Method and device for producing labels, and label

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for producing labels (80) with inner punched-out portions, the method having the steps of providing (201) a composite (70) consisting of a label material (71) which is adhered to a first carrier strip (72) by means of an adhesive layer. The method (200) also has a step of punching (210) inner punched-out portions (75), separating (215) the composite (70) consisting of the label material (71) and the first carrier strip (72), and applying (216) the label material (71) onto a second carrier strip (74).

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 machinery with reasonable effort. While it is possible to completely cut through the bond between the label material and the backing strip and remove the entire strip, 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.

[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 first carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer, preferably an adhesive. The label material is, in particular, the so-called face material arranged on the first carrier tape. The composite is primarily an adhesive composite material, i.e., a combination of the label material, in other words, face material (e.g., polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, or paper), and the carrier tape (e.g., made of paper or plastic, especially PET).

[0008] Internal die-cuts are produced. This specifically refers to die-cutting the contour of the internal die-cut. The die-cutting process is carried out in such a way that the label material is cut through, while the first backing strip remains uncut. This is achieved primarily through precise adjustment of the pressure value using a suitable die-cutting tool.

[0009] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0010] 2

[0011] Pressure and counter-pressure values ​​are set such that the die-cutting process affects the entire thickness of the label material, but not 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.

[0012] In the thickness direction of the composite, the label material primarily has a first, outer surface and a second surface that adheres to the first carrier tape by means of the adhesive layer.

[0013] The label material and the first backing strip are separated. In other words, the label material is detached from the first backing strip. Because the internal die-cuts have already been made, the label material separates from the first backing strip in such a way that the inner parts of the adhesive material formed by the internal die-cuts remain adhered to the first backing strip. Thus, the label material detached from the first backing strip is embossed by the corresponding internal die-cuts; in other words, it is perforated by the internal die-cuts. This label material is then applied to a second backing strip. The second backing strip differs from the first. Specifically, the second backing strip is intact and has no holes. Above all, the second backing strip is not a composite material, but rather a pure backing strip without any adhesive material already applied.

[0014] Before the label material is applied to the second backing strip, it is first turned over so that the adhesive side of the label material is positioned on the second backing strip, forming a new bond with it. The label material is then applied to the second backing strip, specifically with its second surface facing down. This creates a new bond between the label material, including the die-cut inner sections, and the second backing strip.

[0015] The label material, which now rests on the second carrier tape, is pressed together with it and thus laminated.

[0016] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0017] 3

[0018] The labels can then be die-cut. This involves contour die-cutting the labels, specifically such that each label includes at least one internal die-cut. Here too, the die-cutting process preferably only affects the adhesive material and not the second backing strip.

[0019] Furthermore, weeding can be carried out, i.e., the removal of label material residues adhering to the second carrier tape that do not affect the labels.

[0020] In particular, the inner cutouts can be printed and / or varnished before die-cutting. This involves printing or varnishing the first surface of the label material.

[0021] This method is therefore particularly suitable for producing labels that remain on the second backing strip. Labels with detached inner components, preferably without a grid, are thus produced, adhering to the second backing strip.

[0022] In another aspect, the invention relates to a device for producing labels with internal die-cuts, wherein the device comprises the following:

[0023] The device comprises at least one die-cutting unit for punching internal cutouts in labels, specifically in relation to a composite of label material adhered to a first backing strip by means of an adhesive layer. In other words, the internal cutouts are punched into the label material, and, as described above, in particular such that the die-cutting process affects only the label material and not the first backing strip. The die-cutting unit can include a modular die-cutting tool. Furthermore, it can have die-cutting cylinders. A corresponding gap can be set using the die-cutting cylinders, through which the material, in this case the composite, passes. A die-cutting plate can be applied to the cylinder, or a solid die-cutting cylinder can be used.

[0024] To provide the composite material, the device includes, in particular, an unwinding unit. Next, before the die-cutting unit, is a printing unit for printing and preferably also varnishing the adhesive material. This can be a

[0025] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0026] 4. This is a modular die-cutting tool. A turning unit can be integrated into the die-cutting unit or provided separately. The device includes a carrier tape changing unit, which can, for example, comprise two laminating towers: a first laminating tower and a second laminating tower. The bond between the label material and the first carrier tape is separated. Because the internal die-cuts have already been made, the inner parts of the label material remain adhered to the first carrier tape, so that the detached label material is perforated by the internal die-cuts. The label material is applied to a second carrier tape. The label material can now be pressed together with the second carrier tape, to which it is now applied, and thus laminated. This creates a new bond between the perforated label material and the second carrier tape.

[0027] The device can include an additional die-cutting unit for punching the labels. The device also preferably includes a weeding unit. The weeded composite between the label material, in which the inner parts have been removed, and the second backing strip can be wound up using a winding unit. Primarily, self-adhesive labels with removed inner parts are produced, which adhere to the second backing strip by means of the adhesive layer.

[0028] The device is primarily used to carry out a procedure described above.

[0029] 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 parts of which are formed by the internal die-cuts and are located on the second carrier strip. Furthermore, the method and the device can be configured to detach individual labels from the second carrier strip.

[0030] They show, in purely schematic form:

[0031] Figure 1 shows a process diagram of a method for producing labels with internal die-cuts; and

[0032] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0033] 5

[0034] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a device for producing labels with internal die-cuts.

[0035] Figure 1 schematically shows a method 200 for producing labels with internal die-cuts 75. The method 200 comprises providing 201 a composite 70 of a label material 70, the so-called top material, which adheres to a first carrier material 72 by means of an adhesive layer.

[0036] The process 200 comprises the die-cutting 210 of internal die-cuts 75. Prior to this, the label material 71 can be printed 202 and varnished 203. The die-cutting 210 is carried out in such a way 211 that the label material 71 is die-cut, while the first carrier strip 72 remains uncut.

[0037] The composite 70 is separated 215 from the label material 71 and the first carrier tape 72. In other words, the label material 71 is detached from the first carrier tape 72. The label material 71 is applied 216 to a second carrier tape 74. The label material 71 and the second carrier tape 74 can be pressed together 217, thus laminating 218. Furthermore, the labels can now be die-cut 230. In other words, the contour of the labels is die-cut. Preferably, each label includes at least one inner die-cut 75. Due to the carrier tape change, the label material 71 remains adhered to the original first carrier tape 72 in the areas of the inner die-cuts 75, so that the second carrier tape 74 now contains label material 71 with inner die-cuts 75 and die-cut labels 80. As a final step, weeding 240 can be performed.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a device 50 for producing labels with internal die-cuts 75. The device 50 comprises an unwinding unit 51, which provides the composite 70 of the first carrier strip 72 and the label material 71. The first surface 71a of the first carrier strip 72 is shown facing upwards in Figure 1.

[0039] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0040] 6

[0041] At least one printing unit 52 can follow. Figure 2 shows several printing units 52 by way of example. Next comes a punching unit 53, which performs the internal punching 75. This can be a modular punching tool 54. Furthermore, a turning unit 55 can follow or be integrated into the punching unit 53.

[0042] A carrier tape exchange unit 56 follows. This unit separates the composite 70 between the label material 71 and the first carrier tape 72. Figure 2 shows, by way of example, how the original first carrier tape 72, to which the inner parts 73 of the inner die-cuts 75 adhere, is wound upwards to the left onto a first laminating tower 57. The enlarged image shows the label material 71 with the inner die-cuts 75 in its current position.

[0043] The label material 71, separated from the first carrier strip 72, is turned such that the second surface 71b faces upwards, as shown in Figure 2. The label material 71 with the internal die-cuts 75 is particularly visible in the enlarged view.

[0044] From the upper right, a second carrier belt 74 is provided by a second laminating tower 58.

[0045] The label material 71 with the inner die-cuts 75 is applied to the second carrier tape 74 with its second surface 71b.

[0046] In a subsequent printing unit 52, which may include a turning unit 55, the label material 71 and the second carrier strip 74 can be pressed together and thus laminated. Further printing units 52 can follow. Finally, a die-cutting unit 59 and a rewinding unit 60 are installed, onto which the new composite 76 consisting of the label material 71 with the internal die-cuts 75 and the second carrier strip 74 is wound. The enlarged view shows the labels 80 with the internal die-cuts 75.

[0047] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0048] 7

[0049] Reference List 0 Methods for producing labels with internal cutouts 1 Providing a composite of label material adhered to a first carrier tape by means of an adhesive layer 2 Printing the label material 3 Varnishing the label material 0 Die-cutting internal cutouts 1 Die-cutting such that the label material is cut through while the first carrier tape remains uncut 5 Separating the composite of label material and first carrier tape 6 Applying the label material to a second carrier tape 7 Pressing together the label material and the second carrier tape 8 Laminating 0 Die-cutting the labels 0 Weeding

[0050] Device for producing labels with internal die-cuts

[0051] processing unit

[0052] Pressure unit

[0053] Punching unit modular punching tool

[0054] Reversing unit

[0055] Carrier tape change unit, first laminating tower, second laminating tower

[0056] De-gridding unit

[0057] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025

[0058] 8 Rewind unit Composite label material a first surface b second surface first carrier tape inner parts second carrier tape inner die-cut new composite label

[0059] RGTH A241274W009902PT-2

Claims

AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025 9 Claims 1. Method (200) for producing labels (80) with internal die-cuts, wherein the method (200) comprises providing (201) a composite (70) of a label material (71) adhering to a first carrier tape (72) by means of an adhesive layer, characterized in that the method (200) comprises die-cutting (210) of internal die-cuts (75), separating (215) the composite (70) of label material (71) and first carrier tape (72) and applying (216) the label material (71) to a second carrier tape (74).

2. Method (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that when separating (215) the composite of label material (71) and first carrier tape (72), inner parts (73) of the inner die-cuts (75) remain stuck to the first carrier tape (72).

3. Method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the label material and the second carrier tape (74) are pressed together.

4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (200) comprises a subsequent punching (230) of the labels (80).

5. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the punching of the inner punches is carried out (211) in such a way that the label material is punched through, while the second carrier strip (74) remains unpunched. RGTH A241274W009902PT-2 AII4Labels Group GmbH October 27, 2025 10 6. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the label material is printed (202) and preferably laminated (203) before punching (210) the inner die-cuts.

7. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (200) comprises a lattice removal (240).

8. Device (50) for producing labels (80) with internal cutouts, wherein the device (50) is designed to provide a composite of a label material adhering to a first carrier tape (72) by means of an adhesive layer, characterized in that the device (50) further comprises: at least one die-cutting unit (53) for die-cutting (210) internal cutouts, and a carrier tape changing unit (56) for separating (215) the composite of label material and first carrier tape and applying (216) the label material (71) to a second carrier tape (74).

9. Label (80) having at least one internal recess, produced by a method (200) according to one of claims 1 to 7. RGTH A241274W009902PT-2

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