Heat transfer Labeling is a popular and efficient decorating
process for plastic containers. You can find the labels commonly
used in containers for beverages, essential oils, detergents,
adverse chemicals, and health and beauty aids. Heat transfer labels
are multilayered laminates, with each layer having its own
function. These labels are printed by Roto Gravure Printers with
each printing cylinder cover a layer. The label include an adhesive
layer (glue), an ink design layer (image), a wax release layer, a
protective lacquer layer and a paper layer More specifically, in
the heat transfer labeling process, the label-carrying sheet is
subjected to heat, and the label is pressed onto an article with
the ink design layer making direct contact with the article. As the
paper sheet is subjected to heat, the wax layer begins to melt so
that the paper sheet can be released from the ink design layer.
(And, as described above, a portion of the wax layer may be
transferred with the ink design layer and a portion of the wax
layer may remain with the paper sheet.) To apply the "label" to the
bottles, the paper side of the roll passes over a heated platen
which softens the wax and activates the adhesive. When the plastic
bottle is rolled over the heated label, the adhesive sticks and the
wax actually splits. You are left with the label image on the
bottle (rightside up and forwards) with a layer of wax over the
graphics.