SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A DESIRED, PROTECTIVE FINISH TO PRINTED LABEL STOCK

摘要

A system (10) and method are provided for applying a desired protective finish to a web (14) of printed label stock. The web (14) of printed label stock is moved through a coating station (18), where a layer of hot melt varnish is extruded onto the web (14) of printed label stock. Then, the web (14) of printed label stock is transferred to a working station (20) in an environment which causes the layer of varnish to at least partially solidify to a predetermined state as it reaches the working station (20). At the working station (20), the layer of varnish is worked to a desired finish. Preferably the web is carried through a nip (40) formed by a pair of rolls, including a highly polished chrome roll (42) which contacts the layer of varnish and works the layer of varnish to a glossy finish. After the layer of varnish is worked to a glossy finish, the web is directed through a finishing station (18), where the glossy finish is fixed in the layer of varnish, and the web (14) is conditioned to a state in which it can be processed as a web of finished label stock.