Label

:''For other uses of the term label see:'' Label (disambiguation) A label is any kind of tag attached with adhesive to something so as to identify the object or its contents. Labels come in many forms and can be differentiated by the type of base material, called ''stock'', that they are printed on, and by the ''adhesive type'' that they use. The most common type is made with a paper stock and a colloquial term for it is a sticker. Labels have many uses, from product identification to name tags. ==Stock types== *Litho - one of the most common base stocks *Latex - a litho stock with some added latex allows the label to be much more flexible and form around certain curved objects more easily than standard litho. *Various plastics such as Cellulose acetate, vinyl, and mylar allow a variety of features, such as greater strength, flexibility, transparency, resistance to tearing, etc. They typically require special equipment and printing methods as they do not normally print well with ink. A bumper sticker is usually a vinyl label with a very strong and durable adhesive. *Foil - has the shiny properties of a metal Foil (chemistry). *Thermal - direct thermal label stock will change color (often to black) when heated. A heating element in the shape of letters or images can be used to create an image on the label. Custom labels can be easily be made on location in this way. The disadvantage is durability, since another heat source can ruin or obscure the image. The stock type will affect the types of ink that will print well on them. ==Adhesive types== *Permanent - Typically not designed to be removed without tearing the stock or using solvents. The adhesion strength and speed can also be varied. For example, full adhesion can be nearly instant, or the label can be almost removable for a short period with full adhesion developing in minutes or hours. *Removable - Adhesion is fairly strong and will not fall off in normal circumstances, but the label can be removed relatively easily without tearing the base stock and the adhesive is still strong enough to be placed again somewhere else. *Freezer permanent. A special type of removable adhesive that becomes permanent under certain temperatures, such as when the label is in a freezer, but is removable when the object is warmed to room temperature for example. This is useful for labeling objects stored in a freezer, but where the label needs to be exchangeable for another. ==Color== Ink and base stock color choices commonly conform to the Pantone Matching System colors. The Pantone system is very dominant in the label printing industry. Additionally specialty inks such as metallic, UV ink, magnetic ink, and more are available. [http://glossary.ippaper.com/default.asp?req=knowledge/article/236#specialtyink] ==Miscellaneous== Piggyback labels are made from a double layer of adhesive stock. The bottom layer forms the backing for the top. The label can be placed on an object and the top layer removed to change the message or marking that the label is used for. ==Uses== "Stickers" are very widely used any time an object has to be identified with a word or idea. Brand stickers may be attached to products to identify those products as coming from a certain company. They may also be used to describe characteristics of the products that would not be obvious from simple examination. They are frequently distributed as part of Promotion (marketing)al, advertising, and political campaigns; for example, in many voting districts in the US, stickers indicating an individual has voted are given to each voter as they leave the polling station, largely as a reminder to others to vote. Stickers placed on automobiles, called ''bumper stickers'', are often used by individuals as a way of demonstrating support for political or ideological causes. ==External links== *[http://www.arrowpaper.com/stsegu.html Stock Selection Guide] *[http://glossary.ippaper.com/default.asp?req=knowledge/article/349 Label Construction] *[http://glossary.ippaper.com/default.asp?req=knowledge/article/348&catitemid=45 Stock types]

See other meanings of words starting from letter:

L

LA | LB | LC | LD | LE | LF | LG | LH | LI | LJ | LK | LM | LN | LO | LP | LR | LS | LT | LU | LW | LX | LY | LZ |

Words begining with Label:

Label
Labeled_graph
Labeled_multigraph
Labeled_multigraph
Labeled_tree
Labeling_theory
LaBelle
LaBelle
Labelle
LaBelle,_FL
Labelle,_FL
LaBelle,_Florida
Labelle,_Florida
Labelled_tree
Labelle_(electoral_district)
Labelle_County,_Quebec
Labellum
Labels
Label_(disambiguation)
Label_(heraldry)
Label_Distribution_Protocol
Label_Switched_Path
Label_switched_path
Label_Virus