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UPM RAFLATACA4 PRODUCTS

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CONTENTS A4 LABELLING APPLICATIONS 4–10

Office documentation, address 4 labelling and other information labelling

Photographic applications 5

CD/DVD/Blu-ray labelling 5

Test tube and laboratory applications 6

Transport & logistics 7

Outdoor and durable labelling 7

On-demand, in-house colour labels 8

Digital printing (high-speed laser printers) 8

THE A4 PRODUCT RANGE 9–10

Face materials by printing technique 9

Backing selector 10

A4 PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES 11–13

Laser technology 11

Ink-jet technology 12

Wax solid 13

Printer-label performance tests online 13

A4 CONVERTING, HANDLING AND STORAGE 14

A4 PRODUCTS TROUBLESHOOTING 15–16

A4 AND CUT-SIZE PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS 17

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LEAD THE MARKET WITH LEADING SOLUTIONS FOR DIGITAL VIP!

UPM Raflatac innovates numerous digital VIP solutions in collaboration with leading paper producers and film-coating specialists. We work with the major manufacturers of laser, copier and inkjet devices to ensure our products meet the challenges of the intended printing technology. As a result, our self-adhesive solutions answer the highest quality and performance requirements of label converters and end-users.

Each cut-size and roll-to-roll product is designed and optimized for the demands of the final labelling application, and our special products in particular provide access to niche and high added-value end-uses.

RAFNXT+ is a next-generation range of sustainable labeling solutions that deliver reductions in energy, water, and waste throughout their lifecycle compared to standard paper labels.

The forests used to source the raw materials for RAFNXT+ label materials are certified to FSC™ or PEFC™ standards and offer labeling solutions for a wide variety of applications, including office, retail and packed food labeling, and labels for transport and logistics applications.

From office documentation and SOHO, to logistics, retail and high-speed digital printing, count on UPM Raflatac to take a leading position in digital laser and inkjet solutions.

For our latest product range, please contact your nearest UPM Raflatac representative.

Warranty

Our recommendations are based on our most current knowledge and experience. As our products are used in conditions beyond our control, we cannot assume any liability for damage caused through their use. This publication replaces all previous versions. All information is subject to change without notice.

Promoting Sustainable

Forest Management

www.pefc.org

PEFC/02-31-196

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A4 LABELLING APPLICATIONSOFFICE DOCUMENTATION, ADDRESS LABELLING AND OTHER INFORMATION LABELLINGOffice documentation and address labelling are everyday tasks in office and SOHO (small office/ home office) environments. The biggest volumes in SOHO and industrial applications have for years met demand for standard address labels and other informa-tion labels. These have not been replaced by e-business.

UPM Raflatac supplies materials for a wide range of labelling needs – standard papers for high-volume applications, and spe-cial grades including coloured papers and coated and uncoated finishes. Our filmic label grades suit conditions requiring weather-proofing or resistance to other environmental stress. All our papers are either FSCTM or PEFCTM-certified from sustainable sources, or available FSC or PEFC-certified on request.

Our Multitac constructions are the perfect choice for ‘send and reply’ mailing applications, and our Opaque label faces are ideal for blank-out labels to cover obsolete information. For applications requiring a special adhesive, your nearest UPM Raflatac sales representative will be pleased to recommend suitable options.

A4 PAPERSEAN Product description Sales code

8006436 JETLASER RPA4 KS55 N7RPA466

8085868 JETLASER-FSC RPA4 KS55 AYKRPA466

8199183 JETLASER RRAR KS55 N7RRAR66

8105757 JETLASER-FSC RRAR KS55 AYKRRAR66

8186541 LASERPLUS NXT+ PEFC RPA2 KS55 DWTRPA266


8085851 NATURLASER 70-FSC RPA4 KS55 AYLRPA466

8089514 JETLEMON-FSC RPA4 KS55 BDCRPA466

8089484 JETRED-FSC RPA4 KS55 BCXRPA466

8089507 JETGREEN-FSC RPA4 KS55 BDBRPA466

8089491 JETBLUE-FSC RPA4 KS55 BDARPA466

8116142 FLUOR LEMON-FSC RPA4 KS55 BXRRPA466

8116135 FLUOR ORANGE-FSC RPA4 KS55 BXSRPA466

8116166 FLUOR RED-FSC RPA4 KS55 BXTRPA466

8116159 FLUOR GREEN-FSC RPA4 KS55 BXURPA466

8226582 LASERGLOSS-FSC RPA3 KS70 ERWRPA390

8010136 JETLASER MULTITAC 7XRPA466

8008621 JET OPAQUE RPA4 KS55 FMRPA466

8256596 JETLASER OPAQUE-FSC RPA4 KS55 FUTRPA466

Also Available FSC Certified

A4 FILMSEAN Product description Sales code

8159415 POLYLASER MATT WHITE RPAF KSS120 33RPAFFGX

8238097 POLYLASER MATT WHITE RPFH KSS120 33RPFHFGX

8238110 POLYLASER MATT TRANSP RPAF KSS120 NCRPAFFGX

8238134 POLYLASER GLOSS CLEAR RPAF KSS120 M7RPAFFGX

8238127 POLYLASER GLOSS WHITE RPAF KSS120 A9RPAFFGX

8270660 POLYLASER MATT WHITE TC 60 RRAF KSS120 GBVRRAFFGX

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PHOTOGRAPHIC APPLICATIONSPhoto inkjet and colour laser printers have continually risen in performance and become well consolidated in the market. They are easy to use, printing directly from a camera or SD card for instance, and provide increasingly high resolutions and image quality. This has raised expectations for print media performance and driven demand for specialist materials supporting a higher quality photo print. Expectations have also risen for improved image stability under various environmental stresses.

Key factors for both technologies are the properties of the toner or ink, and the quality of the media being printed. The right combi-nation will provide the desired high-resolution image and good label performance in the final end-use. UPM Raflatac supplies film and paper-based inkjet and laser label stocks capable of deliver-ing excellent photo-quality print results. Options include gloss and matt finishes as well as permanent and removable adhesives.

New ink formulations now entering the market place even higher demands on the label face’s coating. UPM Raflatac supplies premium quality, multifunctional products which provide excellent results with commonly used ink formulations, pigments and dyes. Pre-tests are recommended due to the many different inks on the market based on new-generation pigments.


8101100 JETCOLOR-FSC RPA4 KS55 BPKRPA466

8116562 JETGLOSS-FSC RPA4 KS70 CJNRPA490





8159569 POLYJET GLOSS CLEAR RPAF KS85 GRRPAF91

8159439 POLYJET MATT TRANSP. RPAF KS85 GTRPAF91

8159460 POLYJET MATT WHITE RPAF KS85 GURPAF91

8159408 POLYJET GLOSS WHITE RPAF KS85 AIRRPAF91





8101100 JETCOLOR-FSC RPA4 KS55 BPKRPA466

8116562 JETGLOSS-FSC RPA4 KS70 CJNRPA490


8008621 JET OPAQUE RPA4 KS55 FMRPA466

8256596 JETLASER OPAQUE-FSC RPA4 KS55 FUTRPA466




8238240 POLYLASER MATT SILVER RPAF KSS120 C8RPAFFGX



8159408 POLYJET GLOSS WHITE RPAF KS85 AIRRPAF91

CD/DVD/BLU-RAY LABELLINGUPM Raflatac offers a full range of paper-based and filmic prod-ucts for disc labelling, enabling consumers to personalize their discs with high-quality full colour designs.

To ensure good balance on the disc, labels should be positioned exactly in the centre. Round labels are essential to maintain sym-metry. Brand-name A4 label producers usually bundle special layouts or tools with their labels to help consumers achieve good positioning. Only one label should be used per disc, and labels should not be applied on top of one another.

Labelled discs should be stored only indoors in a home or office environment rather than a car, for example. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Filmic labels are less sensitive to variations in humidity. This makes them a safer choice for disc labelling when tight disc-reading tolerances require a label with good stability, or when a longer disc life is required.

UPM Raflatac advises discretion when selecting CD/DVD/Blu-ray discs. High-quality disc brands give fewer reading errors after the label has been applied. Labelling is not recommended on rewritable discs due to the sensitive nature of the disc construction. Permanent, non-removable adhesives are recommended, as the force required to detach even a removable adhesive can damage the disc.

Blu-ray discs are more sensitive than CD/DVD discs because thinner grooves at higher density are used to achieve increased capacity. While labelling Blu-ray discs with paper labels is possi-ble, it is highly recommended that filmic labels are used to ensure long data life.

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TEST TUBE AND LABORATORY APPLICATIONSTest tube and laboratory applications in hospitals and analytical laboratories require variable information for customized labelling, in most cases printed by laser. Other demands to guarantee label adhesion may include thin and flexible label faces for labelling small diameters, and resistance to variations in temperature and humidity.

UPM Raflatac’s thin, smooth and flexible Jetlite-FSC and Laser Lab-FSC face materials are developed specifically for test tube and laboratory end-uses. Jetlite-FSC supports excellent laser toner anchorage as well as inkjet drying for good bar code readability. Laser Lab-FSC is a cost-competitive solution with good laser toner anchorage. Both excel in ap-plications involving small diameters, such as test tube labelling.

For test tube labels using UPM Raflatac’s removable RR AR adhesive, the direction of conversion should run with the grain of the label to ensure a good bond between the label and test tube and to avoid edge-lift. The direction in which the label fibre runs is not so critical with the RP A4 permanent adhesive.

When higher speed laser printers are used to print many labels per sheet, the recommended backing is Kraft Special 70. For special applications requiring a higher grammage backing, the tailored Kraft Special 85 option supports many small labels com-bined with perforations across the sheet.

Cut-size sheets are best converted with 4-edge stripping to prevent adhesive contamination into the printer and to minimize mainte-nance stops; see further converting recommendations on page 16.

All UPM Raflatac test tube and laboratory materials have been tested on the substrate-types in common use – polypropylene and glass – and in variable end-use climatic conditions with excellent results.

Fibre direction of label


8237755 JETLITE-FSC RPA4 KS55 FGSRPA466


8237762 JETLITE-FSC RRAR KS70 FGSRRAR90

8270868 LASER LAB-FSC RPA4 KS55 GCRRPA466





A4 LABELLING APPLICATIONS

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8237762 JETLITE-FSC RRAR KS70 FGSRRAR90






TRANSPORT & LOGISTICSTransport & Logistics is a fast-growing field where labels are used for routing, tracking and tracing inventory. Labels are applied to different surface types such as envelopes, cardboard, paper wrapping and plastic wrapping films. While labels in these end-uses have a relatively short life, they must have excellent initial adhesion to guarantee accurate tracking throughout the logistic chain.

Our A4 prod¬uct range offers a lot of flexibility as well as options for improved environmental performance. Laserplus NXT+ PEFC RPA2 KS55, for example, is forest certified and resource-opti-mized to help reduce environmental impacts.

UPM Raflatac’s standard A4 constructions are widely used throughout this end-use segment. Demanding applications – involv-ing higher printing speeds, challenging substrates or low tempera-tures – require our thicker backings or adhesives developed to meet these specific requirements.

For top performance in demanding warehousing and dispatch environments and across a wide range of temperatures, the opti-mal choice is Laser Logistics PEFC with the RPAL extra-permanent adhesive. RPAL has high tack and very strong adhesion to a wide range of surfaces including plastic films and paper wrapping, cardboards and envelopes.

For applications requiring good adhesion at low temperatures – both chilled (-5 °C to 10 °C) and deep freeze (-5 °C to -40 °C) – we recommend the Jetlaser-FSC paper label face and specially developed R49F permanent adhesive.

When labelling cardboard substrates, tests should be made to find label constructions with the most suitable adhesive for a par-ticular cardboard or variety of cardboards, and to evaluate how variations in the cardboard quality may affect adhesion.

Where a removable adhesive is required, tests in the actual conditions of use are recommended with the acrylic-based remov-able adhesive RRAR. This is especially the case with recycled cardboards or plastic bags; these surfaces may contain additives which compromise removability.

For logistics applications requiring outdoor and durable proper-ties, please refer to ‘Outdoor and Durable Labelling’.

A4 PAPERS

EAN Product description Sales code

8223284 LASER LOGISTICS PEFC RPAL KS55 EUSRPAL66


8249284 JETLASER-FSC R49F KS70 AYKR49F90



8203651 JETLASER RRAR KS70 N7RRAR90

8010136 JETLASER MULTITAC 7XRPA466

8223291 LASER LOGISTICS PEFC RPAL KS70 EUSRPAL90




OUTDOOR AND DURABLE LABELLINGOutdoor labelling requires self-adhesive materials that toler-ate fluctuations in temperature and humidity, are moisture-proof and UV-stable. Strong adhesion is essential due to the varying characteristics of the labelled surfaces – de-moulding or paraffin components may be present, and the surfaces may be curved and rough.

Especially when labelling HDPE drums, adhesion tests under the actual conditions of use are highly recommended. For Durable ap-plications requiring high temperature and/or chemical resistance, reliable performance is guaranteed by UPM Raflatac’s polyester-based Polylaser range.

Laser-printed labels for use in difficult environmental conditions must also provide excellent toner anchorage and adhesion. Inkjet label faces must have excellent ink-drying properties and a resilient coating.

Due to the image resilience required by outdoor and durable labelling, UPM Raflatac recommends the use of laser-printable filmic products for typical outdoor applications such as logistic or drum labelling. To satisfy inkjet needs, printing and end-use tests are recommended due to the variety of ink qualities on the market; pigment-based inks are generally recommended.

UPM Raflatac’s Polylaser and Polyjet ranges meet the requirements of outdoor applications. Polylaser Matt White combined with either the RP AF or RP FH permanent adhesives and Polyjet Matt White with the RP AF adhesive have British Standard BS5609 approval for labelling dangerous goods transported by sea.






8238257 PE LASER WHITE RPAF KSS120 MERPAFFGX

8238264 PE LASER WHITE RPFH KSS120 MERPFHFGX


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ON-DEMAND, IN-HOUSE COLOUR LABELSOn-demand in-house printing technology has opened new op-portunities in several market segments – SOHO, personal care, oil & industrial chemical, retail information and wine labelling as well as promotional colour labelling in general. Industrial-grade colour inkjet label printers are now producing full-colour, high-resolution labels and tags in offices, warehouses, factories and retail stores.

With strong print-on-demand capabilities, UPM Raflatac’s inkjet and toner-based label stocks offer solutions meeting end-users’ latest expectations for print quality and resistance to environmen-tal stresses. Reliable performance maximizes the advantages in operational versatility and flexibility.

SPECIALTY ON-DEMAND PRODUCTSAdhesive options include permanent and removable, hotmelt and UV acrylic, with properties specified for various conditions such as deep freeze. Opaque option is also available for both paper and films in case block-out requirements are needed.

On request, we supply a wide range of products with functionali-ties precisely specified for end-uses such as pharmaceutical, tyre and wine & spirits labelling.

For detailed information about UPM Raflatac On-Demand product range, see the On Demand from UPM Raflatac brochure avail-able at http://www.upmraflatac.com.

A4 LABELLING APPLICATIONS




8249246 LASERSILK HS-FSC RPA3 KS90 DLDRPA314


8238257 PE LASER WHITE RPAF KSS120 MERPAFFGX



8238110 POLYLASER MATT TRANSPARENT RPAF KSS120 NCRPAFFGX



Epson Colorworks C3500Photo: Epson

DIGITAL PRINTING (HIGH-SPEED LASER PRINTERS)The latest laser printers are capable of printing up to 150 pages a minute in a variety of widths, from A5 to SRA3. These new ma-chines are only as good as the materials they print, and end-users are keen to get a return on their investments.

Our paper and film faces for high-speed end-uses are supplied with heavier grammage backings to provide superior lay-flat properties before, during and after the laser printing process, and regardless of sheet orientation. This vastly reduces the chances of printer jams, allows more sheets to be printed in a single run due to improved stacking, and also makes the printed sheets easier to handle.

The paper faces in our digital range are supplied with the RPA3 adhesive, which has been formulated to keep printer contamina-tion to an absolute minimum, extending maintenance intervals and reducing downtime.

The combined properties of these products make them the most reliable on the market. End-users seeking maximum efficiency from high-specification printing devices in SOHO, industrial, logistics and promotional applications will also be assured by the outstand-ing print results for which UPM Raflatac is renowned.

For more information about UPM Raflatac printer references, refer to the Digital printer recommendation tool.

http://bit.ly/2ppNJWK

http://www.upmraflatac.com/emea/en/news/brochures?id=640

http://www.upmraflatac.com

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THE A4 PRODUCT RANGE

FACE MATERIALS BY PRINTING TECHNIQUE

Face

Monochromelaser and

copierColour laser and copier

High-speed laser Inkjet

High- resolution

inkjet

PAPE

RS UNCOATED

JETLASER

JETLASER-FSC

LASER LAB-FSC

LASERPLUS NXT+ PEFC

LASER LOGISTICS PEFC

JETLITE-FSC

NATURLASER 70-FSC

UNCOATED SPECIAL

JETRED-FSC

JETGREEN-FSC

JETBLUE-FSC

JETLEMON-FSC

COATED

FLUOR RED-FSC

FLUOR GREEN-FSC

FLUOR ORANGE-FSC

FLUOR LEMON-FSC

JETCOLOR-FSC

JETGLOSS-FSC

LASERGLOSS-FSC

OPAQUE

JET OPAQUE

JETLASER OPAQUE

FILM

S POLYLASER MATT WHITE

POLYLASER MATT TRANSPARENT

POLYLASER MATT SILVER

POLYLASER GLOSS CLEAR

POLYLASER GLOSS WHITE

PE LASER WHITE

POLYJET MATT TRANSPARENT

POLYJET MATT WHITE

POLYJET GLOSS WHITEEpson Colorworks C3500Photo: Epson

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BACKING SELECTORPlease contact us if non-standard backings are required with UPM Raflatac’s A4 label faces.

BACKINGS FOR A4 PAPERS

Face Backing Description

UNCOATED

COATED

COLOURED

KS55 • UPM Raflatac’s most universal backing for laser and inkjet printers

• Printing speed generally below 50 ppm, e.g. on inkjets, workgroup laser printers and slow copy machines

• Less than 24 labels per A4 sheet

• Recommended for SOHO end-uses

• Long-grain feeding in the printer recommended

• Not recommended for perforated sheets

• Not recommended for fanfold end-uses

• Jetlite-FSC with the KS55 backing is optimal for printing devices that require the most flexible possible label stock. Some specific printer models may require short-grain feeding.

UNCOATED

COATED

COLOURED

KS70

KS85

• Printing speed generally higher than 50 ppm, e.g. on production printers, some workgroup laser printers and copiers

• Generally more than 24 labels per A4 sheet


• Recommended when sheet layout has 1–2 lines of perforation

• Recommended for hospital-laboratory and industrial end-uses

• Recommended for fanfold end-uses

HIGH-SPEED LASER

KSS120 • For all laser end-uses, specially designed for high-speed printing and filmic label faces

• Excellent lay-flat properties before and after laser printing


• Very good feed properties for laser printing

BACKINGS FOR A4 FILMS UPM RAFLATAC OFFERS SPECIFIC LASER AND INKJET BACKINGS FOR FILMIC A4 LABEL FACES.

Face Backing Description

POLYLASER

PE LASER WHITE

KSS120 • For all laser end-uses, specially designed for high-speed and filmic label faces

• Very good lay-flat properties before and after laser printing


• Very good feed properties for laser printing

• Good properties for back-printing

POLYJET KS85 • For all inkjet end-uses

• Excellent feed-through and lay-flat properties for filmic inkjet applications


A4 ADHESIVES UPM Raflatac’s A4 adhesives have been specially developed to cut well during the sheeting process: the sheet edges stay clean and the adhesive shouldn’t bleed from the sheet edges before or during printing. Laser printing and copying are especially demanding, as the adhesive needs to withstand the heat of the hot fusion process.

Face Adhesive Description

PAPERS RPA4 • General-purpose permanent adhesive for paper labels, with good convertibility. Good adhesion on various substrates, but cardboard adhesion possibly limited. Good mandrel properties.

RPA2 • Permanent adhesive used with Laserplus NXT+ PEFC product combinations. Cardboard adhesion possibly limited.

RPAL • Extra-permanent adhesive for logistic end-uses where very good adhesion to different type of cardboards, corrugated boards and non-polar plastic surfaces is needed.

RPA3 • General-purpose permanent adhesive, specially designed for high-speed laser applications. Good convertibility and excellent non-bleeding properties.

RRAR • Removable adhesive for paper labels. Very good long-term removability from different substrates. Good mandrel (small-diameter) properties.

R49F • Permanent adhesive designed for achieving very good adhesion at chill or freezer conditions over filmic surfaces (e.g. PE or PP) and good performance over cardboard substrates.

FILMS RPAF • General-purpose permanent adhesive for filmic faces, also for clear films.

RPFH • Extra-permanent adhesive for films

RRAF • Removable adhesive for films. Good long-term removability from different substrates.

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LASER TECHNOLOGY

Single-pass technologies: colour laser/LED printers

Four-pass technologies: colour laser printers

Laser/LED technologies: monochrome printers digital copiers

Electrophotographic printing

Toner cartridge

Light source (LED, laser)

Photoconductive drum

Media

Fuser

A4 PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

Toner cartridges

Photoconductor drum

Accumulator drum


Fuser

Media

C

M

Y

K

Photoconductor drum


Media

Toner cartridges

Monochrome laser technology (Laser/LED)

Four-pass technology – adapted for colour by using a combination of separate CMYK toner cartridges. Four cartridges are usually mounted

to rotating cylinders.

Single pass technology – Four or seven complete print heads, arranged in parallel, inline colour printing units (CMYK/ CMYKRGB).

A4 PRINTING SEGMENTATION… comprises three categories according to the scope of production:

• SOHO/MFP, involving small office/home office and multi-functional printers, with printing speeds up to 40 ppm.

• Copier, where copiers are used to handle higher volumes than SOHO/MFP, with printing speeds up to 40 ppm.

• Production-class operations, using printers able to handle larger format sheet sizes, with printing speeds starting from 70 ppm and rising in some cases to a maximum 150 ppm.

UPM Raflatac supplies a specially developed range of products to satisfy the latest printing demands in each market segment. These materials offer perfect feed-through, excellent printing quality and stable lay-flat properties to enhance and maintain the highest pos-sible printer performance.

The electrophotographic printing process begins at the laser source, where the laser scans the surface of a photoconductive drum, imparting points of negative charge that represent text or images. Toner particles are then transferred from the cartridge to the charged area of the photoconductor. The print media is nega-tively charged from the reverse side with a charge greater than that of the photoconductive drum, and fed into contact with the drum by a set of rubber rollers. The charge on the media attracts the toner powder, thus transferring the image to the media. Any residual toner is automatically cleaned away. Finally, the toner is melted and pressured onto the media surface by a fuser unit.

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A4 PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES

INK-JET TECHNOLOGY

The differences between inkjet technologies are due to the different methods used to spray ink droplets onto the media. Thermal bubble technology and piezo-electric technology are the main technologies employed.

Piezoelectric technologies

Thermal bubble technologies

Ink-jet technologies

1. 2. 3.

To reservoir

Resistor

Small resistors vaporize the ink to create a bubble

Pressure increases, ink droplet is pushed out of the nozzle

Piezoelectric crystal

To reservoir

Nozzle

Electrical charge applied to the crystal creates pressure

The pressure pushes out the droplet

THERMAL BUBBLE PIEZOELECTRIC

Nozzle Bubble

1. 2. 3.

• Thermal bubble – Small resistors generate heat to vaporize the ink and create a bubble in the ink reservoir. As the bubble expands, the pressure increases and ink droplets are pushed out of the nozzle onto the paper. When the bubble collapses, the resulting vacuum pulls more ink from the ink cartridge into the print head. The ink has to be heat resistant.

INKS OVERVIEW

Pigmented inks use small particles suspended in the base solution to provide the colour instead of water-soluble dye. Pigment inks are virtually waterproof once they set up fully on the printed media. They are also less susceptible to bleeding and wicking on the paper fibres. In black, they tend to have a charcoal appearance. The main disadvantage is the ink price, which is two to four times that of dye inks.

Dye inkjet printers use a similar formulation of inks. The basic make-up is as follows: de-ionized water as the solvent, isopropyl alcohol or glycol as the drying agent and a dye base to provide the colour. Dye-based inkjet formations lack water resistance, and they have less UV resistance compared to pigmented inks.

• Piezo-electric – This process uses piezo crystals, one of which is located at the back of each nozzle’s secondary ink reservoir. The crystal receives a tiny electrical charge which causes it to change shape. A piezo crystal has two states: in one state it pulls ink into the nozzle’s ink reservoir, and in the other it pushes ink out of the nozzle.

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Print head

MediaTransfix roller

Drum

PRINTER-LABEL PERFORMANCE TESTS ONLINE

UPM Raflatac’s A4 range has been tested for reliable feed through and print quality with most standard printers and copi-ers from major manufacturers. The tests have focused mainly on Jetlaser and Jetlite-FSC, the dominant products in UPM Raflatac’s A4 range.

The latest test program also covers the new photo-quality A4 filmic materials and high-speed laser products, narrow web formats for inkjet and laser on-demand labels, and multifunctional printers. Printer references based on the test results are available online to ensure that our product recommendations are as current as possible, and updated as significant new printer models enter the market. Current printer references are also available on request from UPM Raflatac sales offices.

While our recommendations are based on our own knowledge and tests, we also work in close cooperation with most known OEM brands.

The hardware is tested in a controlled environment using die-cut A4 sheets converted from 210 mm slit materials. Printers and copiers are tested with A4 products fed from both an internal feed tray (paper cassette, or paper elevator on some copiers) and from an external feed unit when available. Each test includes a run of 1,000 sheets, with the exception of tests made with colour laser printers which run between 100 and 200 sheets. UPM Raflatac’s A4 films are also tested in runs of 100 to 200 sheets.

The standard environmental test conditions are: 23 °C +/– 2 °C, relative humidity 40–60%.

UPM Raflatac’s A4 products have been strictly rated for the printer references as follows:

Rating % Success

> 99.5% Excellent

99.0–99.5% Good

97.0–99.0% Fair

< 97% Not recommended*

*Strict processes determine UPM Raflatac’s method of classification. For this reason, certain products with a rating below 97% could be the right combination for different printer models or different label sizes. Some technically difficult printers need special attention in order for self-adhesive laminate to perform properly. Fibre direction may also play an important role in the functionality of such printers.

WAX SOLID

• Solid ink technology – This ‘phase-change’ process works with solid wax ink sticks, which are melted in a print head that operates between 120 and 140 °C. The molten inks are sprayed through nozzles onto a heated drum. After the image is formed on the drum, it is applied and cold-fused onto the paper with single-pass technology, making it pos-sible to print at the same speed in colour as in black and white.

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HANDLING AND STORAGE

When in storage, rolls must be kept in their plastic wrapping. The laminate must be stored near the converting machinery for at least 24 hours so that the temperature of the laminate is the same as the ambient temperature.

A4 sheets should be placed in moisture-proof wrapping immediately after conversion. Boxes of finished material should be stored indoors, away from sources of heat or humidity. Keep the boxes in near-printer conditions several hours before use and avoid sudden changes in conditions.

ENSURING LAY-FLAT A4 SHEETSMACHINE DIRECTIONWhen nearing the end of a roll, the laminate has a tendency to curl in the same direction as the core. To optimize runnability, the use of an anti-curl bar is recommended.

UPM Raflatac recommends using 6-inch cores for coated board or filmic products, which reduces the need for an anti-curl bar. If you have a 3-inch unwinder shaft, please contact your UPM Raflatac sales office, so they can provide further guidance and information about the right adapters when using 6-inch cores.

CROSS DIRECTIONBecause paper has a tendency to react in variable moisture levels for cross direction, ideal ambient conditions are strongly recommended: relative humidity of approximate 40–60% at a temperature of 19–23 ºC.

DIE CUTTINGGeneral A4 products need special tools, both for paper and film-based solutions. UPM Raflatac always recommends that you contact your own die supplier, who will be able to advise you about the best die tools to use. As a general rule, A4 kraft liners are softer papers than glassines and SC kraft liners. Accordingly, the KS55 backing (54 microns) needs a die roughly 5–10 microns deeper than a 55 micron honey glassine paper. Filmic A4 products need special care when die-cutting. As with all filmic face materials, a reinforced smaller die angle, 60–70° for example, is recommended.

MATRIX STRIPPINGIn most cases, increasing productivity means increasing the converting speed. When releasing the matrix, three key factors should be considered to achieve an optimized process: a) the die-cutting plate specifications; b) the label (and matrix) layout, especially the label radius and matrix dimensions; and c) a quality label material with the required release level. UPM Raflatac recommends the use of products with optimized release levels which are suitable for matrix-stripping and also provide trouble-free performance during laser printing.

PRE-PRINTINGWater-based inks can easily cause cross-directional curl towards the backing material because the water in the ink affects the moisture balance of the laminate. For applications where pre-printed materials are laser printed, check with your ink supplier for a recommended printing ink. We recommend using coloured paper laminates from our range rather than printing solid colour over an entire sheet.

The coatings on UPM Raflatac’s inkjet products are specially designed for the purpose. The characteristics of these coatings may compromise the print result with conventional methods such as flexography and offset.

Strip the matrix from all 4 edges. This is the most demanding conversion method in regard to the press.

The following recommendations cover the most critical A4 converting issues. To mini-mize or eliminate adhesive-bleed, please note the following conversion methods, with the most recommended first and the least recommended last.

A4 CONVERTING, HANDLING AND STORAGE

Strip the face so that is slightly narrower (1-2 mm) than the backing; this results in adhesive-free edges.

No stripping at all, but edges slit on-press.

Only sheeting net A4-width material.

15

A4 PRODUCTS TROUBLESHOOTINGAREA PROBLEM CAUSE ACTION

CO

NV

ERTI

NG

UN

WIN

DIN

G Adhesive-bleed

Coil tension too tight Contact your supplier with the order details

Coils stored without siliconized sheets separating them

Keep coil with siliconized sheets

High weight overloaded at the stock Avoid overloaded material especially during summer

Incorrect roll width Incorrect knife setting Contact your supplier. Roll width tolerance is +/– 0.5mm.

Damaged edges Transport damage Contact your supplier with the order/delivery details

Pallet in poor condition Contact your supplier with the order details

PRE-

PRIN

TIN

G

Uneven flexo/offset coverage

Substrate has uneven thickness or absorption characteristics

Contact your supplier with the order details

Improper impression Check plates, inks, machine settings

Poor ink adhesion Improper impression Consult your ink manufacturer and/or check drying conditions

Picking (inkjet materials)Ink picks up the fibre due to high tack or viscosity, or when printing solid areas

Check ink condition. The inkjet coating has been specially designed for the purpose, and the characteristics of these coatings can compromise the print result when using conventional methods such as flexography and offset.

Cross-direction curl

High amount of water (with water-based inks) and/or improper drying

Water-based ink changes the optimized humidity level of the laminate. Anti-curl additives are recommended in addition to adjusting the ink/water volume and drying level.

Whole sheet printed in solid colour UPM Raflatac recommends using coloured paper laminates rather than printing solid colour over an entire sheet

DIE

-CU

TTIN

G

Die-cut too deep or incomplete

Variation in backing thickness Contact your supplier with the order details

Incorrect magnetic plate specifications (height and angle)

Contact your magnetic plate supplier for specific advice. As a general rule, Clay Coated Kraft backings are less dense than Glassine or SC Kraft backings. For this reason, greater depth is needed when die-cutting (between 5 and 10 microns more). As a guide, for the KS55 backing, a 445-micron die is commonly used. For filmic faces, UPM Raflatac recommends the use of lower die angles (60–70 °C) than typically used for papers (70–90 °C).

Excessive pressure at die-cut station/old plate Check the magnetic plate supplier's recommendations for use. Avoid the use of filmic tapes between the magnetic cylinder and plate – it may damage the backing when die-cutting.

Matrix breakage

High release or siliconeless voids on backing paper Contact your supplier with the order details

90° angles in the label design Rounded angles are highly recommended when the matrix is removed

Improper matrix dimensions As a general rule, length-ways matrix dimensions should be double those of cross-matrix dimensions

Unsuitable product Contact your supplier for technical advice

STA

CKI

NG

Cross-directional curl when converting within Relative Humidity tolerance of 40–60%

Poor moisture level in laminate Contact your supplier with the order details

Improper impression/drying (when face and/or backing are flexo/offset printed)

Water-based ink changes the optimized humidity level of the laminate. Anti-curl additives are recommended in addition to adjusting the ink/water volume and drying level. Rather than print sheets in solid colour, UPM Raflatac recommends using coloured paper laminates.

Coil storage conditions Coils must be kept in their plastic wrapping to protect them from environmental extremes which can have an adverse effect on convertibility. We recommend that materials are stored at 19–23 °C with a RH of 40–60%.

Converting conditions A4 products are sensitive to variations in moisture and temperature. UPM Raflatac recommends that A4 materials are converted under controlled conditions: 19–23 °C and RH 40–60%. Outside these tolerances, the lay-flat performance may be unreliable. When converting A4 papers, a cross-direction curl (CD) towards the face indicates a lack of moisture, while a CD curl towards the backing indicates a high moisture level. When converting A4 Films, CD curl towards the face indicates a high moisture level, while CD curl towards the backing indicates a lack of moisture.

Machine-direction curl High/low laminate tension Contact your supplier with the order details. UPM Raflatac recommends the use of anti-curl bar adjustment, especially with flexible products like films.

Machine-direction curl near the coil join Mechanical shape taken from the laminate core Curvature will return to flat after 24 hours in the sheet pile

Machine-direction curl near the core Mechanical shape taken from the coil core UPM Raflatac recommends the use of a 6-inch (152 mm) core instead of a 3-inch

(76 mm) core to minimize curl. An anti-curl bar is also highly recommended.

Diagonal curl High/low laminate tension and poor moisture level in laminate Contact your supplier with the order details

Adhesive-bleed: sheets stick together

Adhesive properties out of tolerance Contact your supplier with the order details

Poor or roughly slit edges Check the condition of the knife and replace when needed

Adhesive residue clumpsAdhesive properties out of tolerance Contact your supplier with the order details

Knife condition (long and/or cross) Check the condition of the knife and replace when needed

16

AREA PROBLEM CAUSE ACTION

PRIN

TIN

G (L

ASE

R/IN

KJET

)

FEED

ING

Not feeding: poor lay-flatness

Sheet storage conditions Sheet boxes should have a moisture barrier to guarantee that the humidity level of the sheets remains correct. Store sheets in a dry environment. If the temperature and humidity levels are very different between the storage and printing environments, the sheets should be placed near the printer several hours before use.

Sheet printing conditions Too dry conditions can negatively affect curling, feeding and even toner positioning. The optimal RH is 40–60% at a temperature of 19–23 °C.

Not feeding: double feeding


Sheet storage conditions See recommendations for 'Not feeding – Poor lay-flatness'. Also, refresh the sheet pile before setting it in the cassette or manual feeder.

Edge stuck due to adhesive bleeding To minimize adhesive-bleed, matrix-stripping is highly recommended. The most recommended is the four-edge clean, followed by the two edge clean. When not matrix-stripping, edge slitting on-press is preferable to net A4 width. The free-edge should not exceed 1–2 mm: the edges could bend and jam inside the printer.

Printer condition Please note that when net-width sheets are used in printers, the maintenance cycle is shorter than with sheets that have the edge cleaned. Carry out printer maintenance according to the original manufacturer's recommendations.

Die-cut too deep – lack of stiffness Die-cutting too deeply diminishes the laminate's stiffness and makes the face uneven. Check the condition of the die-cut.

PRIN

TIN

G

Paper jam

Improper sheet size Contact your supplier with the order details. Despite ISO 216 standards, a tolerance of +/– 0.5 mm is highly recommended in order to optimize feedability across a broad range of printers.

Improper grain direction Follow the printer supplier's recommendations. As a general indication, most recommend feeding in the long-grain direction to maintain sheet stiffness. The number and design of the labels may compromise sheet stiffness. UPM Raflatac has developed a wide range of backings to cover end-user requirements: please refer to the backing selector on page 12.

Labels predispensing Contact your supplier with the order details

Die-cut too deep – lack of stiffness Contact your supplier with the order details. Die-cutting too deeply diminishes the laminate stiffness

Double feeding Refer to 'Not Feeding – Double feeding' on this page

Poor laser and/or copier toner positioning and anchorage

Electrical factors regarding toner positioning Contact your printer supplier with the order details

Physical surface properties Contact your supplier with the order details

Printer driver set-up Contact your printer supplier. Follow the printer manual and the supplier´s recommendations.

Toner quality Use only original toner cartridges

Poor inkjet absorption/drying

Poor surface ink absorption Contact your supplier with the order details

Printer driver set-up Contact your printer supplier. Follow the printer manual and the supplier's recommendations.

Ink quality Use only original ink cartridges

OU

TPU

T

High level of post-laser curl

Moisture level of laminate Contact your supplier with the order details

Improper grain direction Follow the printer supplier's recommendations. As a general indication, most recommend feeding in the long-grain direction to maintain sheet stiffness. The number and design of the labels may compromise sheet stiffness. UPM Raflatac has developed a wide range of backings to cover various end-user requirements: please refer to the backing selector on page 12.

Printing conditions Too dry or moist conditions can have a negative impact on curling after printing. Optimal conditions are RH 40–60% at 19–23 °C.

USE

DIS

PEN

SIN

G

Difficulty releasing the labels

Release is out of tolerance Contact your supplier with the order details

Die-cut too deep or incomplete Contact your supplier with the order details for a thickness measurement. Check the die-cutting process: increasing the die pressure when the magnetic plate is old can compromise die-cut quality.

AD

HES

ION

Lack of adhesion


Improper end-use Contact your supplier for technical advice, with details about the order and the end-use

REM

OVA

BILIT

Y

Poor removability


Improper end-use Contact your supplier for technical advice, with details of the order and end-use

OD

OU

R

Odour during laser printing

Adhesive quality Contact your supplier with the order details

Adhesive characteristics Contact your supplier with the order details. When heating adhesives in enclosed or small spaces, the odour may be even higher depending on the printed volumes.

A4 PRODUCTS TROUBLESHOOTING

17

A4 AND CUT-SIZE PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

OFFICE AND SOHO

Product Office CD

DVD/ Blu-ray2) Photo

Trans-port&

logis-tics

Indus-trial,

outdoor and

durable

Pharma / labo-ratory Retail Food

PAPE

RS

JETLASER RPA4 KS55 JETLASER RRAR KS55 JETLASER RPA4 KS70 JETLASER RRAR KS70 JETLASER-FSC RPA4 KS55LASERPLUS NXT+ PEFC RPA2 KS55 LASERPLUS NXT+ PEFC RPA2 KS70 LASER LOGISTICS PEFC RPAL KS55JETLITE-FSC RPA4 KS55 1)

JETLITE-FSC RPA4 KS70 JETLITE-FSC RRAR KS70 LASER LAB-FSC RPA4 KS55LASER LAB-FSC RPA4 KS70NATURLASER-FSC RPA4 KS55 JETLEMON-FSC RPA4 KS55 JETGREEN-FSC RPA4 KS55 JETBLUE-FSC RPA4 KS55 JETRED-FSC RPA4 KS55 FLUOR LEMON-FSC RPA4 KS55 FLUOR ORANGE-FSC RPA4 KS55 FLUOR RED-FSC RPA4 KS55 FLUOR GREEN-FSC RPA4 KS55 JETCOLOR-FSC RPA4 KS55JETGLOSS-FSC RPA4 KS70 LASERGLOSS-FSC RPA3 KS70 LASERGLOSS-FSC RPA3 KS85JETLASER MULTITAC JET OPAQUE RPA4 KS55 JETLASER OPAQUE-FSC RPA4 KS55

FILM

S POLYLASER MATT WHITE RPAF KSS120 POLYLASER MATT WHITE RPFH KSS120 POLYLASER MATT WHITE TC 60 RRAF KSS120POLYLASER MATT TRANSP. RPAF KSS120 POLYLASER GLOSS CLEAR RPAF KSS120 POLYLASER GLOSS WHITE RPAF KSS120 POLYLASER MATT SILVER RPAF KSS120 PE LASER WHITE RPAF KSS120 PE LASER WHITE RPFH KSS120POLYJET GLOSS CLEAR RPAF KS85 POLYJET MATT TRANSPARENT RPAF KS85 POLYJET MATT WHITE RPAF KS85 POLYJET GLOSS WHITE RPAF KS85

1) Recommended for end-uses that require high flexibility

2) Paper labels can be used if stored indoors and away from humidity

RECOMMENDATION GUIDE:

Excellent Good Fair Not recommended

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