard FINAT test
23°C ± 2°C. roller at a speed of approximately 10 mm per second, to
obtain intimate contact between the adhesive and the test
surface. Condition for 24 hours at 23°C ± 2°C.
test equipment
Carry out peel adhesion (180°) at 300 mm per minute (as
Test plates made of float glass or similar plate glass described in FTM 1) on a set of three strips.
(see Note).
Completely immerse the second set of test samples in the
A standard FINAT test roller. chemical substance for 24 hours at 23°C ±2°C (see note 1).
It may be necessary to cover the test container to prevent
Test chemical/large beaker. excess evaporation if a volatile chemical substance is used.

Metal rule.

test pieces
For subsequent testing against FTM 1, 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.
At the end of the test period, wash the test specimen
in a detergent solution to remove all residual chemical
test conditions substance and dry carefully employing an absorbent paper
or cloth. If the surface remains ‘wet’, indicating that the
23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH. chemical substance still remains, an inert solvent such
as industrial alcohol or white spirits should be used to
The test substance or test strips should be conditioned for remove the chemical substance. Dry again carefully using
not less than four hours before testing. absorbent paper or cloth.

Condition for 1 hour at 23°C ± 2°C, then measure peel

adhesion (180°) as before.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Recovery of bond can be additionally assessed by repeating

the above but allowing the test samples to condition for
24 hours at 23°C ± 2°C 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 23°C ± 2°C. Dry as before and
re-measure in both directions.

36
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 Resistance
0 Excellent
5% Good
50% Moderate
75% Poor
100% 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
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

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
37
 FTM18
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 anymore 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 FTM 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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
test conditions
23°C ±2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH. The samples shall be
conditioned for at least 4 hours before testing.
38
dynamic shear
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
n-heptane.
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:
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 Clear Panel - no visible stain on panel.
PS Panel Stain - discoloration of test area,
but no tacky residue.
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residue of adhesive on both the
panel and the front material.
AT 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
results
Calculate and report the mean value as well as the
standard deviation of the maximum forces in Newton
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
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. 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
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
39
 FTM19
recycling compatibility of
self-adhesive labels

introduction test material

The method is based on research of the INGEDE, which
was conducted at TU Darmstadt and PTS Munich. The
testing procedure should provide the basis for further
developments in adhesive technology as well as for
assessment of ex-istent techniques. It simulates the
recycling conditions applied in the Paper and Board
Industry. As some paper mills are converting 100%
recovered paper, “stickies” have become a serious
problem in the papermaking process. Self-adhesive labels
are, among others, a source of adhesive residue within
the re-covered paper. Scattered labels are considered
insignificant. However, label supplements of magazines
returned in batches may cause substantial interfer-ence
and expense in the process of papermaking from recovered
paper.
scope
This test method allows the user to determine the
behaviour of self-adhesive labels in the recycling process of
recovered paper.
Recovered paper contains variable types of labels which
may generate stickies and thus reduce the quality
of recovered paper products or lead to problems in
processing.
Label paper coated with adhesive.
test methods
INGEDE-methods 4 and 12
www.INGEDE.Org.
results
European Recovered Paper Council (ERPC)
http://www.paperforrecycling.eu/publications/erpc-
publications
Publications: 18 July 2011
Assessment of Printed Product Recyclability
Scorecard for the Removability of Adhesive Applications
Basis for the scorecard is INGEDE-project 129 09
“Preparation of an Adhesive Application Database and
Development of a Recyclability Scoring System (Adhesive
Applications) dated 13 October 2010, Paper Technology
and Mechanical Process Engineering (PMV),
Technische Universität Darmstadt

definition evaluation
Recycling compatible labels are paper labels whose As described in the assessment of the scorecard, self
adhesive does not interfere with the processing of adhesive laminate must reach a positive score in order to
recovered paper. The adhesive should preferably form large attain a satisfactory recyclability.
stickies which can be removed via screening process. The
particle size should exceed 2000 µm. Issued December 1995
Revised March 1999
Revised May 2001
Addresses revised February 2009
Revised June 2012
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

40
 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
energized 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.
FTM20
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.
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 CIBA-GEIGY scale
-2 1
5 2
25 3
50 4
70 5
90 6
105 7
130 8
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
150 9
175 10
185 11
210 12
41
 FTM20
appendix
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 seconds, phosphorescence lifetimes being from
10-4 to 10-2 seconds.
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.
5. The best source for testing whiteness is a standard
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
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.
42
fluorescence and whiteness
test equipment
See Section 3 of this Handbook.
For any verification or calibration of the LAETUS scale,
please contact the scale maker: Laetus (former Romaco).
ganz whiteness formula
Judgment 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
judgment 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: Sick Vertriebs
GmbH, www.sick.de. (See also Section 3.3).
Issued March 1999
Revised May 2001
Revised May 2004
Addresses revised February 2014
 ink adhesion - basic
scope
This method allows rapid assessment of the degree of
adhesion of a printing ink or lacquer to a filmic label stock.
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 4104 or 3M Scotch® 810 MagicTM tape.
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
23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
If practical, the test pieces should be conditioned for at
least four hours prior to testing.
FTM21
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).
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).
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
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.
43
 FTM21 ink adhesion - basic

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 FTM22: International IGT Printability tester
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.

4. Substrates of weak cohesive strength may split during

this test. In this case the result of the test cannot be
used to determine the ink anchorage.

Issued March 1999

Revised June 2001
Revised May 2004
Revised October 2008
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

44
 ink adhesion - advanced
FTM22
scope test condition
This method allows rapid assessment of the degree of 23°C ± 2°C and 50% RH ± 5% RH.
adhesion of a printing ink or lacquer to a label stock. It is If practical, the test pieces should be conditioned for at
designed for the testing of digital print media. least four hours prior to testing.

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 PV2 (acrylic based), tesa 7476 (rubber
based), tesa 4104 or 3M Scotch® 810 MagicTM tape.
A standard FINAT test roller.
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, 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
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.
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 ΔE.
ΔE measurements can be rated as:
ΔE = 0 - 3 Excellent
ΔE = 3 - 5 Very good
ΔE = 5 - 10 Good
ΔE = 10 - 15 Acceptable
ΔE = 15 - 20 Poor
ΔE = 20 - 25 Unacceptable
remark
This test is based on FTM 21.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

the colour before and after the application of the adhesive

tape. The amount of ink that has been removed can be
expressed, in ΔE, by the colour change measured by the note
spectrophotometer, on the ink coated sample before and
after application of the adhesive tape. 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
Revised: October 2008
Revised: January 2014
45
 FTM23 A die-strike for paper

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.
procedure
Stain solution Preparation
If a pre-prepared stain solution is used (such as “Shirlastain
A”), then no stain solution preparation is necessary and the
solution can be directly used.
For all other dyes a stain solution needs first to be
prepared. The following steps outline the procedure to
prepare a ‘typical’ stain solution where the concentration
level of dye is approximately 0.5 wt%.

definition a. Take a 1litre container (a capped polyethylene bottle is

The display, by use of water based coloured dye solutions,
of silicone or paper damage caused by die-cutting.
test equipment
Dye Solution
(See procedure for different dye solution preparations)
Electronic Balance
suitable), and place on an electronic balance.
b. Wearing the appropriate safety equipment*, and
taking care when handling the dye, weigh out carefully
5g of dye into the container (Malachite Green Oxalate,
Neocarmine A, Methylene Blue or Chrystalline Violet
are some of the recommended materials).
c. Measure out 1 litre of distilled water using the
measuring cylinder and add to the container. Seal and
shake the container thoroughly to dissolve the dye.

1 litre measuring cylinder *Safety comment

• Particular care should be taken to read and follow
Protective Gloves the safe handling instructions for the dye as many
of the materials are hazardous in their pure state.
Cotton swabs Although the final 0.5 wt% dye solutions are not usually
considered hazardous, it is still recommended to wear
Sample Bath protective gloves when handling them.

Clean Water Stain test

• 1. Quick – End of press Test
Stopwatch or Clock Remove the labels from the die cut sample.
Wet a cotton swab liberally with the dye solution.
Wipe the surface of the exposed silicone release liner,
test pieces where the labels have just been, with the dye-soaked
swab.
The test specimen should be at least one complete width Wipe off the excess dye solution from the silicone
and repeat of the cutter. release liner with a dry swab and assess the die-cutting.

test conditions
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

No special conditions apply.

46

• 2. Formal Assessment - Laboratory Conditions
Wearing protective gloves, prepare two baths of
appropriate size, one containing not more than 1cm
height of the prepared dye solution, and the other of
clean water.
Slowly delaminate and remove labels from the die cut
sample under evaluation, taking care not to damage or
crease the liner in any way.
Take the sample in both hands and ‘float’ it, silicone
side down, on the surface of the dye solution, taking
care not to allow contact of the solution with the
reverse side of the liner.
Allow the sample to remain in contact with the solution
for 30 sec and then remove the sample, allowing the
dye solution to drain back into the bath.
Take the sample still in both hands and place, silicone
side down’ into the clean water bath and agitate gently
to remove excess dye.
After cleaning, 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 Dye penetration
through the backing.
The deeper and more visible the die-cutting, the greater
the risk of the adhesive adhering into the backing which
will cause the labels to fail to dispense. Excessive visible
damage of the backing can also give rise to liner web
breaks.
Retain samples indicating acceptable results in envelopes
to support traceability. Note that some dyes (such as
Malachite), may fade over time when exposed to a strong
light source. To avoid this, electronic scanning and storage
of the image may be used.
safety
It is strongly recommended to carefully read and follow
the Safe Handling instructions for the dye being used
(especially when handling the undiluted dye during
solution preparation). In addition, it is recommended to
always wear protective gloves , even when handling the
final dye solution.
notes
The most commonly used dye solution is Malachite
solution. This based on using the dye Malachite Green
Oxalate (Basic Green 4), C.I. number 42000. Malachite
solutions should be stored in well closed containers and
kept away from exposure to daylight. Storage life of the
solution is about 1 month.
Alternative dyes could be used to replace Malachite Green
Oxalate, such as;
• Chrystalline Violet
• Methylene Blue
• Neocarmine A – Recommended for yellow coloured
liners as the colouration is red
If a pre-prepared dye solution is preferred, then one
recommendation is to consider SHIRLASTAIN ‘A’ which is
supplied by:
SDL Atlas Ltd.
www.sdlatlas.com
For addresses consult section 3.3. of this book.
Issued May 2001
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
47
 FTM23 B die-strike on clear filmic liners
scope
This test method describes a technique for assessing die-
strike on filmic release liners.
definition
The evaluation of backing damage or marking to the liner
that may be caused due to kiss cutting via a die.
background
Label stock generally consists of face stock on a backing
liner. Once the matrix has been stripped from the face
stock the web integrity is maintained by the liner. If a
misaligned die should cut into the liner excessively this
could reduce the tensile strength of the web sufficiently
to cause a web break. As such, damage in the transverse
direction (TD) across the web can be more of an issue than
in the machine direction (MD) along the web.
When placed under increasing tension most filmic materials
will show elastic behaviour up to the yield point, after
which they will deform irreversibly and eventually break.
In labelling applications the tensions used will generally
not be above the yield point and so if the liner can be
tensioned to this point successfully without breakage then
any die-strike impressions should not cause a problem.
For some materials, for example polyester films such as
polyethylene terephtalate (PET), the yield point can be
difficult to locate accurately.
In this case measurement of F5 (ensuring that the liner can
be loaded to 5% strain) can be used as a substitute target.
test equipment
Tensometer (e.g. Instron, Hounsfield, Lloyds, etc.);
Cutting implement.
test conditions
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
No special conditions apply.
48
test procedure
1. Take a length of die-cut labels equivalent to at least
twice the repeat of the die-cutter.
2. Remove all labels from the backing liner and note the
position of each label relative to the die-cutter.
3. Visually inspect the die-cut quality to check for any
obvious, excessive damage. If an area of damage
is observed that causes concern, particularly in the
transverse direction, then a tensile test should be
carried out on this area.
4. Cut a strip of appropriate width and length for the
tensometer test in use (jaw width and separation) to
include the area of damage. Take care not to introduce
any edge knicks that may cause unrelated failure by
using a sharp cutting tool.
5. Place each end of the liner strip into the respective
jaws of the tensometer & secure tightly.
6. Perform a tensile test according to the standard
operating conditions for the instrument.
results
1. Each strip should achieve a yield point prior to
snapping – this constitutes a pass.
2.
3. If the liner snaps prior to reaching the yield point then
this is a fail.
• If this is achieved on the cut from the die, then
note & advise that the die cutter should be
adjusted accordingly.
• If the sample damage has not occurred on the
die-cut portion of the sample then repeat the
test, as the break may have been initiated by
edge damage when cutting into strips, or similar
miscellaneous damage.
note
Die-strike through filmic liners can be influenced by several
parameters. We recommend to carefully check them in
case of die-strike problems:

• the solidity and robustness of die-cutting unit;

• the tool diameter should be adjusted according to the
width of the printing equipment;
• the tolerance between magnetic and anvil cylinder;
• the quality of the flexible die (weareness - height profile
of the die);
• the consistency of the liner thickness;
• the temperature at which the die-cutting operation take
place (influence of UV light on the film and adhesive
softness;
• In case of problems:
• Adjust the cutting angle to improve the die-cutting
operation.
• Verify the tension of the web (avoid too high
tension).
• Strip the matrix immediately after the die-cutting
operation to avoid recovery of the adhesive
between the die-cutting and the stripping
steps. Cool down the laminate before die-cutting
operation.

Issued October 2005

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

49
 FTM24 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.
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.

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. 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
test pieces label longer than needed and to trim the excess of label
sample at time of application on the tubes/rods.)
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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

test conditions
Test pieces should be conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and
50% ± 5% RH during at least 16 hours before being cut.
Other conditions might be used, but this must be clearly
reported.

50
 Failure Description Code
CF Cohesive Failure - the adhesive film is split during
the test, leaving residueof adhesive on both the
panel and the front material.
AF Adhesive Failure - the adhesive separates cleanly
from the front material, leaving adhesive film on
the test sample.
AT 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

Indicate any deviations from above procedure.

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). note
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. Specific application equipment can be used to reduce
variation of results due to “light finger” application
procedure.

Issued May 2001

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).
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

51
 FTM25
evaluation of the silicone
coverage of coated papers by use
of a water based stain test

scope test equipment

This test method describes a technique for assessing the Cobb Tester with ring of an approximate diameter of
quality of coverage of silicone coatings. This test can only 11.5 cm.
be carried out on paper based liners which can be coloured
by the stain test solution utilised. Count down stopwatch with alarm function.

Small container, marked to show level occupied by 200ml

definition of Stain.

Coverage quality is commonly evaluated by water soluble Test stain solution.

dye stain testing.
There are many dye stains used, available both in solution Absorbent cleaning paper.
and powder form (These include Shirlastain A, Malachite
Green, Methylene Blue, Hahn Stain, Rhodamine 6 GDN,
Neocarmine A).
For paper substrates only, a quantity of liquid dye stain is
applied to the silicone coated liner for a finite period of
time, rinsed or wiped off and the liner dried.
Coverage is evaluated either qualitatively by visual
inspection or quantitatively with a colorimeter. For
the water based stain test, an area where the dye had
contacted the coated paper should be totally uncoloured
or of uniform and light colour if the quality of the
silicone coating is perfect (i.e. uniform and complete
coverage of paper fibres and well cured). Imperfections
or discontinuities (such as exposed paper fibres) in the
coverage typically result in “dark” areas. These “dark”
areas are where the dye has been absorbed by the paper
substrate. The background colour and the colour associated
with the silicone defects is characteristic of the specific dye
stain employed. With a paper substrate and Shirlastain A
dye, a “well cured” silicone release coating with excellent
coverage will yield a “yellow” colour in the test area.
Defects will appear as red-to-brown coloured stained
areas.
test pieces
In general the darker the coloration from the stain solution,
the poorer the silicone coverage. Poor silicone coverage Where possible, several samples should be evaluated from
will, in many cases, lead to problems of release as the the release sheet.
adhesive will adhere strongly to any unprotected paper If these are from a known position on the web their
fibres thus causing elevated release values. location should be noted for reference.

test condition
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

No special conditions apply.

52
 procedure
  1. After five minutes visually examine the test sample.
For Shirlastain “A”
1. Cut a 14 cm x 14 cm (or size suited to Cobb tester
used) sample of release liner (or liner of self-adhesive
laminate after removal of face material). Care must be
taken to ensure that there are no holes or perforations
present in the backing paper.
In all cases, regardless of the substrate or dye used,
care should be taken to avoid contact with the silicone
surface prior to testing since this may introduce
imperfections to the stain result.
2. Place the backing paper sample on the base of the
Cobb tester, silicone side up, under the test ring.
3. Clamp the ring securely in place to prevent the stain
leaking out during the test.
4. Add 200ml of Shirlastain ‘A’ solution to the Cobb and
start the stopwatch.
5. At the time of exposure chosen for the test
immediately drain off the stain solution, unclamp the
test ring and lift away from the sample.
Shirlastain – typically 2 minute exposure time (for
other stain types see later section)
6. Blot the test piece dry with absorbent paper (DO NOT
RUB) and allow the dried sample to sit for a further
five minutes (method usually recommended with
Shirlastain ‘A’).
Alternatively the sample can be rinsed under a
running tap and then blotted dry (method usually
recommended with malachite green).
results
There should be NO sign of penetration by the
stain solution. Penetration of the stain solution is
identified by the appearance of dark brown lines or
spots. If the sample is deemed satisfactory, it should
be used as a benchmark for future tested samples.
Each backing paper type should have a benchmark
sample (i.e. a siliconised sample with acceptable stain
performance/coverage).
2. For future tests compare results against the
benchmark sample for the backing paper type. Results
should be the same as or better than the accepted
standard.
3. Samples are commonly graded on a scale of 0 – 10
0= Total stain with coloration as for
4. unsiliconised paper
10 = Perfect stain with no sign of coloration
The acceptable level would need to be assessed in
correlation with other application tests.
5. For more quantitative assessment the degree of
coloration of the coated paper can be measured by
means of a colorimeter. In these cases a comparative
measure is made Vs the base paper and a delta E
value is quoted. This method can give a quantification
of the stain test but attention must be paid to
regularity of the coating and usually this test must be
accompanied by a descriptive comment.
(Yellow glassine paper with different levels of silicone coverage,
stained with a solution of Methylene Blue.)
Typical stain solutions used
Shirlastain ‘A’ solution reacts with unsiliconised paper
fibres turning them dark brown. The better the quality
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
of the silicone coating, the better the paper fibres will
be protected to give a clean yellow stain. The darker
the stain, the poorer the coating quality.
Shirlastain ‘A’ is supplied by:
SDL Atlas Ltd.
www.sdlatlas.com
For addresses please consult section 3.3. of this book.
53
 FTM25
Whilst Shirlastain is a commonly used stain material
there are occasions where other materials are more
suitable (either due to toxicity constraints or from
coloration of the base paper)
Alternative stain solutions
Malachite green – typically 0.5% solution left in
contact for 1 minute
Grade - Malachite Green Oxalate (Basic green 4)
Supplied as crystals for dilution in water; C.I. Number
- C.I.42000
For yellow coloured papers it can be more suitable
than Shirlastain.
Neocarmine A – typical 1 minute exposure of
prepared dye solution. This dye tends to show up
faults in the coating as red spots. For yellow coloured
papers it can be more suitable than Shirlastain.
Methylene Blue – typically 0.5% solution, 2 minute
exposure time.
Crystalline Violet - typically 0.5% solution, 2 minute
exposure time.
notes
1. It must be noted that a paper coated with a poorly
cured silicone can absorb dye stain and provide false
results. For paper substrates, another sheet of coated
substrate, ideally taken from an adjacent position to
the first sample, can be re-heated in a laboratory oven
for two minutes at 120ºC for example.
After the sample has been allowed to cool back
to room temperature, the dye stain test can be
performed. If there is no significant difference in the coloured areas are indicative of poor coverage (or
uniformity of the colour between the samples, it can
be assumed that the initial sample was “well-cured.”
If there is a significant difference, the state of cure of
the initial sample of coated liner is in question.
This heat treatment works fine for thermally cured
silicones; free radical curing silicone acrylates have
their final properties immediately after exposure to
UV light or electron beam. The cationic curing silicone
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
epoxies need some time for a post curing process.
Thermal treatment can accelerate this natural process
for this type of radiation curing silicones.
54
evaluation of the silicone
coverage of coated papers by use
of a water based stain test
2. In all cases the hydrophobicity of the base paper
should be taken into account and a test of the base
paper with the stain solution must show a deep
coloration. In the case of some hydrophobic papers
where penetration of the liquid stain is much lower
a moderate silicone coverage can give a perfect stain
and in such cases the test may need to be adapted
(for example longer time in contact with stain solution
or increased solution concentration).
N.B. Care must be taken in interpretation of
phenomena mentioned in notes 1 & 2 as obviously
the heat treatment recommended in note 1 could lead
also to the phenomenon mentioned in note 2.
3. Larger areas of silicone coated release liner can be
evaluated by preparing a solution of dye in a large
shallow dish and then bringing the silicone surface of
the liner into contact with the solution. Care should
be taken to avoid entrapment of air bubbles under the
silicone surface or through foam on the surface of the
dye solution.
4. For films or polycoated kraft substrates a “powder
dye test” is used to reveal faults in the silicone
coated surface. Whilst this method can not show the
differences in coating quality as well as the solution
based dyes used on papers it is useful to give an
overall picture of coating continuity, highlighting
miscoats, marks or streaks. A dry powder dye is lightly
applied to the surface and carefully spread over the
area to be tested. The fine powder has a tendency to
cling to the silicone coating and not the uncoated film
or poly coating.
Of specific interest is the uniformity of colour which
results after the dye stain is removed. For the powder
test on films or polycoated kraft substrates, light
conversely, a uniform dark colour is indicative of good
coverage) with the Waxoline violet powder dye.
Nigrosin dye for powder dye coverage test
Grade Nigrosin, Alcohol soluble (Solvent black 5)
Supplied as very fine powder for direct use as solid
C.I. Number C.I.50415
Other dyes for powder test
• Waxoline blue, green & violet
• Dark coloured “eye shadow”
• Any other fine powdered dye/pigment which
clings to silicone surface
Issued August 2005
Revised February 2014
 wash-off paper and film labels

FTM26
scope procedure
This test procedure describes the preparations and testing
of pressure-sensitive adhesives, which can be washed off
with aqueous alkaline solution.

This test procedure can be used for the testing of the

detachability of pressure-sensitive adhesives in a hot,
aqueous alkaline solution.

definition
“Wash-off ability” is the ability of an adhesive to detach
itself quickly and completely in a 1.0-2.0% solution of
sodium hydroxide at 65 - 75°C.
The content of NaOH and the wash-off temperature has to
be noted in the report.

test equipment
Heatable magnetic stirrer.
Magnetic stirring bar.
2 - 5 litre glass beaker.
Thermometer.
Glass bottles (glass bottle type and the pre-treatment of
the glass surface, such as specific coatings, washings, etc.
have to be mentioned in the report).
preparation
Label and adhesive should be adapted for wash-off
purpose.
The label material can be paper or filmic.
Cut out labels with the dimensions 60 x 80 mm from the
finished coating.
Prior to testing, clean the glass bottles in a dishwasher at
min. 65°C.
The use of an alkaline cleaner is recommended.
Most of the glass bottles are recycled or re-used bottles.
The life / cycling time of the glass bottle may influence the
test results. It is recommended to use new bottles after
After storage, fill the bottles with water at the testing
temperature and immediately immerse the bottle in the
prepared solution of sodium hydroxide at the testing
temperature.
results
Indicate the time in seconds until the labels become
detached.
Report where you find the adhesive after the label has
detached:
• On the bottle
• On the label
• Both on the label and the bottle
note
The type of face stock material, paper or filmic, its
properties and condition such as porous, non porous, semi
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

the first washing. In any case, the state of the glass bottle
should be mentioned in the report.
test pieces
Prior to testing, remove the silicone release backing from
the label and stick the label onto the glass bottle. Store
the bond for at least 24 hours under standard climate
conditions: 23°C ± 2°C, 50% RH ± 5% RH
permeable, etc, influence the “wash-off ability” significantly.
Furthermore, printing coverage, especially UV-varnish,
affects the wash-off times. It is recommended to perform
trials with printed labels. Additionally, ageing of the labeled
glass bottles e.g. outdoor storage, UV-light or humidity may
affect also the wash-off result. Deviations from the testing
method have to be mentioned in the report.
Issued October 2008
Revised January 2014
55
 FTM27
scope
This test method is suitable for checking out rub resistance
of printed UV ink: ink surface against substrate or ink
surface against ink surface.
Bad adhesion cannot be detected with this method as long
as scratch or rub resistance is good. The specific resistances
must be elicited with different methods, e.g. FTM 21. In
difficult cases bad adherence and bad rub resistance can
occur together.
This test procedure can be handled by lab personnel of a
printing factory or a pressman / production manager who
is instructed to the Ink Rub Tester equipment.
definition
Normally rub resistance is a question of through curing
or reactivity of an ink film. Rubbing off or scratching off
describes the damage of an ink surface by mechanical
influence, e.g. two labelled bottles rubbing against each
other during transport.
Scratch or rub resistance describes the mechanical
resistance of an ink or varnish surface.
test equipment
Ink Rub Tester by Testing Machines Inc.
www.testingmachines.com
Heating cabinet.
Pictures 1+2: Ink Rub Tester
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
test pieces
Printed labels should be fresh from the press.
Blank substrate should be from the same real currently is
printed on.
56
ink rub test for uv printed
labels ink surface against
substrate or ink surface
conditions
Condition should be at 23° ±-2°C / 70 - 77°F ±- ;
50% RH ±- 5% RH.
preparation and procedure
1. Remove one label from the master reel sample.
2. Cut of a short piece of blank substrate from the reel
in the size of the rubber bed on the right hand side of
the Ink Rub Tester.
3. Adhere blank substrate to the rubber bed on the right
hand side of the Ink Rub Tester and adhere the printed
label to the rubber of the 2 lbs* weight. It is important
that the sample on the 2 lbs weight is covered with
ink all over the test area.
4. Place the 2 lbs weight completely with label onto the
retaining clip. Both printed label and substrate should
be facing each other ink side to substrate surface.
5. Set up the machine to 100 moves per minute
6. Set the machine to 25 cycles and press start
7. At the end of the cycles, observe the labels for ink rub
of or scratch of.
8. If ink rub of or scratch of is present, repeat the test
after the following improvement trials using fresh
printed labels for every trial:
• decrease printing speed or
• add suitable photo initiator to the UV ink if
available
• choose an anilox roll with less volume as long as
colour shade is still sufficient or
• add 5% of blending varnish as long as colour
shade is still sufficient
• replace UV bulb
• clean up UV lamp reflector
It is important to do the tests step by step to expose the
real cause of bad rub or scratch resistance. If the problem
cannot be solved 100% at any test take a second sample
and repeat the related test with the best result after 2 h in
an oven at 40°C – 104°F or 8 h at room temperature 21°C
– 70°F*. If the problem persists change the batch of ink. If
there is still no improvement contact the ink supplier.
*N.B. The radical UV system has an element of post
cure, which can take up to 24 hours.
results
To give an impression of good and bad test results please
look at the following pictures.
Picture 3: Slightly scratched ink surface: sufficient result
Picture 4: Substrate in comparison: surface is scratched
Picture 5: Bad rub resistance caused by bad ink reactivity or through
curing. Ink can be scratched and rubbed easily.
Rating scale
Level 1: Slightly scratched surface < 5% damage, no
scratch off, no rub off, no substrate visible
Level 2: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film,
< 10% substrate visible
Level 3: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film,
10 - 30% substrate visible
Level 4: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film,
30 - 60% substrate visible
Level 5: Scratched of ink film or rubbed of ink film,
> 60% substrate visible
remark
For sure the ink surface will be scratched by this test
method also if there is a proper curing (Level 1). But it
should not be scratched of (please view picture 3)! Level 1
is always that one to be achieved.
Depending on the substrate quality also this can be
scratched by this test method (please view picture 4).
If the ink should be peeled of by this test than ink adhesion
is an issue together with poor reactivity (picture 5).
silicone in inks
If inks consist of silicone this migrates to the surface and
works like a lubrication. Then a rub resistance test can
end in a “faked” good result. Silicone residues should be
carefully wiped of with a 70% isopropyl alcohol before
starting this test.
note
This test is to be repeated with ink side to ink side if
required. Then also the sample on the rubber bed should
have an ink coverage all over the test area.
If wet rub resistance shall be checked repeat the test with
a drop of water applied onto the sample mounted on the
rubber bed on the right hand side of the Ink Rub Tester.
combination printing
In cases of combining water born inks with a UV Flexo
overprint varnish it is reasonable to set up the test as a
wet rub resistance test. Then beside damage of the varnish
surface ink bleeding can be the indicator for bad curing of
the overprint varnish. If ink bleeding occurs not only the
curing of the overprint varnish might be insufficient but also
the curing/drying of the waterborne ink. Then the curing of
ink and varnish should be checked individually.
Required material
• pipette
• water
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
• L abels und substrate as described on page two in
chapter “test pieces”
* 1 lb = 453.6 g
Issued October 2008
57
 FTM28
scope
This procedure describes the spectrometric assessment
of the migration of a label adhesive through the paper
substrate at elevated temperature.
test equipment
Ventilated ovens.
Paper cutter.
Substrate: Label paper, release liner as appropriate, and
polyester film.
Reflectance Spectrophotometer Example: Hunterlab
Ultrascan XE.
test pieces
These should be strips from representative samples of label
material. (e.g. of the 3 layers: label paper, adhesive and
release paper)
For each sample being evaluated, and for each temperature
at which the test will be done, prepare 3 strips of samples
of about 5 cm x 20 cm, cut in the machine coated direction.
Prepare following samples:
Sample A: label laminate
(face paper ± adhesive ±release paper)
Sample B: label laminate
Sample C: non coated face paper
test conditions
Sample A is kept as reference for further testing.
Sample B and C are exposed to accelerating aging at 60oC
during 2 weeks.
Samples B can be tested either :
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
• under light pressure from a carton board which will
ensure that the sample remains flat after test,
• or under a pressure of about 70 g/cm2 which would
simulate roll pressure during storage.
Sample C will be aged, and kept under light pressure under
a cardboard to ensure it will remain flat (see samples B).
Above time and temperature can be adjusted to fit special
requirements.
58
evaluation of bleeding through paper
procedure
Ageing:
• Place the strip (sample B) to be tested in oven, by
piling up the strips of samples on top of the other with
polyester films between the samples.
• Do the same for sample C.
• Take the samples out of the oven after 2 weeks ageing.
Allow to cool to room temperature.
Testing:
Differences between aged samples (B) and references
(A and C) can be observed either visually or measured with
a spectrophotometer.
1 - Visual comparison:
The aged samples are compared to reference A, to detect
any bleed through.
The samples are either ranked on bleed through
characteristics or on their non acceptance if any bleeding
occurs.
2 - Use of a spectrophotometer
Reference sample:
• Place the center of sample A or C at the reflectance
port, with the label paper facing the transmittance port.
• Set the spectrophotometer as follows:
• Scale: CIELAB
• Illuminant: C
• Observer: 2°
• Area view: Large
• Selected Indices: WI E313-98
• Measure whiteness index (according to ASTM E 313) in
the middle of each of the three samples which have
been prepared.
Aged samples:
Measure whiteness index (according to ASTM E 313) in
the middle of each of the three samples which have been
prepared.
results
Calculate the average for each set of 3 readouts.

Average whiteness index of the aged coated samples B = WI(B)

Average whiteness index of reference sample A = WI(A)
Average whiteness index of reference sample C = WI(C)

The bleed through resistance BTR (%) is measured as:

The smaller the drop, the lower the degree of bleed

through and the better the quality of the label.

notes
Detailed information on how to use the Hunterlab
Ultrascan XE spectrophotometer are provided in the
Hunterlab operating manual.

The following internet site:

http://www.hunterlab.com/manuals/appendixa2_5.pdf

is providing explanations on the various color scales, color

difference scales, indices, and procedures available for
display in the data views of Universal Software used by the
Hunterlab equipment.
Universal Software performs integration of reflectance/
transmittance values over the visible spectrum to arrive at
tristimulus X, Y, and Z values. The ASTM 308 is providing
more information on how to calculate the tristimulus
values.

Issued March 2012

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

59
 FTM29
scope
This test method describes how to test the scratch resistance
of a UV ink film applied to different printed surfaces.
For this test to give reliable results it is important that the
ink has been cured to a sufficient level, and this can be
checked in advance using FTM. 2, or as a quick check a
thumb smear test can be used.
This test method is also suitable for water based and
solvent based inks and varnishes, although the original test
development has been done with UV inks.
This relatively simple test procedure can be performed by
lab personnel of a printing facility or any other who has
been instructed in use of the test equipment.
definition
The scratch resistance of an ink is normally dependent on
the level of curing of the ink film both at the surface curing
and within the bulk of the ink. The scratching of the ink film
describes the damage of an ink surface through mechanical
means, e.g. by the edge of a metallic spatula.
test equipment Temperature 23° ±-2° C / 70 - 77° F ±- ;
Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester (referred to
as a „Sclerometer“).
The Sclerometer is provided with three springs which
operate at different levels of force:
• natural: 0 – 3 N (0 lbf to 0.67 lbf)
• Red: 0 – 10 N (0 lbf to 2.2 lbf)
• Blue: 0 – 20 N (0 lbf to 4.5 lbf)
For each spring a different scale is engraved on the shank
of the Sclerometer matched to the colour of the spring.
The tip of the Scleromteter consists of a tool with a 0,75
mm (0,03“) diameter tungsten carbide tip. This is moved
over the specimen with different preset spring force.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Picture 1: Elcometer 3092 Sclerometer Hardness Tester
60
scratch resistance of an uv ink
film on different print materials
Picture 2: Tip of the Tungsten Carbide Tool
specimen
The printed labels should be fresh from the press. The
test can be performed directly after printing or after 24 h
storage.
Non printed label material should also be tested to confirm
that the unprinted surface is not being damaged by too
high a spring force, rather than the ink layer itself being the
point of failure. This will avoid confusing a failure of the
printing with a failure of the label material being printed.
conditions
Humidity: 50% RH ±- 5% RH.
preparation and procedure
Preparation of print sample
1. Remove one label from the master reel.
2. Put it on a hard surface. A polished steel plate is
prefered. The surface should be free of any scratches/
marks. If necessary fix the sample in place with
adhesive tape avoiding any wrinkles.
Preparation of Sclerometer
Loosen the knurled screw and slide of the collar off the
Sclerometer. Select the appropriate spring and insert into
the Sclerometer. Always choose the natural sprint as the
weakest to begin. Refit the collar. Find the scale on the
Sclerometer which matches the colour of the spring and
adjust the tip force by sliding the collar to the required
setting on the scale. Tighten the knurled screw.
Procedure
1. Place the Sclerometer perpendicular to the surface
being tested and apply sufficient downwards force to
compress the spring by approx. 2 mm. Do not allow
the bottom of the Sclerometer (other than the tip), to
touch the surface being tested.
2. Move the Sclerometer to produce a linear scratch of
approximately 20 mm in length
3. Inspect the tested surface of the sample for any sign
of damage.
If the ink surface is not damaged set the spring
compression to the next required force position and repeat
steps 1 – 3.
Once a scratch becomes visible it should be examined
using a magnifying glass, to determine whether there has
only been a deformation on the ink surface or whether
the ink has been scratched away from the surface. If it
is confirmed that the ink has been scratched from the
surface then it is important to identify whether it is only
the upper layers of ink that have been removed (indicating
cohesive failure within the ink), or whether the ink has
been removed down to the printing material. Both the
level of curing of the ink and the spring force used for
the Sclerometer will have an impact on this result. This
investigation is important to create comparable test results.
results
Picture 3: Distorted ink surface alongside scratched ink surface
Picture 4: Substrate in comparison: the surface is distorted above
the blue line
The scratch appearance as described in the “procedure”
leads to the following rating scale:
Level 1: distorted surface; no ink scratched off; only
the ink surface distorted
Level 2: Scratched ink surface; ink has been removed
from surface but surface of printing material is not visible
Level 3: Ink film is scratched off; surface of printing
material is visible
remarks
There will nearly always be some slight distortion of the
ink surface depending on the selected spring force, even if
the curing of the ink is excellent (level 1 on the scale), but
the ink film should not be so scratched that the printing
material surface becomes visible (see image 3 on page 4).
The target should always be to achieve a “Level 1” result.
The wide range of printing materials and printing inks
available in the market means that it is not possible to
specify a single spring force that can be applied for all
testing. This has to be evaluated for each print sample
individually. The target should be to identify the highest
possible spring force at which a “level 1” result can still be
achieved for that print material and then use this is as a
minimum for the final printed product using that material.
The advantage of this method is the simplicity with which
it can be used to reproduce the same level of scratch
resistance for repeated print jobs with the same materials
or jobs using similar materials.
Different self adhesive materials have different softness.
This leads to a different deformation of substrate and ink
and substrate together. The softer a material is, the easier
it might be damaged/scratched. This means that the same
ink on a harder substrate can be tested with a higher spring
force than on a softer material.
silicone and wax in printing inks
Silicone and waxes inside the ink intend to migrate to
the surface after curing. Waxes also have the function of
increasing scratch resistance. These migratory materials
can be pushed aside with increasing spring force, but these
inks can still be tested by this method.
combination printing
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Where ink is applied in several layers using different
printing techniques on the same line, it is important to
measure each ink layer separately directly on the printing
material. This does not mean however that overprinting ink
layers are not also tested, as it is important to understand
adhesion between different ink layers. This is especially the
case if printed using different print processes. The skilled
knowledge of the ink supplier is then important.
Issued September 2013
61
 It is important that a join in a self-adhesive laminate should be
made in such a way that it will minimize problems
joinswhen

2.1
recommended in
converted into roll labels. The join should
self be angled
-adhesive so that the
laminates
feed-in is gradual, the width of facing tapelabels
and backing tape
SECTION for roll
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.
conversion
The following specification is recommended:
a) The angle of the join should be 10° - 30° from the cross
It is important that a join in a self-adhesive laminate should be
made in suchdirection.
a way that it will minimize problems when
converted into roll labels. The join should be angled so that

b) The width of tape on the facing paper should be at least >

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
30 mm.
increased thickness and the total thickness of the join should
be kept to a minimum in order to avoid damage to or mis-
placement of the cutters.
c) The width of tape on the backing paper should be broader
than
The following the is tape
specification of the face material > 36 mm.
recommended:

a. The angle of the join should be 10° - 30° from the

d) The tape between the face and the backing paper should be
cross direction.

b.
a smaller tape, at least < 20 mm.
The width of tape on the facing paper should be at
least > 30 mm.
e) The tapes should have a thickness of no more than
c.
0.063mm inclusive of adhesive.
The width of tape on the backing paper should be
g. Where applicable the tapes should withstand the
broader than the tape of the face material > 36 mm.
temperatures involved in label printing processes.

d. f) The tape used on the backing paper should be a colored

The tape between the face and the backing paper Issued October 1985

tape for ease of identification but the tape on the Revised faceOctober 2008
should be a smaller tape, at least < 20 mm. Revised March 1999

e. material
The tapes should have can either
a thickness bethan
of no more a colored tape for a similar reason, or
a white printable tape for use with laminates which are to be
0.063 mm inclusive of adhesive.

f. converted
The tape to paper
used on the backing security
should beor
a sequentially numbered labels, i.e.
coloredwhen alloflabels
tape for ease must
identification but thebe
tape accounted
on for.
the face material can either be a colored tape for a
similar reason, or a white printable tape for use with
g) Where applicable the tapes should withstand the
laminates which are to be converted to security or
temperatures involved in label printing processes.
sequentially numbered labels, i.e. when all labels must
be accounted for.

Tape

Adhesive Face material

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Adhesive
Adhesive

Tape
Silicone

Adhesive
Backing paper
Tape

62
 processing recommendations

SECTION 2.2
roll stock

1. Generally, self-adhesive paper roll stock can be
considered as normal paper with respect to ink choice
etc. synthetics, filmic and foil roll stock, however often
need special materials involving consultation with ink
suppliers.
2. Corona treatment is required for filmic face stock
to enhance the ink adhesion. When the substrate
is corona pre-treated, it is advisable to refresh the
corona treatment on press.
3. Chemically top coated filmic face stock substrates
should not be corona treated on press without prior
contact with the supplier.
4. Always check with the Supplier if his material
can withstand the intended process conditions,
particularly if excessive temperatures or unusual web
feed patterns are involved.
5. Do not change the winding direction of the roll prior to
conversion, as this will alter the release properties and
could affect curl problems.
10. With UV cured inks, always check the cure before
proceeding. Checks should be made at regular
intervals on UV output of the lamps . It is advisable to
keep the web temperature on re-wind under 24°C.
11. It is advisable to use an antistatic bar at the point
of matrix de-lamination for easy matrix removal
by neutralizing the generated static charge by de-
lamination. This prevents matrix break.
12. Avoid excessive tension in reels of finished labels. This
will prevent bleeding and label shifting.
13. Wind finished labels on to cores of an appropriate size.
Large labels should not be wound on to small cores. It
is therefore advisable to use 6” core instead of 3” core
to prevent the label curling.
14. Finished work should be shrouded in polythene prior
to packing.
15. Wherever possible, the manufacturer’s batch/order
references should be retained in case of complaints.

6. Always use the correct die for the product. Therefore 16. To take dust out of the roll stock it is advisable to use
it is advisable to mention to die manufacturer the type a web cleaner on un-wind section.
of face stock substrate.
17. To reduce the static electricity mainly from the filmic
7. Labels should be designed with matrix stripping in roll stock it is advisable to use antistatic devices
mind. Refer to the supplier if complex shapes are between the printing units and before web rewinding.
involved. Wherever possible, use round corners for
labels and avoid narrow matrices. Revised May 2001
Revised October 2008
8. Check the depth of die-cutting before proceeding with
any lengthy run.
Excessive die pressure will cause weakening of
the backing paper / liner and should be avoided
in products intended for high speed automatic
application. Check also the dimensional size of the
label because on filmic you can have a retraction
of the material generally on wide press or during
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

processing.

9. Use the minimum amount of heat for hot air drying

inks e.g. water and solvent based inks to avoid the
temperature increase of the web. It is advisable to
keep the web temperature on re-wind under 24°C.

63
 SECTION 2.2
filmic sheet stock
1. Check that the ink is compatible with the product to
be used and is approved or recommended by the ink
supplier.
2. Allow sufficient unprinted edge trim on the screen to
prevent edge lift due to shrinkage.
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 colors as soon as
possible after each other. Printing separate colors
under different atmospheric conditions will cause
difficulties with register.
10. Finished work should be shrouded in polythene until
cut and boxed.
11. Always follow the Manufacturer’s recommendations
on guillotining and slitting.
12. Wherever possible, retain the Manufacturer’s batch/
order references in case of complaint.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
64
processing recommendations
paper sheet stock
1. Self-Adhesive paper sheet stock can be considered
as normal paper with respect to ink type, dryers,
retarders, etc.
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 colors if multi-colour
machines are not being used.
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.
Issued May 1987
 surfaces requiring caution

Caution should be exercised when labeling 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.
surfaces where damage can be caused by application or
removal of self-adhesive products
Weaker bonded surface finishes e.g. (plasticized/soft)
PVC, 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 coated glass surfaces e.g. self cleaning, and 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.
SECTION 2.3
Ageing
Surfaces where adhesive may be significantly exposed
over time to severe environmental conditions resulting
in eventual breakdown and failure of the adhesive, e.g.
drum labeling, exposure to salt water, and or high levels of
sunlight.
Applications where specific advice should be sought
Direct food labeling, toy labeling, any medical or
pharmaceutical applications, e.g. direct skin contact,
blood bags, phials, items requiring sterilization processes.
Apparel and fabric labeling, leather, luxury goods, extreme
environment exposures e.g. temperatures 80°C or -20°C,
direct/continuous exposure to sunlight, UV, seawater or
chemicals.
See also Section 2.6 Qualitative Adhesion testing
Issued March 1987
Revised May 2001
Revised October 2008

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 and chilled 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, friable, oily surfaces where adhesive tack may be

destroyed on surface contact, e.g. plaster, rusty metal,
masonry, concrete and tires.

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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

65

SECTION 2.4
storage
Normal storage principles should be applied when storing
and stacking laminate rolls. See also section 2.5.
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.
usage
1. Handling
Safe methods of roll and pallet handling should be
applied. During un-banding 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 or laminate edges during handling. During
the conversion of pressure sensitive laminates static
build-up may occur. 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.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
66
safety guide for users of
self-adhesive label stock
products
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. Otherwise
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.
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 (vinyl)
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 and safety
Under normal conditions of handling, no hazards are
anticipated, but good industrial hygiene should always
be observed. For specialized applications e.g. food, toy
or surgical labeling, advice should be sought from the
individual supplier.
waste disposal
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:

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.

FINAT Solutions
While research and development efforts continue towards
material recycling solutions, FINAT has arranged a disposal
system for release liners in a number of countries.

For laminate waste, thermal recycling is recommended.

This is based on high temperature combustion as a
substitute for fuel in the cement industry and in power
stations.

For release liner there are possibilities for material

recycling, provided the waste is clean. Several collection
schemes for release liner waste are 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 or visit the

sustainability/recycling portal at the FINAT website: www.
finat.com.

other information

The Technical Department of the Supplier should be

contacted for any additional specific information required.

Issued January 1987

Supplement FINAT Waste Management Systems Issued
December 1995
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Revised March 1999

Revised October 2008

67
 2.5
SECTION
roll stock
Receipt of goods
On receiving goods into premises, inspect 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, and in the original package, until needed.
Rolls can be stored in horizontal or vertical position. If
stored horizontally, there is a risk for pressure mark in the
area touching the ground
Horizontal storage = Vertical storage =
core aligned horizontally core aligned vertically
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place.
Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH.
High temperatures might cause adhesive bleeding.
Fluctuations in humidity might cause cockles or wavy
edges.
Materials should not be stored near to sources of heat and
ignition, or in direct sunlight.
Do not unwrap rolls until required.
Pay particular attention to the supplier’s recommended
shelf-life and ensure correct stock rotation.
Preparation of material for processing
Pay attention not to damage the reels when transporting
material with forklift trucks.
Remove moisture-proof wrapping and leave to attain print
room conditions for at least 24 hours before processing,
as handling cold or hot material in a shop with normal
temperatures may cause wavy edges and curling.
Storage and Handling of finished product
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Store in a cool and dry place.
Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH.
Store finished coils on end (vertical storage), ideally use
two-side silicone release coated interleaving sheets
between the coils.
Wrap in polythene and pack in boxes or on pallets to give
protection during transport and further
handling.
68
handling and storage of
label stock throughout
printing and converting
sheet stock
Receipt of goods
On receiving goods into premises, inspect for signs of
damage. Inform supplier of any shortage or damage
immediately.
Store all material on a clean dry floor.
Transport and store the material supported on a flat base to
prevent bending.
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool and dry place.
Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH.
High temperatures might cause adhesive bleeding.
Fluctuations in humidity might cause cockles or wavy
edges.
Avoid stacking more than 10 packages on a pallet. Do not
stock pallets with stacked reams on top of each other.
Materials should not be stored near to sources of heat and
ignition, or in direct sunlight.
Do not unwrap pallets and reams until required.
Pay particular attention to the supplier’s recommended
shelf-life and ensure correct stock rotation.
Preparation of material for processing
The material should be allowed to condition (still in the
wrapper) for at least 24 hours at printing room conditions.
Longer times might be needed if the storage conditions are
radically different from the conditions in the print room.
Failure to condition sheets at print room conditions may
create curling or wavy edges.
If sheets require cutting before printing, then the knife of
the guillotine should be sharp and clean. Cut the minimum
number of sheets practicable, referring to the manufacturer
for advice if necessary. Use minimum pressure to avoid
adhesive bleed.
Some filmic materials are best cut face down.
If stacks are left overnight, protect from humidity changes
by shrouding with polythene.
Before printing, fan out the sheets.
Storage and Handling of finished product
Store in a cool and dry place.
Ideal storage conditions are 20-25°C and 40-50% RH.
Wrap in polythene and pack flat in boxes or on pallets to
give protection during transport and further handling.
Take care, if banding, to avoid pressure marking.
Issued April 1987
Revised March 1999
Revised October 2008
 qualitative adhesion testing
recommended adhesion test
1. Cut out several labels, same size and in the same
machine 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 or other specific
conditions simulating potential end applications.
4. Leave for 24 hours minimum before assessment of
adhesion.
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.
SECTION 2.6
surfaces to be labeled
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
labeled.
2. Test for adhesion under conditions which are as close
as possible to the end application. This should take
into consideration temperature and humidity.
3. Do not carry out the test on a flat, empty plastic bag
when the end user is labeling 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.
Issued 1987
Revised March 1999
Revised October 2008
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
69
 SECTION 2.7 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.
At that time the adhesive used was made from natural rubber and applied by coating from a solvent solution. Today
solvents are not very popular any more, and alternative self-adhesive materials are available. Acrylic adhesives which are
also available as water-based emulsions, have excellent ageing properties. They are easy to coat and clearly eliminate the
hazards linked with solvent coating.
Hot melt adhesives can be coated at very high coating weights, because there is no drying or curing process involved.
Due to modern coating and drying technology both types of adhesives are able to be applied at high machine speeds.

types of pressure sensitive nomenclature for adhesives

adhesives and major used in self-adhesive laminates
applications
• Purpose:
To offer a standard nomenclature for describing
• Permanent different types of adhesives used in self-adhesive
An adhesive with high ultimate adhesion, where laminates. This nomenclature can be used in technical
labels are not intended to be removed. Available from leaflets, brochures and other documents, and it
standard to very high coating weights, depending on makes it easier to describe and understand the basic
the end application. composition and character of each adhesive.

• Removable, Peelable • Content:

An adhesive with a low ultimate adhesion to a wide Each adhesive should be categorized in four ways. The
range of surfaces. Careful choice of adhesive must be three first categories are compulsory, the last one optional:
made, particularly for surfaces like fabrics, paper and 1. Chemical basis
plastic films. 2. Physical state + drying/curing
3. Mains final use
• Water removable 4. Additional significant properties
An adhesive which releases the label by contact with
water. Certain adhesives already lose their adhesion 1. Chemical basis:
force with plain water, others need alcaline water. • Acrylic (pure, tackified)
• Rubber (natural, synthetic)
• Low Temperature • Other
An adhesive capable of functioning at temperatures
below +5°C, i.e. chill conditions (+5°C to -5°C), deep 2. Physical state + drying/curing
freeze conditions (-5°C to -25°C) and blast freeze • Water borne
conditions (-25°C to -50°C). • Solvent borne
• Hot melt
• Re-positionable • Radiation cured hot melt
An adhesive which permits removal and repositioning
shortly after application, prior to the development of 3. Main final use
ultimate adhesion. • Permanent
• Removable
• Food Contact • Deep-freeze
An adhesive with the appropriate F.D.A., BfR. or other • Re-positionable
appropriate approval for application to foodstuffs. • Food contact
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

• Wash-off
• Recycling friendly • Other
An adhesive which is designed to be less harmful to
paper recycling; already used in N.A. for self-adhesive 4. Additional significant properties, e.g. “direct food
stamps these adhesives support the trend of trouble contact according to FDA 175.125”
free recycling of self-adhesive materials. or for pharmaceutical purposes.

Issued May 2005

Revised October 2008

70
 unwind roll chart

SECTION 2.8
indicate unwind direction by number as follows

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Extract from TLMI Manual of Recommended Standards (where the chart has 16 positions).

71
 2.9
SECTION
what is static electricity? factors influencing
When a material holds a net electrical charge, either
negative or positive, it is said to have a static charge.
Polymeric substrates (plastics) generally have high
resistivities. This allows them to maintain static charges for
long periods of time; on the other hand metals have very
low resistances. Paper has lower resistivity than plastics,
due to moisture content and polarity.
Static electricity is usually measured in volts. The voltage
present on a material is dependent of two factors:
a) the amount of charge on the material
b) the capacitance of the material
The simple relationship is Q=CV where Q is the charge, V
the voltage and C the capacitance of the material.
There are two major type of static electricity, volumetric
and surface. Volumetric static charges are charge
imbalances within the body of a material, whereas surface
static electricity is only present on the very outer surface
of a material. All the static electricity problems found in
the web printing and converting industry relate to surface
charges. Whether the charge is volumetric or on the
surface of the substrate depends of the conductivity of the
substrate.
how is static electricity created?
Static charges are generated by friction, contact and
separation of the material as it is being pulled from the
feed roll and as the material passes over the idler rollers of
a press or a converting machine.
Friction leads to closer contact thus more contact points
and therefore increases the level of charge generation.
As two materials are rubbed together the electrons
associated with the surface atoms on each material come
into very proximity with each other, and can be moved
from one material to the other.
When static electricity is created by separation of materials,
the faster the separation, the higher the charge generated
and conversely, the slower the separation the lower the
charge. As an example, when printing a PVC substrate the
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
web is moving over a PTFE (Teflon®) coated roller. When
the materials separate, the electrons tend to adhere to
the PTFE, generating a negative charge on the PTFE and a
positive charge on the PVC-film.
72
recommendations
regarding static electricity
static electricity
Among the many factors that affect the generation and
retention of static electricity are humidity, the substrate
type, repetition and change in temperature.
Substrate
Generally all polymeric substrates and polymeric coated
or laminated paper tend to become charged with static
electricity, and some of them are more readily charged
than others. Paper is less prone to become charged, but
it can happen especially in very dry conditions. Whether a
substrate charges positively or negatively depend on the
other material with which it has come into contact. For
example, when a polyamide (PA) film passes over a rubber
nip roller, it becomes negatively charged, a polyethylene
will be positively charged
Humidity
The dryer the environment of the print room, the higher
the level of static charge, and conversely the higher the
humidity, the lower the static charge.
Repetition
Repeated action such as friction or separation will increase
the level of static electricity on the web. When the web
passes over many idler rollers the static charge will be
higher.
Battery effect
Rewinding the many layers of a low charged web can lead
to extremely high voltage charges. This is noticeable on the
roller of a rewind unit on a printing press or a slitter.
Change in temperature
As a material cools down, it has a tendency to generate
charge. For example, when a web passes UV-lamps or IR-
dryer it gets heated; then the surface temperature of the
web will be cooled down by passing over a chill roller or
the web will cool down by itself at the room temperature,
Overall, this will create static charge on the surface.
problems and elimination
of static electricity
Problems
Static charges result in electrostatic attraction to the
substrate surface, of dirt and airborne particles present
around the press and converting machines. Web speeds
complicate this process, because the faster the web speed
the higher the static charge level. This problem affects all
printers and converters, especially when converting filmic
substrates. In the label printing industry dust attraction
decreases the print quality.
Material misbehavior is another type of electrostatic
attraction. This can be noticed on a sheeter, stacker,
conveyer, where the sheets would stick to themselves or
will be misrouted or repelled each other on the equipment,
Elimination
The basic principle for neutralization of static charges is
the same whatever the technique used: one should re-
establish the electrical neutrality of the surface by adding
or removing the electrons which create the imbalance of
the surface charge. As previously mentioned the moisture
in the press room has an impact on static charge, therefore
it makes sense to control the moisture. We suggest to
maintain the relative humidity at 50-65% and the room
temperature at about 22-24°C.
Passive ionisation
Carbon or stainless steel fibre earthed brushes placed
closely over the surface of the web of a press or a
converting machine will leach away the static charges
down to earth. Passive eliminators are thus useful for
reducing very high level of static charges, say tens of kV’s
down to medium high levels of a few kV’s. However by
their very nature, they are not able to completely neutralize
the surface electricity, therefore residual charges remains
on the substrate surface.
Active ionisation
By using high voltage AC or DC bars over the web of a
press or converting machine, ionized air can be produced
which can be used to neutralize the surface charge of
the substrate. Around the ionizing pin/head a cloud of
positive and negative ions will be produced. In the absence
of outside influences, the positive and negative ions are
attracted to each other or a nearby earth, and would either
neutralize each other or be dissipated to earth. However
with the presence of a nearby static charged surface an
ion will be attracted to an opposite charge on the surface
of the substrate and the surface will be completely
neutralized.
measuring the static charge
There is a variety of measuring instruments for static
electricity available in the market.
Some instruments are calibrated to measure the field at
a given distance. The surface voltage and the polarity are
then displayed on the screen. Other instruments indicate
the electrical field strength in kV/m. To calculate the surface
voltage, the reading has to be multiplied by the distance
between instrument and surface.
glossary
Coulomb: The unit of measure of electrical charges.
(Symbol : C)
Electron: A small atomic particle with a negative
charge (1.6x10ˉ19 coulombs).
Ion: A molecule or atom with an electrical
imbalance (a negative ion has an excess of
electrons, a positive ion has a deficit
of electrons)
Resistance: The higher the resistance of a material,
the harder it is for a charge to flow through
it. Insulators e.g. all polymeric substances
(plastics) are very resistive.
Unit: Ohm (Ω)
Capacitance: A measure of the ability of a substrate to
hold the charge. Unit: farad (F)
Issued October 2008
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
73
 2.10
advices about light fastness of
printing inks and light exposition
SECTION

light fastness Light Fastness

Life time number Summer number
of days of days
Over time, prints that are exposed to light will fade because
the UV radiation of pigments and dyes has a decomposing BWS 1 (very low) 5 2,5
effect. The resistance to this decoloration or colour change
process is termed “light fastness”. In accordance with ISO BWS 2 (low) 10 5
2835 (DIN 16525) it is classified numerically from BWS 1
(= poor) to BWS 8 (= outstanding). BWS 3
20 10
(moderate)
(BWS stands for “Blue Wool scale”; originally, the BWS 4 (rather
standardized incrementation was a testing instrument of 40 20
good
the textile industry.) The light fastness according to ISO
2835 is tested with a daylight-simulating xenon lamp. BWS 5 (good) 80 40
In this test only the influence of direct exposure to light
is taken into account. Other influencing factors such as BWS 6 (very
160 80
fluctuations in temperature and humidity (weather!) good
remain unaccounted for.
BWS 7
350 175
(excellent)
For a short-lived advertising brochure it is not necessary
for the light fastness to be particularly high; a standard BWS 8
700 350
pigment can be used. For printers of magazines, books (outstanding)
and commercial print work the light fastness BWS 4 (=
rather good) is normally adequate. By contrast, inks of
automobile stickers or outside signs are expected not to remark
fade as quickly, which requires the use of pigments with
high light fastness. Quoted light fastness of the ink supplier will normally be
High lightfastness pigments are usually more costly than indicative of a standard printing condition (film weight,
equivalent lower lightfastness equivalents and may differ in density, substrate etc), and standard test condition/
colour shade. exposure scenario. As well above listed level and duration
is concerned to a 100% full solid print.
The actual time during which the ink of a print is resistant
is dependent on the accumulated incident light radiation, The actual printed labels shall be tested at a certified
which however, as is known, varies with season, but also laboratory or by the ink supplier if he has the appropriate
with geographic altitude. testing equipment available to determine the actual light
fastness of the printed label which might be different from
The table below of the BWS incrementation shows an the quoted value.
approximate indication (without guarantee) of the duration
of resistance of the ink on direct exposure to the sun Prints have to be made under so-called standard conditions
under Central European daylight conditions ISO 2835 (DIN concerned to film weight, density and substrate applicable
16525). to the required print job.

For the printer, in particular the following points are

important:
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

• In the case of mixed inks the ink with the lowest light
fastness is decisive because it governs the earliest time
of fade-out.

• M
ixed inks are frequently mixed in very different ratios.
As a result of the mixing an ink could be very intensively
thinned, thereby losing its original light fastness. (For
example, a certain orange could be comprised of 1

74
 part red and 20 parts yellow. Thinned by a factor of
20 the inherently good light fastness of the unmixed
red exhibits a significantly poorer light fastness. When
exposed to light, the orange quickly becomes yellow.)

• In lightened colours (mixed with white or extended

with pastes) the pigment concentration is lower; the
light fastness is correspondingly lower. For pastel
shades of adequate light fastness only printing inks of
fastness categories BWS 6 to BWS 8 should therefore
normally be used.

• Weak ink deposit / screens: the light fastness of inks

of categories BWS 7 and BWS 8 printed in thinner ink
films or in screens is scarcely reduced. By contrast, with
decreasing ink film thickness the light fastness of inks
of category BWS 5 or lower declines noticeably. Screen
dots fade more rapidly than solids.

• The effect of daylight fluorescent prints is so intensive

because they reflect a part of the light from the
ultraviolet spectrum as visible light. But it is this
very conversion capability that suffers strongly from
the effect of light; it is destroyed by the UV rays. On
exposure to light the fluorescent power is sustained
only for a short time. Daylight fluorescent inks normally
have a light fastness of BWS 1 to BWS 2.

• Manufacturers data: The light fastness data always

relate only to the resistance to incident light, without
taking into account other influencing factors such as
the effects of the weather. Moreover, the printing ink
manufacturer’s warranty covers only the fastness of the
unmixed, non-extended ink printed as a solid tone and
on a white substrate in a film thickness commonly used
in practice.

• The requirements on resistance to the weather go

beyond those on light fastness. The resistance to the
weather (frequently confused with light fastness) is
measured according to DIN 54071. Weather-resistant
inks are fully exposed to the weather and have to be
resistant to moisture, fluctuations in air temperature
and humidity and to the influence of certain air
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

pollutants. In addition to light-fast pigments, weather-

resistant binder resins are also required. Appropriate
overvarnishing provides additional protection.

75
 SECTION 3 test equipment (manufacturers)

3.1 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.

3.2 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

3.3 test equipment manufacturers

Test equipment is available in a wide variety. A number of manufacturers of such equipment is listed below, where
possible with an indication of the type of their equipment. Please note that the list is far from complete and that it may be
subject to change. We advise you to consult the websites of the respective manufacturers for more details and updates.

Company Country Test equipment Page

Adhesive Technical Services Ltd. United Kingdom adhesion 84

Ametek GmbH Germany adhesion 79
Arcotec GmbH Germany ready made test fluids 79
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Atlas Material testing Technology UK, USA textile testing machines 84,86
Brookfield Viscometers United Kingdom viscometers 84
Brookfield Engineering Laboratories Vertriebs GmbH Germany, India, USA viscometers 79,82,86
BRK Instruments India India viscometers 82
Büro Mayr Germany standard test rollers 79
Cheminstruments USA 86
Datacolor Switzerland colour measurement 83
Elcometer Belgium, France, Germany
Japan, Netherlands scratch resistance 78,79,82

76
Company Country Test equipment Page

Erichsen GmbH & Co KG Germany tensile, adhesion testers,

agent Chemsultants 79
Frank PTI GmbH Germany tensile, adhesion testers 79
Gretag Macbeth AG (see X-rite) Germany colorimetric equipment 81,83,87
Hach Lange GmbH Germany colour measurement 80
Heraeus Noblelight Fusion UV Inc USA UV Curing systems 86
Hermann Klemmt Mess- und Prüftechnik GbR Germany agent Sneep: release testers 80
Dr. Hönle AG (European headquarters) Germany UV curing equipment 80
Hönle UV America, Inc. USA UV curing equipment 86
Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc. USA colour measurement 86
IGT Testing Systems Netherlands, USA viscometers, tensile testers 82,86
Imass Inc USA high speed release tester 86
Instron Germany, UK, USA tensile, adhesion testers 80,84,87
Kiffe Engineering GmbH Germany dynamic cohesion 80
Konica minolta Sensing europe B.V. Switzerland colour measurement 83
Köttermann GmbH & Co. KG Germany humidity tester 80
Labthink Instruments Co. Ltd. China tensile testers 78
Laetus Gmbh Germany colour measurement 80
Lloyd Materials Testing United Kingdom tensile, tear, peel, adhesion testers 84
Lorentzen & Wettre Gmbh Sweden Paper & pulp testing 84
M.C. TEC B.V. Netherlands, UK hand rollers, rub testers,
colorimeters, spectrophotometers 82,84
Mecmesin Ltd. United Kingdom peel and adhesion 84
Metorex International oy (see Oxford Instruments) Finland X-ray spectometers 85
MTS Systems France, USA tensile testers for release,
tack and peel, specimen cutters 79,87
Oxford Instruments United Kingdom X-ray spectometers 85
Pausch Messtechnik Germany shear testers, hand rollers,
colour measurement 80
Pearson Panke Equipment Ltd. United Kingdom tensile testers, loop tack,
viscometers, rub testers 85
Phoseon Technology (headquarters) USA UV curing applications 87
Pillar Technologies Surface Treatment USA ready made test fluids 87
Printech Tools & Technology Switzerland standard test rollers, peel,
release and tensile testers 83
RK PrintCoat Instruments Ltd. United Kingdom peel and adhesion 85
Rocholl GmbH Germany test panels 80
Romaco Pharmatechnik GmbH (See Laetus) Germany colour measurement 80
SDL Atlas China, Hong Kong, USA textile testing, shirlestain 78,87
Sheen Instruments Singapore, UK, USA abrasion, coating thickness,
colour match 83,85,87
Sick Vertriebs-GmbH Germany Fluorescence 81
Sneep Industries BV Netherlands shear testers, high and low speed
peel and release testers, automatic
roll down machine 82
Spectro Analytical Instruments Gmbh Germany X-ray spectometers 81
Stable Micro Systems Ltd. United Kingdom tensile/compression equipment 85
Techkon Gmbh Germany colorimetric equipment 81
tesa AG Germany test tapes 81
Testing Machines Inc Canada, Germany, USA ink rub tester 78,81,83,87
The Testometric Company Ltd. United Kingdom tensile, dynamic shear,
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

adhesion, peel tester 85

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc USA viscometers 87
Thomas Systeme Gmbh Germany barcode readability tester 81
3M United Kingdom test tapes 85
Tinius Olsen UK, USA tensile testers 85,87
TQC Netherlands hardness, scratch resistance 83
Weiss Umwelttechnik GmbH Austria, Germany humidity tester 78,81
X-Rite Switzerland, USA X-rite equipment to FTM 22 81,83,87
Zwick G+A1:B71mbH & Co. Prüfmaschinen Germany tensile testers 81

77
 SECTION 3.3 test equipment manufacturers

austria

Weiss Umwelttechnik Oberlaaerstr. 316 Humidity tester

A-1230 Wien
Ges.m.b.H. Tel.: +43-1-6166697
Fax: +43-1-616669713
E-mail: wien.office@wut.com
URL: www.weiss-umwelttechnik.at

belgium

Elcometer SA Rue Vallée 13 Scratch resistance FTM29

B-4681 Hermalle/s Argenteau Viscometers
Tel: +32-4-3799610
URL: www.elcometer.com

china

Labthink Instruments 144 Wuyingshan Road Adhesive strength test

Jinan
Co. Ltd. Tel.: +86-531-85068566
Fax: +86-531-85812140
E-mail: trade.en@labthink.cn
URL: www.labthinkinternational.com.cn

SDL Atlas Hong Kong 3J Garment Centre Textile testing machines

576 Castle Peak Road Shirlestain
Kowloon
Tel.: +852-34434888
Fax: +852-3443-4999
E-mail: info@sdlatlas.com.cn

SDL Atlas China 1/F (South East) & 2/F Textile testing machines
Shenjian Mansion Shirlestain
Central District (West) Hi-Tech Park
Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057
Tel.: +86-755-26711168
Fax: +86-755-26711337
E-mail: info@sdlatlas.com.cn

canada

TMI Canada PO Box 203 Ink rub tester

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Pointe Claire-Dorval FTM 27

Quebec H9R-4N9
Te.l: +1-302-6135600
+1-800-678-3221 (Toll-free)
Fax: +1-302-6135619
E-mail: canada@testingmachines.com
URL: www.testingmachines.com

78
france

Elcometer Sarl 97 Route de Chécy Scratch resistance FTM29

F-45430 BOU Viscometers
Tel: +33-2-38863344
URL: www.elcometer.com

MTS Systems 58, Rue Auguste Perret, Europarc Tensile testers for release,
F-94200 Creteil tack and peel
Tel.: +33-1-58439000 Specimen cutters, rollers
Fax: +33-1-58439001
E-mail: contact.ance@mts.com
URL: www.mts.com

germany

Ametek GmbH Rudolf-Diesel-Strasse 16 Adhesion test apparatus

D-40670 Meerbusch
Tel.: +49 – 2159 – 91360
Fax: +49 – 2159 – 913639
E-mail: info@ametek.de
URL: www.ametek.de

Arcotec GmbH Rotweg 24 Corona treatment

D-71297 Mönsheim Ready made test fluids
Tel.: +49-7044-92120 FTM 15
Fax: +49-7044-921212
E-mail: info@arcotec.com
URL: www.arcotec.com

Brookfield Engineering Hauptstrasse 18 Viscometers

D-73547 Lorch
Laboratories Vertriebs, GmbH
Tel.: +49 -7172-927100
Fax: +49-7172-927105
E-mail: info@brookfield.eu
URL: www.brookfieldengineering.com

Büro Mayr Forststrasse 81 Standard test roller

D-85521 Riemerling
Tel:. +49 – 89 - 6099679
Fax: +49 – 89 - 6098436

Elcometer Instruments GmbH Ulmer Strasse 68 Scratch resistance FTM 29

D-73431 Aalen Viscometers
Tel.: +49-7361-528060
URL: www.elcometer.com

Erichsen GmbH & Co KG Am Iserbach 14 Tensile, adhesion testers

FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

D-58675 Hemer Humidity cabinets

Tel.: +49 – 2372 - 96830 Thickness gauges
Fax: +49 – 2372 - 6430 Agent of Chemsultants
E-mail: info@erichsen.de
URL: www.erichsen.de

Frank PTI GmbH Auf der Aue 1 Tensile, adhesion testers

D-69488 Birkenau
Tel.: +49 – 6201 – 840
Fax: +49 – 6201 – 84290
E-mail: office@frank-pti.com
URL: www.frank-pti.com
79
 SECTION 3.3 test equipment manufacturers

germany

Hach Lange GmbH Willstätterstr. 11 Colour measurement

D-40549 Düsseldorf
Tel.: +49-211-52880
Fax: +49-211-5288143
E-mail: info@hach-lange.de
URL: www.hach-lange.de

Hermann Klemmt Mess- Kabisstrasse 3 Agent Sneep Industries

und Prüftechnik GbR D-86570 Inchenhofen Shear testers, high and low speed
Tel.: +49 – 8257 - 9976770 peel and release testers
Fax: +49 – 8251 - 9976775
E-mail: info@klemmt.de
URL: www.klemmt.de

Dr. Hönle AG UV - Technologie For more locations visit:

(European headquarters) Lochhamer Schlag 1 www.hoenle.de/en/uv-supplier-
D-82166 Gräfelfing locations/
Tel.: +49 89 856 08 - 0
Fax: +49 89 856 08 – 148 UV curing equipment
URL: www.hoenle.de

Instron Structural Testing Landwehrstrasse 55 Tensile, adhesion testers

64293 Darmstadt
Systems GmbH (IST) Tel.: +49 – 6151 – 39170
Fax: +49 – 6151 – 3917500
URL: www.instron.de

Kiffe Engineering GmbH Am Krebsgraben 18 Dynamic cohesion

D-78048 VS-Villingen
Tel.: +49 – 7721 – 80030
Fax: +49 – 7721 – 800330
E-mail: info@kiffe.net
URL: www.kiffe.net

Köttermann GmbH & Co KG Industriestrasse 2-10 Humidity tester

D-31311 Uetze-Hänigsen
Tel.: +49 – 5147 – 9767000
Fax: +49 – 5147 – 977777
E-mail: systemlabor@koettermann.com
URL: www.koettermann.com

Laetus GmbH Sandwiesenstrasse 27 Colour measurement

D-64665 Alsbach-Hähnlein FTM 20, 22
Tel.: +49 – 6257 – 50090
Fax: +49 – 6257 – 3119
E-mail: contact@laetus.com
URL: www.laetus.com
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Pausch Messtechnik Karlstrasse 6 Q-sun and QUV weathering testers

D-42781 Haan
Tel.: +49 – 2129 - 93960
Fax: +49 – 2129 - 939610
E-mail: info@pausch.com
URL: www.pausch.com
Outdoor weathering services
Colour measurement
Shear testers (FTM 8) for ambient
and oven shear testing
Hand rollers

Rocholl GmbH Schwarzacher Strasse 15 Test panels

D-74758 Aglasterhausen
Tel.: +49-6272-916780
Fax: +49 – 6272 - 9167810
E-mail: post@rocholl.eu
URL: www.rocholl.eu
80
germany
Sick Vertriebs-GmbH
SPECTRO Analytical
Instruments GmbH
(member of Ametek)
TECHKON GmbH
tesa AG
TMI Europe GmbH & Co. KG
Textilbedarf Langen GmbH & Co.KG
Thomas Systeme GmbH
Weiss Umwelttechnik GmbH
X-Rite GmbH
(former Gretag Macbeth)
Zwick GmbH & Co.
Prüfmaschinen
Willstätterstrasse 30 Fluorescence measurement
D-40549 Düsseldorf Industrial sensors
Tel.: +49- 211 53010
Fax: +49-0211 5301302
E-mail: info@sick.de
URL: www.sick.de
Boschstrasse 10 X-ray spectometers (XRF)
D-47533 Kleve FTM 7
Tel.: +49 – 2821 – 8920
Fax: +49 – 2821 – 8922200
E-mail: spectro.nfo@ametek.com
URL: www.spectro.com
Wiesbadener Straße 27 Colorimetric equipment
D-61462 Königstein
Tel.: +49-6174-924450
Fax: +49-6174-924499
E-Mail: info@techkon.com
web: www.techkon.de
Quickbornstrasse 24 Test tapes 7475, 7476, 4104
D-20253 Hamburg FTM 10, 11, 21, 22
Tel.: +49-40-49093400 See also list of agends worldwide
Fax +49-40-49093520
URL: www.tesa.com
Taubenstrasse 22 Ink Rub tester
D - 41236 Moenchengladbach (FTM 27)
Tel: +49-2166-2882 |
Fax: +49-2166-24645
Email: rhollweg@testingmachines.com
URL: www.testingmachines.com
Wilhelmstrasse 8 Barcode readability tester
D-32602 Vlotho-Bonneberg
Tel.: +49 – 5733 – 91000
Fax: +49 – 5733 – 910050
E-mail: info@thomassysteme.de
URL: www.thomassysteme.de
Simulationsanlagen - Messtechnik Humidity tester
Greizer Strasse 41-49
D-35447 Reiskirchen-Lindenstruth
Tel.: +49 – 6408 – 840
Fax: +49 – 6408 – 848710
E-mail: info@wut.com
URL: www.wut.com
Fraunhoferstr. 14 X-rite equipment FTM 22
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
82152 Martinsried / München
Tel.: +49-89-857070
Fax: +49-89-85707111
URL: www.erx50.com
August Nagel Strasse 11 Tensile tester
D-89079 Ulm
Tel.: +49 - 7305 - 100
Fax: +49 - 7305 - 10200
E-mail: info@zwick.de
URL: www.zwick.de
81
 SECTION 3.3 test equipment manufacturers
india
Brookfield Engineering India Nilay Shah – India Representative
Tel.: +91-98-19749837
E-mail: info@brookfield.co.in
BRK Instruments India LLP ANM House
Plot no. A-141, Road no. 23
Wagale Industrial Area
Thane (W) 400 604
Tel.: +91-22-66141666
E-mail: info@brkindia.net
japan
Elcometer KK Nisso Dai 23 Building,
Room 804, 3-8-25,
Toranomon, Minato-ku,
Tokyo 105-0001
Tel.: +81-3-68690770
Fax: +81-3-68091442
URL: www.elcometer.com
netherlands
Elcometer NL Newtonlaan 115
NL-3584 BH Utrecht
Tel: +31-30-2107005
URL: www.elcometer.com
IGT Testing Systems
Keienbergweg 25
P.O.box 12688
1100 AR Amsterdam
Tel.: +31-20-4099300
Fax: +31-20-6974842
E-mail: info@igt.nl
URL: www.igt.nl
M.C. TEC B.V. Distributiestraat 27
4283 JN Giessen
Tel.: +31-183-445050
Fax: +31-183-445059
E-mail: info@mctec.nl
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
URL: www.mctec.nl
Sneep Industries BV P.O. Box 5726
NL-3290 AA Strijen
Tel.: +31 – 78 – 6107690
Fax: +31 – 78 – 6107691
E-mail: info@sneepindustries.com
URL: www.sneepindustries.com
82
Viscometers
Viscometers
Scratch resistance FTM 29
Viscometers
Scratch resistance FTM 29
Viscometers
Circular sample cutters
Printability testes for liquid and
paste inks for coating, proofing and
printing
Rub/scratch and abrasion testers
Cobb testers
Horizontal tensile testers for peel and
loop tack tests, Viscometers
Lab UV curing devices, Tack testers
Gloss meters, Viscometers
Hand rollers, Rolling ball track
testers, contact o meter for surface
wetting properties, viscometers, rub
testers, gloss meters, colorimeters
and spectrophotometers
FTM 1, 2, 3, 8, 9
Shear testers, hot melt/holding power
at elevated temperature
High and low speed peel and release
testers
Hand rollers, testplates of stainless
steel and glass
Automatic roll down machine
Custom built testers
FTM 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 8, 9
netherlands
TQC Thermimport Quality
Control
singapore
Sheen Instruments
switzerland
Datacolor AG
Konica Minolta Sensing
Europe B.V.
Printech Tools & Technology
Testing Machines
X-Rite Europe GmbH
(European headquarters)
Molenbaan 19 Adhesion tester
NL-2908 LL Capelle aan den IJssel Tapes for adhesion testing
Tel.: +31-10-7900100 FTM 3
Fax: +31-10-7900129
E-mail: info@tqc.eu
URL: www.tqc.eu
3A International Business Park #08-02 Instruments for use in coating
ICON@IPB, Tower A and paint industry, incl. Abrasion,
Singapore 609935 coating thickness, colour match,
Tel.: +65-69337680 gloss, hardness, moisture
E-mail: info@sheeninstruments.com measuring
URL: www.sheeninstruments.com
Loorenstrasse 9 Colour measurement
CH-8305 Dietikon/Zürich FTM 20, 22
Tel.: +41-44-8353830
Fax: +41-44-8353820
E-mail: info@datacolor.eu
URL: http://spyder.datacolor.com
Riedstrasse 6 Colour measurement
CH-8953 Dietikon
Tel.: +41 – 43 - 3229800
Fax: +41 – 43 - 3229809
E-mail: service.switzerland@seu.
konicaminolta.eu
URL: www.konicaminolta.eu
(For more locations, visit http://www.
konicaminolta.com/selector/index.html)
Trön 9 Standard FINAT test roller
CH-9225 St. Pelagiberg Special peel, release and tensile
Tel.: +41 – 71 – 430 0440 testers
Fax: +41 – 71 – 430 0441 FTM 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11
E-mail: info@printech.ch Resistance spot proofer FTM 16
URL: www.printech.ch UV light spectrometer (to check UV
curing and exposure units for exact
wave length and intensity)
Mr. Joern Krueger Ink rub tester FTM 27
Albert Isliker & Co. AG
CH-8057 Zurich
E-mail: switzerland@testingmachines.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
com
URL: www.testingmachines.com
Althardstrasse 70 X-rite equipment to FTM 22
CH-8105 Regensdorf
Tel.: +41-44-8422400
+1-800-70030001 (toll free)
Fax: +41-44-842 22 22
URL: www.xrite.com
83
 SECTION 3.3 test equipment manufacturers

sweden

Lorentzen & Wettre Box 4 Paper testing equipment

SE-16493 Kista
Tel.: +46 – 8 – 477 9000
Fax: +46 – 8 - 4779199
E-mail: info@l-w.com
URL: www.lorentzen-wettre.com

united kingdom

Adhesive Technical Services
Beacon Hill Industrial Estate Adhesive, label and tape testing
PO Box 51, Botany Way according to FINAT, AFERA, PSTC,
Purfleet, Essex RM19 1SY PSMA and ASTM.
Tel.: +44–1708–867355 Agents for Cheminstruments
Fax: +44–1708–869804
E-mail: sales@adhtechnical.com
URL: www.adhtechnical.com

Atlas Material Testing
Technology Ltd.
2 New Star Road Textile testing machines Shirlestain
Leicester LE4 9JD
Tel.: +44-116-2462957
E-mail atlas.service@ametek.co.uk
URL: www.atlas-mts.co.uk

Brookfield Viscometers Ltd Brookfield Technical Center Viscometers

Stadium Way
Harlow, Essex CM19 5GX
Tel.: +44 -1279 - 451 774
Fax: +44 -1279 - 451 775
E-mail: sales@brookfield.co.uk
URL: www.brookfieldengineering.com

Instron (European headquarters) Coronation Road Tensile, adhesion testers

High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3SY
Tel.: +44 – 1494 456815
URL: www.instrom.co.uk

Lloyd Materials Testing Steyning Way Adhesion testers

Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 9ST FTM 1, 2, 3, 9, 10,11, 18
Tel.: +44-1243-833 370
Fax: +44-1243-833401
E-mail: uk-far.general@ametek.co.uk
URL: www.lloyd-instruments.com

M.C. TEC England P.O. Box 1067 Hand rollers, Rolling ball track
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

BB9 4DD testers, contact o meter for surface

Tel.: +44-1282-798086 wetting properties, viscometers, rub
Fax: +44-1282-798224 testers, gloss meters, colorimeters
E-mail: info@mctec.co.uk and spectrophotometers
URL: www.mctec.co.uk FTM 1, 2, 3, 8, 9

Mecmesin Ltd. Newton House Peel and adhesion testers

Spring copse Business Park
Slinfold, West Sussex RH13 0SZ
Tel.: +44-1403-887511
E-mail: info@mecmesin.com
URL: www.mecmesin.com
84
united kingdom

Oxford Instruments Tubney Woods X-ray spectometers (XRF) FTM 7

Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5QX
Tel.: +44-1865-393200
Fax: +44-1865-393333
URL: www.oxinst.co.uk

Pearson Panke Pearson Panke 1-3 Special tensile testers

Hale Grove Gardens Release FTM 3, peel (FTM1, 2), loop
Equipment Ltd. London NW7 3LR tack (FTM 9)
Tel.: +44 – 20 – 89593232 Rolling ball tack testers
Fax: +44 - 20 – 89595613 Contact o meter for surface wetting
E-mail: 50years@pearsonpanke.co.uk properties
URL: www.pearsonpanke.co.uk Viscometers, Rub testers, gloss meters
Colorimeters and spectrophotometers

RK PrintCoat Litlington, Royston Sample preparation equipment

Instruments Ltd. Herts SG8 0QZ (coating, proofing and printing)
Tel.: +44 – 1763 – 852187
Fax: +44 – 1763 – 852502
E-mail: sales@rkprint.com
URL: www.rkprint.com

Sheen Instruments Broers Building Instruments for use in the coating

JJ Thomson Avenue and paint industry, incl. abrasion,
Cambridge CB3 0FA coating thickness, colour match,
Tel: +44-1803-407728 gloss, hardness, moisture
Email: info@sheeninstruments.com measuring
URL: www.sheeninstruments.com

Stable Micro Systems Ltd. Vienna Court, Lammas Road Tensile/compression equipment
Godalming, Surrey GU7 1YL FTM 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 18, 22
Tel.: +44 - 1483 - 427345
Fax: +44 - 1483 - 427600
E-mail: stable@stablemicrosystems.com
URL: www.stablemicrosystems.com

The Testometric Unit 1, Lincoln Business Park
Company Ltd. Lincoln Close, Rochdale
Lancashire OL11 NR
Tel.: +44 - 1706 - 654039
Fax: +44 - 1706 - 646089
E-mai:l info@testometric.co.uk
URL: www.testometric.co.uk
Tensile, compression, loop tack,
probe tack, 90 & 180 degree
peels, friction, dynamic shear and
adhesion/peel tests, conducted
at cryogenic and elevated
temperatures

3M United Kingdom Plc 3M Centre TTapes 810 magic TM tape FTM 21,
Cain road 22
Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 8HT
Tel.: +44-8705-360036
URL: www.3direct.co.uk
www.3m.com
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Tinius Olsen, Ltd. 6 Perrywood Business Park, Tensile testers

Honeycrock Lane,
Salfords (Near Redhill), Surrey RH1 5DZ
Tel.: +44-1737-765001
Fax: +44-1737-764768
E-Mail: sales@tiniusolsen.co.uk
URL: www.tiniusolsen.com

85
 SECTION 3.3 test equipment manufacturers

usa

Atlas Material (headquarters) Textile testing machines Shirlestain

Testing Technology 4114 North Ravenswood Avenue www.atlas-mts.com
Chicago, Illinois 60613
Tel.: +1-773-3274520
Fax: +1-773-3275787
E-mail: atlas.info@ametek.com
URL: www.atlas-mts.com

Brookfield Engineering 11 Commerce Boulevard Viscosity, Texture Analysis and

Laboratories Middleborough, MA 02346 Powder Flow
Tel.: +1-508-9466200
+1-800-6288139 (toll free)
Fax: +1-508-9466262
E-mail: web.sales@brookfieldengineering.com
URL: www.brookfieldengineering.com

ChemInstruments, Inc. 510 Commercial Drive FTM 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 9, 10, 11, 13, 14,
Fairfield OH 45014 15,18, 21, 24
Tel. +1-513-8601598 Chemsultants International
Fax +1-513-8601597 Network is a source for contract
URL www.chemsultants.com research, laboratory testing,
pilot coating, consulting, test
instruments and hands-on
Chemsultants, Inc. Chemsultants, Inc. seminars.
9079 Tyler bvd
Mentor OH 44060
Tel. +1-440-9743080
Fax +1-440-9743081
URL www.chemsultants.com

Heraeus Noblelight 910 Clopper Road Supplier of UV curing systems

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
Fusion UV Inc. Tel.: +1-301-5272660
Fax: +1-301-5272661
URL: www.fusionuv.com

IGT Testing Systems Inc. Arlington Center Circular sample cutters

543 West Golf Road Printability testes for liquid and paste
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 inks for coating, proofing and printing
Tel.: +1-847-9522448 Rub/scratch and abrasion testers
Cobb testers
Fax: +1-847-9522449 Horizontal tensile testers for peel and
E-mail: usa@igt.nl loop tack tests, Viscometers,
URL: www.igt.nl Lab UV curing devices
Tack testers, Gloss meters

Hönle UV America, Inc. 261 Cedar Hill Street UV curing equipment

Building C, Marlboro
MA 01752
Tel. +1- 508-229 7774
E-mail: main@honleuv.com
URL: www.honleuv.com
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Hunter Associates 11491 Sunset Hills Road Colour measurement FTM 20, 22
Reston, VA 20190-5280
Laboratory Inc. Tel.: +1 - 703 - 4716870
Fax: +1 - 703 - 4714237
E-mail: info@hunterlab.com
URL: www.hunterlab.com

Imass Inc P.O. Box 134 High speed release tester

Accord, MA 02018
Tel.: +1-781-8343063
Fax: +1-781-8343064
E-mail: sales@imass.com
URL: www.imass.com
86
Instron Worldwide
Headquarters
MTS Systems
Phoseon Technology
(headquarters)
Pillar Technologies
Surface Treatment
SDL Atlas
Sheen Instruments
Testing Machines Inc.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
Tinius Olsen
X-Rite Inc.
(Corporate Headquarters)
825 University Avenue Tensile, adhesion testers
Norwood, MA 02062-2643
Tel.: +1-800-8776674
E-mail: web@instron.com
URL: www.instron.com
14000 Technology Drive Tensile testers for release,
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 tack and peel
Tel.: +1-800-3282255 Specimen cutters, rollers
Fax: +1-952-9374515
E-mail: info@mts.com
URL: www.mts.com
7425 NW Evergreen Parkway UV curing applications
Hillsboro OR 97124 USA
Tel: +1 503 439 6446
Fax: +1 503 439 6408
URL: www.phoseon.com
475 Industrial Drive Ready made test fluids
Hartland, WI 53029 FTM 15
Tel.: +1-262-9127200
+1-888-PILLAR6 (toll free)
Fax: +1-262-9127272
E-mail: info@pillartech.com
URL: www.pillartech.com
3934 Airway Drive Textile testing machines
Rock Hill, SC 29732-9200 Shirlestain
Tel.: +1-803-3292110
Fax: +1-803-3292133
E-mail: info@sdlatlas.com
URL: www.sdlatlas.com
5856 Corporate Ave, Instruments for use in the coating
Suite 220, Cypress, and paint industry, incl. abrasion,
CA 90630 coating thickness, colour match,
Tel.: +1-760-3433650 gloss, hardness, moisture
Email: info@sheeninstruments.com measuring
URL: www.sheeninstruments.com
40 McCullough Drive, Ink rub tester FTM 27
New Castle, DE 19720
Tel.: +1-302-613-5600
+1-800- 6783221 (toll free)
Fax: +1-302-6135619
E-mail: info@testingmachines.com
URL: www.testingmachines.com
81 Wyman Street Viscometers
Waltham, MA 02454
Tel.: +1-781-6221000
+1-800-6785599 (toll free)
Fax: +1-781-6221207
URL: www.thermoscientific.com
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
1065 Easton Road Tensile testers
Horsham, PA 19044-8009
Tel.: +1-215-6757100
Fax: +1-215-4410899
E-mail: info@tiniusolsen.com
URL: www.tiniusolsen.com
4300 44th Street SE X-rite equipment FTM 22
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
Tel.: +1-800-2489748
+1-616-8032100
E-mail: info@xrite.com
URL: www.xrite.com
87
 SECTION 3.4 testing institutes

This is a list of independent testing laboratories/institutes that can carry out specific tests in relation to packaging, food
contact (migration) and other industry areas. Except for IGT-Netherlands and SGS France (= FINAT members) FINAT does
not have any business relations or agreement with them.

belgium

CELABOR, Research and Mr David Berck, M.Sc. All FTMs except for 4, 7 and 19.
(Dept. Manager, Packaging – Raw
Testing Centre materials)
Avenue du Parc 38
B-4650 Herve
Tel. +32-87-322456
Fax +32 -87-341387
E-mail david.berck@celabor.be
URL www.celabor.be

china
Shanghai Rubber Product Mr Jiang Honggui All FTMs except for 4, 7 and 19.
381, PanYu Road
Research Institute 200052 Shanghai
Tel. +86-21–62815008
Fax +86–21-62816790
E-mail webmaster@china-sirp.com
URL www.china-sirp.com

denmark

Eurofins Product Testing Smedeskovvej 38 All FTMs except for 4, 7 and 19.
DK-84y64 Galten
Denmark A.S. Tel. +45-70-224276
Fax +45-70-224275
E-mail product-testing@eurofins.dk
URL www.eurofins.dk
www.dti.dk/
services/#p=23739
(English version)

Dansk Teknologisk Institut Gregersensvej 1 Migration testing

DK-2630 Taastrup
Tel. +45-72-202000
Fax +45-72-202019
E-mail info@dti.dk
URL www.teknologisk.dk/
laboratorier
www.dti.dk
(English version)
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

finland

KCL P.O. Box 70 KCL carries out research in pulping

FIN-02151 Espoo and papermaking. Research
Tel. +358-20-7477100
Fax +358-9-464305
covers the entire process from raw
E-mail kcl@kcl.fi materials to the four-colour printed
URL www.kcl.fi end-product.

88
finland

VTT Technical Research P.O. Box 1000 VTT is an impartial expert

FIN-02044 VTT
Centre of Finland Tel. +358-20-722111
organisation that carries out
Fax +358-29-7227001
technical and techno-economic
E-mail kirjaamo@vtt.fi research and development work. VTT
URL www.vtt.fi also produces information services.

france

Casimir P.O. Box 1000 Migration testing

24,avenue des Landais Polymers, nanomaterials, plastic,
BP 154
63173 AUBIERE Cedex
paper, carton
Tel. +33-4-73288528
Fax +33- 4-73286414
E-mail casimir@casimir.org
URL www.casimir.org

CTP Domaine Universitaire Migration testing

Mrs. Martine Deroche, DG Polymers, nanomaterials, plastic,
(Centre Technique du Papier)
BP 251
F-38044 Grenoble Cedex 9
paper, carton
Tel. +33-4-76154011
Fax +33-4-76154016
E-mail martine.deroche@webCTP.com
URL www.webCTP.com

I.A.N.E.S.C.O. Mrs. Marise Favard Migration testing

(Institut d’Analyses et d’Essais
en Chimie de l’Ouest)
6, rue Carol Heitz, Biopole
BP 90974
F-86038 Poitiers Cedex
Tel. +33-5-49447614
+33-5-49447604 (lab)
E-mail m.favard@ianesco.fr
info@ianesco.fr
URL www.ianesco.fr

Ligépack 27-29 Rue Grémillion Migration testing

F-72000 Le Mans
Tel. +33-2-43289797
Fax +33-2-43281420
E-mail contact@ligepack.com
URL www.ligepack.com

LNE 1 rue Gaston Boissier Migration testing (food contact),

(Laboratoire national de
métrologie et d’essais)
F-75724 Paris cedex calibration tests
Tel. 33-1-40433700
Fax 33-1-40433737
E-mail info@lne.fr
URL www.lne.eu or www.lne.fr
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

SGS - CTS Bat 8, Parc du Golf FTM 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 13, 14,
F-13594 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 3 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 21, 22, 23 25
Tel. +33-4-42977213
Mob. +33-4-11738138
E-mail fabien.mille@sgs.com
URL www.sgsgroup.fr

89
 SECTION
germany
Eurofins Dr. Specht
Laboratorien GmbH
Fabes Forschungs-GmbH
für Analytik und Bewertung von
Stoffübergangen
FOGRA Forschungsgesellschaft
Druck (Graphic Technology Research
Association)
Fraunhofer
Institut für Verfahrenstechnik und
Verpackung IVV
Innoform GmbH Testservice
Institut Kuhlmann GmbH
Institut Nehring GmbH
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
ISEGA GmbH
90
3.4 testing institutes
Grossmoorbogen 25 Migration testing
D-21079 Hamburg
Tel. +49-40-8814480
Fax +49-40-881448101
E-mail specht@eurofins.de
URL www.labor-specht.de
Schragenhofstrasse 35 Migration testing
D-80992 München
Tel. +49-89-149009-50
Fax +49-89-149009-80
E-mail: kontakt@fabes-online.de
URL www.fabes-online.de
Streitfeldstrasse 19 The purpose of the FOGRA is to
D-81673 München promote research into, and the
Tel. +49-89-43182 0 development and application of
Fax +49-89-43182 100 printing technology and to make
E-mail info@fogra.org the result available to the printing
URL www.fogra.org industry.
Process engineering & packaging Migration testing
Giggenhuaser Strasse 35
D-85354 Freising
Tel. +49-8161-4910
Fax +49-8161-491491
E-mail info@ivv.fraunhofer.de
URL www.fraunhofer.de
Matthias Bösel FTM 1, 2
Industriehof 3 Test service provider for film
D-26133 Oldenburg packaging
Tel. +49-441-94986-0 (switchboard) Migration testing
+49-441-9498611
Fax +49-441-94986-29
E-mail info@innoform.de
Matthias.boesel@innoform.de
URL www.innoform.de
Analytik-Zentrum Ludwigshafen FTM 1, 2
Hedwig-Laudien Ring 3 Migration testing (foodstuffs,
D-67061 Ludwigshafen environmental analysis, REACH)
Tel. +49-621-6694490
Fax +49-621-66944999
E-mail labor@institut-kuhlmann.de
URL www.institut-kuhlmann.de
Heesfeld 17 Migration testing, specifically
D-38112 Braunschweig analysis of pesticides in foods and
Tel. +49-531-238990 tobacco
Fax +49-531-2389977
E-mail info@institut-nehring.de
URL www.institut-nehring.de
Zeppelinstraße 3 - 5 ISEGA is an independent testing
D-63741 Aschaffenburg institute with the capability for
Tel. +49-6021-49890 analytical and consulting work in:
Fax +49-6021-498930 • pulp, paper and board
E-mail info@isega.de • plastics
URL www.isega.de • packagings and consumer goods
• colours, lacquers, additives and
other chemicals
germany
PTS Papiertechische Stiftung
(The Paper Technology Specialists)
SGS NATEC
Institut für naturwissenschaftlich-
technische Dienste GmbH
SGS Institut Fresenius GmbH
Wessling Laboratorien GmbH –
Produktanalytik
japan
JCII
(Japan Chemical Innovation and
Inspection Institute)
Chemitox, Inc.
DJK Corporation
Hessstr. 134
D-80797 München
Tel. +49-89-121460 (switchboard)
URL www.ptspaper.de
Pirnaer Straße 37
01809 Heidenau
Tel. +49-352-955160
Fax +49-352-9551899
E-mail irene.pollex@ptspaper.de
URL www.ptspaper.de
Behringstrasse 154
D-22763 Hamburg
Tel. +49-40-883090
Fax +49-40-88309170
E-mail sgsnatec@sgs.com
URL http://natec-institut.de
Im Maisel 14
D-65232 Taunusstein
Tel. +49-6128-7440
Fax +49-6128-7449890
E-mail info@institut-fresenius.de
URL www.institut-fresenius.de
Oststrasse 6
D-48341 Altenberge
Tel. +49-2505-890
Fax +49-2505-89119
E-mail info@wessling.de
URL http://de.wessling-group.com
ITOHPiA hashimoto bldg. 7F Low temperature tests, tensile tests
11-9, Iwamoto-cho 2-chome
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0032
Tel. +81-3-5823-5521
E-mail info@jcii.or.jp
URL www.jcii.or.jp/en/
1-14-18, Kamiikedai, Ohta-ku
Tokyo 145-0064
Tel.: +81-3-37277111
Fax +81-3-27281710
URL www.chemitox.co.jp/eng/
5376-1, Shimo-shinjuku, Kimagase,
Noda-shi, Chiba 270-0222
Tel +81-4-71984111
Fax +81-4-71983358
E-mail info@djklab.com
URL www.djkrc.co.jp
PTS conducts materials tests and
analyses in:
Pulps and recovered paper, coating
pigments, process additives; Paper,
paperboard, Adhesives, films,
composites and coatings; Paper
converting products and paper coating
products; Food microbiological and
food chemistry testing, environmental
compatibility; Water/effluents, sludge,
solid wastes/waste
Migration testing
Migration testing
the security and quality of food,
beverages and consumer products,
REACH
Migration & sensory testing
quality, safety, health and
environmental protection
applications
thermal properties tests, optical
and weathering (light) tests
Weathering, product safety,
photovoltaic modules, static
electricity, tensile strength tests
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Peel adhesion, release force, coat
weight, chemical resistance
91
 SECTION 3.4 testing institutes

japan

IGT Testing Systems K.K. 1229-1, Mawatashi, Sakura-shi, Printability testing, maintenance &
Chiba-ken 285-0804 calibration
Tel. +81-43-3087302
Fax +81-43-3087304
E-mail japan@igt.nl
URL www.igt.nl

netherlands
Hechtingsinstituut Delft Kluyverweg 1 Adhesive bonding tests
2629 HS Delft
Tel +31-015-2785353
Fax +31-015-2787151
E-mail: info@hechtingsinstituut.nl :
URL www.hechtingsinstituut.nl

IGT Testing Systems Keienbergweg 25 CEPI comparative testing,

P.O.box 12688 printability testing, maintenance &
1100 AR Amsterdam calibration
Tel +31-20-4099300
Fax +31-20-6974842
E-mail info@igt.nl
URL www.igt.nl

TNO Tel. +31-88-8660000 (switchboard) REACH Migration service for food

+31088-8660866 (infodesk) contact. Research themes, for TNO
URL www.tno.nl Science and Industry: Equipment
for ultra precise production and
measurement

singapore

IGT Testing Systems Pte. Ltd. Blk. 3 Ang Mo Kio Printability testing, maintenance &
Ind. Park 2A calibration
#05-11 AMK Tech 1
Singapore 568050
Tel. +65 6481 8993
Fax: +65 6481 9685
URL www.igt.nl

spain

BIP Barcelona Institute of Packaging Tel. +34-9-34454437 Packaging testing: chemical

E-mail info@barcelonapackaging.org properties, physical mechanical
URL www.barcelonapackaging.org properties; aging tests; rheological
properties; logistic tests
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

sweden

INNVENTIA Box 5604 STFI carries out research in pulping

Drottning Kristinas väg 61 and papermaking. Research
SE-11486 Stockholm covers the entire process from raw
Tel. +46-8-6767000 materials to the four-colour printed
Fax +46-8-4115518 end-product.
E-mail info@innventia.com
URL www.innventia.com
92
united kingdom
Adhesive Technical Services Beacon Hill Industrial Estate
PO Box 51, Botany Way
Purfleet, Essex RM19 1SY
Tel. +44–1708–867355
Fax +44–1708–869804
E-mail sales@adhtechnical.com
URL www.adhtechnical.com
Element (Materials Technology) Wilbury Way
Hitchin Limited Hitchen, Herts SG4 0TW
Tel. +44-1462-427850
Fax +44-1462-427851
E-mail info.hitchin@element.com
URL www.merl-ltd.co.uk
www.element.com
National Physical Laboratory Hampton Road
Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW
Tel. +44-20-89773222
Fax +44-20-89436458
E-mail enquiry@npl.co.uk or physics and materials science.
measurement_services@npl.co.uk
URL www.npl.co.uk
Smithers PIRA Cleeve Road
Testing Services Europe Leatherhead
Surrey, KT22 7RU
Tel. +44-1372-802000
Fax +44-1372-802079
E-mail testingservices@pira.co.uk
URL www.smitherspira.com
Smithers Rapra Shawbury
Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4NR
Tel. +44-193 9393357
Fax +44-1939-251118
E-mail info@smithers.com
URL www.rapra.net
usa
Adherent Laboratories Inc. 3804 Dunlap Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55112
Tel. +1- 651-4821264
E-mail info@adherentlabs.com
URL www.adherentlabs.com
Adhesive, label and tape testing
according to FINAT, AFERA, PSTC,
PSMA and ASTM.
Agents for Cheminstruments
Accelerated ageing,
expertise in elastomers,
thermoplastics, composites and
structural adhesives in diverse
applications and industries.
Services include independent
consultancy, mechanical testing,
chemical exposure testing, FEA,
rubber compound development,
inspection, test equipment and
software design.
NPL maintains world-class
metrology facilities and offers
calibration services with the
highest available accuracy in
FTM 1, 2, 3, 9
Food contact testing
Adhesive and label tests
Smithers Rapra is an independent
plastics and rubber consultancy.
Rapra provides comprehensive
consultancy, technology and
information services for the
polymer industry and industries
using plastics and rubber in any
component, product or production
process.
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Product development, consulting
and testing laboratory specialising
in adhesives, sealants, coating and
material science.
93
 SECTION 3.4 testing institutes

usa

Brookfield Engineering 11 Commerce Boulevard Viscosity, Texture Analysis and

Laboratories Middleboro, MA 02346 U.S.A. Powder Flow
Tel. +1-508-9466200
+1-800-6288139 (toll free)
Fax +1-508-9466262
E-mail web.sales@
brookfieldengineering.com
URL www.brookfieldengineering.com

ChemInstruments, Inc. 510 Commercial Drive
Fairfield OH 45014
Tel. +1-513-8601598
Fax +1-513-8601597
URL www.chemsultants.com
Chemsultants, Inc. Chemsultants, Inc.
9079 Tyler bvd
Mentor OH 44060
Tel. +1-440-9743080
Fax +1-440-9743081
URL www.chemsultants.com
FTM 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 9, 10, 11, 13, 14,
15,18, 21, 24
Chemsultants International
Network is a source for contract
research, laboratory testing,
pilot coating, consulting, test
instruments and hands-on
seminars.

IGT Testing Systems Inc. Arlington Center Printability testing,

543 West Golf Road maintenance & calibration
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Tel. +1-847-9522448
Fax +1-847-9522449
E-mail usa@igt.nl
URL www.igt.nl

Smithers Pira 19 Northbrook Drive FTM 1, 2, 3, 9

Portland, Maine 04105
Tel. 1-207-7819800
Fax 1-207-7812150
E-mail mkuebler@smithers.com
URL www.smitherspira.com
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

94

tesa test tapes product information
and worldwide addresses
tesa® 4104 transparent
Transparent filmic packaging tape
Productinformation
tesa® 4104 is a premium packaging
tape based on a PVC-film backing
and a natural rubber adhesive It
shows excellent performance on
all kind of cardboards and secures
a safe closure. The natural rubber
adhesive system is designed to
show best results for applications
on different kind of surfaces.
Main Application
• sealing small boxes (card-board or plastic)
• sealing tins and bags
• sealing of cartons of medium to heavy-range weight.
Technical Data
• Backing material - PVC film
• Total thickness - 65 µm
• Type of adhesive - natural rubber
• Adhesion to steel - 2.3 N/cm
• Elongation at break - 60%
• Tensile strength - 60 N/cm
Additional Info
tesa® 4104 is easily printable.
tesa® 7475 pv2
Productinformation
tesa® 7475 has been successfully
deployed for many years, both when
it comes to assessing the release
properties of silicone coatings
(FINAT 10 or similar) and testing the
curing of silicone coatings (FINAT
11 or similar). For a comprehensive
characterization of release properties
it is recommended to use both tesa®
7475 (acrylic adhesive) and tesa®
7476 (natural rubber adhesive).
Main Application
• Characterization of silicone coatings
Technical Data
• Backing material - PET film
• Type of adhesive - acrylic
• Type of liner - glassine
• Shelf life time - 24 months
3.5
SECTION
tesa® 7476
test tapes for the characterisation of silicone coatings
Productinformation
tesa® 7475 and 7476 are especially
designed for the characterisation of
silicone coated liners.
A typical test method represents
FINAT 10 and FINAT 11.
For a comprehensive characterisation
of release properties it is
recommended to use both tapes.
tesa® 7475 features a typical modified a crylic adhesive to
record the interaction of a silicone and an acrylic adhesive.
Additionally it shows a significant interaction with SiH
Groups for measurement of the grade of curing of a silicone
by measuring the subsequent adhesion according FINAT 11.
tesa® 7476 features a typical rubber adhesive to
characterise the interaction between a silicone and a
rubber adhesive.
Both tapes feature a significant adhesion even to
easy-release silicone coatings to provide reproducible
measurements.
Main Application
• Test tapes for the characterisation of silicone coatings
Technical Data
• Backing material - cotton cloth
• Type of adhesive - natural rubber
• Type of liner - glassine
• Shelf life time - 12 months
latest information
tesa® 4104 - http://l.tesa.com/?ip=04104
tesa® 7475 - http://l.tesa.com/?ip=07475
tesa® 7476 - http://l.tesa.com/?ip=07476
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
For the latest information on these
test tapes visit www.tesa.com
95

SECTION
AFGHANISTAN
tesa Export
Quickbornstraße 24
20253 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Manager: Jakob Ravn
ALL AFRICAN COUNTRIES
tesa Export
Quickbornstraße 24
20253 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Manager: Jakob Ravn
ARGENTINA
tesa tape Argentina S.R.L.
Av. Del Libertador 6966 5° B
(C1429BMP)
Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires
Argentina
Phone: +54 (11) 47811846
Fax: +54 (11) 47869107
www.tesatape.com.br
Manager: Antonio Marques
AUSTRALIA
tesa tape Australia Pty. Ltd.
Unit 8, 2 Southridge Street,
Eastern Creek NSW 2766,
Sydney
Phone: +61 (2) 98303929
Fax: +61 (2) 98303928
Manager: Gary Robinson
AUSTRIA
tesa GmbH
Laxenburger Str. 151
1100 Wien
Phone: +43 (1) 614000
Fax: +43 (1) 61400455
www.tesa.at
Manager: Gabriele Kosar
BAHRAIN
tesa Export
Quickbornstraße 24
20253 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
Fax: +49 (40) 4909 2265
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Manager: Jakob Ravn
BELGIUM
tesa sa-nv
Chaussée de Ruisbroek, 76
Ruisbroeksesteenweg, 76
1180 Bruxelles
Phone: +32 (2) 5250811
Fax: +32 (2) 5250833
www.tesa.be
Manager: Ferdy Denie
96
3.5
tesa test tapes product information
and worldwide addresses
BRAZIL CHINA CROATIA
tesa Brasil Ltda. - Curitiba tesa tape (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd. tesa tape Kft.
Ave. João Gualberto, No. 1259 - 18th Floor Room 1002-03, Zhongzhou Trading Representative Office
Centro Empresarial Lais Peretti Center, No. 1008, Xin Gang East Road, Tijardoviceva 8
Alto da Gloria Haizhu District, Huangzhou 510335 10.000 Zagreb
80030-000 Phone: +86 (20) 89300200 Phone: +385 (1) 3882929
Curitiba-PR Fax: +86 (20) 89300201 Fax: +385 (1) 3882929
Phone: +55 (41) 30218100 Manager: Dick Li Manager: Gyula Behumi
Fax: +55 (41) 30218110
www.tesatape.com.br
Manager: Antonia Marques
CHINA CZECH REP.
tesa tape (Hong Kong) Ltd. tesa tape s.r.o.
The gate way tower 2, Suite 712, Pekarská 14
BULGARIA 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Kowloon, 155 00 Praha 5
tesa tape A.E. Hongkong Phone: +420 (296) 824546
Representative Office Phone: +852 (2) 25839980 Fax: +420 (296) 824549
2, Agiou Nektariou Str. Fax: +852 (2) 25839244 www.tesa-tape.cz
GR-153 44 Gerakas / Attiki Manager: Dick Li Manager: Tomas Kuska
Phone: +30 (210) 6600290
Fax: +30 (210) 6610657
Manager: Kostas Theodoropoulos
CHINA DENMARK
tesa tape (Shanghai) Co., Ltd tesa A/S
No.1, 2500 Lane Xiu Pu Road, Klintehøj Vaenge 12
CHILE Pudong Shanghai 3460 Birkerød
tesa tape Chile S.A. Phone: +86 (27) 68183110 Phone: +45 (45) 998200
Av. Presidente Riesco 5561. Oficina 1104 Fax: +86 (27) 68183860 Fax: +45 (45) 810145
Las Condes, Santiago Manager: Dick Li www.tesa.dk
Phone: +56 (2) 3693600 Manager: Steve Plastow
Fax: +56 (2) 3693699
www.tesa.cl
Manager: David Paz CHINA
tesa tape (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd ESTONIA
Room 11f, Jingyun Century tesa A/S Estonia
Mansion , No.6033 Shennan Street, Sepise 1
CHINA Futian District, Shenzhen 518040 11415 Tallinn
tesa (Suzhou) Co., Ltd Phone: +86 (755) 33958620 Phone: +372 (640) 1366
Room 1716, Century Fiernancial Tower, Fax: +86 (755) 33958621 Fax: +372 (640) 1359
No.1 West Suzhoudadao, Suzhou Manager: Dick Li www.tesa.dk
Industrial Park, Jiangsu 215021 Manager: Sergei Pljassunov
Phone: +86 (512) 62965613
Fax: +86 (512) 62965693
Manager: Mr. Dick Li CHINA
tesa Tape (Tianjin) Co., Ltd FINLAND
Room 11D1 Building A, DaAn Mansion, tesa Oy
No.41, Friendship Road, HeXi Dist, Puutarhakatu 53
CHINA Tianjin 300211 20100 Turku
tesa tape (Beijing) Co. Ltd. Phone: +86 (22) 28362660 Phone: +358 (2) 2103400
Room A704, Zhengjia Mansion, Fax: +86 (22) 28361990 Fax: +358 (2) 4103291
No.7, Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang Manager: Dick Li www.tesa.dk
District, Beijing, 100024 Manager: Steve Plastow
Phone: +86 (10) 85931022
Fax: +86 (10) 85931021
Manager: Dick Li CHINA
tesa Tape (Wuhan) Co., Ltd FRANCE
Room 710, 7/F New World Centre, tesa s.a.s.
Tower A, Hangkong Road, Jiefang La Croix du Sud - ZAC CARRE SENART
CHINA Avenue, Wuhan 430022 2 Allée de la Mixité
tesa tape (Changchun) Co. Ltd. Phone: +86 (27) 68838713 77127 Lieusaint
Room 1101, Fax: +86 (27) 68838710 Phone: +33 (1) 78482000
ZhongTian Mansion No. 2066, Manager: Dick Li Fax: +33 (1) 78482001
Puyang Street, Lvyuan Dist, www.tesa.fr
Changchun 130062 Manager: Bruno Derouet
Phone: +86 (431) 87060978
Fax: +86 (431) 87060986 COLOMBIA
Manager: Dick Li tesa tape Colombia Ltda.
Calle 67 Norte #7N-59 piso 3 GREECE
Barrio Menga tesa tape A.E.
CALI - Valle del Cauca 2, Agiou Nektariou Str.
CHINA Servicio al cliente: 018000 950505 GR-153 44 Gerakas / Attiki
tesa tape (Chongqin) Co., Ltd Phone: +57 (2) 6878484 Phone: +30 (210) 6600290
Room1103, Tower, No. 38, Jianxin North Fax: +57 (2) 6878475 Fax: +30 (210) 6610657
Road, Jiangbei District, Chongqing Manager: Juan Carlos Sarassa www.tesa.gr
40020 Manager: Kostas Theodoropoulos
Fax: +86 (23) 67612062
Manager: Dick Li
GUATEMALA
tesa tape Centro América S.A.
Diagonal 6, 10-50 Zona 10
Edificio Interamericas WFC
Torre Norte nivel 12, oficina 1202
Guatemala, C.A.
Phone: +502 (2) 2449100
Fax: +502 (2) 2449191
Manager: Carlos Blanco
HUNGARY
tesa tape Kft.
2040 Budaörs
Szabadság út 117.
Phone: +36 (23) 814154
Fax: +36 (23) 814160
www.tesa.hu
Manager: Gyula Behumi
INDIA
tesa Tapes (India) Pvt. Ltd.
301, 3rd Floor, Lakhani Centrium,
Plot No 27, Sec 15, CBD Belapur,
Navi Mumbai - 400614
Maharashtra
Phone: +91 (22) 47419200
Fax: +91 (22) 47419299
Manager: Venkatesh Inamdar
INDONESIA
tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
11th Floor, Suite A, Perwata Tower
CBD Pluit, Jl Pluit Selatan Raya
Jakarta Utara 14440
Phone: +62 (21) 66672978
Fax: +62 (21) 66672985
Manager: Tanaka Takafumi
IRAN
tesa Export
Quickbornstraße 24
20253 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Manager: Jakob Ravn
IRAQ
tesa Export
Quickbornstraße 24
20253 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Manager: Jakob Ravn
ISRAEL
tesa Export
Quickbornstraße 24
20253 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Manager: Jakob Ravn
ITALY JORDAN MEXICO
tesa SpA tesa Export tesa tape México
Via L. Cadorna 69 Quickbornstraße 24 Av. Santa Fe No. 170
20090 Vimodrone (Milano) 20253 Hamburg German Centre P 6-3-3
Phone: +39 (02) 25010811 Germany Col. Lomas de Santa Fe
Fax: +39 (02) 25010841 Phone: +49 (40) 49094095 D.F. C.P. 01210
Manager: Matteo Martinelli Fax: +49 (40) 49092265 Phone: +52 (55) 52926978
Manager: Jakob Ravn www.tesatape.com
Manager: Fernando Cruz
JAPAN
tesa tape K.K. KOREA
8F, Shirokanetakanawa Station Bldg. tesa tape Korea Ltd. NETHERLANDS
1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku City Air Tower 159-9, Room 1805 tesa BV
Tokyo 108-0072 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu Stationsplein 3-1
Phone: +81 (3) 68332300 Seoul 135-973 1211 EX Hilversum
Fax: +81 (3) 34737440 Korea Phone: +31 (35) 6250200
www.tesa.jp Phone: +822 (569) 8451 Fax: +31 (35) 6250240
Manager: Andreas Walkembach Fax: +822 (569) 8455 www.tesa.nl
Manager: Detlev Radloff Manager: Ferdy Denie
JAPAN
tesa tape K.K. (Nagoya) KUWAIT NEW ZEALAND
7F, arex Bldg, tesa Export tesa tape New Zealand Ltd.
1-4-12, Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya- Quickbornstraße 24 PO Box 33-121
shi, 20253 Hamburg Takapuna, 0740
Aichi-ken 460-0002 Germany Auckland
Phone: +81 (52) 2234511 Phone: +49 (40) 49094095 Phone: +64 (0800) 837269
Fax: +81 (52) 2234512 Fax: +49 (40) 49092265 Fax: +64 (0800) 837267
www.tesa.jp Manager: Jakob Ravn Manager: Gary Robinson
Manager: Andreas Walkembach
LATVIA NORWAY
JAPAN tesa A/S tesa AS
tesa tape K.K. (Osaka) Vienibas gatve 109 Karihaugveien 89
4F, Risoshinosaka Bldg, 4-3-7-Miyahara, LV 1058, Riga 1086 Oslo
Yodogawa-ku. Osaka-shi, Phone: +371 (679) 30180 Phone: +47 (22) 907979
Osaka-fu 532-0003 Fax: +371 (679) 30179 Fax: +47 (22) 300376
Phone: +81 (6) 63965811 www.tesa.dk www.tesa.dk
Fax: +81 (6) 63967648 Manager: Andris Kranevskis Manager: Steve Plastow
www.tesa.jp
Manager: Andreas Walkembach
LEBANON OMAN
tesa Export tesa Export
JAPAN Quickbornstraße 24 Quickbornstraße 24
tesa tape K.K. 20253 Hamburg 20253 Hamburg
Technical Center (tTC) Germany Germany
10F, Shirokanetakanawa Station Bldg Phone: +49 (40) 49094095 Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku Fax: +49 (40) 49092265 Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Tokyo 108-0072 Manager: Jakob Ravn Manager: Jakob Ravn
Phone: +81 (3) 68332321
Fax: +81 (3) 54235753
www.tesa.jp
Manager: Andreas Walkembach LITHUANIA PAKISTAN
tesa A/S tesa Export
V.Gerulaicio str.1 Quickbornstraße 24
08200 Vilnius 20253 Hamburg
JAPAN Lithuania Germany
tesa tape K.K. Warehouse Phone: +370 (5) 2191555 Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
C/O Japan transcity Corp, Fax: +370 (5) 2191554 Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
1221 Minamibansyu, Mitsubuchi, www.tesa.dk Manager: Jakob Ravn
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |
Komaki-shi, Aichi-ken 485-0075 Manager: Stasys Jonynas
Phone: +81 (568) 427161
Fax: +81 (6) 63967648
www.tesa.jp PHILIPPINES
Manager: Andreas Walkembach MALAYSIA tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
tesa tape (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Rep. Office Philippines
No 49, Jalan P10/21 164 Gul Circle
Taman Industri Selaman, Seksyen 10 Singapore 629621
43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Phone: +65 (68) 612026
West Malaysia Fax: +65 (68) 612361
Phone: +60 (3) 89273010 Manager: Tanaka Takafumi
Fax: +60 (3) 89273028
Manager: Tanaka Takafumi
97
 3.5
tesa test tapes product information
and worldwide addresses
SECTION
POLAND SLOVENIA TAIWAN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
tesa tape Sp. z o.o. tesa tape d.o.o. tesa tape (Hong Kong) Ltd. - tesa Middle East
ul. Gnieznienska 32 Pot k sejmiscu 30 Taiwan Branch Office No.: LOB 15-604C
61-021 Poznan 1231 Lj.-Crnuce 9F-1, 3, Sec 1 Min Sheng Road Jebel Ali Free Zone,
Phone: +48 (61) 8746147 Phone: +386 (1) 5602409 Panchiao 220, Taipei Hsien PO Box 261534
Fax: +48 (61) 8746019 Fax: +386 (1) 5602415 22069 Taiwan Dubai, United Arab Emirates
www.tesa.pl www.tesa.si Phone: +886 (2) 29579662 Phone: +971 (4) 8808933
Manager: Tomasz Badyda Manager: Gylua Behumi Fax: +886 (2) 29579433 Mobile: +971 (5) 54056706
Manager: Dick Li Manager: Richard Dunn

PORTUGAL SOUTH AFRICA

tesa Portugal, Lda.
Rua Soeiro Pereira Gomes, 59
Queluz de Baixo, Apartado 87
PT 2746-901 Queluz
Phone: +351 (21) 4349600
Fax: +351 (21) 4351499
www.tesa.pt
Manager: Jordi Senespleda
tesa SA TAIWAN
21 Lighthouse Drive tesa tape (Taiwan) Co., Ltd
Umhlanga Rocks 4319 9F-1, No.3, Sec. 1 Mingsheng Rd,
South Africa Panchiao Dist, New Taipei City 220,
Phone: +27 (31) 2678534 22069 Taiwan
Mobile: +27 (82) 9084752 Phone: +8 (52) 25839980
Manager: Stuart Gannon Fax: +8 (52) 25989244
Manager: Mr. Dick Li
UNITED KINGDOM
tesa UK Ltd.
Yeomans Drive, Blakelands
Milton Keynes, Bucks MK 14 5LS
Phone: +44 (1) 908 211333
Fax: +44 (1) 908 211555
www.tesa.co.uk
Manager: Stephen Hauber

SPAIN
QATAR tesa tape S.A. THAILAND USA
tesa Export Ctra. de Mataró a Granollers, P. Km. 5,4 tesa tape Thailand Limited tesa tape inc.
Quickbornstraße 24 08310 Argentona 1858/80, 17th Floor, Nation Tower 800 W. El Camino Real - Suite 180
20253 Hamburg Phone: +34 (93) 7583300 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangna Bangna Mountain View, CA 94040
Germany Fax: +34 (93) 7583444 Bangkok 10260 electronics.tesa.com
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095 www.tesatape.es Phone: +66 (2) 751 4025 to 4029
Fax: +49 (40) 49092265 Manager: Jordi Senespleda Fax: +66 (2) 7514030
Manager: Jakob Ravn Manager: Tanaka Takafumi
VIETNAM
tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
SRI LANKA Unit 705A, 7th Floor, Me Linh Point Tower
ROMANIA tesa Export TURKEY No. 2 Ngo Duc Ke Street
tesa tape SRL Quickbornstraße 24 tesa Bant Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. District 1
str.Observatorului , nr.113A, etaj 1, 20253 Hamburg Merdivenköy Mah. Bora Sokak No:1 Ho Chi Minh City
Cluj-Napoca, 400363 Germany Nida Kule Göztepe K:4 Phone: +84 (8) 823 7850 Ext 2805 &
Romania Phone: +49 (40) 49094095 34732 Kadıköy İstanbul 2806
Phone: +40 (364) 401140 Fax: +49 (40) 49092265 Phone: +90 (216) 5789000 Fax: +84 (8) 8237840
Fax: +40 (364) 401141 Manager: Jakob Ravn Fax: +90 (216) 5789001 Manager: Tanaka Takafumi
www.tesatape.ro www.tesabant.com.tr
Manager: Magnus Becker Manager: Mete Konuralp

SWEDEN VIETNAM
tesa AB tesa tape Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
RUSSIA Box 10275 TURKEY Unit 210, 2nd Floor, V-Tower
tesa tape OOO 434 23 Kungsbacka tesa scribos Turkey 649 Kim Ma Street, BaDinh District
Shabolovka 10, Building 2 Phone: +46 (300) 55350 Merdivenköy Mah. Bora Sokak No:1 Hanoi
119049 Moscow Fax: +46 (300) 19494 Nida Kule Göztepe K:4 Phone: +84 (4) 7667800
Phone: +7 (495) 2584024 www.tesa.dk 34732 Kadıköy İstanbul Fax: +84 (4) 7667801
Fax: +7 (495) 7923245 Manager: Steve Plastow Phone: +90 (216) 5789000 Manager: Tanaka Takafumi
www.tesatape.ru Fax: +90 (216) 5789001
Manager: Audrius Petryla www.tesa-scribos.com
Manager: Ms. Tuba Olak
SWITZERLAND YEMEN
tesa tape Schweiz AG tesa Export
SAUDI ARABIA Industriestr. 19 Quickbornstraße 24
tesa Export 8962 Bergdietikon UKRAINE 20253 Hamburg
Quickbornstraße 24 Phone: +41 (44) 7443444 Representative Office Germany
20253 Hamburg Fax: +41 (44) 7412672 tesa tape KFT Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
Germany www.tesa.ch 104 Saksaganskogo street Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Phone: +49 (40) 49094095 Manager: Claus Grobe Office 4 Manager: Jakob Ravn
Fax: +49 (40) 49092265 Kyiv 01032
FINAT TECHNICAL HANDBOOK 2014 |

Manager: Jakob Ravn Phone: +380 (44) 2357692

Fax: +380 (44) 2341810
SYRIA Manager: Sebastian Sattler
tesa Export
SLOVAKIA Quickbornstraße 24
tesa tape s.r.o. - organizacna 20253 Hamburg
zlozka Slovensko Germany
Riznerova 5 Phone: +49 (40) 49094095
81101 Bratislava Fax: +49 (40) 49092265
Phone: +421 (257) 101620 Manager: Jakob Ravn
Fax: +421 (257) 101600
www.tesa.sk
Manager: Tomas Kuska

98
World-wide Association for self-adhesive labels and related products
P.O. Box 85612
2508 CH The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (70) 312 39 10
Fax: +31 (70) 363 63 48
E-mail: info@finat.com
Internet: www.finat.com