The Test Laboratory of FILK Freiberg Institute has comprehensive expertise in testing labels, self-adhesive labels, adhesive tapes, self-adhesive films and other adhesive and multilayer material systems. A particular focus is placed on testing according to the internationally established FINAT Test Methods (FTM). They are among the most important industry-specific test methods for self-adhesive materials and enable comparable, application-oriented assessment of key properties of label materials, adhesive systems and their components.
The international organisation FINAT (Fédération Internationale des Fabricants et Transformateurs d’Adhésifs et Thermocollants sur Papier et autres Supports) is one of the leading industry associations for the self-adhesive and label industry. It brings together manufacturers, converters, suppliers and testing institutions and develops technical standards, test methods and quality guidelines for self-adhesive systems and label materials. One of its key objectives is the harmonisation of test procedures and the comparability of test results throughout the international label industry.
The FINAT Technical Guidelines (FTM – FINAT Test Methods) define standardised test methods for self-adhesive materials, labels, adhesive systems and their components, such as face materials, adhesives and coatings. They cover, among other properties, adhesion and release behaviour, initial tack, ageing and resistance behaviour, dimensional stability, as well as other material- and surface-specific properties. FINAT test methods therefore provide an important basis for material selection, quality control, product development and the comparative evaluation of self-adhesive systems.
As a FINAT member, the testing laboratory of FILK Freiberg Institute is directly involved in the international professional community of the self-adhesive and label industry. FILK offers a broad range of FINAT tests and combines them with its many years of experience in testing flexible polymeric materials, coatings, films and composite materials.
Properties and test areas covered by FINAT testing:
Adhesive strength and adhesion behaviour – 180° and 90° peel adhesion testing according to FTM 1 and FTM 2 to determine adhesive strength under defined peel conditions
Release force and peel behaviour – release force at low peel speed according to FTM 3 and peel testing of films according to FTM 31
Initial adhesion / tack properties – loop tack according to FTM 9 to assess the initial tack of self-adhesive systems
Ageing and storage stability – accelerated ageing and long-term storage according to FTM 5 to assess the stability of self-adhesive systems
Resistance to environmental influences – UV resistance according to FTM 6 and chemical resistance using immersion and spot methods according to FTM 16 and FTM 17
Surface energy and wettability – determination of the surface tension of corona-treated plastic films according to FTM 15
Mechanical properties of films and laminates – dimensional stability according to FTM 14 and mandrel hold / adhesion to curved surfaces according to FTM 24
Special functional and printing properties – scratch resistance of UV ink films on different substrates according to FTM 29, as well as optical properties such as fluorescence and whiteness according to FTM 20
Silicone-coated and release-coated systems – release force and subsequent adhesion of self-adhesive laminates according to FTM 10 and FTM 11
Complementary tests for labels, self-adhesive labels and adhesive tapes
Depending on the material structure and intended application, FINAT testing can be supplemented by further standardised tests offered by FILK. These include, for example, DIN EN ISO 527-3 for determining the tensile properties of plastic films, DIN 53377 for determining dimensional changes in plastic films, DIN 53363 for tear resistance, artificial weathering / heat and cold storage / cyclic climate testing, the standards DIN EN ISO 105-B02 and DIN EN ISO 105-B06 for light and ageing resistance, as well as abrasion testing / colour fastness to rubbing (Taber, Abrex, DIN EN ISO 105-X12). For labels, adhesive tapes and films, testing of flammability / burning behaviour, for example according to FMVSS 302, may also be relevant.
Which test methods are suitable for a specific label, self-adhesive label or adhesive tape depends, among other factors, on the face material, adhesive system, coating, printing, substrate and conditions of use. FILK can therefore combine FINAT tests with complementary mechanical, optical, ageing-related and safety-relevant test methods as required.
We look forward to receiving your enquiry about FINAT testing and other tests for labels, self-adhesive labels, adhesive tapes and self-adhesive material systems. The individual FINAT tests are described below and can be requested directly via the corresponding pages.
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