Taking the heat – Avery Dennison introduces tyre barcode labels engineered to bond during vulcanisation

The drive for efficiency and quality in tyre manufacture has elevated the importance of tracking a tyre through the production process and sparked demand for a new kind of identifier capable of surviving the rigors of the production process intact. Labelling solutions specialist Avery Dennison has announced the release of a new label engineered with this in mind.

Bonding with the tyre during the vulcanisation process and maintaining lifelong adhesion and readability, the label is said to go beyond those currently available. Avery Dennison reports that its new solution meets the tough requirements of the vulcanisation process and supports the varying needs of manufacturers for strong bonding with different types of green rubber (such as SBR, BR and natural rubber) after the vulcanisation process.

“The Avery Dennison solution consists of specially designed barcode tracking labels engineered to bond with the tyre during the vulcanisation process and maintain lifelong adhesion and readability,” says Hans Eichenwald, senior product manager, Avery Dennison Europe. “These pressure-sensitive labels offer excellent abrasion and heat resistance, allowing the tyre to remain traceable throughout a customer’s supply chain. During the vulcanisation process, this special PSA material would be triggered to have a chemical reaction with the tyre rubber, enabling it to bond the tyre surface permanently.”

Eichenwald adds that demand for barcoding on tyres is increasing. “They are fundamental to the tyre industry’s transition into the world of “Industry 4.0” – allowing for the widespread application of digital technologies to integrate automated manufacturing and supply-chain processes. Barcode tracking specifically improves quality, production, and inventory management.”

Made of specially-selected materials, Avery Dennison’s tyre vulcanisation labels enable bar code/thermal transfer printability, optimal adhesion and bonding to the green tyre during vulcanisation. They withstand the pressure and heat of the curing process (up to 200°C), and resist chemical degradation from acids, bases, salts and low-fat solvents as well as abrasion for long-term durability. They have been designed for maximal identification through the supply chain, and to withstand the demands of the inspection, sorting and shipping processes. The label material will be globally available.