Research and Development of custom adhesives and top coats for highly engineered pressure sensitive products is our specialty. Our solvent, emulsion, and hot melt chemistry and manufacturing capabilities are utilized every day to create higher margin, innovative products for our customers helping them to capture market opportunities, reduce waste, production costs and increase output.
A Proven Approach
3 Sigma’s research and development personnel have worked in large multi-national corporations and follow a unique, collaborative approach when working with customers and strategic partners ensuring alignment and a superior customer experience.
- Typical Markets/Applications
- Durable/Outdoor labels
- Automotive Labels
- Outdoor Power Equipment & Tools
- Industrial Bonding Components
- Safety/Hazard Warning Labels
- Solar Panel Components
- Gaskets
- Shelf Marking
- Drum Labels
- UL Compliance Labels
- Inventory Tracking
- Electronics Tracking
- Printable Electronics
SigmaKoat TE™ (Tamper Evident-Thermal Transfer)
SigmaKoat TE is a line of destructible films with both covert and overt features for security label applications. The custom formulated topcoat improves print quality and durability. With multiple constructions available, the product provides high levels of adhesion to many surfaces, allowing the face stock to easily delaminate to show tamper evidence.
Matte white polypropylene Thermal Transfer label stock. Materials have been designed for durability and excellent thermal print resolution while providing tamper evidence features. It is suited for variable or fixed labeling in relatively harsh environments. The high tack adhesive utilized in this construction ensures that the face material will shred when the attempt is made to remove the label. This material is suited for a wide range of application substrate surfaces.
Typical Applications
- Appliances
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Medical & Pharmaceutical
- Warehousing
- Software
Features
- Excellent Thermal receptivity with specified ribbons
- Highly versatile top-coating
- Easy to die cut and matrix strip
- Hand and machine auto dispensable
- Temp range of -40 F (-40C) to 176 F (80C)
Benefits
- Superior Thermal Transfer print quality
- Allows printing with UV and water-based flexo, screen, or letterpress inks
- Efficient converting, reduced mfg scrap & cost
SigmaKoat HT™ (High Temperature Thermal Transfer)
Extreme and high temperature thermal transfer label-stocks designed to withstand high heat processes and applications while maintaining superior print quality compared to competitive offerings. Polyimide materials combined with specially formulated topcoats and adhesives provide a world class product.
Gloss white polyimide Thermal Transfer label stock. Materials have been designed for high heat applications including PCB manufacturing/tracking, automotive, outdoor power equipment, metal processing or medical sterilization up to 300 C (572 F). It is suited for variable or fixed labeling in harsh environments and will withstand wave solder, solvent cleaning and reflow processes. The gloss topcoat offers extreme resistance to chemicals, smearing and abrasion while providing for high quality thermal or press printing.
Typical Applications
- PCB ID & Tracking (Lead free processes)
- Automotive under hood
- Outdoor Power Equipment
- Metal processing (under 300C)
- Medical Sterilization/Autoclaving
Features
- Cost effective and cost competitive
- Can be used for top and bottom side labeling on PCB’s
- Wide range of Thermal Transfer Ribbon Capability
- Superior abrasion and harsh chemical Resistance
- Ability to withstand 572F (300C) for brief periods
Benefits
- Superior Thermal Transfer print quality
- Allows printing with UV and water-based flexo, screen, or letterpress inks
- Efficient converting, reduced mfg scrap & cost
SigmaKoat ED™ (Extreme Durability Thermal Transfer)
Polyester Film stock treated with a proprietary chemistry unsurpassed in competitive offerings. The matte topcoat is uniquely formulated to provide extreme image durability, outstanding abrasion and harsh chemical resistance.
Matte white polyester Thermal Transfer label stock. Materials have been designed for extreme durability and abrasion resistance and provides excellent thermal print resolution using a wide variety of thermal ribbons. It is suited for variable or fixed labeling in relatively harsh environments. The high tack adhesive utilized in this construction provides good peel and shear characteristics suited for a wide range of application substrate surfaces. Materials are suitable for printing with conventional inks (Water based & UV Flexo, Letterpress and Screen).
Typical Applications
- Drum Labeling
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Medical & Pharmaceutical
- Warehousing
Features
- Short term exposure between 230C and 300C
- Long term exposure up to 120C (248F)
- High resistance to solvents & chemicals (wiping or immersion)
- Scratch and abrasion resistance
- Functions with a wide range of transfer ribbons
Benefits
- Long term durability and product life
- Cost effective and cost competitive
- Ability to use in a wide range of operating environments
- Flexible printing methods: Thermal transfer, flexo, offset