FINAT FTM 24 – Testing of Mandrel hold for label, self-adhesive film
Material
Industry
Publisher
Testing categories
We carry out FINAT FTM 24 testing in our laboratory to determine the conformability of self-adhesive materials on cylindrical surfaces. The test is used to evaluate the adhesion behaviour of pressure-sensitive labels, self-adhesive laminates, and other pressure-sensitive adhesive systems on substrates with small radii of curvature. It allows the assessment of whether labels remain firmly adhered to highly curved surfaces without exhibiting unwanted edge lifting.
Application of the FTM 24 Test
FINAT FTM 24 is used to assess the suitability of self-adhesive materials for applications on cylindrical or highly curved surfaces. The method is particularly suitable for pressure-sensitive labels and self-adhesive films applied to bottles, tubes, cables, medical products, cosmetic packaging, or other small-diameter containers.
The test provides important information on the processing and end-use performance of labels and enables the evaluation of long-term adhesion on curved substrates under practical application conditions.
Test Procedure and Details
In accordance with FINAT FTM24, label specimens of defined dimensions are applied to cylindrical test rods or tubes with specified diameters. The test substrates are typically made of glass or polyethylene; however, other substrate materials may also be used depending on the intended application.
Test specimens are cut both in the machine direction (MD) and in the cross direction (CD/TD), since material orientation may significantly influence edge lifting behaviour. Prior to testing, the materials are conditioned under standard climatic conditions of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity.
After removal of the release liner, the labels are applied to the cylindrical test substrates using light, controlled pressure. The labelled rods or tubes are subsequently stored under specified conditions. After a storage period of typically one week, edge lifting at both ends of the label is measured and reported as the average lift-off distance in millimetres.
The test provides a quantitative assessment of conformability on curved surfaces and delivers valuable information regarding the suitability of self-adhesive materials for applications involving small diameters.
Relation to Other Label Tests
The characteristic values determined according to FINAT FTM 24 are frequently evaluated together with other FINAT test methods in order to comprehensively characterise the adhesion and service performance of self-adhesive materials. Complementary investigations often include peel adhesion testing according to FINAT FTM 1 “Peel Adhesion (180°) at 300 mm per minute”, initial tack testing according to FINAT FTM 9 “Loop Tack”.
Please feel free to request this test or obtain information about our complete FINAT testing programme.
