Appleton unveils imaging chemistry for direct thermal facestocks

Appleton has introduced a new imaging chemistry for its topcoated direct thermal label facestocks. The new patent-pending technology has been deployed across Appleton’s core direct thermal label grades, Résiste 900-3.0 and Résiste190-3.2.  

The improved label grades now offer enhanced performance in high heat and humidity conditions. Barcodes will retain their dark, crisp image while the label preserves its bright white appearance, allowing for improved scan rates in applications such as warehouse and logistics, and regions where labels are exposed to hot and/or humid conditions. In testing, the Résiste 900-3.0 demonstrated more than 45 percent higher image darkness after exposure to 70 deg C with 95 percent relative humidity, while Résiste 190-3.2 image darkness enhanced more than 100 percent over previous technologies. 

‘The new imaging chemistry provides superior performance in demanding environments,’ said Mike Cove, thermal marketing manager for Appleton. ‘It also delivers more flexibility and improved efficiencies for label converters due to the more stable sheet whiteness at higher web temperatures associated with more intense drying conditions on press. These enhanced grades offer excellent compatibility with popular water-based and UV-curable inks. And, the added improvements in ink adhesion characteristics improve finished product robustness during thermal imaging and end-use labeling.’ 

The upgraded label facestocks each hold the highest rating (A grade) for overall quality and performance as established by the American National Standard Institute, even after exposure to high heat and humidity conditions.  

Résiste 900-3.0 is a white, topcoated direct thermal label facestock suited to a variety of applications, including RFID, weigh scale, warehouse, industrial, retail and linerless applications. Résiste 190-3.2 is a standard topcoated, thermal label facestock, designed for use in standard-speed printers. Suitable applications include RFID, retail, industrial, weigh scale and warehouse labels. 

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