While the simple answer to some is a “sticker”, those in the industrial space, like TLP, consider this a more complex question to address. At the most basic level, yes, a pressure sensitive (PS) label is a sticker. A material with an adhesive back requiring PRESSURE to be applied to another surface. But to the engineers behind the complex design of industrial labels… sticker is a four-letter word.
Pressure Sensitive Label Overview
What Are Pressure Sensitive Labels Made Of?
When we look at the label construction, those in the industry reference the pressure sensitive “sandwich” to best illustrate the potential customizations depending on performance requirements. A PS label is created through a combination of a facestock (material), pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and release liner. Each component serves a specific purpose and will be used and combined based on the needs of the application. Certain projects may require additional layers of the sandwich including topcoats, laminates, primers, release coatings, etc.
While some styles of adhesives require a specific source of activation, such as water, heat or solvent, pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) require no additional activation component outside of pressure to trigger the bond. PSAs may adhere immediately following pressure activation, but the true adhesive strength requires up to 72 hours of dwell time for complete bond.
As a custom converter, TLP and our team of engineers work with each customer to build a label construction to suit each specific and unique application. In addition to the basics, colors, quantities, etc.… Questions we also consider include: What is the application surface? Is the label intended for outdoor or indoor use? Will there be chemical exposures? Does it serve a regulatory purpose? Among others.
Have a project you’d like to discuss with our application engineers? Contact TLP today.
COMING SOON: Check out our reference articles on labeling materials to learn more about facestock options and types of adhesives.