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Adhesives

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  1. Adhesives

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    Adhesives create a strong bond between two or more surfaces, allowing them to stick together. Generally, they function through a combination of physical and chemical mechanisms. In many cases, these substances fill in the tiny irregularities present in the material exteriors. Meanwhile, some are intended to chemically react with the surfaces with which they come into touch.

    This article will explore the basics of adhesive substances, encompassing their various types and essential considerations when choosing the most suitable kind.

    Types of Adhesives

    Different adhesive substances are available, each intended for specific applications and materials. The selection process usually considers the materials to be bonded, the bond strength, environmental conditions, and the preferred curing method. Below are some of the commonly used and popular types:

    Acrylic

    Acrylics cure relatively quickly at room temperature, allowing for efficient production and assembly processes. This makes them suitable for both porous and non-porous surfaces. They also offer good resistance to many chemicals, oils, and solvents.

    Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue)

    Super glue is a fast-acting material that joins when it comes into contact with surface moisture. It is excellent for bonding small parts, plastic, rubber, metal, and non-porous materials. Although super glue may make strong, clean connections, it may not work well under heavy loads or extreme temperatures.

    Epoxy

    Epoxy is well-known for its adaptability and high-performance bonding properties. It is made up of two main components: resin and hardener. When these are combined in the proper ratio, a chemical reaction occurs. This results in the development of a strong and long-lasting bond.

    Polyurethane (PU)

    PU adhesives offer excellent flexibility and elongation properties. This allows them to endure movements and vibrations without losing integrity, making them ideal for applications requiring flexibility. They provide strong bonds on various materials, including metals, plastics, wood, concrete, and composites.

    Pressure-Sensitive

    Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) adhere when light pressure is applied and are commonly used in tapes, labels, and sticky notes. They also provide instant bonding and are easy to use without heat, water, or solvents.

    Silicone

    Silicone sealants have exceptional electrical insulating properties and are highly resistant to water and moisture. They are widely used in the construction industry for sealing gaps and joints in windows, doors, and other building components. They are also utilized in weatherproofing applications.

    Factors To Consider During Adhesive Selection

    Selecting the right adhesive for a particular application ensures a strong and durable bond. The following are several factors should be carefully considered during the selection process:

    Substrate Materials

    Understanding the composition and surface characteristics of the materials to be bonded is critical. For instance, porous materials have small pores that absorb liquids or gases. Hence, the sealant must be able to penetrate these voids and create a strong bond within the substrate. Conversely, it must bond through mechanical or chemical interlocking for non-porous materials.

    Bond Strength Requirements

    Different applications demand varying levels of bond strength to ensure the reliability and longevity of the bonded assembly. High-strength sealants are needed in the construction, aerospace, and automotive industries to provide exceptional force for significant loads and stresses. Meanwhile, certain applications involve materials that experience frequent movement or vibration. For such situations, more flexible bonds are necessary to accommodate these forces without causing the assembly to break.

    Environmental Conditions

    Environmental factors can significantly impact the adhesive’s properties, longevity, and effectiveness. For example, some substances may lose flexibility in high-temperature environments, while others may become brittle in low-temperature conditions. In addition, moisture-sensitive sealants may experience reduced bond strength or slow curing when exposed to high humidity.

    Curing Time and Process

    The curing time is the duration required for the adhesive to reach its full strength and develop a robust bond. Rapid-curing substances offer shorter assembly times as they achieve sufficient force quickly. On the other hand, the curing process refers to the chemical or physical changes that occur after the sealant is applied.

    Other factors to consider during the selection process include the following:

    • Application method
    • Service life and longevity
    • Ease of use
    • Cost

    Strata-Tac for High-Quality Adhesive Coating Services

    At Strata-Tac, we take pride in our advanced capabilities to produce various adhesive coatings, ensuring our customers receive high-quality services. Our state-of-the-art facility has multiple coating lines and methods, enabling us to precisely and efficiently cater to different application needs. We boast two cutting-edge 61-inch reverse and offset gravure coating lines and a 40-inch UV coating line.

    Contact us or request a quote to get started!

  2. Release Liners

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    The need for high-quality paper and film liners has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced industrial landscape. These versatile materials are crucial in various fields, such as packaging, printing, automotive, and electronics. With a diverse range catering to different needs, businesses can ensure that their products are protected, functional, and visually appealing.

    This blog explores the various types of silicone coated liners, their customization options, and how to choose the right liner for your needs.

    Liner Types

    There are two main types of liners. These include the following:

    Paper Liners

    This liner type is essential in many industries, offering the benefits of strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. They are commonly used in packaging, label printing, and other applications requiring a reliable and durable material.

    Paper liners come in various types such as kraft, clay-coated, and glassine each with unique properties and applications. Kraft types are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for heavy-duty packaging. On the other hand, clay-coated variants offer a smooth surface for high-quality printing.

    Two notable Kraft types are SCK and CCK. Super Calendered Kraft paper (SCK) is utilized for labels in the United States. It provides excellent durability and strength, making it a preferred choice for heavy-duty packaging needs. On the other hand, Clay Coated Kraft paper (CCK), also referred to as coated paper, has a smooth surface that is ideal for producing high-quality printing results.

    Some paper liners are specifically designed with laser printers, offering excellent print quality and resistance to heat and moisture. These are ideal for precise, high-resolution printing applications, such as product labels and marketing materials.

    Paper liners are also compatible with hot melt coating. This process involves applying adhesive to a paper liner, enabling it to bond with materials like films or foils. Paper types are suitable for hot melt coating on the press and essential for industries requiring strong, flexible, and heat-resistant materials.

    Film Liners

    Film liner types are another popular option for industries requiring a more robust and durable material. They are typically used in applications requiring moisture resistance, high strength, and excellent dimensional stability.

    This type comes in various material options, such as polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Polyester film liners are often used in electronics due to their excellent dielectric properties. Meanwhile, polypropylene ones are known for their chemical resistance and low moisture absorption.

    Various thickness options also allow businesses to choose the most suitable variant. Thicker ones offer better protection and durability, while thinner ones are more flexible and lightweight. Similar to paper liners, films are printable and enable businesses to create visually appealing products and packaging. They can be used for labels, promotional materials, and package decoration.

    Customization Options

    Businesses can tailor liners to their industry requirements, ensuring their products meet the highest quality and functionality standards. Some common customization options include:

    • Printability: Both types can be made printable, allowing for the creation of custom labels, packaging, and promotional materials.
    • Coatings: We take silicone coated liners, both papers and films, and offer a large variety of release levels for different applications.
    • Adhesives: By incorporating adhesives, these can bond different materials together, creating multi-layered products with unique properties.

    Choosing the Right Liner for Your Needs

    Selecting the ideal liner for your specific needs can be a challenging process. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

    Assess Your Requirements

    Start by identifying the specific needs of your project or business. Consider factors such as strength, flexibility, moisture resistance, and printability when evaluating liner options.

    Compare Industry Standards

    Familiarize yourself with industry standards and best practices for the type of liner you need. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your chosen liner meets the necessary quality requirements.

    Consult With Experts

    If you’re unsure which liner suits your needs, seeking professional guidance is always a good idea. Experts can help you evaluate your options and recommend the ideal liner for your project.

    Enhance Your Products With Custom Liners From Strata-Tac

    Discover the perfect liner solution for your business with Strata-Tac, a leader in providing high-quality paper and film liners tailored to your needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the right custom or stock liner solution. Whether it’s a printable film liner for eye-catching labels or a durable paper liner for heavy-duty packaging, we’ve got you covered!

    Request a quote today and experience the difference a tailored liner solution can make for your business.

  3. Filmic Facestocks

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    Click to ExpandFilmic-Facestocks-scaled

    Filmic facestocks, also known as film label stock, are synthetic labels that offer several advantages over traditional paper labels. For instance, they are highly versatile and can be used for multiple applications, such as product identification, branding, and promotional labeling. Due to their superior print quality and durability, these materials are widely used in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

    Several factors must be considered when selecting the perfect film label stock for your project. This article will discuss what to look for in film label stocks to help you make an informed decision.

    Factors To Consider When Choosing Film Label Stock

    Here are the key considerations when selecting filmic facestocks:

    1. Material Type

    Filmic facestocks are available in various materials, including polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl. Each has unique characteristics, such as flexibility, chemical resistance, and tear strength. Therefore, when selecting the material type, consider the specific needs of your labeling project.

    2. Adhesive Type

    Adhesives can vary in strength, permanence, and application temperature. A permanent adhesive is ideal for labeling products that require long-term durability, while a removable adhesive is better suited for temporary labeling needs. The surface of the product being labeled and the intended use of the label should also be considered when selecting the right adhesive type.

    3. Print Method

    Filmic facestocks can be printed using various methods, such as flexographic, digital, or thermal transfer printing. Each print method has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to select the right approach based on label design, print quality, and cost-effectiveness.

    4. Environment

    Labels used in harsh environments — such as extreme temperatures, humidity, or chemical exposure — require materials that can withstand these conditions without fading or deteriorating. For instance, labels used in food and beverage applications must comply with FDA regulations and be resistant to moisture and oil.

    5. Cost

    Film label stock costs are generally higher than paper labels due to their durability and high print quality. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the overall financial demands of the labeling project to ensure that it fits within the budget. This could include the expenditure for the label material, printing, and application.

    6. Color and Design

    The color and design of a label can impact its effectiveness in conveying information or capturing attention. Film label stock offers various color options and can incorporate intricate designs and graphics. Thus, selecting a color and design that aligns with the brand image and stands out on the product is essential.

    7. Storage and Handling

    Filmic facestocks have specific storage and handling requirements to maintain quality and durability. For instance, exposure to high temperatures or humidity can affect the adhesive and cause label failure. Hence, following the manufacturer’s storage and handling instructions is crucial to ensure the labels perform optimally.

    Choose Strata-Tac for a Top-Quality Filmic Facestocks

    Looking for high-quality adhesive solutions that can be tailored to your specific needs? Strata-Tac is the perfect partner for you! We specialize in providing customized pressure-sensitive self-adhesive products and boast over 25 years of experience in the industry.

    Our team of experts will work closely with you to create the ideal solution for your specific needs. Whether you require a custom product or one of our stock items, you can trust our commitment to quality and integrity to deliver your needs.

    Contact us or request a quote and experience the difference that true expertise and quality can make!

  4. Top Coating

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    Click to ExpandTop Coating

    Top coating involves applying a thin layer of coating onto a material to enhance its printability. More specifically, it allows non-printable materials to receive inks, dyes, or pigments effectively. By modifying the material’s surface properties, top coats ensure that the printing substances adhere properly and create high-quality prints.

    This article will delve deeper into the types of top coating and the factors to consider when selecting the appropriate one for your application.

    Types of Top Coats

    The following are the most common types of top coats available for various applications:

    Laser Coating

    Laser coating is one of Strata-Tac’s best-selling coatings, specially designed for laser printing applications. This high-performance coating uses laser technology to ensure excellent print quality, sharpness, and clarity. It enables precise toner adhesion and enhances the overall appearance of the printed materials.

    Thermal Transfer Coating

    Thermal transfer coating is designed for thermal transfer printing, producing high-quality labels, barcodes, and tags. These coatings ensure efficient ink transfer and strong wax or resin-based ink adhesion during printing, resulting in long-lasting prints.

    Flexographic Coating

    The flexographic coating is essential for packaging materials, labels, and newspapers. It enhances ink adhesion, reduces dot gain, and enables precise printing. This specialized coating ensures vibrant and accurate prints on diverse substrates such as paper, cardboard, and plastic films.

    Inkjet Coating

    The inkjet coating is formulated for inkjet printing, commonly used in home, office, and commercial settings. It optimizes ink absorption, prevents feathering or bleeding, and promotes fast drying of the printed image. In addition, these coatings ensure sharp and accurate prints with vibrant colors.

    Other Coatings for Inks, Dyes, or Pigments

    Various coatings are available to enhance compatibility between materials and specific inks, dyes, or pigments. These coatings are tailored to different printing technologies and applications, ensuring optimal ink adhesion, vibrant color reproduction, and long-lasting prints on other materials.

    Factors To Consider in Selecting the Right Top Coating for Your Printing Needs

    When it comes to selecting the appropriate top coating for your printing needs, consider the following factors to make an informed choice:

    Compatibility

    Different top coatings are formulated for compatibility with specific printing processes and substrates, so matching them is crucial for achieving optimal results.

    Desired Functionality

    Define the specific functionalities you require from the top coating. Identifying your desired functionalities will enable you to select one that aligns precisely with your requirements.

    Surface Finish

    Depending on the intended visual effect, you may prefer a matte or glossy appearance. Certain top coatings offer options for achieving different surface finishes, allowing you to customize the aesthetic appeal of your prints.

    Environmental Factors

    Selecting a top coating that provides effective protection is vital if your prints will be exposed to UV radiation, moisture, or abrasion. This ensures that your materials will maintain durability and resilience over the long term.

    Application Method

    Some top coatings may require specific application methods or specialized equipment. Therefore, assess whether these requirements align with your operational setup to ensure seamless integration.

    Utilizing One Quality Coating for Multiple Print Types

    When considering top coatings for your printing needs, it’s worth noting that a high-quality coating can often be used across multiple print types. This versatility allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in your printing processes. Selecting a top layer compatible with various print technologies lets you streamline your operations and reduce the need for multiple coating options.

    Get Access to Strata-Tac’s Premium Top Coating Solutions Now!

    Strata-Tac offers a wide range of top coating solutions to elevate your printing experience. Our advanced 61” reverse and offset gravure coating lines enable us to provide high-quality materials for various print platforms, including the following:

    • Offset
    • Flexographic (Flexo) Inkjet
    • UV Inkjet
    • Laser
    • LED Laser
    • Desktop Laser
    • Thermal Transfer
    • Direct Thermal

    Elevate your printing capabilities today with our top coating solutions and unlock superior quality, reliability, and performance. Contact us or request a quote to get started!

  5. Customization/Solutions Driven

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    Click to ExpandCustomization/Solutions Driven

    In today’s competitive market, standing out from the crowd is crucial for businesses to succeed. For instance, generic labels that lack customization can often be overlooked and fail to convey the true value of a product. Thus, customization is a strategic approach to tailoring pressure sensitive products to meet customers’ needs.

    This article will explore the advantages of customization for pressure sensitive products and the industries benefiting from it.

    Benefits of Custom Pressure Sensitive Label Stock

    Customization in pressure sensitive labels offers a multitude of advantages for businesses. These include the following:

    Enhances Shelf Presence

    Custom pressure sensitive materials can help you create product labels that stand out on retail shelves, attracting consumer attention and increasing the likelihood of purchase. This is possible through unique designs, finishes, and materials.

    Adapts to Unique Packaging Requirements

    Different products may have varying packaging requirements, such as odd shapes, sizes, or materials. Custom pressure sensitive label stock can be tailored to fit these unique packaging requirements, ensuring a perfect fit and seamless application.

    Meets Regulatory Compliance

    Some industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals, have strict regulations on labeling requirements. Custom labels can be customized to comply with these regulations, including providing specific information, warnings, or certifications required by law. This helps businesses ensure their products comply with industry standards, avoiding potential legal issues or penalties.

    Enhances Product Information

    Custom pressure sensitive materials can be used to design extended content labels that include comprehensive product information, such as ingredients and usage instructions. This helps consumers make informed purchasing decisions and builds trust in the brand.

    Supports Product Variability

    Businesses that offer a range of product variations — such as different sizes, colors, or flavors — can benefit from custom pressure sensitive label stock. These can be easily modified to accommodate product differences, ensuring consistent branding across product lines.

    Promotes Sustainability

    Customized labels can be created using sustainable materials . By using eco-friendly materials, recyclable options, or incorporating sustainability messages on labels, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. In addition, custom labels can be a powerful marketing tool to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and promote sustainable business practices.

    Industries Leveraging Custom Pressure Sensitive Label Stock

    Thanks to its versatility and flexibility, custom labels have extensive applications across diverse industries. Here are some of the industries that utilize this:

    • Food and beverage
    • Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
    • Personal care and cosmetics
    • Household and cleaning products
    • Automotive and industrial
    • Retail and e-commerce
    • Logistics and shipping
    • Chemical and hazardous materials
    • Electronics and technology
    • Promotional and special events

    Strata-Tac, Inc.: Your Partner for Custom Adhesive Solutions

    Looking for high-quality, customized adhesive solutions? Strata-Tac, Inc. has got you covered! As a trusted leader in the industry for over 25 years, we offer a wide range of pressure sensitive self-adhesive products and top-coated films.

    Whether you need a custom product or one of our stock items, our team will work closely with you to build the perfect solution for your needs. Our commitment to trust, quality, and integrity means you can trust us to deliver what you need!

    Contact us or request a quote today to discover the Strata-Tac difference.

  6. LIG050 – Aqueous Inkjet Printable Labelstock

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    Strata-Tac is pleased to introduce our newest aqueous inkjet printable labelstock – LIG050

    Features:

    • Clear 0.9 mil PET film with inkjet compatible coating.  Total caliper is approximately 2.0 mils
    • Facestock is an industry-leading 90% post-consumer recycled material
    • Lighter than traditional PET inkjet facestocks, reducing carbon emissions during transport, transportation costs, and makes for easier handling
    • Thinner than traditional PET inkjet facestocks.  This allows for longer roll lengths, reducing downtime for changeovers.  It also reduces the cores and packaging necessary.  Furthermore, the thinner gauge is great for tight mandrel surfaces, such as vials.
    • Tear and temperature resistant

    If you would like to request a sample roll or sheets to test, please email customerservice@stratatac.com.

  7. LIJ088 – Inkjet Printable Label Stock

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    LIJ088 is an inkjet printable paper labelstock.  The facestock is a 3.5 mil silk paper.  The topcoat makes it ideal for high color aqueous inkjet printing, such as Memjet®.  It is also printable via laser, flexo, offset, and thermal transfer.  The adhesive is a permanent with good shear.

    The #601 adhesive is a permanent with good shear and laser compatibility.  #601 complies with 21 CFR175.105 – indirect food contact.  This adhesive has also passed TLMI’s LRP-2 test protocol for repulpability.

    The liner is a 40# clay coated kraft, ideal for die cutting and perforating.  This easy release liner allows for high speed processing.

    If you would like a sample roll, please email customerservice@stratatac.com.

    Looking for a custom version of this product?  Fill out our Product Builder and we’ll be in touch!

    This post is part of “Strata-Tac Spotlight”, a series in which we highlight an individual product and its uses within the converting market. 

  8. What is a Piggyback Label?

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    Piggyback labels are widely used for a variety of applications.  Below, we will go in depth on their construction, applications, and a few examples of the types of piggyback labels available.

    Construction

    Piggyback labels are effectively two labels combined into a single construction.  As illustrated in the figure below, a piggyback label consists of a face stock on top of two release liners.  The liner in the middle is often referred to as the “midliner”.  The liner at the bottom is referred to as the “baseliner”.  Depending on the application, the midliner and liner may be film or paper.  The adhesives may also differ.  A common version of this is a permanent adhesive on the bottom and a removable adhesive on the facestock.

    Piggyback - Silicone

    Applications

    Piggyback labels are widely used in the logistics industry, where piggyback labels enable easy and accurate asset tracing.  They are also used in the in promotional and marketing applications in the form of coupons and direct mail campaigns.  In healthcare and similar markets, piggyback labels are used for regulatory purposes where chain-of-custody is paramount.

     

    Piggyback Examples

    Here are some examples of Strata-Tac’s piggyback constructions.  For more information on a specific product, click on the product code to view the online spec sheet. 

    • PBIJF088: 3.5 Mil Matte Inkjet Paper Piggyback with Permanent Adhesive & 1.5 Mil Polyester (PET) MidLiner 
    • PBWX051: 2 Mil Matte Laser White Polyester (PET) Piggyback with Permanent Adhesive 
    • PBGLR051: 2 Mil Gloss Laser Clear Polyester (PET) Piggyback with Ultra-Removable Adhesive 
    • PBLXQHI083: 60# Latex Piggyback with Blood Bag Adhesive & Imaging MidLiner 

    Click here to view more of our piggyback constructions.

     

    Piggy “Half-Back”

    A piggy half-back, or an incomplete piggyback product. It only consists of the midliner & baseliner with the adhesive between the two.  The face stock and adhesive do not (yet) exist on a half back.  Label converters can apply a label stock of their choosing to complete the piggyback construction, giving the converter the ability to offer more piggyback options to their customers.  Piggybacks can have a film midliner, such as OLSI037, or a paper midliner like PHB143. 

     

    Custom Piggybacks

    Strata-Tac offers custom piggyback label stocks.  This can include using specific topcoats, face stocks, adhesives, liners, and even custom adhesive patterns to fit your application.  If you would like to discuss a specific application, please fill our our custom product builder, or call us at 630-879-9388. 

     

  9. Laser Printable Overlaminates

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    Strata-Tac’s laser printable overlaminates are used to create integrated cards or labels on press. The clear polyester film provides both tear and water resistance.  A laser printable topcoat is added to allow for variable data printing.  Matte, gloss, and semi-gloss versions are available.  This product line features a 42# CCK release liner. Thicker and thinner films are available upon request.

    All of these products can be coupled with Strata-Tac’s back laminates to create dry peel integrated cards.

    • OLSC025 – 1 mil Gloss

    • OLSC050 – 2 mil Gloss

    • OLDL025 – 1 mil Semi-Gloss

    • OLDL050 – 2 mil Semi-Gloss

    • OLMT025 – 1 mil Matte

    • OLMT050 – 2 mil Matte

    For more information on our overlaminates, email customerservice@stratatac.com or call us at 630-879-9388.

  10. Strata-Tac Layflat Vinyls

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    Vinyl labels are popular for their excellent durability, water resistance, and conformability.  They excel in a wide range of applications, such as:

    • Shelf markers
    • Floor graphics
    • Drum labels
    • Apparel labels
    • Bumper Stickers
    • …And more!

    Strata-Tac produces clear and white vinyl label stock with in permanent, removable, and ultra-removable adhesives.  We use plasticizer-resistant adhesives designed for use on PVC vinyls.  We can also add a topcoat for aqueous inkjet printing.  Our layflat liners are printable via flexo, offset, and even some laser. The clay coat allows for optimal feeding inside production digital equipment.

     

    Popular Strata-Tac Vinyl Products (Click a product to view the online spec sheet)