FTM23 B die-strike on clear filmic liners
scope test procedure
This test method describes a technique for assessing die-
strike on filmic release liners.
definition
The evaluation of backing damage or marking to the liner
that may be caused due to kiss cutting via a die.
background
Label stock generally consists of face stock on a backing
liner. Once the matrix has been stripped from the face
stock the web integrity is maintained by the liner. If a
misaligned die should cut into the liner excessively this
could reduce the tensile strength of the web sufficiently
to cause a web break. As such, damage in the transverse
direction (TD) across the web can be more of an issue than
in the machine direction (MD) along the web.
When placed under increasing tension most filmic materials
will show elastic behaviour up to the yield point, after
which they will deform irreversibly and eventually break.
In labelling applications the tensions used will generally
not be above the yield point and so if the liner can be
tensioned to this point successfully without breakage then
any die-strike impressions should not cause a problem.
For some materials, for example polyester films such as
polyethylene terephtalate (PET), the yield point can be
difficult to locate accurately.
In this case measurement of F5 (ensuring that the liner can
be loaded to 5% strain) can be used as a substitute target.
test equipment
Tensometer (e.g. Instron, Hounsfield, Lloyds, etc.);
Cutting implement.
test conditions
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No special conditions apply.
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1. Take a length of die-cut labels equivalent to at least
twice the repeat of the die-cutter.
2. Remove all labels from the backing liner and note the
position of each label relative to the die-cutter.
3. Visually inspect the die-cut quality to check for any
obvious, excessive damage. If an area of damage
is observed that causes concern, particularly in the
transverse direction, then a tensile test should be
carried out on this area.
4. Cut a strip of appropriate width and length for the
tensometer test in use (jaw width and separation) to
include the area of damage. Take care not to introduce
any edge knicks that may cause unrelated failure by
using a sharp cutting tool.
5. Place each end of the liner strip into the respective
jaws of the tensometer & secure tightly.
6. Perform a tensile test according to the standard
operating conditions for the instrument.
results
1. Each strip should achieve a yield point prior to
snapping – this constitutes a pass.
2.
3. If the liner snaps prior to reaching the yield point then
this is a fail.
• If this is achieved on the cut from the die, then
note & advise that the die cutter should be
adjusted accordingly.
• If the sample damage has not occurred on the
die-cut portion of the sample then repeat the
test, as the break may have been initiated by
edge damage when cutting into strips, or similar
miscellaneous damage.
note
Die-strike through filmic liners can be influenced by several
parameters. We recommend to carefully check them in
case of die-strike problems:

• the solidity and robustness of die-cutting unit;

• the tool diameter should be adjusted according to the
width of the printing equipment;
• the tolerance between magnetic and anvil cylinder;
• the quality of the flexible die (weareness - height profile
of the die);
• the consistency of the liner thickness;
• the temperature at which the die-cutting operation take
place (influence of UV light on the film and adhesive
softness;
• In case of problems:
• Adjust the cutting angle to improve the die-cutting
operation.
• Verify the tension of the web (avoid too high
tension).
• Strip the matrix immediately after the die-cutting
operation to avoid recovery of the adhesive
between the die-cutting and the stripping
steps. Cool down the laminate before die-cutting
operation.

Issued October 2005

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