Method and device for producing labels, and labels

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for producing labels with inner punched-out portions, wherein the method (100) has a step of providing a composite consisting of a label material adhered to a carrier strip by means of an adhesive layer. The method (100) additionally has a step of punching (105) inner punched-out portions; punching (107) labels; applying (108) an adhesive material onto the regions of the inner punched-out portions; applying (109) a cover layer onto the composite in such a way that the cover layer rests on the adhesive material; and removing (111) the cover layer and thus detaching (112) the inner parts which are formed by the inner punched-out portions and are adhered to the cover layer by means of the adhesive material.

Description

[0001] AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0002] 1

[0003] Method and apparatus for the production of labels as well as labels

[0004] The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing labels and a label according to the independent claims.

[0005] With labels that have internal die-cuts, it is virtually impossible to remove the die-cut inner sections from the backing strip using a machine with reasonable effort. While it is possible to completely cut through the bond between the label material and the backing strip and remove them entirely, this would create holes in the backing strip, which would be problematic during handling and, above all, during subsequent processing on the labeling machines. Furthermore, very complex tools would be required for the die-cutting process. An alternative would be to transfer the die-cut backing strip, along with the label material, onto an intact backing strip, but this would disproportionately increase production and material costs.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a cost-efficient method for producing labels with die-cut inner sections, in other words with inner parts formed by the die-cut inner sections, which is efficient in terms of both cost and effort.

[0007] The aforementioned problem is solved by a method for producing labels with internal die-cuts, wherein the method comprises providing a composite of a label material that adheres to a carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer, preferably an adhesive. The label material is, in particular, the so-called face material, which is arranged on a carrier tape. Above all, self-adhesive labels are produced that adhere to the carrier tape by means of the adhesive layer.

[0008] Internal cutouts and labels are die-cut. This includes, in particular, die-cutting the contour of the internal cutouts or the labels. Specifically, the die-cutting process for the internal cutouts is carried out in such a way that the label material is cut through, while the backing tape remains uncut. This is achieved, in particular, by precisely setting the print pressure with a

[0009] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0010] 2. A suitable die-cutting tool is used. Pressure and counter-pressure values ​​are set so that the die-cutting process affects the entire thickness of the label material, but not its backing strip, in this case, the first backing strip. In particular, the labels and the inner cutouts are die-cut in such a way that each label includes at least one inner cutout.

[0011] The die-cutting of the labels and the inner cutouts can be done simultaneously. In particular, the labels and the inner cutouts are die-cut in such a way that each label includes at least one inner cutout.

[0012] An adhesive is applied to the areas of the inner die-cuts. The label material, in the thickness direction of the composite, primarily has a first, outer surface and a second surface that adheres to the backing material via the adhesive layer. The adhesive is applied primarily to the first surface, and only in the areas where inner die-cuts are located.

[0013] The adhesive material can be, for example, a laminating adhesive, especially a UV adhesive. A top layer is applied to the composite in such a way that the top layer rests on the adhesive material. In other words, it is placed on the first side of the label material.

[0014] The top layer is peeled off, thus removing the inner parts formed by the cutouts and adhered to the top layer by the adhesive material. In other words, the inner areas of the adhesive material formed by the contour of the cutouts are removed. The top layer can be, in particular, a laminating film. The laminating film can be made of plastic, for example, oriented polypropylene (OPP). It is preferably applied immediately after the adhesive material is applied to prevent the adhesive from being transferred to any part of a device used for performing operations, such as a deflection roller.

[0015] In particular, the adhesive material can be allowed to dry after the top layer has been applied. If the adhesive material is a UV adhesive,

[0016] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0017] 3 refers specifically to UV curing. The UV adhesive is cured by exposure to UV radiation. This creates a bond between the top layer and the label material in the area of ​​the inner die-cuts, allowing the inner parts to be removed.

[0018] Furthermore, weeding can be performed, meaning the removal of label material residues adhering to the backing tape that do not affect the labels themselves. Weeding is preferably not carried out directly after die-cutting the labels and the inner cutouts, but rather after or simultaneously with the removal of the top layer.

[0019] In particular, the label material can be printed and / or varnished before the inner cutouts and / or labels are die-cut. In this process, the first surface of the label material is printed or laminated.

[0020] This process is therefore particularly suitable for producing labels that remain on the backing tape. Labels with detached inner components, preferably without a grid, are thus produced, adhering to the backing tape.

[0021] Before die-cutting the labels and the inner cutouts, the process can include weakening the adhesive layer in the areas of the inner cutouts. Preferably, this step can also be carried out before printing and, more preferably, varnishing the label material.

[0022] Since the internal cutouts are not yet present, the areas referred to are those where internal cutouts are planned or intended. A precise definition of the areas where the internal cutouts will later be made is possible in advance due to the process flow.

[0023] As part of the mitigation process, this can include separating the label material and backing tape, printing on the label material in the area of ​​the planned internal die-cuts, and preferably joining the label material with the existing backing tape or a new backing tape. In other words, the label material and the backing tape will be

[0024] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0025] The label material is separated into four sections, and then the second surface is printed in the areas of the existing or planned internal cutouts, preferably with a varnish. The resulting layer on the second surface weakens the adhesive strength in these areas. The label material is then reapplied to a backing tape, again ensuring that the second surface adheres to the tape.

[0026] The attenuation described above is primarily an adhesive effect, which can be particularly advantageous because some materials behave differently than others in terms of their adhesive acceptance and bonding with a corresponding top layer. Furthermore, the adhesive strength to the backing tape cannot always be uniform, so reducing the adhesive strength to the backing tape in the relevant areas can improve the effective release of the internal components. In other words, the adhesive layer is partially neutralized.

[0027] In another aspect, the invention relates to a device for producing labels with internal die-cuts, wherein the device comprises the following:

[0028] The device may include an unwinding unit to provide the composite of label material and backing tape.

[0029] The composite material is primarily an adhesive composite material, i.e., a combination of label material, in other words, face material (e.g., polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene or paper) and the backing tape (e.g., made of paper or plastic, especially PET).

[0030] The device comprises at least one die-cutting unit for die-cutting internal cutouts and / or for die-cutting labels, specifically for the application of a label material adhered to a carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer. In other words, both the labels and the internal cutouts are die-cut into the label material, as described above, in particular such that the die-cutting operations affect only the label material and not the carrier tape. Specifically, the die-cutting unit is configured for both die-cutting the internal cutouts and die-cutting labels, wherein the two

[0031] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0032] 5

[0033] The steps can be performed simultaneously. It is specifically a modular punching tool.

[0034] Next comes an adhesive unit for applying the adhesive material to the areas of the inner cutouts. This adhesive unit is, in particular, a printing unit, in which the adhesive material, preferably the laminating adhesive, is applied to the areas of the planned inner cutouts.

[0035] The device further comprises a cover layer unit for applying a cover layer to the composite, specifically to the first side of the adhesive material to which the adhesive material has been applied. The cover layer unit is, in particular, a laminating unit by means of which the cover layer, especially the laminating film, is applied. This cover layer unit can include an integrated roller, preferably a pressure roller, so that the cover layer is pressed onto the adhesive material.

[0036] Next, a drying unit can follow, in which the adhesive material is dried, preferably by UV drying, so that the inner parts of the adhesive material formed by the inner die-cuts are reliably removed by peeling off the top layer.

[0037] Furthermore, the device includes a peeling unit for removing the top layer and thus detaching the inner parts. This is primarily a rewinding unit, which can also perform die removal. The rewinding unit may include a mesh winder for this purpose. In this rewinding unit, the top film is peeled off, while the remaining labels, along with the backing tape, are wound up.

[0038] An additional printing unit can be provided in front of the die-cutting unit, where the label material can be printed and preferably also laminated.

[0039] A separating unit can also be provided upstream of the punching unit and preferably upstream of the printing unit. This serves to separate the adhesive layer in the areas of the

[0040] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0041] The separation unit can mitigate the impact of six planned internal die-cuts by separating the label material and the backing strip. It can include a printing unit for printing on the label material, preferably its second surface, in the areas of the internal die-cuts, and can be configured to rejoin the label material with a backing strip. For this purpose, the separation unit can include appropriate deflection rollers.

[0042] The device is primarily used to carry out a procedure described above.

[0043] In another aspect, the invention relates to a label produced according to a method as described above. Preferably, a plurality of labels are produced, the inner die-cuts of which, or the inner parts formed by them, have been removed and which are located on a carrier tape. Furthermore, the method as well as the device can be configured to detach individual labels from the carrier tape.

[0044] They show, in purely schematic form:

[0045] Figure 1 shows a process diagram of a method for producing labels with internal die-cuts; and

[0046] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a device for producing labels with internal die-cuts.

[0047] Figure 1 schematically shows a method 100 for producing labels with internal die-cuts. The method 100 comprises providing 101 a composite of a label material, the so-called face material, which adheres to a carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer between the label material and the carrier tape can be weakened 102 in the areas of the planned internal die-cuts. This can include separating 102a the composite of label material and carrier tape, printing 102b on the label material in the areas of the internal die-cuts or the planned internal die-cuts, and joining 102c the label material with a carrier tape.

[0048] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0049] 7

[0050] The label material can be printed 103 and varnished 104. Now, internal die-cuts are made 105, such that 106 the label material is cut through while the backing tape remains uncut. Furthermore, the labels are die-cut 107.

[0051] An adhesive material is applied to the areas of the inner cutouts 108, and a top layer is placed on the composite 109 in such a way that it rests on the adhesive material. The adhesive material is then allowed to dry 110, and the top layer is peeled off 111, thus separating 112 the inner parts formed by the inner cutouts that adhere to the top layer via the adhesive. If weeding 113 has not already taken place in this step, it can be performed subsequently.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a device 10 for the production of labels with internal die-cuts, which includes an unwinding unit 11 in which a composite of a label material adhering to a carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer is unwound and thus made available.

[0053] This is followed by an optional separation unit 12, in which the adhesive layer can be weakened 102 as described above in the areas of the planned interior fittings. Then follows a printing unit 13, in which the label material can be printed and preferably also laminated.

[0054] Next, the device comprises at least one punching unit 14, which is preferably designed as a modular punching tool, and with which the inner cutouts and / or the labels can be punched.

[0055] This is followed by an adhesive material unit 15, which may be a printing unit 15a, with which the adhesive material can be applied in the areas of the inner die-cuts.

[0056] Furthermore, the device comprises a top layer unit 16, preferably a lamination unit 16a, within which the top layer is applied and

[0057] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0058] 8 can preferably be pressed down. For this purpose, the cover layer unit can include a pressure roller.

[0059] Furthermore, the device 10 comprises a drying unit 17 for drying the adhesive material and a peeling unit 18 for peeling off the top layer and thus for removing the inner parts formed by the internal die-cuts. This can, for example, be a winding unit in which the carrier tape comprising the remaining labels is wound up, while the top layer and preferably the grid are peeled off.

[0060] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0061] 9

[0062] Reference numeral list 0 Method for producing labels with internal cutouts 1 Providing a composite of label material adhered to a backing tape by means of an adhesive layer 2 Weakening of the adhesive layer in the areas of the internal cutouts 2a Separation of the composite of label material and backing tape 2b Printing of the label material in the areas of the internal cutouts 2c Joining of the label material with the backing tape 3 Printing of the label material 4 Varnishing of the label material 5 Die-cutting of internal cutouts 6 Die-cutting such that the label material is die-cut while the

[0063] The carrier tape remains unpunched. 7. Die-cutting of the labels. 8. Application of an adhesive material to the areas of the inner die-cuts. 9. Placement of a top layer onto the composite. 0. Drying. 1. Peel off the top layer. 2. Detachment of the labels adhering to the top layer due to the adhesive material.

[0064] Internal cutouts formed internal parts 3 Weeding

[0065] Device for producing labels with internal die-cuts

[0066] processing unit

[0067] Separation unit

[0068] Pressure unit

[0069] Punching unit a modular punching tool

[0070] Adhesive material unit a printing unit

[0071] Cover layer unit

[0072] RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0073] 10 a Laminating unit Drying unit Peel-off unit a Rewind unit

[0074] RGTH A241274W009902PT

Claims

AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025 11 Claims 1. Method (100) for producing labels with internal die-cuts, wherein the method (100) comprises providing (101) a composite of a label material adhering to a carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer, characterized in that the method (100) comprises: • Punching (105) of internal cutouts • Die-cutting (107) labels, • Applying (108) an adhesive material to the areas of the inner cutouts, • Applying (109) a cover layer to the composite in such a way that the cover layer rests on the adhesive material, and • Peeling (111) off the top layer and thus detaching (112) the inner parts formed by the inner die-cuts which are adhered to the top layer by the adhesive material.

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the punching (107) of the labels and the punching (105) of the inner cutouts are carried out simultaneously.

3. Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the punching of the inner cutouts is carried out (106) in such a way that the label material is punched through while the carrier tape remains unpunched.

4. Method(100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive material is a UV adhesive.

5. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025 12 characterized in that after the top layer is applied, the adhesive material is dried (110).

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that before punching (107) the labels and punching (105) the inner cutouts, a weakening (102) of the adhesive layer takes place in the areas of the inner cutouts.

7. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, within the scope of the weakening (102), a separation (102a) of the composite of label material and carrier tape and a printing (102b) of the label material in the areas of the inner die-cuts are included.

8. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label material and the carrier tape are joined together after printing.

9. Device (10) for producing labels with internal die-cuts, wherein the device (10) is designed to provide a composite of a label material adhering to a carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer, characterized in that the device (10) further comprises: at least one die-cutting unit (14) for die-cutting (105) internal die-cuts and / or die-cutting (107) labels, an adhesive material unit (15) for applying (108) an adhesive material to the areas of the internal die-cuts, a cover layer unit (16) for placing (109) a cover layer onto the composite such that the cover layer rests on the adhesive material, and RGTH A241274W009902PT AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025 13 a peeling unit (18) for peeling (111) the top layer and thus detaching (112) the inner parts formed by the inner die-cuts which are adhered to the top layer by the adhesive material.

10. Label with at least one internal die-cut, produced by a method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. RGTH A241274W009902PT

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