A tire labeling range from Avery Dennison that can be auto dispensed has been launched at Labelexpo 2013. The range includes tread labeling materials and Thermal Transfer (TT) vulcanization labels designed to perform optimally in applications that pose the most difficult dispensing challenges.

“Demand for auto dispensable tire labels is increasing because this process offers productivity gains and consistent positioning.” says Hans Eichenwald, senior product manager, Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials – Europe. “However, the industry has faced big challenges in creating a dependable end result. Tire brand owners need labels that look good, resist curl and stay in place all the way through to the end customer. This new range is designed both to boost brand image and to ensure dependable dispensing and flawless logistics. It also gives important time savings to those customers who still want to dispense by hand.”

The “low energy” surfaces of tires are inherently resistant to labeling, making tires one of the most difficult of all labeling applications. This is worsened during auto dispensing because of shorter contact times, limited contact surface of tread patterns and lower application pressures.

Avery Dennison’s new PP TYRE 55 / 60 Top White products use a special feature of the polypropylene film that is designed to resist migration of low molecular-weight components and carbon black from the tire surface. This allows the label to stay on the tire and avoids curling away over time, which is a common problem in the industry. A high coat-weight TS8000 adhesive ensures good initial tack to the tire. The adhesive is supplied in a customer-specific gum pattern to minimize the bleeding of the reels. The BG 45 liner is siliconized on the back so the label does not stick to the liner as it unrolls in the automatic dispensing process. Efficiency is also improved when applied by hand: 50% more labels can be applied as they require less time to adhere to the tire.

Avery Dennison’s new TT vulcanization labels, also introduced at Labelexpo, address the increasing need for labels that can be barcode-printed as brands want to serialize their tires for tracking and safety reasons. This product features TS8017, a rubber-based adhesive that prints well in the thermal transfer (TT) process and has good heat/abrasion resistance. The PET 125 White Top HR face stock also ensures resistance to the heat of the vulcanization process. The Avery Dennison vulcanization label ensures optimal bonding during vulcanization and will be highly durable and well integrated into the tire.