Avery Dennison launches ThinStream die-cutting technology

At Labelexpo Europe, Avery Dennison launched a die-cutting technology, called ThinStream, which allows the die-cutting of labels with a liner as thin as 12 microns, half of the current minimum in the market. ThinStream technology also eliminates die strikes, one of the industry’s top quality concerns. The patented technology for ThinStream has been licensed to the Gallus Group, which has created the Gallus Cold Die Unit to accomplish this advance in die-cutting technology. 

ThinStream separates the face stock from the liner before die-cutting, cuts the label shape through the adhesive and then reassembles the label. In order to make a ‘clean cut’, the machine uses a cold die unit, which is kept below freezing to prevent the adhesive sticking to the die. 

‘Liner was a top item on our innovation agenda,’ said Don Nolan, group vice president, label and packaging materials. ‘We wanted to combine our extensive material manufacturing expertise with technologies that allow us and our customers to further enhance label performance while also reducing liner waste and providing environmental and cost benefits. ThinStream is proof that collaboration across key industry disciplines places Avery Dennison and our partners at the center of a whole new wave of innovations in the label and packaging industry.’

Avery Dennison has collaborated with machine manufacturer Gallus to develop commercially available die-cutting units using the ThinStream technology. The history between Avery Dennison and Gallus stretches back to the 1940s when Ferdinand Rüesch III, father of the company’s current owner, struck up a relationship with Avery Dennison’s founder, R. Stanton Avery. Commenting on their latest joint effort, Klaus Bachstein, CEO of Gallus, said: ‘We see a continuing trend of label printers seeking out and using thinner label materials to meet the environmental requirements of brand owners around the world. We are delighted to partner with Avery Dennison to develop the Gallus Cold Die Unit and bring this exciting new technology to the marketplace.’

Avery Dennison’s ThinStream technology and the Gallus Cold Die Unit will be of special interest to label printers with large-volume print jobs on PET liner and can be integrated into a Gallus printing press or operate in a stand-alone version. 

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