JP7169136B2 - Label substrate and cylindrical label - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a label base material and a cylindrical label on which a colored print layer is beautifully printed.

A label substrate for forming a label generally consists of a sheet on which a colored print layer is printed. The colored print layer is formed from inks exhibiting colors.
The colored printed layer is formed for various purposes, and typically includes a design printed layer consisting of one or two or more colors, and a non-patterned single color printed layer such as a white printed layer. .
The colored print layer is usually printed on the surface opposite to the visible surface of the label from the viewpoint of scratch prevention. In this case, in order to make the design of the design printed layer visible from the visible side of the label, the design printed layer is printed on the back side of the sheet (the side opposite to the visible side when used as a label), and on the back side A non-patterned solid color print layer, such as a white print layer, is printed.

Also, the colored layer may be printed on the visible surface of the label.
For example, in Patent Document 1, a shielding layer made of ink containing a shielding substance such as fine aluminum powder and an inorganic white pigment such as titanium oxide are sequentially placed on the surface of a transparent film (visible surface when used as a label). and a pattern layer made of color ink.
Such a light-shielding printed label forms a shielding layer by gravure-printing ink containing a shielding substance on the surface of a transparent film, and ink containing an inorganic white pigment such as titanium oxide is applied to the surface of the shielding layer. It is obtained by forming a reflective layer by gravure printing and forming a picture layer on the surface of the reflective layer by gravure printing color ink.

JP-A-2002-189415

However, in a label in which a design printed layer and a non-patterned single color printed layer are printed in order on the back side of the sheet, the design can be clearly seen, but the printed layer (reflective layer) containing a white pigment and the design printed layer are printed on the surface of the sheet. Sequentially printed labels may have print defects. Specifically, when color ink is overprinted on the surface of the printed layer (reflection layer) containing the white pigment, ink dropout may occur in places on the printed layer. In particular, if the ink loss occurs in the printed layer containing the white pigment, which is the background of the pattern layer made of color ink, the appearance of the label as a whole deteriorates.
In addition, the pattern layer may also become unclear due to trapping defects.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a label base material in which a first colored printed layer containing a white pigment is printed on the front side of a sheet and a second colored printed layer of a different color is printed on the front side of the sheet; In a tubular label, a label substrate in which the first colored printed layer is formed neatly in the same manner as in the case where the printed layer is provided on the back surface of the sheet by preventing the ink from coming off the first colored printed layer containing a white pigment. and to provide a tubular label.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a label substrate and a tubular label in which a second colored printed layer is neatly formed in the same manner as in the case where a printed layer is provided on the back surface of the sheet in the above label substrate and tubular label. provide a label.

The label substrate of the present invention comprises a sheet, a first colored printed layer printed on the surface side of the sheet and containing a white pigment, an intermediate printed layer printed on the surface of the first colored printed layer, and the a second colored printed layer printed on the surface of the intermediate printed layer and having a color different from that of the first colored printed layer, wherein the first colored printed layer and the second colored printed layer are made of urethane resin; The intermediate printed layer contains a binder resin mainly composed of a resin other than a urethane-based resin, and the first colored printed layer, the second colored printed layer and the intermediate printed layer are , each of which consists of an ink solidification layer .

In the preferred label substrate of the present invention, the binder resin of the intermediate printing layer does not substantially contain urethane resin.
In the preferred label base material of the present invention, the binder resin of the intermediate printing layer contains an acrylic resin as a main component.
In a preferred label substrate of the present invention, the intermediate printing layer is a colorless and transparent printing layer.

According to another aspect of the invention, a tubular label is provided.
The tubular label of the present invention is formed in a tubular shape with the surface side of any one of the above label substrates facing outward.

In the label substrate and cylindrical label of the present invention, the first colored printed layer and the second colored printed layer are printed in order on the front side of the sheet, and the printed layer is provided on the back side of the sheet. Similarly to , a clear first colored printed layer having substantially no ink dropout is formed.
The preferred label substrate and tubular label allow the second colored printed layer to be formed more beautifully.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a long strip-shaped label substrate viewed from the surface side. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the formation pattern of each printed layer; FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the formation pattern of each printed layer; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sheet-shaped label substrate viewed from the surface side. 1 is a perspective view of one tubular label; FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of a container fitted with a tubular label; The front view which shows the manufacturing process of another cylindrical label. (a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the label base material of Reference Example, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the label base material of Example 1. FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this specification, the “surface” of the label base refers to the outer surface (surface opposite to the adherend) when various labels formed from the label base are attached to the adherend. , "rear surface" refers to the opposite surface (surface on the adherend side). "Plan view" refers to viewing from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the sheet.
The numerical range represented by “lower limit value X to upper limit value Y” means the lower limit value X or higher and the upper limit value Y or lower. When a plurality of numerical ranges are described separately, an arbitrary lower limit value and an arbitrary upper limit value can be selected, and "an arbitrary lower limit value to an arbitrary upper limit value" can be set.
Note that the thickness, dimensions, etc. in each drawing are different from the actual ones.

Figures 1 and 2 show a label substrate 10 of the present invention.
3 and 4 show examples of modifications of the formation patterns of the first colored printed layer 1, the intermediate printed layer 3 and the second colored printed layer 2. FIG.
The illustrated example illustrates a label substrate 10 for forming a tubular label.
The label substrate 10 has a sheet 4 and several printed layers.
Here, in this specification, the printed layer refers to an ink-solidified layer obtained by printing ink by a conventionally known printing method and solidifying the ink.
The printed layers include a first colored printed layer 1 containing a white pigment provided on the surface side of the sheet 4, a second colored printed layer 2 having a color different from that of the first colored printed layer 1, and the first colored printed layer 2. It has an intermediate printed layer 3 interposed between the colored printed layer 1 and the second colored printed layer 2 .
The label substrate 10 of the present invention has a layer structure of sheet 4/first colored printed layer 1/intermediate printed layer 3/second colored printed layer 2 in part or in its entirety.
The first colored printed layer 1 and the second colored printed layer 2 contain a binder resin whose main component is a urethane-based resin, and the intermediate printed layer 3 contains a binder resin whose main component is a resin other than a urethane-based resin. I'm in.
In this specification, the main component of the binder resin means the resin component (weight ratio) that is the largest among the binder resins contained in the print layer.

<Seat>
The sheet 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a web having flexibility, rigidity and printability as a label. Examples of the sheet 4 include synthetic resin films, paper, synthetic paper, nonwoven fabrics, foamed resin films, and laminated films of these. The sheet also includes what is generally called a film. Preferably, the sheet 4 is a synthetic resin film or a laminate film containing this, more preferably a synthetic resin film. A laminated film containing a synthetic resin film is obtained by laminating another layer on a synthetic resin film. Examples of the other layers include paper, synthetic paper, non-woven fabric, foamed resin film and barrier layer (barrier layer such as metal vapor deposition layer). may be laminated on.
The sheet 4 preferably has a synthetic resin film forming at least the surface of the sheet, more preferably a polyester film forming at least the surface of the sheet. Therefore, in the case of the laminated film, preferred examples are synthetic resin film/other layer, or synthetic resin film/other layer/synthetic resin film.

When a synthetic resin film or a laminated film containing it is used as the sheet 4, the synthetic resin film itself may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. A synthetic resin film having a multilayer structure is composed of a surface resin layer/intermediate resin layer/back resin layer. In this case, the intermediate resin layer may be one layer, or two or more layers.
Examples of materials for the synthetic resin film include polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid; olefin resins such as polypropylene and cyclic olefin resin; styrene resins such as polystyrene and styrene-butadiene copolymer; Thermoplastic resins such as vinyl resins can be used.
A synthetic resin film in which at least the surface resin layer contains a polyester-based resin as a main component is preferable because the first colored printed layer 1 can be formed neatly. Specifically, for a synthetic resin film with a single-layer structure, a film containing a polyester-based resin as a main component is preferred, and for a synthetic resin film with a multi-layer structure, a surface resin layer containing a polyester-based resin as a main component is preferred. is preferable, and in particular, it is preferable that both the surface resin layer and the back surface resin layer contain a polyester-based resin as a main component.
The thickness of the sheet 4 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 8 μm to 500 μm, preferably 10 μm to 200 μm. For example, the thickness of the sheet 4 made of a synthetic resin film, synthetic paper, laminated film containing these, or the like is 8 μm to 200 μm, preferably 10 μm to 120 μm.

The sheet 4 may be either transparent (transparent means colored transparent or colorless transparent) or opaque in terms of translucency. Synthetic resin films are usually colorless and transparent, but colored synthetic resin films are also known, and colored synthetic resin films may be used. A typical example of a colored synthetic resin film is a milky white film.
A laminate film having an opaque layer such as a metal deposition layer and a synthetic resin film is opaque.

In terms of shrinkage behavior, the sheet 4 may be heat-shrinkable and/or self-stretchable, or substantially non-heat-shrinkable and self-stretchable.
As in the present embodiment, the sheet 4 having heat-shrinkability and/or self-stretchability is preferably used for the label substrate 10 for forming a tubular label.
The heat shrinkability refers to the property of shrinking when heated to a desired temperature (eg, 70° C. to 100° C.). Self-elasticity refers to the property of extending by applying a tensile force and then restoring to substantially the original state by releasing the tensile force. The sheet 4 that does not substantially have heat shrinkability is, for example, a sheet having a heat shrinkage rate of 5% or less in each of the first direction and the second direction, preferably a sheet having a heat shrinkage rate of 3% or less. sheet.

As the heat-shrinkable sheet 4, a base material that mainly heat-shrinks at least in the first direction is used, and a base material that heat-shrinks or expands slightly in the second direction may be used. The first direction means one direction in the plane of the sheet 4, and the second direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction in the plane. The heat shrinkage rate in the first direction (main heat shrinkage direction) of the heat-shrinkable substrate is not particularly limited, but is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, and still more preferably 40%. % or more. The thermal shrinkage rate in the first direction is preferably as large as possible, but there is a limit to this, so the thermal shrinkage rate in the first direction is theoretically less than 100%. When the substrate is a substrate that thermally changes in the second direction, the thermal shrinkage rate in the second direction is, for example, -3 to 15%, preferably 0 to 10%. The minus of the thermal contraction rate means thermal elongation.
However, in this specification, the thermal shrinkage rate is the length (original length) of the sheet 4 before heating (stored for 24 hours in an atmosphere of standard conditions (23 ° C., 1 atm, 50% RH)) and 90 The length of the sheet 4 after being immersed in warm water of °C for 10 seconds (the length after immersion) and then taken out are measured under standard conditions and substituted into the following formula. The length of each sheet 4 is measured under standard conditions.
The thermal shrinkage rate (%) = [{(original length in first direction (or second direction)) - (length after immersion in first direction (or second direction))}/(first direction (or the original length in the second direction)]×100.

Referring to FIG. 1, the sheet 4 (label base material 10) has a long strip shape in plan view. A long belt shape means a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, the length of which is sufficiently longer in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction. The long strip has, for example, a width of 20 mm to 4000 mm and a length of 5 m or more, preferably 10 m or more. The width direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.
The long strip-shaped label base material 10 is usually wound up into a roll and stored and transported.

<First colored printed layer>
The first colored printed layer 1 is provided in a desired region on the surface side of the long strip-shaped sheet 4 . As in the present embodiment, in the label base material 10 suitable for forming a tubular label, the area of the surface of the sheet 4 excluding the surface of the first side end portion 41 of the sheet 4 (hereinafter referred to as the specific area ) is provided with the first colored print layer 1 .
The first colored printed layer 1 may be provided over the entire specific region, or may be provided in a portion of the specific region.
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first colored print layer 1 is provided over substantially the entire specific region.
In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first colored print layer 1 is provided in a part of the specific region. When provided in a part of the specific region, the first colored print layer 1 may be provided in one range as shown in FIG. 4, or divided into two or more ranges as shown in FIG. may be provided.
The first colored printed layer 1 may be provided directly on the surface of the sheet 4, or may be provided on the surface of an arbitrary layer provided on the surface of the sheet 4.

The first colored printed layer 1 can be formed by printing the ink forming the first colored printed layer 1 (hereinafter referred to as first ink) on the surface of the sheet 4 and solidifying it.
The first colored print layer 1 is provided solidly.
In the present specification, the term “printed layer is provided in a solid manner” means that the solidified ink substance extends in the surface direction to form one continuous layer in the range where the printed layer is provided. Say things. However, a printing layer formed by a plate printing method such as a gravure printing method is composed of a set of ink solidified substances adhering in the form of dots. For this reason, when viewed macroscopically, such a printed layer forms a single continuous layer in which the solidified ink extends in the plane direction. Note that there may be a myriad of minute gaps in . When viewed microscopically, even if there are fine gaps, if macroscopically one continuous layer is formed, it is included in the solid-like category.
The thickness of the first colored printed layer 1 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm, preferably 2 μm to 7 μm.

The first colored printed layer 1 contains a white pigment and a binder resin in terms of constituent components, and may optionally contain colorants other than the white pigment and various additives.
Examples of white pigments for the first colored printed layer 1 include titanium oxide, zinc oxide, white lead, silica, and calcium carbonate. Among them, a white pigment containing titanium oxide is preferable.
Colorants other than white pigments include black pigments such as carbon black, silver pigments such as aluminum powder, and the like.
The binder resin of the first colored printed layer 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first binder resin) is not particularly limited as long as it contains urethane-based resin as a main component. For example, the first binder resin may consist of only urethane-based resin, or may consist of urethane-based resin which is the main component resin and resin other than urethane-based resin. Hereinafter, resins other than urethane-based resins may be referred to as "other resins".

The urethane-based resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a resin obtained by reacting a polyisocyanate compound and a polyol compound (that is, a copolymer of a polyisocyanate compound and a polyol compound).
Examples of the polyisocyanate compound include one or a mixture of two or more of known aromatic, aliphatic and alicyclic diisocyanates. Examples of the diisocyanates include tolylene diisocyanate, 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, 1,5-naphthalene diisocyanate, and isophorone diisocyanate. If necessary, polyisocyanates or polyisocyanate adducts having a functionality of 3 or more can be mixed with diisocyanates and used.
Examples of the polyol compound include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), butanediol (1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, etc.), 1, Low molecular weight glycols such as 6-hexanediol and cyclohexanedimethanol; Polyether diols such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polytetramethylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol-polycaprolactone copolymer; Propylene glycol, butanediol and hexanediol Polyester diols obtained from diols such as diols and dibasic acids such as adipic acid, sebacic acid, azelaic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, and fumaric acid; Diols such as lactone diol; and the like can be used. In addition, if necessary, diols and tri- or higher functional polyol compounds (polyether polyol, polyester polyol, etc.) can be mixed and used.

When the first binder resin contains other resins, the other resins include acrylic resins, cellulose resins such as nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate, amide resins, vinyl chloride resins, vinyl acetate resins, Examples include vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, polyolefin resins, rosin resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, and polyester resins.
The additives include curing agents, lubricants, plasticizers, anti-settling agents, dispersants, stabilizers, cross-linking agents, antifoaming agents, fillers, antioxidants, UV absorbers, antistatic agents, color separation. Inhibitors, slip agents, and the like.

The first binder resin contains 50% by weight or more of urethane resin, preferably 60% by weight or more of urethane resin, more preferably urethane It contains 70% by weight or more of urethane-based resin, more preferably 85% by weight or more of urethane-based resin.
The content of the white pigment in the first colored printed layer 1 is not particularly limited. 65% to 85% by weight. By laminating the intermediate printed layer 3 on the first colored printed layer 1 containing a relatively large amount of white pigment, ink loss in the first colored printed layer 1 can be effectively prevented.
The content of the binder resin in the first colored printed layer 1 is not particularly limited. 15% to 35% by weight.

From the standpoint of solidification performance, the first ink may be of a dry type such as a solvent volatilization type or a water-based solvent evaporation type. Preferably, a dry type first ink is used, and more preferably a solvent volatilization type first ink is used.
The solvent volatilization type first ink contains the white pigment and a binder resin (colorants other than the white pigment and various additives as necessary), and further contains various solvents.
Examples of solvents include esters such as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate and butyl acetate; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol and butanol; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; hydrocarbons such as toluene; solvent; a mixed solvent of these and water; and the like.
The water-based solvent evaporation type first ink contains a water-based solvent instead of the solvent. Water-based solvents include water; mixed solvents of water and alcohols; and the like.

From the viewpoint of color, the first colored printed layer 1 is a patternless, single-color printed layer, preferably a patternless, white printed layer.
Note that the first colored printed layer 1 containing a coloring agent other than the white pigment is a plain-color printed layer in which the white pigment and the coloring agent are mixed. For example, the first colored printed layer 1 containing a black pigment and/or a silver pigment becomes a patternless gray printed layer with a black pigment and/or a silver pigment and a white pigment.

<Intermediate printing layer>
The intermediate printed layer 3 is provided directly on the surface of the first colored printed layer 1 . The intermediate printed layer 3 may be provided on the surface of the first colored printed layer 1 , and may be provided so as to straddle the surface of the first colored printed layer 1 and the surface of the sheet 4 , for example. In addition, the intermediate printed layer 3 may be provided in the same shape and size as the first colored printed layer 1 in plan view, or may be provided with a smaller area or a larger area than the first colored printed layer 1. good too.
In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the intermediate printed layer 3 is provided only on the surface of the first colored printed layer 1 . In addition, in FIG. 2, the intermediate printed layer 3 is provided in the same shape and size as the first colored printed layer 1 in plan view. In FIG. 4, the intermediate printed layer 3 has a smaller area than the first colored printed layer 1 .
In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the intermediate printed layer 3 has a portion provided so as to straddle the surface of the first colored printed layer 1 and the surface of the sheet 4 .

The intermediate printed layer 3 can be formed by printing the ink for forming the intermediate printed layer 3 (hereinafter referred to as intermediate ink) on the surface of the first colored printed layer 1 or the like and solidifying the ink.
The intermediate print layer 3 is provided solidly.
The thickness of the intermediate print layer 3 is not particularly limited, but if the thickness is too small, the significance of providing the intermediate print layer 3 is reduced. Although there is no preferred upper limit for the thickness of the intermediate print layer 3, it is, for example, 5 μm or less from the viewpoint of cost effectiveness.

The intermediate print layer 3 contains a binder resin in terms of constituent components, and may contain various additives as necessary. Also, the intermediate print layer 3 does not contain a coloring agent. The intermediate printing layer 3 containing no colorant is a colorless and transparent printing layer.
The binder resin of the intermediate print layer 3 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as intermediate binder resin) is not particularly limited as long as it contains resin other than urethane-based resin as a main component. The intermediate binder resin, for example, may consist of only a resin other than a urethane-based resin, or may consist of a resin other than a urethane-based resin (main component resin) and a urethane-based resin.
It is preferable that the intermediate printed layer 3 (intermediate binder resin) does not substantially contain a urethane-based resin so that a beautiful second colored printed layer 2 can be formed.
As used herein, the term "substantially free" means that a trace amount of other components that are unavoidably included is allowed, and a significant amount of contamination is excluded.

Resins other than the urethane-based resins of the intermediate binder resin include acrylic resins, cellulose-based resins such as nitrocellulose, cellulose acetate, butyrate, amide-based resins, vinyl chloride-based resins, vinyl acetate-based resins, and vinyl chloride-acetic acid. Examples include vinyl copolymer resins, polyolefin resins, rosin resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, polyester resins, and the like.
Since it is possible to form a more beautiful second colored printed layer 2, the intermediate binder resin preferably does not substantially contain urethane-based resin and is mainly composed of acrylic resin or cellulose-based resin. and containing acrylic resin as a main component is more preferable.
The intermediate binder resin contains 70% by weight or more, more preferably 80% by weight or more, and still more preferably 90% by weight of a resin other than the urethane-based resin when the total resin component in the intermediate print layer is 100% by weight. Including above.
Additives for the intermediate print layer 3 include the additives exemplified for the first colored print layer 1 .

From the standpoint of solidification performance, intermediate inks include dry types such as solvent volatilization types and water-based solvent evaporation types. Preferably, a dry intermediate ink is used, and more preferably a solvent volatile intermediate ink is used.
The solvent volatile intermediate ink does not contain a coloring agent, but contains a binder resin (various additives as necessary) and various solvents.
Examples of the solvent for the intermediate ink include the solvents exemplified for the first ink.

<Second colored printed layer>
The second colored printed layer 2 is provided directly on the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 .
The second colored printed layer 2 may be provided so as not to contact the surface of the first colored printed layer 1 . In other words, the intermediate printed layer 3 is interposed between the first colored printed layer 1 and the second colored printed layer 2 provided over the area where the first colored printed layer 1 is provided. In addition, since the printed layer formed by the printing method is not formed with strict accuracy as in precision equipment, in a small portion (for example, the edge of the second colored printed layer 2), the first Note that the surface of the colored printed layer 1 may be in contact with the second colored printed layer 2 .

The second colored printed layer 2 may be provided only on the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 , or may be provided so as to straddle the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 and the surface of the sheet 4 .
In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the second colored printed layer 2 is provided so as to be in direct contact only with the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 .
In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the second colored printed layer 2 has a portion provided so as to straddle the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 and the surface of the sheet 4 .

The second colored printed layer 2 can be formed by printing the ink forming the second colored printed layer 2 (hereinafter referred to as second ink) on the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 and solidifying it.
The second colored print layer 2 may be provided solidly in one area, or may be provided in two or more areas.
When the second colored printed layer 2 is divided into two or more ranges, all of the two or more second colored printed layers 2 may be provided on the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3, Alternatively, one or more second colored printed layers 2 are provided on the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 and one or more second colored printed layers 2 are provided on the surface of the sheet 4. may
FIG. 4 shows a case where the second colored printed layer 2 is divided into two or more ranges, and is a plan view with the intermediate printed layer 3 as the sea and the second colored printed layer 2 as a plurality of islands. The case where it is provided in the shape of a sea island is illustrated.
The thickness of the second colored printed layer 2 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, 0.3 μm to 10 μm, preferably 0.5 μm to 7 μm.

From the viewpoint of constituent components, the second colored printed layer 2 contains a colorant and a binder resin, and may contain various additives as necessary.
The second colored printed layer 2 is a printed layer exhibiting a color different from that of the first colored printed layer 1 . For example, when the first colored printed layer 1 is a white printed layer, the second colored printed layer 2 is a printed layer having a color other than white. The second colored printed layer 2 may be of one color, or may be of two or more colors.
Examples of the coloring agent for the second colored printed layer 2 include pigments, dyes, mixed pigments, and mixed dyes used in conventionally known color inks.
The binder resin (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second binder resin) of the second colored printed layer 2 is not particularly limited as long as it contains urethane-based resin as a main component. The second binder resin may consist of, for example, only a urethane-based resin, or may consist of a urethane-based resin that is the main component resin and a resin other than the urethane-based resin.

The urethane-based resin of the second binder resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the urethane-based resins exemplified for the first binder resin.
The urethane-based resin contained in the second binder resin may have the same structure as the urethane-based resin contained in the first binder resin, or may have a different structure.
Moreover, when the second binder resin contains another resin, examples of the other resin include the resins exemplified for the first binder resin. Examples of additives for the second colored printed layer 2 include the additives exemplified for the first colored printed layer 1 .

The second binder resin contains 50% by weight or more of urethane resin, preferably 60% by weight or more of urethane resin, and more preferably urethane It contains 70% by weight or more of urethane-based resin, more preferably 85% by weight or more of urethane-based resin.
The content of the binder resin in the second colored printed layer 2 is not particularly limited. 75% to 95% by weight.

From the viewpoint of solidification performance, the second ink may be a dry type such as a solvent volatilization type or a water-based solvent evaporation type. Preferably, a dry second ink is used, and more preferably a solvent volatile second ink is used.
The solvent volatilization type second ink contains the colorant and binder resin (various additives as required), and further contains various solvents.
Examples of the solvent for the second ink include the solvents exemplified for the first ink.

The second colored printed layer 2 is a printed layer having a color different from that of the first colored printed layer 1 in terms of color, as described above.
For example, the second colored printed layer 2 is a printed layer showing designs such as characters and patterns. Such a second colored printed layer 2 is designed using one color or two or more colors. In particular, when the first colored printed layer 1 is a white printed layer, in the range of the second colored printed layer 2 overlapping the first colored printed layer 1, the white color of the first colored printed layer 1 is the second colored printed layer. Background color for layer 2 designs.
The second colored printed layer 2 is usually provided repeatedly in the longitudinal direction of the long band-shaped sheet 4 as a repeating pattern of one coherent design.

It should be noted that other printed layers (Fig. not shown) may be provided.
Such other printed layers include a slip layer (printed layer containing a slip component such as a lubricant) provided on the back side of the sheet 4, and a protective layer (a colorless transparent layer) for protecting the surface side of the second colored printed layer 2. printing layer) and the like.

<Method for producing label substrate>
The label substrate 10 is formed by printing the first ink on the surface of the sheet 4 to form the first colored printed layer 1, and printing the intermediate printed layer 3 including the surface of the first colored printed layer 1. It is obtained by forming the intermediate printed layer 3 and printing the second ink including the surface of the intermediate printed layer 3 to form the second colored printed layer 2 .
The printing methods for the first ink, the intermediate ink, and the second ink are not particularly limited, and each independently includes a plate printing method such as an intaglio printing method such as gravure printing, or a letterpress printing method such as letterpress rotary printing. preferably any intaglio printing method such as gravure printing is used.
The first ink, the intermediate ink and the second ink may be independently printed once or multiple times. In particular, when forming the second colored printed layer 2 representing a design with two or more colors, the second ink is printed twice or more.

<Cylindrical label>
The label base material 10 is used after being processed into any appropriate label.
As in the present embodiment, the label substrate 10 in which the printed layer is not provided on the surface of the first side end portion 41 of the sheet 4 is preferably processed into a tubular label.
For example, by cutting the long band-shaped label base material 10 including one design with a unity of the second colored print layer 2 (cutting points are indicated by white arrows in FIG. 1), A label substrate 10A having a sheet shape (for example, a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view) as shown is obtained.

The sheet-shaped label base material 10A is rolled into a cylinder so that the surface side of the sheet-shaped label base material 10A faces the outside, and as shown in FIG. The tubular label 91 is obtained by superimposing it on the surface of the label and adhering it with a solvent or an adhesive. In particular, since no printed layer is provided on the surface of the first side edge portion 41, even when a solvent is used, the surface of the first side edge portion 41 and the back surface of the second side edge portion 42 of the sheet are separated. It can adhere strongly.
As shown in FIG. 7, such a tubular label 91 can be attached to an adherend 8 such as a container by fitting it over the adherend 8 and heating it.

The tubular label 91 shown in FIG. 6 is formed into a tubular shape before being fitted onto the adherend. It's okay.
As shown in FIG. 8, a tubular label, which is formed into a tubular shape while being fitted onto an adherend, is attached to an adherend 8 such as a container with the back surface of the first side end portion 41 of the label substrate 10A, as shown in FIG. After pasting with an adhesive or the like, the label base material 10A is wrapped around the adherend 8, and the back surface of the second side end portion 42 of the label base material 10A is overlapped with the surface of the first side end portion 41. Obtained by gluing together.

In the label base material 10, 10A of the present invention, the first colored printed layer 1 mainly composed of urethane-based resin is provided on the surface of the sheet 4, and another resin is provided on the surface side of the first colored printed layer 1. A second colored printed layer 2 containing urethane-based resin as a main component is provided with an intermediate printed layer 3 containing as a main component interposed therebetween. According to such a layer structure, it is possible to prevent ink loss in the first colored printed layer 1 and also prevent trapping defects in the first colored printed layer 1 .
In the label substrates 10 and 10A of the present invention, the first colored printed layer 1 containing a white pigment is formed neatly, and the second colored printed layer 2 is also formed neatly.
A label formed from such a label substrate 10A has a good appearance.

In the above embodiment, the label substrate 10A is used to produce a tubular label, but the label substrates 10 and 10A of the present invention are not limited to tubular labels. The label substrate of the present invention may be used to form known labels such as tack labels, POP labels, and in-mold labels.
In the above-described embodiment, the label base material 10A for forming the tubular label is exemplified, and each print layer is formed in the area (specific area) excluding the first side edge 41. In other label substrates for forming labels, each printed layer may be formed including the first side end portion 41 .

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail by showing examples and comparative examples of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[Materials used]
- Sheet (A): A single-layer film made of polyethylene terephthalate. Thickness 40 μm. Trade name "LX-18S" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.
Sheet (B): A two-kind three-layer film consisting of a surface resin layer made of polyethylene terephthalate/an intermediate resin layer made of polystyrene/a back surface resin layer made of polyethylene terephthalate. Thickness 40 μm. Trade name "HST" manufactured by Gunze Co., Ltd.
- 1st ink: Solvent volatile white ink containing titanium oxide. The binder resin is urethane resin. Trade name "NT Hiramic 701 R White" manufactured by Dainichiseika Kogyo Co., Ltd.
• Second ink: a solvent volatile blue ink containing a blue pigment. The binder resin is urethane resin. Trade name "NT Hiramic 739 Indigo" manufactured by Dainichiseika Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Intermediate ink (C): Solvent volatilization type colorless transparent ink. Binder resin is acrylic resin. Trade name "SP-V Primer (NT)" manufactured by Dainichiseika Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Intermediate ink (D): Solvent volatilization type colorless transparent ink. The binder resin is polyamide resin (main component resin) and cellulose resin. Trade name "Ultima NT Medium" manufactured by DIC Graphics Corporation.
• Intermediate ink (E): Solvent volatilization type colorless transparent ink. The binder resin is nitrocellulose resin (main component resin) and urethane resin. Trade name "CCST Medium" manufactured by Toyo Ink Co., Ltd.
• Intermediate ink (F): Solvent volatilization type colorless transparent ink. The binder resin is urethane resin. Trade name "NT Hiramic R Medium" manufactured by Dainichiseika Kogyo Co., Ltd.

[Reference example]
After the second ink was solidly gravure printed on the back surface of the sheet (A), the solvent was volatilized and dried to form a blue second colored printed layer having a thickness of about 0.5 μm. White ink (trade name “XGS-013N White 130NTSL” manufactured by Sakata Inx Co., Ltd.) is solidly gravure-printed on the surface of this second colored print layer, and then the solvent is evaporated and dried to obtain a thickness of about A 1.0 μm white first colored printed layer was formed.
In this way, a label substrate was produced in which a solid white first colored printed layer/a solid blue second colored printed layer/sheet (A) was formed in order from the back side (FIG. 9 ( a) see).

[Example 1]
After the first ink was solidly gravure printed on the surface of the sheet (A), the solvent was volatilized and dried to form a white first colored printed layer having a thickness of about 1.0 μm. After the intermediate ink (C) was solidly gravure-printed on the surface of the first colored printed layer, the solvent was volatilized and dried to form a colorless and transparent intermediate printed layer with a thickness of about 0.5 μm. After the second ink was solidly gravure-printed on the surface of this intermediate printed layer, the solvent was volatilized and dried to form a blue second colored printed layer having a thickness of about 0.5 μm.
Thus, the sheet (A)/the solid white first colored printed layer/the solid colorless transparent intermediate printed layer/the solid blue second colored printed layer were formed in order from the back side. A label substrate was produced (see FIG. 9(b)).

[Example 2]
A label substrate was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the intermediate ink (D) was used instead of the intermediate ink (C).

[Example 3]
A label substrate was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the intermediate ink (E) was used instead of the intermediate ink (C).

[Example 4]
A label substrate was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the sheet (B) was used instead of the sheet (A).

[Comparative Example 1]
After the first ink was solidly gravure printed on the surface of the sheet (A), the solvent was volatilized and dried to form a white first colored printed layer having a thickness of about 1.0 μm. On the surface of this first colored printed layer, the second ink was solidly gravure-printed, and then the solvent was volatilized and dried to form a blue second colored printed layer having a thickness of about 0.5 μm.
In this way, a label substrate was produced in which the sheet (A)/solid white first colored printed layer/solid blue second colored printed layer were formed in this order from the back side.

[Comparative Example 2]
A label substrate was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the intermediate ink (F) was used instead of the intermediate ink (C).

[Observation of first colored printed layer]
With respect to the label substrates of Reference Examples, Examples, and Comparative Examples, the back side was turned toward the fluorescent lamp, and the state of the first colored printed layer (white printed layer) was seen through from the front side. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
○: Ink dropout was not observed at all.
x: Clear ink omission was confirmed.

[Observation of second colored printed layer]
The label substrates of Reference Examples, Examples, and Comparative Examples were illuminated from the rear surface side and observed by enlarging from the front surface side. In the magnified observation, attention was paid to the countless solidified ink substances (the blue second solidified ink substance) constituting the second colored printed layer, and it was visually determined whether or not the dots of the countless solidified ink substances had substantially the same shape. . The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
◯: The dot shape of each solidified ink product was the same.
x: The shapes of dots of many solidified ink products were uneven.

[Ink Adhesion Area Ratio of Second Colored Print Layer]
Regarding the label substrates of Reference Examples, Examples and Comparative Examples, the ink adhesion area ratio of the second colored printed layer when viewed from the surface side was measured.

It is obtained by the following formula: ink adhesion area ratio (%)=(ink adhesion area/printed area)×100. The measurement was carried out under standard conditions using a halftone dot area measuring instrument (manufactured by TECHKON, trade name "SPECTRO PLATE"). The ink adhesion area corresponds to the total area of solidified ink within the measurement area (unit area) of the measuring device, and the printing area corresponds to the measurement area of the measuring device.
The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
In the reference example, the second colored print layer was printed with an ink adhesion area ratio of about 100% as planned. Also in Examples 1, 2 and 4, the second colored printed layer was printed with an ink adhesion area ratio of about 100% as in Reference Example.

[Color difference and lightness difference of the second colored printed layer]
Color difference and lightness difference when viewed from the surface side were measured for the label substrates of each example and each comparative example. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
ΔE is an L ^* a ^* b ^* color system, and the smaller the numerical value, the more similar the color is evaluated. ΔL indicates how much the lightness differs from the standard sample, and when cloudy, the absolute value of the numerical value increases.
The color difference and brightness difference were measured under standard conditions using a spectrodensitometer (trade name “X-Rite Spectrodensitometer 939” manufactured by X-Rite Co., Ltd.).
In the measurement of color difference and brightness difference, the label substrate of Reference Example was used as a standard sample. The reference example was used as a standard sample because the label substrate printed with a blue printed layer (equivalent to the design printed layer) on the back of the sheet and a white printed layer printed on the back of the sheet has excellent printability. This is because it is more widely recognized, and because the reference example was actually printed very beautifully.

The label substrate of each example in which an intermediate layer containing a binder resin whose main component is a resin other than a urethane-based resin is interposed between the first colored printed layer and the second colored printed layer substantially prevents ink bleeding. A clean first colored printed layer was formed. The appearance of the first colored printed layer of each example was as good as that of the reference example. On the other hand, in the label substrates of each comparative example having no intermediate layer, ink loss was conspicuous in the first colored printing layer, and it was determined that the printing was defective.
In addition, the label substrates of Examples 1, 2 and 4, which have an intermediate printing layer that does not substantially contain a urethane-based resin, have well-ordered and uniform dots and a second coloring having an ink adhesion area ratio as designed. A printed layer was formed.
Furthermore, by providing an intermediate printed layer containing an acrylic resin as a main component, a second colored printed layer having substantially the same color tone and lightness as those of the reference example could be neatly formed.
In Examples 1 and 4, the material of the printed surface of the sheet (the surface on which the printed layer is formed) is polyethylene terephthalate, and if the printed surface is made of polyester resin, the sheet itself may have a single layer structure. , a multi-layered structure was found to be acceptable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A label base material 1 1st colored printing layer 2 2nd colored printing layer 3 intermediate printing layer 4 sheet

Claims (5)

a seat;
A first colored printed layer printed on the surface side of the sheet and containing a white pigment;
an intermediate print layer printed on the surface of the first colored print layer;
a second colored printed layer printed on the surface of the intermediate printed layer and having a color different from that of the first colored printed layer;
The first colored printed layer and the second colored printed layer contain a binder resin containing a urethane-based resin as a main component,
The intermediate print layer contains a binder resin containing a resin other than a urethane-based resin as a main component,
A label substrate, wherein the first colored printed layer, the second colored printed layer and the intermediate printed layer are each composed of an ink-solidified layer . 2. The label substrate according to claim 1, wherein the binder resin of said intermediate printing layer does not substantially contain urethane-based resin. 3. The label substrate according to claim 1, wherein the binder resin of the intermediate printing layer contains an acrylic resin as a main component. 4. The label substrate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate print layer is a colorless and transparent print layer. A cylindrical label formed in a cylindrical shape with the surface side of the label base material according to any one of claims 1 to 4 facing outward.

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