Functional label and method for producing a functional label

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a functional label (1), which method comprises: providing a starting material (108) having one or more label layers (10, 20), and carrying out a first printing process and thereby forming a print on the starting material (108) by means of a first printing device (101). The method also comprises carrying out a first punching process and thereby forming a functional punch (13, 16, 23, 26) in the starting material (108) by means of a first punching device (102). The method also comprises carrying out a second printing process which is separate from the first printing process and thereby forming a digital print (14) on the starting material (108) by means of a second printing device (103). The method further comprises carrying out a second punching process which is separate from the first punching process and thereby forming a format punch in the starting material (108) by means of a second punching device (104) and thereby forming the functional label (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a functional label that can contribute to the reliable identification of an object in a simple and cost-effective manner. The invention also relates to a functional label that can be produced, in particular, by means of such a method.

[0002] A label can serve, in particular, to identify or prove the origin of an item. For example, labels are used when it is necessary to indicate the contents of a container. This applies especially to containers in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, whose contents are indicated by the label and, for example, protected against tampering by specific label functions.

[0003] The invention aims to provide a method for the simple and cost-effective production of a functional label that can contribute to the reliable identification of an object. A further objective of the invention is to specify such a functional label. Document WO97 / 42089A is considered the closest prior art.

[0004] The problems are solved by the features of the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the corresponding dependent patent claims.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for producing a functional label comprises providing a starting label or a starting material with one or more label layers, which are, for example, designed as one or more adhesive or non-adhesive paper and / or film layers. The method further comprises performing a first printing operation and thereby creating a print on the starting label by means of a first printing device. The method further comprises performing a first die-cutting operation and thereby creating a functional die-cut in the starting label by means of a first die-cutting device. In addition, the method comprises performing a second printing operation, separate from the first printing operation, and thereby creating a digital print on the starting label by means of a second printing device capable of creating a digital print.The process also includes performing a second die-cutting operation separate from the first die-cutting operation, thereby creating a format die-cut in the output label by means of a second die-cutting device and thereby creating the functional label.

[0006] The described method allows for the simple and cost-effective production of a functional label that enables reliable identification of an object. The method implements an efficient manufacturing process for producing functional labels using hybrid printing and separate die-cutting operations. In particular, conventional printing methods (such as flexographic printing, screen printing, etc.) and digital printing can be combined. Alternatively, the first printing step can be configured to create a further digital print on one or more layers of the original label. The described method eliminates the need for a change of paper type to create the functional label, thus keeping production costs low.

[0007] The invention is described below, optionally in connection with a starting label, which is typically preceded by the starting material from which a starting label or the functional label is formed after die-cutting. Accordingly, where applicable, the properties and features of the starting label can also be transferred to the starting material or a starting material web intended for forming the functional label.

[0008] According to a further development of the process, performing the first die-cutting operation and creating the functional die-cut involves introducing at least one die-cut, cut, slit, and / or perforation into the initial label and forming a label area that can be lifted relative to an adjacent label area, allowing a hanger element to be folded out of the functional label. In this way, a digitally printed functional label can be produced that features a precisely placed dispensing overlap, enabling the formation of a hanger or hanging tab.

[0009] According to a further development of the process, performing the first die-cutting operation and creating the functional die-cut involves introducing at least one die-cut, cut, slit, and / or perforation into the initial label and creating a weakening zone in a label area that is specified with regard to the intended operational use of the functional label and the tensile forces acting upon it. Such a deliberately introduced weakening zone contributes to improved tear resistance of the functional label. The weakening zone is specifically located or formed in one or more areas that would be prone to tearing during the intended use of the functional label. This is the case, for example, near internal edges, notches, perforations, slits, and / or die-cuts.Thus, for example, a weakening zone can be created by means of a specifically introduced safety punch, which can reduce stress peaks due to tensile forces acting on the functional label during use.

[0010] According to a further development of the process, the initial label is provided as a multi-layered label with multiple label layers, and the first die-cutting operation is carried out such that the functional die-cutting is performed in or on one or more, but not all, label layers. Thus, for example, the functional die-cutting includes one or more openings in the form of cuts, slits, and / or perforations, whereby, for instance, the bottom layer of the functional label remains free of any additional openings. Alternatively, all label layers can also have openings that are arranged and designed in a staggered manner relative to one another, so that they differ, for example, from a format die-cutting that extends through all label layers in a single stacking direction.

[0011] The label layers can be implemented as individual layers or sections of material webs. Furthermore, one or more adhesive layers can be present between, above, or below such layers and can also be considered label layers. For example, two layers are provided for the base label, which are processed using hybrid printing, die-cutting, and functional die-cutting, and then bonded together to form the functional label. If such base layers are then bonded together, the functional label can be described as two-layered or as a label that, including the adhesive layer, has three label layers.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the method preferably comprises providing a first label layer and a second label layer, and performing the first die-cutting operation and creating a functional die-cut in the first and second label layers, such that both label layers have at least one perforating die-cut, slit, and / or perforation and / or a perforating cut. Such a deliberately introduced opening in the respective label layer is specifically designed, with respect to a main plane of extension of the functional label and transverse to a stacking direction of the functional label, such that it is arranged offset from one another.

[0013] The process can further be carried out such that the initial label is provided as a multi-layer label with a plurality of label layers, and the first die-cutting operation and the creation of the functional die-cut are performed in at least one of the label layers before the label layers are bonded together. In other words, the die-cutting operation and the creation of the functional die-cut are performed in one or more of the label layers, and subsequently the label layers are bonded together, for example, by gluing. Preferably, the second printing operation and the creation of the digital print are also performed after the first die-cutting operation and the creation of the functional die-cut. Accordingly, at least one die-cutting operation is performed before the digital printing operation.

[0014] According to a further development of the method, an adhesive layer can be applied to the base label. Additionally, an adhesive weakening element can be incorporated into the adhesive layer at a predetermined position, so that after the label layers are bonded, the adhesive layer is positioned between two label layers and the adhesive weakening element is located in an area of ​​the functional die-cut. For example, the two label layers each have a penetrating die-cut that is offset along their main plane of extension when the label layers are in contact with each other. The adhesive weakening element is then preferably arranged between these die-cuts, thus enabling easy and reliable removal of a label area from the label area below it.

[0015] A first label layer consists, for example, of an upper film layer bonded to a lower film layer, which forms the second label layer. The functional label, for instance, has a removable area and a fixed area, with a portion of the removable area being non-permanently bonded to a portion of the fixed area. The removable area and its corresponding portion are, for example, sections of the upper film layer, and the fixed portion is a section of the lower film layer. The adhesive weakening element is then, for example, located in the non-permanently bonded portion and serves to reduce the adhesive strength, thus enabling the easy and controlled deployment of a hanger or suspension device.

[0016] The first printing process and the development of the print can be carried out as conventional printing and may include printing with silicone varnish and / or printing with an adhesive neutralizer. Alternatively or additionally, the first printing process and the development of the print may include the application of a further digital print. In particular, the second printing process and the development of the digital print may include inkjet printing. If the first printing process also includes digital printing, this second process may also be based on inkjet printing. Furthermore, one or more additional printing processes may be carried out, which may include the application of a varnish and / or ink.

[0017] Preferably, the output label is not provided as a single, separate label but as a material web containing a multitude of output labels, each of which can be processed according to the described process steps. Accordingly, a processed material web with a multitude of functional labels preferably results.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, a functional label comprises at least one label layer with a format die-cut and a separate functional die-cut, as well as a first print and a separate second print, wherein at least the second print is designed as a digital print. In particular, the functional label can further comprise at least one cut, a slit, and / or a perforation that is incorporated into the at least one label layer, such that a label area is formed that can be lifted off relative to an adjacent label area, thereby allowing an iron-on element to be folded out of the functional label. Alternatively or additionally, a cut, a slit, and / or a perforation can be provided in the functional label, such that a weakening zone is formed in a label area that is predefined with regard to the intended operational use of the functional label and the tensile forces acting thereon.

[0019] The described functional label can be produced in particular by means of one of the previously described methods, so that the described properties and characteristics of the method are also disclosed for the functional label and vice versa.

[0020] While the second printing process is a digital printing process, in one version of the described manufacturing process, a conventional flexographic printing process can be used in the first printing process. In addition to the die-cutting process, which includes format die-cutting, a separate die-cutting process is carried out to create a predefined function. Such a function is created, in particular, by one or more targeted cuts, slits, and / or perforations.

[0021] The production of web-shaped functional labels can combine the following processing steps in one manufacturing process: At least one material web is provided, which forms a label layer of the initial label(s); a conventional and / or digital print is applied to the material web by means of at least one first printing station; a digital print is applied to the material web by means of at least one further printing station, which operates in digital printing mode, for example by means of inkjet printing; at least one format die-cutting operation is carried out in or on the material web to form a predetermined shape and / or contour of the functional label; and at least one further die-cutting operation is carried out, which in particular includes a die-cutting, slitting and / or perforation operation, wherein the further die-cutting operation is carried out separately from the format die-cutting operation.

[0022] Preferably, the manufacturing process includes the following processing steps: At least two material webs are used, each forming a label layer of the initial label(s), whereby the at least one functional die-cut is not performed on all material webs, for example, only on one material web. This is preferably carried out before at least one further material web is applied to it; subsequently, the printing process with at least one digital processing step takes place.

[0023] The described functional label can therefore be produced using this method by combining hybrid printing, which includes at least one digital printing step, with two die-cutting operations. These two distinct die-cutting operations comprise format die-cutting, which primarily serves to shape the label externally, and functional die-cutting, which is aimed at creating and providing a specific function. Such a deliberately implemented function can, in particular, include the creation of a hanging loop integrated into the functional label, which can be folded out when needed. Alternatively or additionally, a function can be achieved by the targeted creation of openings, which, at predetermined positions, can contribute to increased stability and tear resistance of the functional label.

[0024] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention explained with reference to schematic drawings. These show: Figures 1-2 show exemplary embodiments of a system for producing a functional label, Figure 3 shows a flowchart for a method for producing a functional label, and Figures 4-7 show various exemplary embodiments of the functional label according to the Figures 1-3 .

[0025] Elements of the same construction and function are marked with the same reference symbols across all figures. For the sake of clarity, not all depicted elements may be marked with their corresponding reference symbols in every figure.

[0026] The Figures 1 and 2 schematically show possible implementations for a system for producing a functional label 1, as used, for example, in the Figures 4-7 is illustrated. A corresponding flowchart for a method for producing an embodiment of the functional label 1 is shown in Figure 3 illustrated.

[0027] The system according to Figure 1comprises a printing device 101, a punching device 102, a digital printing device 103 and another punching device 104.

[0028] In step S1, a starting material web 108 containing a large number of output labels to be processed is provided. The starting material web includes, for example, a first label layer 10 and a second label layer 20.

[0029] In a further step S2, a first printing process is carried out and thereby a pressure is formed on the starting material web 108 by means of the first printing device 101.

[0030] In step S3, a first die-cutting operation is subsequently performed, thereby creating a functional die-cut in the starting material web 108 using the first die-cutting device 102. Such a functional die-cut serves to establish a function of the functional label 1 and can, for example, include the introduction of a bar die-cut 13 and / or a security die-cut 16 in the first label layer 10, each formed in the form of one or more cuts, slits, and / or perforations. Alternatively or additionally, the creation of the functional die-cut can also include the introduction of a bar die-cut 23 and / or a security die-cut 26 in the second label layer 20, each formed in the form of one or more cuts, slits, and / or perforations (see Figure 10). Figures 4-7 ).

[0031] Subsequently, in step S4, a second printing process, separate from the first printing process, is carried out using the digital printing device 103, thereby forming a digital print 14 on the first label layer 10 of the starting material web 108.

[0032] In a further step S5, a second punching operation, separate from the first punching operation, is then carried out using the punching device 104, thereby performing a format punching in or on the starting material web 108 and thus forming the functional label 1, which can be positioned in large numbers on a material web 100.

[0033] The described sequence of steps S1 to S5 can also vary and does not necessarily have to be carried out according to the sequence described. In this way, for example, embodiments of the functional label 1 can be produced as described in the Figures 6 and 7The functional label 1 has one or more safety perforations 16 and / or 26 in the first label layer 10 and / or in the second label layer 20 in the form of deliberately introduced cuts and / or slits. These openings serve to reduce stress peaks during the use of the functional label 1 and the tensile forces that occur, thus contributing to increased tear resistance.

[0034] According to the system Figure 2 For example, the functional label can be designed with an integrated hanging device. In addition to the features in Figure 1 The illustrated components include the system according to Figure 2 a reverse printing device 105, a laminating device 106 and a take-up device 107.

[0035] First, a sub-material web is fed in, which, for example, constitutes a material web for the second label layer 20. Printing with silicone varnish using flexographic printing can be carried out using the printing device 101. In the reverse-side printing device 105, reverse-side printing is performed, for example, to apply adhesive neutralization or weakening in sections using a varnish (e.g., in flexographic printing). This can also be described as the application or incorporation of an adhesive weakening element 21, 22, as in the structure of the functional label 1 according to Figure 5 is illustrated.

[0036] The functional die-cutting is carried out in the die-cutting device 102, which serves, for example, to realize a dispensing overlap and / or an increased tear resistance of a fold-out bracket.

[0037] Subsequently, a top material web can be laminated using the lamination device 106, which, for example, in the form of a top film, realizes a material web of the first label layer 10.

[0038] In the digital printing device 103, printing is carried out digitally, in particular as inkjet printing, on the material web of the first label layer 10. Optionally, additional printing with further colors and / or varnishes can be carried out, for example to apply a luminescent varnish and / or a post-writing varnish.

[0039] The die-cutting device 104 performs the format die-cutting, followed by a grid pull-off in the take-off device 107. The finished functional labels 1 are then wound onto the material web 100.

[0040] In this way, the in the Figures 4 and 5The illustrated embodiment of the functional label 1 is produced. In addition to the label layers 10 and 20, two adhesive layers 15 and 25 are formed, with the adhesive layer 15 bonding the first label layer 10 to the second label layer 20. With respect to the illustrated stacking direction R, the adhesive layer 15 is arranged between the two label layers 10 and 20 and comprises the adhesive-reducing element 22, which, for example, is applied in the form of an adhesive-reducing varnish at a predetermined position between the offset iron-on die-cuts 13 and 23 of the two label layers 10 and 20. Similarly, another adhesive-reducing element 21 can be embedded or integrated into the adhesive layer 25.The adhesive layer 25 serves in particular to easily and reliably attach the functional label 1 to a designated object, so that, by means of the adhesive weakening element 21, a simplified removal of the lower, second label layer 20 from the object and an unfolding of the hanger is possible in order to form the suspension device.

[0041] The functional label 1 according to the Figures 4 and 5The two label layers 10 and 20 and the adhesive layer 15 are therefore interconnected, with the first label layer 10 (top web) featuring digital printing 14 and the second label layer 20 (bottom web) featuring conventional printing, for example, with an adhesive reducer or silicone varnish. Digital printing 14, in particular, enables convenient and reliable printing with images and / or printing plates without requiring a machine change. Furthermore, the functional label 1 and the material web 100 can also include a silicone paper, which, for example, acts as a liner covering the lower adhesive layer 25. Thus, the material web 100 can, in particular, comprise two webs corresponding to the two label layers 10 and 20, which are applied to a roll of silicone paper. Reference symbol list

[0042] 1 Functional label 10 First label layer 11 Information area 12 Peel-off area 13 Iron-on die-cut 14 Digital print 15 Adhesive layer 16 Security die-cut 20 Second label layer 21 First adhesive weakening element 22 Second adhesive weakening element 23 Iron-on die-cut 25 Adhesive layer 26 Security die-cut 100 Material web 101 Printing device 102 Die-cutting device 103 Digital printing device 104 Die-cutting device 105 Reverse side printing device 106 Laminating device 107 Peel-off device 108 Output material web / Output label RStack direction S(i)Step of a procedure for producing a functional label

Claims

1. Method for producing a functional label (1), comprising: - providing a starting material (108) having one or more label layers (10, 20), - performing a first printing operation and thereby forming a print on the starting material (108) by means of a first printing device (101), - performing a first punching operation and thereby forming a functional punching (13, 16, 23, 26) in the starting material (108) by means of a first punching device (102), - performing a second printing operation separate from the first printing operation and thereby forming a digital print (14) on the starting material (108) by means of a second printing device (103), and - performing a second punching operation separate from the first punching operation and thereby forming a format punching in the starting material (108) by means of a second punching device (104) and thereby forming the functional label (1).

2. The method according to claim 1, in which performing the first punching operation and forming the functional punching comprises: making at least one punching, cut, slit, and / or perforation in the starting material (108) and forming a label portion (12) that can be peeled off relative to an adjacent label portion (11) so that a bracket element can be folded out of the functional label (1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which performing the first punching operation and forming the functional punching comprises: making at least one punching, cut, slit, and / or perforation in the starting material (108) and forming a weakening zone (16, 26) in a label portion that is predetermined with respect to an intended operational use of the functional label (1) and tensile forces acting hereby.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the starting material (108) is provided as a multilayer label comprising a plurality of label layers (10, 20), and the first punching operation is performed in such a way that the functional punching (13, 16, 23, 26) is performed in or on one or more, but not all, label layers.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - providing a first label layer (10) and a second label layer (20), and - performing the first punching operation and forming a functional punching in the first and second label layers (10, 20) so that the first and second label layers (10, 20) each comprise at least one punching, cut, slit, and / or perforation (13, 16, 23, 26) penetrating the respective label layer (10, 20) and being formed so as to be offset relative to each other with respect to a main extension plane of the functional label (1) and transverse to a stacking direction (R) of the functional label (1).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the starting material (108) is provided as a multilayer label comprising a plurality of label layers (10, 20), the first punching operation and the formation of the functional punching (13, 16, 23, 26) being performed in at least one of the label layers (10, 20) and the label layers (10, 20) being subsequently coupled to one another.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: forming an adhesive layer (15) and creating an adhesive weakening element (22) in the adhesive layer (15) such that the adhesive layer (15), after label layers (10, 20) have been coupled to one another, is arranged between two label layers (10, 20) and the adhesive weakening element (22) is further arranged in an area of the functional punching (13, 16, 23, 26).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second printing operation and the formation of the digital print (14) are performed subsequently to the first punching operation and the formation of the functional punching (13, 16, 23, 26).

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first printing operation and the formation of the print comprise printing with silicone varnish and / or printing with an adhesive neutralizer.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first printing operation and the formation of the print comprise the application of a further digital print.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second printing operation and the formation of the digital print (14) comprise inkjet printing.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: performing a further printing operation and applying a varnish and / or ink.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the starting material (108) is provided in the form of a starting material web and the respective method steps are performed multiple times in order to form a plurality of functional labels.

14. A method of using of the production method according to claim 1 for producing a functional label, comprising: at least one label layer (10, 20) comprising a format punching and a separate functional punching (13, 16, 23, 26) as well as a first print and a separate second print, wherein at least the second print is made as a digital print (14), wherein the functional label (1) comprises at least one cut, slit, and / or perforation made in the at least one label layer (10, 20) so that a label portion (12) is formed which can be peeled off relative to an adjacent label portion (11), thereby allowing a bracket element to be folded out of the functional label (1), and so that a weakening zone (16, 26) is formed in a label portion that is predetermined with respect to an intended operational use of the functional label (1) and tensile forces acting hereby.

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