Your challenge: from coating and quality control to converting
Pressure-sensitive labels may be a mature and tried-and-tested product, but behind a high-quality end product lies a complex production process. Moreover, brand owners expect a perfect label that looks good, adheres reliably and can be processed without any problems.
The move to in-house coating therefore also brings with it new responsibilities. Whereas previously a supplier was responsible for the quality of the laminate, the product’s overall performance is now determined by the company’s own coating process, the raw materials chosen and the control of critical process parameters.
Successful PSA production is therefore not just about applying a hot-melt coating layer. It requires a deep understanding of material properties, quality standards and collaboration within the supply chain.
Challenges in pressure-sensitive label production
Consistent quality throughout the run
A PSA laminate consists of several components that must function together as a single system. The facestock, adhesive, release liner and coating process continuously influence one another.
Minor variations in coat weight, siliconisation, material tension or curing can have a direct impact on performance. The quality of a PSA label is therefore not determined solely by the production process; it is the sum of expertise throughout the entire supply chain.
Working to international quality standards
When you manufacture your laminates in-house, you gain not only freedom but also full responsibility for the quality of your product. You will therefore want to measure and validate this before entering the market.
International quality standards set the benchmark for high-quality laminate production. These guidelines describe, amongst other things, how properties such as peel adhesion, initial tack, shear resistance, silicone release and conversion performance can be tested and compared in accordance with a standard. The test methods not only provide a uniform basis for quality control, but also a common language for communicating with customers, material suppliers and brand owners. Are you working on a business case? Then you’ll want both suppliers and technical partners on your side who possess the knowledge, expertise and necessary measurement methods and test facilities, and who are committed, alongside you, to delivering a high-quality end product. We’re here for you.
Why process control makes the difference
PSA laminates are therefore assessed on properties such as peel adhesion, tack, shear, release values and converting performance. These properties are directly linked to the stability of the coating process.
Consequently, the challenge lies not only in producing a coating layer, but above all in controlling the parameters that influence this performance:
- Conditioning of pressure-sensitive adhesives
- Uniformity of coating weight
- Silicone release performance
- Web tension and material guidance
- Temperature control within the process
- Curing and cross-linking of coatings
- In-line quality control and process monitoring
As product specifications become stricter and tolerances narrower, the importance of reproducible process control continues to grow. A stable process therefore forms the basis for consistent product quality and successful product development.
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How we support you
At Maan Engineering, we understand that the quality of pressure-sensitive labels stands or falls on process control. That is why we develop coating and converting technology that gives you maximum control over critical process steps such as adhesive coating, silicone coating, melting and web handling.
- Our solutions are designed to:
- Achieve consistent product quality
- Minimise production losses
- Enable higher line speeds
- Improve process stability
- Reduce material waste
- Offer flexibility in handling different label constructions
We look beyond the machine itself. We work with you to understand your process, your challenges and your growth plans. In this way, we help you produce pressure-sensitive labels that not only meet today’s expectations but are also ready for tomorrow’s demands.
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