Easy process of creating a 3d label

Most manufacturers use a 3D label to distinguish their products and also prevent counterfeiting of their products. It is very hard to counterfeit the labels onto products. Different manufacturers use them to make their products more visible as well as durable. Domed labels are made from a clear substance called polyurethane substance. This substance has self healing or scratch resistant characteristics that allow it to be durable .This typical label coated with polyurethane have a smooth one dimensional surface. It captures light and augments the design of the label, logo and colors.

Process of creating a 3D label

The first layer of the dome is applied by printing the 2D design of your label on a sticky vinyl substrate sheet. If you don't have vinyl, a computer paper or card stock will make do.Winlabel Print the labels on the material available.

A cutter is used to curve out the design and shape of your logo in a manufacturing facility. At home you can use scissors or a craft knife. Given that the label may have different colors, quality or text, the ink is applied using screen or digital print technology. After the ink has dried or cured the labels are laser cut from the press sheet and the waste material is removed from between labels.

The liquid polyurethane material is then applied to the labels until a dome is formed on the press sheet and left to cure. The work surface has to be level to avoid slope sided domes. Make sure that you push the polyurethane to the corners up to the edge of the label. Ensure that there are no air bubbles as you pour the polyurethane. Surface tension will prevent the polyurethane from flowing over the edges of the decal. Let the decal cure undisturbed for at least 24 hours.

Polyurethane injecting guns can be used for this label projects.

Epoxy polyurethane resin is more popularly used for making domed 3d labels because it's less expensive and is not noxious. Unfortunately epoxy dulls over time compared to the optically clear polyurethane. This is what is used for home made 3D labels. Epoxy domes more often fall off because they shrink over time causing the dome to curl and lift of the mounting surface.

Bubbles inside the dome cause obstructions to light and they don't look good aesthetically. Bubbles are caused by humidity in the air and printer .To remove bubbles ensure that the printed labels and liners are completely dry before doming with polyurethane. It also helps to apply polyurethane in a humidity controlled environment

To distinguish between an epoxy resin 3d label and a polyurethane dome, an epoxy dome will turn black under a flame and continue burning when the flame s removed. A polyurethane label will not turn black and won't burn after the flame s removed.