Abstract: A heat transfer label assembly comprises a label and a carrier for releasably supporting the label. The carrier may comprise paper. A release layer comprising a polymer and wax is disposed between the label and the carrier. The carrier is substantially devoid of a solvent impermeable coating, such that the release layer is disposed directly on the paper.

Abstract: A heat transfer label assembly comprises a carrier, a release layer overlying a first side of the carrier, and a primer overlying the release layer such that the release layer is disposed between the carrier and the primer. The primer may comprise at least one polyacrylic acid polymer.

Abstract: A transfer label machine has a post treatment station for exposing newly applied labels to heat in order to finish and gloss out the label. The heat is applied through a nozzle coupled to a hot air supply system that includes a blower, ductwork, and a heating element disposed in the airflow. A temperature probe measures temperature of the air flow and an IR sensor measures the resulting temperature of containers on which the labels have been applied. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is programmed with proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithms to control the blower speed and the heating element to provide the appropriate amount of heat for the labeling or processing speed at which the labeling machine is operating. A vision system can confirm the quality of label after the post treatment heating.

Abstract: A heat transfer label assembly includes a heat transfer label including ink and adhesive, and a releasable support joined to the heat transfer label. The adhesive may include at least one of a polyketone resin and a polyamide resin. The heat transfer label may be used to decorate a metal article.