Hologram Label Specifications and Application Tips

Typical applications:

Authentication label for identification (company ID, membership cards, event staff, etc)
Authentication label for collectibles (artwork, coins, autographed & licensed products, etc)
Authentication label for Documents (gift certificates, bank checks, etc)
Asset and Equipment Tag
Parking Passes
Driver’s license or ID card endorsement or renewal.
Product Packaging for enhanced “shelf appeal” and brand protection.

Registry of hologram images and custom imprints:

Designated stock hologram labels must be custom imprinted with unique text or a logo. For added security we maintain a register of all custom imprints on stock labels to prevent more than one customer from using the same custom imprint. For security reasons, we do no sell the designated stock labels without a custom imprint.

Specifications & Intended Use:

Labels are constructed of durable polyester film (.002 inches thick).
Labels are die cut to size for easy removal, and provided on rolls with “peel and stick” adhesive backing.
The adhesive is a permanent acrylic, which is compatible with most papers, plastics, and other non-porous surfaces. The adhesive is sunfast for at least one year and will not yellow if used in an exterior application.
Tamper evident polyester labels have a printed silicon release under the hologram image. The release is typically in a “dots” pattern. When removed, the release will self destruct the hologram image, leaving a pattern of dots.
Background colors and imprint inks are colorfast for exposure to sunlight for at least one year.
Resolution of custom imprint is 200 to 300 dpi. Imprint Color Specifications for Hologram Labels: Green = PMS Green C; Dark blue = PMS 286 C; Red = PMS 192 C
If the label will be exposed to harsh chemicals or excessive abrasion, an optional clear lamination over the custom imprint may be required for maximum durability of the imprint.
Stock labels are designed for manual application.Labels may be supplied on paper or film liner. If auto-affixing, special order the optional polyester liner.
Each roll of labels is on a 3 inch ID core is provided with a dispenser carton.
Typical labels/roll:
• .75 inch square labels: 2000 ./ roll
• 1.35 inch / 1.625” labels: 1000 / roll
To apply labels the minimum application temperature is +35F and application surface must be clean and dry. After application, the service temperature range is –50F to +200F,
Polyester hologram labels are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications; the expected life for outdoor applications is 1 year minimum.
Hologram labels are NOT FDA-rated for DIRECT or INDIRECT contact with food.
If printing ID cards with an ID card printer, the label should be applied after the card is printed. Applying the label before printing may interfere with the printing quality and may damage the print head.
Labels are compatible with heat seal applications, such as heat laminating ID cards.
For best security when using a lamination pouch, apply the hologram to the core insert before heat sealing. However, labels can also be applied on the finished card after heat sealing.
Labels are compatible with silk or fabric ID badges; to improve the tamper evidence feature on this type of material, use a laminator to heat seal the hologram label after manually affixing. The added heat improves adhesion of the label to the substrate, which improves the tamper evident release feature.

Tips for Applying Tamper Evident Labels

Our hologram labels have a “dots” release pattern to show tampering; other security stickers and seals may have other words or symbols (VOID, OPENED, etc), but use a similar release construction. Under normal circumstances, after the label has been applied, the release pattern will appear when the label is removed. However, under certain conditions the tamper evident feature can be inadvertently activated when the label is in the process of being affixed. Here are tips to minimize “pre-triggering” of the tamper evident feature:

1. Minimize contact and pressure with the adhesive side of the label. Use light pressure to manually remove the label and transfer to your finger. Then, immediately apply the label to the intended surface. The tamper evident feature is more likely to activate if the adhesive side is handled with too much pressure, or the the label is positioned on your fingers for an extended time.

2. Use Skin Moisturizer — When handling the labels, apply a skin moisturizer to the tips of fingers which will come in contact with the adhesive side of the label. The added moisture will minimize the chance of activating the tamper evident feature during application. If the skin on your fingers are dry and chapped, it is more likely it will activate the tamper evident feature.

3. Use “rubber finger tips” — Wear a rubber finger tip on the finger which is used to touch the adhesive side of the label. The rubber finger tips have a “nubby” side and a smooth side — the smooth side works better. If needed, turn the tip inside out to expose the smooth side. Rubber finger tips are available at most office supply stores (they are typically used to improve manual handling and sorting of paper).

Holograms applied with rubber fingers

4. Flag the Label — Peel back a portion of the liner (backer) to expose a portion of the adhesive side of the label. Affix the exposed portion of the adhesive to the intended surface, then peel away the balance of the liner to fully affix the label.

Flagging the hologram labels

5. Do not use a metal or plastic instrument — using a knife blade, tweezers or other hard, dry instrument to affix the label is NOT recommended. The hard and dry surface will cause the tamper evident release to activate.