DE10010487A1 - Production of label, cutting coded indent on side or into middle of label to be painted over to leave invisible or invisible marking if label is removed from item - Google Patents

Abstract

Label is printed with information (2a,2b) e.g. bar code (2b), serial number (2a). Information is also provided as indented code pattern along edge of label cut by computer controlled laser. Alternatively the coded pattern is cut into label middle (2d). When label is applied to item, marking substance e.g. UV paint, is used at indent or cut coded section, so invisible negative of code remains on item if label is removed. Independent claims included for label, and device to produce label.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a label for identification of objects. The invention relates in particular to the manufacture of labels that leave marks on the objects, even after removal the labels are detectable.

In the following description and in the patent claims, under "labeling" understand every process where the label with graphic symbols, Characters or images are provided, be it by printing, embossing, Coating, engraving, lasering, irradiation or equivalent processes.

Objects of all kinds, for example goods, spare parts and the like, become label them with their identification. This is often done for the purpose of To indicate the origin or the affiliation of an object as well as its Properties and other item-specific information on the item to attach. Information of the type mentioned usually only remains on the website for as long as the item concerned, such as the label bearing the information on the item is applied. If the label is removed, the information is also removed removed and may no longer be available. This is particularly so Highly undesirable in the case where this is applied to the object Label has the function of an originality feature. It is therefore desirable that to combine information on the label with the item so that even when removing the label from its base Information still remains on the item.  

From DE 197 54 404 a label is known which is used to protect against theft of Resources. Here, a label is placed on the object to be marked glued. The label consists of a company logo and has cutouts. To sticking the label on the destination, the label is UV Paint overpainted. Here comes the UV varnish in the area of the punched-out label in contact with the underlying object. The die cuts are made so that they correspond to the shape of the company logo. By applying the UV varnish This makes the company logo invisible to the human eye on the base pictured. If the label is removed, a UV image of the logo remains on the Underlay and can be made visible under UV light. Company inventory can be as such can be identified even after removing the logo.

In the production of the known labels, it has proven to be disadvantageous that the information is created by punching out the labels. This Technology is suitable for company logos and the like, but should be large Number of labels with individually different information, for example consecutive production numbers or the like, are manufactured, so this is according to the conventional manufacturing technology with very high production technology and, above all, associated financial effort. Individualization of the labels, in particular the application of consecutive serial numbers, Article names, chassis numbers and the like is practically impossible. Larger series of such individualized labels can be in ordinary Punching systems cannot be manufactured with the known measures.

The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a method of the type mentioned at the outset, which allows large numbers of labels with varying, on the To produce target related information.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a method for Manufacture of labels and for marking objects, in which the Labels each have at least one characteristic of an individual label Show information. According to the invention, the method has the following steps on: Label a preferably self-adhesive material web with the Information and design of a geometric shape of an individual label  such that the information is encoded in the geometric shape of the label is. The characteristic information can be provided on the one hand by a Mail merge on the labels. On the other hand, the Additional information is provided in geometric form on the labels.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the geometric shape using a laser beam. This measure can help large quantities of individualized labels the information (for example Serial numbers) in coded form by cutting out certain areas of the Labels are incorporated into the individual labels in a particularly precise manner, what with conventional techniques, such as punching and the like, not possible.

The coded information can be designed in different ways. Advantageously the information is cut at one edge of the label in the form of cutouts. The recesses can be jagged, rectangular, triangular or similar the perforation edge of a stamp can be formed. The information can be in can also be cut into any edge of the label, for example the inner edge of a recess, punched out or one provided on the label Excerpt also in the form of such a pattern for coding the information be used.

Alternatively, it is possible to place a code carrying the information in the area cut the label. There is a code here as well as one below Understand sequence of different symbols, such as geometric Shapes such as dots, circles, polygons, lines with different widths (Bar code) etc.

According to a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the labels are included doped with a material which, after the label has been attached to an object Detectably changed surface of the object. The information on the label thus remain available when the label itself comes back from the item Will get removed. It is not necessary to paint or spray over the label.

Alternatively or in addition to this, after the label has been attached to a  Object on the label and / or on its surroundings a marking agent be applied. As a marking agent can advantageously Fluorescent substances, for example UV lacquers or the like, biomarkers, Microparticles or the like can be used. Such markers reach where the information is cut into the labels in coded form are on the object and thus create a negative impression of the encoded there Information. This negative impression remains on the object even if the label is removed. The presence of the marking agent can normal observation not recognized, but with means of detection, UV light, Detection materials or the like can be detected.

The markers can be applied with dispensers. It also exists the possibility of spraying the marking agent or using brushes or Apply sponges.

The invention also relates to a product which can be produced by the method described above Label. The label has a layer of material that matches the individual label identifying information is labeled, the information additionally in the geometric shape of the material layer is encoded.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the label, the material layer has a self-adhesive layer at least in places. This allows the training of the Labels as self-adhesive labels, which are particularly suitable for machine Donation is suitable. The self-adhesive layer can be advantageous Embodiment may be doped with an agent after application of the label immigrates to an object in the surface of the object and there is detectable. The agent mentioned can be a non-hardened agent Printing ink with a non-volatile diluent, an etchant or a Act sublimation dye. Sublimation colors are so-called transfer colors mainly used for printing on textile fabrics made of synthetic fibers become. Most of them are screen printing inks based on alcohol Transfer dyes. Slightly subliming are predominantly used as transfer dyes Disperse dyes used. Through the application of heat they go Sublimation dyes directly into the gaseous state. In the gaseous (Monomolecular) state, the dyes mentioned are able to quickly in one  Diffuse object. When donating, these funds come into contact with the surface of the object and change the chemical or local physical properties of the object surface and thus create one "Imprint" of the encoded information, even after removing the label can still be demonstrated, as described above.

The material layer of the label is advantageously a film which can be inscribed with a laser. The information can thus be applied to the label in a particularly precise manner become. In addition, laser marking allows a high degree of individualization information to be applied, from label to label within a Production step may vary (but need not vary).

The invention further relates to a device for producing the above described label. The device has a computer with at least one Program memory and a laser controlled by the computer, the Laser controlled by a program stored in the program memory is that labels are cut out of a material web by the laser and these are given a geometric contour, one for the individual label corresponds to characteristic information. In addition, an advantageous Embodiment on the device, a printing device for labeling the Label may be provided.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the Printing with the same laser with which the material web is cut into labels. The power of the laser is controlled, for example, by controlling one Mode diaphragm, controlled by the computer between the operating states "Cutting" and "labeling" switched. A separate printing device is therefore unnecessary and the device is characterized by a compact structure and comparatively low production costs.

The invention and advantageous exemplary embodiments are explained schematically below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. It shows:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a label according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the encoded information on the label according to the first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of the label;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the object after removing a label according to the invention

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the manufacturing device according to the invention to explain the manufacturing process.

In Fig. 1 a polymer produced by the inventive method, the label 1 is shown. The label 1 is provided with information 2 a, 2 b printed or labeled. The information 2 a, 2 b can be any type of information, for example a bar code 2 b, a serial number 2 a or other information which is suitable for identifying the object to which the label 1 is to be applied. The information relevant to the object to be labeled is not only printed on the label 1 in the form described, but is also "cut" into an edge of the label 1 .

This incision 2 c is shown in Fig. 2 in an enlarged form. In the present case, the information 2 c is cut into an outer edge of the label 1 in a manner similar to a bar code 2 b. The cutting of information 2 c is preferably done with a laser. Thus, during the production of a large number of labels for each label 1 by means of computer control, an individual coding pattern 2 c corresponding to the printed information 2 a, 2 b can be generated and immediately cut out of the label 1 with the laser. Furthermore, additional information - in the example the lettering "carpenter" is cut into the label 1 .

In Fig. 3, another embodiment of the label 1 is shown, in which the coding pattern 2 d not at the edge of the label 1, but is cut out from the center of label. Combinations of both options are of course also possible.

For the intended use of the label 1 , namely for marking objects, in particular for applying information 2 a, 2 b to the objects in question, in such a way that the information remains on the object even when the label 1 is removed from it again Possibilities provided. First of all, there is the possibility of applying the label provided with a coding pattern 2 d to an object 8 and then covering it with a marking substance in the area of the coding pattern 2 d. This can be done, for example, by vapor deposition with dispensers, spraying or application using brushes or sponges, and leaves a negative impression 2 d of the marking substance on the target object 8 . For example, fluorescent substances (UV varnishes or the like), biomarkers or microparticles and - depending on the application - visible colors can serve as marking substances. After the label 1 has been removed from the object 8 , a negative impression of the coding pattern 2 d, which is generally invisible to the eye, remains, as is shown by way of example in FIG. 4. Thus, the information 2 d is still accessible when the characteristic label 1 is removed. Depending on the nature of the marking substance, the information 2 d can subsequently be made accessible by detection methods such as UV radiation, chemical reactions or the like.

The label 1 preferably consists of a material layer 3 and is coated with a rear-side adhesive layer 4 and is provided on a carrier 5 which has an adhesive-repellent surface, as shown in FIG. 5. As an alternative to the case described above, the marking substance can be attached, for example, on the back of the label. A non-hardened printing ink with a non-volatile diluent, an etching agent or a sublimation ink can be used as marking substances. These substances change the surface of the target object 8 where the label 1 is stuck on. The surface then remains unchanged only at the points at which the coding patterns 2 c, 2 d are cut into the label. To a certain extent, a positive impression of the coding pattern 2 c, 2 d is generated on the object 8 here .

It depends on the specific application whether the object surface is visible or should be changed invisibly. For example, it may be desirable remove the label after processing or selling the target item.  

This is particularly the case if the presence of a label sensitively disturbs the overall cosmetic impression of the object 8 in question (window pane).

In Fig. 5, an inventive production passage of the labels described is illustrated. The labels are cut out of a material web 3 , which is usually covered with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 4 on the back. An adhesive-resistant carrier layer 5 can also be provided for the packaging, on which the labels can be stored until they are used. According to the method, the labels 1 are provided with individual information 2 a, 2 b, in particular with consecutive serial numbers 2 a or the like. The information is preferably applied by printing with a laser 7 , but can also be done with a conventional printing or labeling tool. As mentioned above, the information 2 a, 2 b is additionally cut out of the labels 1 in the form of a coding pattern 2 c, 2 d. A laser 7 is used for this. The laser 7 is controlled by a computer 6 , which calculates the layout of a corresponding coding pattern 2 c, 2 d for each label 1 as a function of the individual information 2 a, 2 b. Controlled by the computer 6 , the coding pattern 2 c, 2 d calculated according to the information 2 a, 2 b is then cut out of the label 1 by means of the laser 7 . The same laser 7 can also be used to label the labels.

Using the described method, labels can be individually labeled, In addition, the geometric shape of the labels can be cut by cutting Coding patterns or the like also in the production of very large quantities can be individually adapted for each label during the production process.

Claims (26)

1. A process for producing labels (1) and for the marking of articles (8), in which the labels (1) at least one characteristic of an individual tag information (b 2 a, 2, 2 c, 2 d) which with the following steps:

• a) Labeling a preferably self-adhesive material web ( 3 ) with the information ( 2 a, 2 b) and
• b) Designing a geometric shape of an individual label ( 1 ) in such a way that the information ( 2 c, 2 d) is encoded in the geometric shape of the label ( 1 ).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein designing the geometric shape by means of a laser beam. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a code carrying the information ( 2 c) is cut into the surface of the label ( 1 ). 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the information in the form of recesses ( 2 c) is cut into an edge of the label ( 1 ). 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the labels ( 1 ) are doped with a material which demonstrably changes the surface of the object after the application of the label ( 1 ) on an object ( 8 ). 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a physico-chemical process is applied by which the change in the surface is activated or accelerated becomes.   7. The method of claim 6, wherein heat is applied. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which after the application of the label ( 1 ) on an object on the label and / or on its surroundings a marking agent is applied. 9. The method according to claim 8, in which as a marking agent Fluorescent substance is used. 10. The method according to claim 8, in which as a marker biomarker be used. 11. The method according to claim 8, in which as the marking agent microparticles be used. 12. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the marking agent is applied with dispensers. 13. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the marking agent is sprayed on. 14. The method according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the marking agent is applied with brushes or sponges. 15. label, producible by the method according to any one of the preceding claims, with a material layer ( 3 ), which is labeled with the individual label identifying information ( 2 a, 2 b) and in the geometric shape of the material layer ( 3 ) additional information ( 2 c, 2 d) is encoded. 16. The label of claim 15, wherein the material layer ( 3 ) is laser cut. 17. The label of claim 15 or 16, wherein the material layer ( 3 ) is laser-labeled. 18. Label according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the material layer ( 3 ) has an at least partially self-adhesive layer ( 4 ). 19. The label of claim 18, wherein the self-adhesive layer ( 4 ) is doped with an agent that immerses after application of the label ( 1 ) on an object ( 8 ) in the surface of the object ( 8 ) and is detectable there. 20. The label of claim 19, wherein the agent is an uncured ink with a non-volatile diluent. 21. The label of claim 19, wherein the agent is an etchant. 22. The label of claim 19, wherein the agent is a sublimation dye. 23. Label according to one of claims 15-22, in which the material layer ( 3 ) is a laser-inscribable film. 24. A device for producing a label according to one of claims 15-23, comprising:
a computer ( 6 ) with at least one program memory and
a laser ( 7 ) controlled by the computer ( 6 ),
wherein the laser ( 7 ) is controlled by a program stored in the program memory in such a way that the laser ( 7 ) cuts out a material web ( 3 ) and labels are given a geometric contour ( 2 c, 2 d), which one for the individual label ( 1 ) corresponds to characteristic information. 25. The device according to claim 24, wherein a printing device for labeling the label ( 1 ) is provided. 26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the inscription is carried out by the laser ( 7 ).