Bubbling and warping of self-adhesive labels are common problems faced by users during and after the application process. To effectively avoid and resolve these issues, it’s essential to understand their causes and implement the right precautions and solutions. Below, we discuss the causes of bubbling and warping and provide practical solutions that can help prevent these problems.
Understanding the Causes of Bubbling in Self-Adhesive Labels
Cause 1: Static Electricity During Label Application
Static electricity is a common culprit in dry climates, particularly during the automatic labeling process. Static buildup from the friction between the label and machine parts can cause bubbles to form.
Solutions for Static Electricity Issues:
Maintain Proper Temperature and Humidity: Keep the operating environment at 20-22°C (68-72°F) with a humidity level of 50%. This helps reduce static buildup.
Use Copper Wire Discharge: Install copper wire or grounding equipment to dissipate static electricity and prevent bubbles from forming.
Cause 2: Manual Label Production Problems
Manual labeling or poor-quality materials can lead to bubbling. These problems can arise due to:
Irregular label shapes: Labels that are not uniform can cause uneven application.
Glue and impurities: Contaminants on the label can cause chemical reactions that lead to bubbling.
Incorrect material choice: Using the wrong type of adhesive or label material can affect adhesion.
Solutions for Manual Label Production:
Ensure Secure Labeling Process: Use a conveyor belt to keep the label body stable during application.
Clean and Dry Labels: Always ensure the label is clean and dry before applying adhesive.
Choose the Right Label Material: Select appropriate materials like PE, PVC, PET, or BOPP based on the surface type (e.g., glass, plastic).
Cause 3: Pressure Source of the Labeling Machine’s Pressure Roller
If the labeling machine’s pressure roller applies too much pressure, the label will not adhere evenly, causing bubbles and warping.
Solution:
Contact the labeling machine supplier to adjust the machine’s pressure settings to ensure uniform label application.
Cause 4: Uneven Application of Adhesive
Uneven adhesive distribution during production can result in bubbling, as certain areas may not bond well with the product.
Prevention Method:
Purchase labels from reputable manufacturers who ensure high-quality, evenly applied adhesive.
How to Choose the Right Barcode and Self-Adhesive Label Paper
When choosing barcode or self-adhesive paper, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:
1. Printer Compatibility
Ensure that the labels are compatible with your barcode printer or label printer.
2. Application Surface
Consider what material the labels will be affixed to, such as clothing labels, jewelry labels, supermarket labels, fruit shop labels, or fixed asset labels. This will help in selecting the right label material.
3. Product Surface Conditions
Determine the surface texture of the product to be labeled. For example, is it rough or smooth? This will affect adhesion and durability.
4. Environmental Factors
Assess whether the labels will be exposed to outdoor environments, direct sunlight, or strong lighting, which may cause the adhesive to degrade. Choose UV-resistant or outdoor-grade labels for such conditions.
5. Durability and Special Requirements
Consider whether the label needs to be scratch-resistant, washable, or durable enough to withstand wear and tear. For products exposed to moisture or heavy handling, waterproof, oil-resistant, or tear-resistant labels may be required.
