Lintec unveils bubble-free adhesive technology

Lintec has developed an outgassing-resistant labelstock which provides a release mechanism for volatile gasses trapped under the face material.

Sumio Morimoto, general manager Printing and Variable Information Products Operations at Lintec

Tatsuya Tsukida, general manager of Lintec's research center, explained that the discovery came as a result of cracks discovered in an adhesive coating which allowed gasses to escape.

‘Most people would see this as a defect, however we thought more positively about this phenomenon and investigated if it could be controlled.’

Lintec has now developed a method of creating a “micro-Canyon structure” on the adhesive surface. This not only allows the removal of air from under the facestock, but also makes die cutting and label application easier.

In a statement, Lintec said, 'Our new labelstock, developed with a revolutionary manufacturing process, differs from conventional blister-free labelstock by forming a concave-convex shape on the surface of the adhesive. Due to the random orientation of the concave-convex morphology of the adhesive surface, there are fewer problems with the punching process, and the adhesive surface doesn’t select the release liner surface so that back-slitting is possible. This new product has superior retention of the concave-convex shape, and  shows little deterioration in performance even when repeatedly placed in a high-temperature environment.'

Lintec is currently seeking UL accreditation for the technology and looking at a range of different applications. It will be available in Japan from early next year with a European roll-out at a future date.

Lintec has also launched a range of new products to the European market at Labelexpo, including the KP5000 film made from 80 percent post-consumer PET which won the Global Label Award for Sustainability at the show. Other new products include: oil tolerant labelstocks for application to steel plates and other oily surfaces; oil- and water-repellent labelstock; flame-retardant labelstock containing halogen-free flame retardant agent and with UL 94 VTM-0  certification; ultra-thin (18 micron) white labelstock; extra-low adhesion labelstock which can be applied, removed and re-applied; and non-conductive gunmetal labelstock which adds a luxurious finish to product labelling and branding without using aluminum. The latter material incorporates a non-conductive material which allows printing with laser printers, and heating in microwave ovens. 

Andy Thomas

  • Strategic director