Introduction

This invention relates to manufacture of labels.

Conventionally, after application of a label to a product, the backing layer is disposed by landfill or incineration. A small amount may be recycled. There have however been some approaches to avoid backing layers.

US6015615A describes a linerless label with a layer of release material on one side, and an adhesive layer on the opposite side to the release material. Labels may be wound into a roll of label stock. There may be printing on the release layer, such as a bar code.

US5518762A describes manufacturing labels with permanent adhesive on one face and a release coat on the second face.

WO9631861 discloses a linerless label with release material in edge strips on one face and adhesive in strips on the other face. The adhesive and release material are applied in strips along the edges of the label and the finished product is in roll configuration. The adhesive and release material patterns cover less than 50% of the faces.

US2011152076 describes a print media representing a label constructed having two components. A first component is capable of being thermally imaged on both a front and back side of the print media. US6830795 describes a linerless label that can be easily imaged, printed, or hand written upon by the end user. JP2013188872 describes a linerless label manufacturing apparatus which can achieve a high resource saving and energy saving effects by eliminating omissible processes. WO2014135981 describes an apparatus and method for applying a linerless label to an end user product. W00230796 describes a stacker for stacking labels die-cut from a continuous web by a die cutter into vertical stacks. US9058753 describes paper for use in making repositionable or removable adhesive labels. The adhesive can be applied in patches or discrete areas to the paper or to a layer of material that cleans rollers in the manufacturing line and/or in printers.

The invention is directed towards achieving use of less material, and/or more convenient use, and/or simpler manufacturing, and/or more versatility in printing on labels. Summary of the Invention

We describe a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a label, the apparatus comprising: an adhesive deposit dispenser, a transfer plate with a non-stick surface, and a robotic motion control system with a controller having a digital data processor, wherein the controller is adapted to: move the transfer plate surface relative to the dispenser in in at least a longitudinal direction, to cause dispensing of deposits in a desired pattern on the transfer plate surface; and cause a label substrate to contact the plate surface sufficiently for transfer of the deposits from the plate surface to a surface of said substrate.

In some examples, the transfer plate non-stick surface includes a first surface, and a second surface on a movable internal component, and the robotic motion control system is adapted to move said internal component relative to other components of the transfer plate after dispensing of the adhesive deposits to change the relative locations of the deposits. In some examples, the at least one movable internal component is rotatable about its axis. In some examples, the movable internal component is disc shaped.

In some examples, the controller is adapted to rotate the movable internal component through an angle relative to longitudinal to provide a pattern of deposits in the longitudinal direction by longitudinal movement of the plate during dispensing, followed by rotation of the internal component to change orientation of the deposits on the internal component surface.

In some examples, the controller is configured to rotate the movable internal component through 90° to a fixed position before transfer of the deposits. In some examples, at least one internal component is arranged to move translationally.

In some examples, the non-stick transfer surface of the movable component is co-planar with the non-stick surface of the remainder of the plate. In some examples, the dispenser is static and only the plate or an internal component in the plate move. In some examples, the transfer plate comprises a plurality of movable internal components. In some examples, the motion controller is adapted to move the transfer plate laterally relative to the longitudinal direction during adhesive dispensing according to a desired deposit pattern.

In some examples, the controller is adapted to control any one or more of the following parameters to provide a desired pattern of adhesive deposits on the label substrate surface: speed of movement of the transfer plate in the longitudinal direction during dispensing; and/or droplet dispensing rate of the dispenser; and/or movement of the transfer plate in the lateral direction; and/or movement of the internal component within the transfer plate, and/or temperature of the transfer plate.

In some examples, the transfer plate comprises at least one locator stud or pin for engagement with registry holes in a substrate. In some examples, there are a plurality of locator studs or pins adjacent a side edge of the transfer plate.

In some examples, the apparatus further comprises a proximity sensor to detect position of the substrate sheet and to trigger operation of the dispenser accordingly.

In some examples, the transfer plate includes a series of fiducial marks, and detection of a mark at a position triggers dispenser operation.

In some examples, the apparatus comprises a plurality of dispensers, and preferably said dispensers are arranged laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction.

We also describe a method of applying adhesive deposits to a label substrate using an apparatus of any example described herein, the method comprising the steps of depositing adhesive droplets on the transfer plate surface plate by movement of the plate during dispensing, and causing a label substrate to contact the transfer plate surface sufficiently for transfer of the deposits from the plate surface to the substrate surface.

In some examples, the transfer plate non-stick surface includes a first surface, and a second surface on a movable internal component, and the robotic motion control system moves said internal component relative to other components of the transfer plate after application of the adhesive deposits to change the relative locations of the deposits. In some examples, the internal component is rotated, for example through 90° so that deposits which were in a linear pattern in the longitudinal direction are changed to extend in a linear pattern in the lateral direction.

In some examples, a substrate comprises a plurality of portions which are joined alongside edges, and the method comprises the subsequent steps of (a) providing substrates as a composite label, or (b) separating said substrates along said edges to provide a plurality of labels. In some examples, at least two of said substrates have different characteristics.

In some examples, the method comprises the steps of applying deposits directly on a surface of the substrate opposite to a surface to which deposits are transferred, preferably by directly dispensing deposits on an upper surface of the substrate while it is on the transfer plate.

In some examples, the method comprises the further step of pressing a second substrate onto said substrate so that said substrates adhere to each other to provide a laminated label.

In some examples, the method comprises dispensing adhesive deposits onto a top surface of said second substrate, and pressing a third substrate onto said second substrate so that they adhere, and optionally repeating for at least one additional substrate to provide a laminated label with three or more layers.

In some examples, the method comprises placing at least two substrates on the transfer plate including a lower substrate and an upper substrate atop the lower substrate to cause transfer of deposits to a lower surface of the lower substrate, and directly dispensing deposits onto an exposed top surface of the upper substrate.

In some examples, the method further comprises the step of applying the label to an article (B) immediately after removal from the transfer plate without need for a liner.

We also describe a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a label, the apparatus comprising a label substrate handler, an adhesive deposit dispenser, a transfer plate with a non-stick surface, and a robotic motion control system with a controller having a digital data processor, wherein the controller is adapted to: move the transfer plate surface relative to the dispenser in a pattern in at least two dimensions, to cause positioning of deposits in a desired patten on the plate surface; and cause a label substrate to contact the plate surface sufficiently for transfer of the deposits from the plate surface to the substrate surface.

Preferably, the plate includes at least one internal component with a non-stick surface, and the robotic motion control system is adapted to move said component relative to other components of the plate after application of the adhesive deposits to change the relative locations of the deposits.

Preferably, wherein at least one movable internal component is rotatable about its axis, preferably disc-shaped.

Preferably, the controller is adapted to rotate the internal component through 90° to provide a pattern of deposits in the longitudinal direction by longitudinal movement of the plate during dispensing, followed by rotation of the internal component to change orientation of the deposits on the internal component surface.

Preferably, at least one internal component is arranged to move translationally. Preferably, the non-stick surface of the movable component is co-planar with the non-stick surface of the remainder of the plate.

Preferably, the dispenser is static and only the plate or a component in the plate move. Preferably, the transfer plate comprises a plurality of internal components. Preferably, the motion controller is adapted to move the plate laterally during adhesive dispensing according to a desired deposit pattern.

Preferably, the controller is adapted to control any one or more of the following parameters to provide a desired pattern of adhesive deposits on the label substrate surface: speed of movement of the plate in the longitudinal direction during dispensing; droplet dispensing rate of the dispenser; movement of the transfer plate in the lateral direction; and movement of the internal component.

We also describe a method of applying adhesive deposits to a label substrate using an apparatus of any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of depositing adhesive droplets on the plate by movement of the plate during dispensing, and subsequently moving an internal component to change the pattern of the deposits, and causing a label substrate to contact the plate surface sufficiently for transfer of the deposits from the plate surface to the substrate surface.

Preferably, the internal component is rotated, for example through 90° so that deposits which were in a linear pattern in the longitudinal direction are changed to extend in a linear pattern in the lateral direction.

We also describe a linerless label comprising a substrate having a front face and a rear face, and a plurality of discrete adhesive deposits applied to spaced-apart regions of the rear face in an adhesive pattern leaving a substantial area of the rear face free from adhesive.

Preferably, the label comprises release panels at a plurality of discrete spaced apart regions of the front face in a pattern corresponding to the adhesive deposit pattern. Preferably, the regions are spaced apart in both the length dimension and the width dimension. Preferably, at least some of the regions are spaced apart from the edges of the label. Preferably, at least one region is approximately central on the substrate. Preferably, at least four regions are proximate to corners of the substrate. Preferably, the release material comprises silicone.

In some examples the adhesive deposits are substantially circular in shape.

Preferably, the area of each face occupied by the deposits is less than 20% and preferably less than 10% of the total face area.

We also describe a stack of linerless labels comprising a plurality of linerless labels of any example stacked on top of each other with the adhesive deposits of the rear face of a first label in the stack engaged with the release panel of the front face of a second label which is below the first label in the stack.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a top plan view of the front face of a label of the invention; Fig. 2 is an underneath plan view of the rear face of the label;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a pair of labels placed one above the other;

Fig. 4(a) is a diagrammatic perspective view of a manufacturing process for applying adhesive to a label substrate in a versatile manner, and Fig. 4(b) is a perspective from another direction showing the transfer stage in more detail;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing application of labels to a product;

Figs. 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are perspective views showing application of a different pattern of adhesive dots to a label substrate in a versatile manner, and Fig. 6(d) is a perspective view showing application of the label to a bottle;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative transfer plate,

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a label comprising three substrates, and

Figs. 9(a) to 9(d) are a series of diagrams illustrating another label manufacturing method of the invention, in this case to manufacture a three-layer laminated label.

Detailed Description

We describe label manufacturing apparatus and processes. In some preferred examples the labels are linerless, but the invention is not restricted to linerless labels. In this specification we use the term “linerless” to mean one which does not have a dedicated or separate liner to protect the adhesive.

Linerless Label, Overview

A self-adhesive label is described which does not have a liner. It has a substrate of paper or plastics material, a pattern of silicone release deposits on a front face of the substrate, and a corresponding pattern of adhesive deposits applied to the rear face of the substrate. There is no need for a sheet or layer of release material, only the release material applied to the substrate’ s front face in discrete regions. The area of applied release material may be less than 20% and preferably less than 10% of the front face surface area. The area occupied by the applied adhesive on the rear face is marginally less, there being a margin of error arising from the release deposits being slightly larger than the adhesive deposits.

In one example, the label has deposits near the edges and at least one central panel. There may for example be five deposits of silicone release material on the front face of the label substrate aligned with five deposits of adhesive on the rear face of the substrate.

The deposit distributions allow for a uniform adhesiveness of the label upon use and minimisation of the release and adhesive material used. It also leaves over about 80% and preferably 90% of the front face available for print directly onto the substrate. However, it is envisaged that there may be print on the release material panels also, thereby making all of the front face of the label available for print.

Label Manufacturing Processes, Overview

We also describe an efficient manufacturing process for labels, including but not limited to linerless labels. An advantageous aspect is application of the adhesive to an intermediary plate (a “transfer plate”) or belt covered with a non-stick surface such as silicone, Teflon™ or such like material, which could be described as an “offsettable material”. The label substrate contacts the plate in registry with the adhesive and after pressure is applied, the adhesive is offset by surface tension to the label substrate. A similar technique could be applied for deposition of release material panels.

An industrial conveying system may be used, made of slot plates, or in some cases, continuous belting with a non-stick, heat-resistant surface. The belt may be controlled either in continuous mode, or stop and start, intermittent mode. For the continuous mode the transfer to the label substrate happens immediately after dispensing of the adhesive deposit on the transfer plate. For the intermittent mode there is a delay between dispensing and transfer, in which case it is preferred that the adhesive is pressure sensitive.

Linerless Labels, More Detail

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 a linerless label 1 has a paper substrate 2 with a front face 2(a) and a rear face 2(b). As shown in Fig. 1 the longitudinal direction is shown as being in the direction of arrow A. The paper substrates 2 may be produced from sheets cut to the appropriate size. For standardisation and ease of use size A4, A5 and A6 may be used as standard linerless labels sizes. The front face 2(a) of the label has discrete silicone release panels which are approximately circular. These may be deposited by an apparatus as described below, in a manner similar to position of adhesive panels. The release panels are assigned numerals 3, 4, 5 and 6 and are in the longitudinal direction near the edges, and a central panel 7. The panels 3 and 4 are at one side near the edge, but not at the edge. The panels 5 and 6 are likewise positioned on the opposite side in a symmetrical manner.

The rear face 2(b) of the label has discrete adhesive panels, again being approximately circular, but being smaller than the silicone release panels of the front face, but in registry with them. The adhesive panels 8, 9, 10 and 11 are in the longitudinal direction and there is a central adhesive panel 12. The panels 8 and 9 are at one side near the edge, but not at the edge. The panels 10 and 11 are likewise positioned on the opposite side in a symmetrical manner.

The front face 2(a) of the label 1, with the release panels, is in registry with the adhesive panels of the rear face 2(b) of the label, and when stacked, a label is placed in precise registry on an underlying label. The underlying label in a stack is akin to a backing liner for the overlying label, with the discrete adhesive panels connecting with the discrete release panels on the underlying label. The labels are stacked one on top of the other as a finished product.

It will be appreciated that the label is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described and may be varied in detail. For example, the linerless label may comprise a different number of panels on each face, for example seven. Also, while it is preferred that there are panels at corners and in the centre, this is not essential. Alternative patterns may be randomly arranged. It will be appreciated that the panels may be of different shapes and orientations. However, for simplicity of manufacture it is preferred that the adhesive at least has a curved edge, such as approximately round. This is primarily because the adhesive may be applied as a droplet which is then pressed, as described in more detail below. In another example, each adhesive panel may comprise an array of microdots.

The substrate may be of a variety of fabrics and textures. In another example, the label substrate may comprise an aromatic agent. Further, the panels may be clear, and may correspond to a pattern of cut-outs on the liner substrate, resulting in the panels being at least partially transparent. and Method, More Detail

The following describes application of the adhesive panels to the surfaces of substrates in a versatile manner. The front surfaces may have corresponding release panels, or in other examples there may be a separate liner of conventional type. It is not essential that the following method of applying deposits to a substrate is performed for a linerless label manufacture.

Referring to Fig. 4 a transfer plate 50 has a rectangular shape, with a top transfer surface 52 having a non-stick permanent silicone coating. The plate includes a rotatable disc 51 having a top surface 53 which is co-planar with the remainder of the plate’ s surface 52. The disc 51 is driven by a motor on the underside of the plate to rotate about a vertical axis normal to the plate surface. In other examples it is driven by a mechanism such as a lever mechanism. The plate 50 is conveyed by a conveyor mechanism in a longitudinal direction underneath a fixed adhesive dispenser nozzle 60 and onwards through a rolling stage 70 and an application stage 80.

The transfer surface may be provided by a permanent coating of a material such a Teflon™ on the main body of the transfer plate and/or the movable internal component, or as a replaceable cover sheet.

The manufacturing apparatus comprises a controller 55 which has a digital data processor and provides motion and temperature control signals to the plate 50, and indeed a succession of additional plates, not shown. The plate 50 has an electrical element heater for precise control of temperature of its surface, powered by a power supply in the plate. Temperature control signals are conveyed wirelessly, but they could alternatively be conveyed by a wiring loom.

In this example the transfer plate 50 is shown moving in a linear direction only, however in other examples it may move laterally away from its longitudinal axis. In general, the plate can be moved at least in the longitudinal direction, and preferably the plant has the ability to move it laterally. Also, the disc 51 can be rotated. Hence there is surface movement of the plate both in an external manner and in an internal manner. All of these movements are relative to the fixed dispenser 60 and allow a two-dimensional pattern of deposits to be made on the plate surface 52, 53 to suit the desired adhesive pattern.

In the example illustrated in Figs. 4(a) and 4(b) the dispenser 60 is actuated to dispense a sequence of droplets 61 of adhesive as the plate 50 moves in the longitudinal direction. This provides a linear pattern on the plate as shown by the second plate (from the left). The separation of the deposit 61 may be controlled by the speed ov movement of the transfer plate, with the dispenser 60 ejecting droplets at regular intervals. However, in another example the ejection of a droplet only happens in response to a trigger. In the latter case the triggers may be provided by optically sensing a mark on a pattern placed on the transfer plate. The pattern may be a series of lateral short lines for example. Upon the optical sensor sending a mark it triggers the dispenser to eject a droplet. The ejection time is preferably of the order of milliseconds, for example 1 ms to 10 ms, and in one preferred example, 3 ms, and the distance between the nozzle to the substrate is only of the order of up to 10 mm, for example 2.4 mm. Hence the dispensing time is very short, thereby allowing live triggering in response to sensing of movement of the transfer plate.

As shown for the third plate the disc 51 is rotated so that the deposits on its surface are at right angles to the other deposits 61. The extent of rotation of the disc 51 may be different, to provide a different orientation for the line of deposits 61 on its surface relative to those on the remainder of the plate 50.

At the stage 80 the substrate 100 is pressed by a roller 70 of silicone material so that the deposits 61 transfer onto the underneath surface of the substrate 100. The substrate, if paper, is orientated so that its grain is in the direction of movement of the roller, to optimise control of spread of the adhesive before transfer. The last plate 50 on the right hand is now free of adhesive deposits and is ready to be conveyed back to the start of the process on the left side as viewed in Fig. 4. The underneath plan view of Fig. 4(a) shows the resultant pattern of adhesive dots 61 on the underside of the substrate 100.

The substrate 100 is now ready to be placed on a liner, or on another label which has release panels on its top surface.

As shown in Fig. 5, in an apparatus 200 a stack 201 of substrates may be fed to a station 250 for application of adhesive deposits as described above and may then be applied to a bottle by action of atop roller 301 and bottom cradle rollers 302 and 303. This is merely one example of application of labels manufactured in a process of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 6(a), (b), (c), and (d) a transfer plate 400 is moved, and the dispenser 60 controlled, so that there is a longitudinal line of deposits 410 along approximately half of the length of the plate 400, on a part 402, from one end to the centre of a disc-shaped internal component 401. This provides a T-shaped pattern of deposits to a label substrate 450. Fig. 6(d) shows the label 450 being applied to a bottle B. In general, the manufacturing process can include immediate application of the label (substrate with adhesive deposits) to the article such as a bottle or carton. This avoids need for a liner, or release deposits if linerless.

Referring to Fig. 7 a transfer plate 500 has a main planar body 501 on four wheels 502 for convenient linear motion. There is an active surface 505 upon which deposits are applied. In this example there is a pair of locator studs 506 for engaging holes 511 of a sheet 510 for accurate registry.

Also, sheets may have portions joined by perforations and have adhesive deposits applied in one operation to provide a composite label such as the label 600 shown in Fig. 8. In this case there are three portions to a sheet, namely portions 601, 602, and 603 joined along perforated edges 605 and 606. The three portions together form a label and a pair of parallel lines 607 and 608 of adhesive deposits have been applied by way of two passes under the dispenser. By using composite sheets, each of which has had a pattern of deposits applied, there may be a composite label with parts having different materials, providing for different characteristics in terms of for example density, thickness, and flexibility. Even if all three portions have the same material the perforated lines 605 and 606 provide the possibility of easily folding or separating the portions.

In other examples, the perforated lines 605 and 606 are provided after application of the adhesive deposits, and possibly while still in position on the transfer plate, by for example laser cutting.

In other arrangements, multiple substrate sheets are placed one atop another to achieve the desired label characteristics. For example, a bottom substrate sheet has adhesive deposit applied by transfer from the transfer plate and the top surface of the top sheet has deposits applied directly, and subsequently compress by way of a non-stick roller or other re-usable non-stick material. This provides efficient manufacturing of two labels. If this technique is performed with multiple sheets joined by perforated lines, then there is not only double the number of simultaneous manufacturing due to the top and bottom sheets, but a further multiple is achieved by each substrate being in multiple parts joined together for later separation (for example as shown in Fig. 8).

Referring to Figs. 9(a) to 9(d) a method of manufacture of a composite, laminated, label with three sheets is illustrated. Glue dots 650 and 651 are deposited by the dispensers 60 onto the top of the transfer plate 500 (Fig. 9(a)). In this case there are two laterally arranged dispensers 60, and there is no lateral movement of the transfer plate. In other arrangements there is only one dispenser, and the plate is moved laterally for two longitudinal passes.

Three sheets 660, 670, and 680 are provided for manufacture of a composite label made up of these three sheets. The sheets are perforated for registry with the locator studs to ensure correct registry.

The sheet 660 is pressed down on the transfer plate so that the dots 650 and 651 transfer to the underside of this sheet. The dispensers 60 then apply deposits 661 and 662 directly onto the top surface of the sheet 660 (Fig. 9(b)). The second sheet 670 is pressed on top so this so that it sticks to the sheet 660. Glue dots 671 and 672 are deposited by the dispensers 60 on top of the sheet 670 (Fig. 9(c)). Then, the third sheet 680 is pressed down on top of this, so that it sticks to the sheet 670 (Fig. 9(c)).

The end result is a laminated label 690 made up of the three sheets 660, 670, and 680 glued together with exposed glue dots 650 and 651 on the underside, ready to be stuck to a carton or bottle (Fig. 9(d)).

The laminated label 690 has three sheets in this case; however, it may have any desired number from two upwards, manufactured by the transfer plate providing the exposed underneath adhesive deposits and direct dispensing on one or more top surfaces. The product may be provided by cutting the laminated sheets to divide them into smaller labels as required.

The following is an example of parameters for a batch operation. Example

Table 1 The following table gives data on ejected droplets for different nozzle opening times.

Table 2

Theis table primarily indicates the level of control which can be achieved by

The controller 55 preferably controls not only motion of the transfer plate and the internal component(s) (if present), but also temperature of the plate, to thereby control the curing time and other properties of the deposits for transfer to a substrate.

It will be appreciated that the two-dimensional pattern of deposits of adhesive, or indeed release material, onto a label substrate may be controlled with a fixed dispenser by control of any desired combination of the following parameters: speed of movement of the plate in the longitudinal direction; and/or droplet dispensing rate of the dispenser; and/or extent and timing of transfer plate movement in the lateral direction, if any; and/or extent of rotation of the internal surfaces such as the disc(s), and/or triggering of dispenser droplet ejection by optical sensing of position of the substrate using fiducials

It is not essential that the internal surfaces (if present) are disc shaped. It is envisaged that an internal surface may be of any other shape and is moved in a translational manner. Rather than being rotated.

The invention provides for every effective application of deposits to a substate for a label. By dispensing onto a transfer plate and subsequently pressing the substrate onto the transfer surface there is excellent uniformity of provision of the deposits onto the substrate. For example, the pressure of the substrate may be set according to desired spread of the deposit and/or adhesive properties such as viscosity. Use of a transfer surface allows both opposed surfaces of a substrate to have deposits applied in a near simultaneous manner, but also different substrates one atop the other to have deposit applied in a near simultaneous manner.

Advantageously, there is excellent versatility in the pattern of adhesive deposits due to the rotation of the disc and/or lateral and longitudinal movement of the full plate. Indeed, in other examples there may be more than one internal surface such as disc surfaces within the plate, thereby providing even greater versatility.

It will be appreciated that due to the variability and independent control of the plates, the process is fully adaptable. It is also envisaged that the position of the substrate on each plate may be variable. It is also envisaged that the application of adhesive and silicon may be copy position variable.

It is also envisaged that the process can be adapted in order to achieve a variety of types of label end products. For example, the label substrates may be of different materials or fabrics, side-by side or one atop the other. In another example, the label substrate may comprise an aromatic substance. In this case there may be an additional zone for applying said aroma to the substrate.

Also, the substrates may be applied to a transfer plate which is the size of multiple labels, and the sheets cut to size afterwards, preferably when the sheets are stacked.

It is advantageous that an apparatus of the invention may be used for both back and front deposition of adhesive, helping to achieve excellent registry, especially if locator studs are used. In some examples this is implemented by:

Step 1. Deposit adhesive to transfer plate.

Step 2 Application of substrate sheet to the transfer plate, to apply deposit to the underside surface.

Step 3. Application of deposits directly onto the substrate sheet top surface, thereby providing deposits on both opposed surfaces of the substrate sheet. The result is that deposits are applied to both sides of the substrate and in exact registry, or to a single surface of two sheets one atop the other.

The manner of movement of the transfer plate is beneficial as it provides an intelligent and efficient apparatus and method of manufacturing labels, achieving a customisable and modular manufacturing process. There may be a plurality of longitudinal lines, with the benefit of reducing the length of a process line, resulting in a more manageable process. The use of transfer plates contributes to the fact that the process stages can be dynamically changed, which has the benefit of providing the ability for modifying a process in real-time. Furthermore, as each plate can be used for the manufacture of an individual label, different types of labels which thus require different manufacturing stages can be manufactured within the same process. For example, a label which may require a different type of adhesive to a previous label can be transported to a different adhesive zone accordingly. Another advantage is that additive decoration is possible, on either or both sides of the material, such as smart sensors, security strips, or tamper evident devices.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail. For example, in other embodiments the transfer plate may be changed on an assembly chassis, in a manner which may be akin to removal of a detachable lens from a camera. The movable internal component may not be disc-shaped, as it may for example be arranged to move in a translational manner, such as to be driven by underneath rams or solenoids. Also, the movable internal component(s) may be at any desired location of the transfer plate. It is also envisaged that the dispenser may also be movable, thereby providing an additional control parameter to enhance versatility and/or speed. Also, it is envisaged that the adhesive (and/or release panel) may be compressed by a roller before contact with the substrate.