Wet Glue Embossed Labels Moisture Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wet glue application to embossed labels, particularly those with cellulose fibre-based substrates, often causes distortion and breakdown of the embossed structure due to moisture absorption, leading to increased production time and cost, especially in high-throughput processes like bottle labelling.
Innovation Solution
Applying wet glue directly to the back of the embossed substrate while preventing it from contacting the embossed regions, either by limiting glue application to non-embossed areas or using a water impermeable layer on the back to shield the embossed regions from moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wet glue is applied to an embossed substrate to adhere the label to an article, then the label can be quickly and easily adhered (high productivity), but the embossed structure is broken down due to moisture absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate surface is segmented into embossed regions and non-embossed regions, with the wet glue applied only to the non-embossed regions. This segmentation allows the label to be adhered quickly while preserving the embossed structure by preventing moisture contact with those areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the substrate are given different properties: the embossed regions are kept moisture-free to maintain structural integrity, while the non-embossed regions receive the wet glue for adhesion. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between quick adhesion and structure preservation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a waterproof adhesive layer and backing layer are applied to protect the embossed substrate from moisture, then the embossed structure is maintained, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (moisture from wet glue) is extracted from contact with the embossed regions by limiting glue application to non-embossed areas only. This eliminates the need for additional protective layers and backing layers, reducing production time and cost while maintaining embossed structure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of protecting the embossed regions by adding layers over them, the approach is inverted: the wet glue is prevented from reaching the embossed regions by controlling where it is applied. This reverse approach achieves the same protective effect without adding time-consuming layers.
3Reliability
If the substrate absorbs water from the wet glue to achieve adhesion, then the label adheres to the article, but the fibres in the substrate expand causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into regions that can absorb moisture (non-embossed areas for adhesion) and regions that must maintain shape (embossed areas). By applying glue only to non-embossed regions, the substrate can achieve reliable adhesion through water absorption in safe zones while the embossed regions remain moisture-free and shape-stable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method maintains the embossed structure of the label during application and adherence, reducing production time and costs while ensuring high-quality labeling without distortion, even in high-throughput processes.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate generally absorbs the water from the wet glue, which gives the first tack in sticking of the glue and which can cause expanding of the fibres in the substrate
Implementation Method 2
The water may then be allowed to evaporate, thereby adhering the substrate to the article. Generally, evaporation takes place at least partly through the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a label comprising an embossed substrate and a wet glue, wherein the wet glue is applied directly onto the back of the substrate and wherein the wet glue is prevented from contacting the embossed regions of the substrate, and a method of applying a label comprising an embossed substrate to an article using a wet glue, comprising the step of applying the wet glue directly to the back of the substrate before the label is applied to the article, wherein the wet glue is prevented from contacting the embossed regions of the substrate.