A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A PRINTED LABEL TO A METAL CONTAINER AND THE LABELED CONTAINER PRODUCED THEREBY

摘要

A method and apparatus for labeling a metallic container, such as an aluminum collapsible tube (empty and open-ended for filling by the purchaser) with a flexible label, which is especially suited to short production runs and in such a manner that the label is bonded to the container such that it is able to withstand physical abuse without peeling or breaking away from the container. Both the label and unlabeled container may be manufactured in advance and stored until needed. The container comprises an enamel coating which is bonded to the surface of the container, the coating comprising an adhesive which is activated within a predetermined temperature range, and the label comprises a transparent film having reverse printing on the lower surface thereof. The enamel coating is heated to a temperature within the activating temperature range to cause the adhesive to activate. The lower surface of the label is contacted to the heated enamel coating under sufficient pressure to cause the label to bond thereto. The temperature of the container and label is then reduced below the activation temperature range.