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| Process | Record with the sample | Inspect after printing |
|---|---|---|
| UV inkjet | Press, ink set, treatment and curing settings | Ink anchorage, cure and the effect of finishing on the selected face. |
| Water-based inkjet | Printer, pigment/dye ink, media setting and drying conditions | Dot spread, drying, smearing and behaviour after finishing. |
| Direct thermal | Printer mode, speed and energy setting; no ribbon | Barcode quality after the required heat, light and handling exposure. |
| Thermal transfer | Printer and ribbon-to-face combination | Transferred image, scuffing and barcode readability. |
Specify the ink system, not just digital printing
The RT catalogue separates UV inkjet and water-based inkjet constructions. A 100 µm glossy white PP face is listed in the water-based range; a 60 µm glossy white PP face appears in the UV range. Those descriptions identify different candidates, not approval for every press using that ink family.
- Supply the printer model and exact ink series.
- For water-based printing, state pigment or dye ink.
- Include any pre-treatment, primer, varnish or overlaminate in the trial.
Decide what the printed sample needs to prove
Use representative artwork, including solid areas, fine type and the barcode if one is required. Record the conditions so another run can be compared. Inspect the print after the agreed drying or curing stage and again after finishing. If ink lifts or marks another surface, retain the sample and settings instead of changing several variables at once.
- Separate colour/appearance checks from adhesion and readability checks.
- Agree the rub, tape or barcode assessment method with the printing team.
- Record settings rather than publishing one cure, speed or temperature as suitable for all jobs.
Carry the liner through the converting trial
A change of release liner affects the construction presented to the converter even when the face stays the same. Document the liner, die-cut conditions, web tension and dispensing setup. Look for liner cuts, matrix breaks or labels remaining on the backing. The source-listed print process alone does not answer these questions.
- Confirm finished dimensions, gap, winding, core and roll diameter.
- Inspect the backing after die-cutting and matrix removal.
- Check the finished roll on the intended applicator, not only the press.
Apply the printed and finished label
Lamination or varnish changes the finished construction you are evaluating. Keep the intended finish in the application trial and check corners, curves and handling. For thermal jobs, confirm the print mode before ordering: direct thermal uses a heat-sensitive face; thermal transfer uses a compatible ribbon and receiving surface.
- Use the same label size and finishing stack planned for production.
- Check attachment and image quality as separate acceptance items.
- For cold laminating film, provide the print/film combination; do not assume a clear film is an overlaminate.
Sources and scope
Model examples use the linked RT construction records. The checklist is a proposed observation plan, not a report of completed tests. Confirm the current grade and specification before a trial.
Further reading on general principles; these references do not certify RT materials: