A method includes printing, by one or more printer heads of the printing system, a reactive layer onto print media. The method also includes printing, by the one or more printer heads, a determined number of transmission layers and a determined number of barrier layers in alternation with one another. At least a portion of the reactive layer is configured to migrate through the transmission layers. The method further includes printing, by the one or more printer heads, a reactant layer that is configured to change color responsive to a reaction that occurs between the reactant layer and the reactive layer upon migration of the reactive layer through the determined number of transmission layers. The reaction is configured to occur on a received expiration date.

A color changing expiration indicator includes a reactive layer and a first barrier layer that covers at least a portion of the reactive layer. The color changing expiration indicator also includes a transmission layer that covers at least a portion of the first barrier layer, and a second barrier layer that covers at least a portion of the transmission layer. The color changing expiration indicator further includes a reactant layer that covers at least a portion of the second barrier layer. The reactant layer changes color responsive to a reaction that occurs between the reactant layer and the reactive layer.

Various labels for use in adverse environments are described. The labels are particularly well suited for applications in which a permanent label bond is required. The labels utilize a two stage adhesive which is initially in the form of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) and then upon heating, converted to a permanent non-PSA.

Methods of preparing extended content labels from prefabricated adhesive assemblies are described. The methods do not require delamination or relamination of the prefabricated adhesive assemblies. The prefabricated adhesive assemblies include a transparent face layer and an adhesive layer sensitive to radiant energy. Extended content printing is applied to a front face of the face layer. A mask is positioned between the adhesive layer and a radiant energy source. Radiant energy not blocked by the mask reduces the adhesion of irradiated portions of the adhesive layer. A floodcoat is applied over the extended content indicia, and front side indicia is applied over the floodcoat and is visible through the face layer and adhesive layer from a back side of the face layer.

An adhesive sign suited to use in retail applications includes a substrate layer. An adhesive layer is disposed on the substrate layer. The adhesive layer defines an exposed region for attachment to an associated structure. The adhesive layer is derived from a photo-curable inkjet composition. An ink layer is disposed on the substrate layer. The ink layer includes an image. The ink layer is derived from a photo-curable inkjet composition. The adhesive layer and ink layer can be formed in the same inkjet printing process and cured in a common photo-curing station. A stack of the adhesive signs can be assembled without interleaving a release liner between each pair of signs.

Methods of preparing extended content labels from prefabricated adhesive assemblies are described. The methods do not require delamination or relamination of the prefabricated adhesive assemblies. The prefabricated adhesive assemblies include a transparent face layer and an adhesive layer sensitive to radiant energy. Extended content printing is applied to a front face of the face layer. A mask is positioned between the adhesive layer and a radiant energy source. Radiant energy not blocked by the mask reduces the adhesion of irradiated portions of the adhesive layer. A floodcoat is applied over the extended content indicia, and front side indicia is applied over the floodcoat and is visible through the face layer and adhesive layer from a back side of the face layer.

A printer system includes a memory, a processor, and one or more printer heads. The processor determines a number of transmission layers and a number of barrier layers to use in a color changing expiration indicator based at least in part on a time period between a print date of the indicator and a received expiration date. The printer heads print a reactive layer onto print media, where at least a portion of the reactive layer is configured to migrate through the transmission layers. The printer heads also print the determined number of transmission layers and the determined number of barrier layers in alternation. The printer heads print a reactant layer that is configured to change color responsive to a reaction between the reactant layer and the reactive layer upon migration of the reactive layer through the transmission layers. The reaction is configured to occur on the received expiration date.

The composite structure includes a fiber-containing layer, such as a fiberboard layer or other layer having fibers from natural and/or synthetic sources, and a mineral-containing layer covering the fiber-containing layer. The fiber-containing layer and mineral-containing layer can be shaped, sized and manufactured such that the composite structure formed therefrom is capable of being machined to form a storage article. The composite structure has advantages in that it can improve whiteness, opacity, ink adhesion, materials reduction, barrier properties, recyclability, and printability. The composite can reduce polymer mass requirements for heat seal, barrier, and fiber adhesion. Further improvements include economics, pliability, and flexibility that is increased over the pliability of the fiber-containing layer alone.

A method includes printing, by one or more printer heads of the printing system, a reactive layer onto print media. The method also includes printing, by the one or more printer heads, a determined number of transmission layers and a determined number of barrier layers in alternation with one another. At least a portion of the reactive layer is configured to migrate through the transmission layers. The method further includes printing, by the one or more printer heads, a reactant layer that is configured to change color responsive to a reaction that occurs between the reactant layer and the reactive layer upon migration of the reactive layer through the determined number of transmission layers. The reaction is configured to occur on a received expiration date.

A combination printer and cutting device for printing upon and cutting a web of media or tag stock into individual units. The device may cut vinyl, plastic, or RFID stock material as it moves through the printer in both back and forth directions. The device comprises a printer and a cutting apparatus that is further comprised of a carriage assembly and a movable cutter assembly. The cutter assembly is easily interchangeable and comprises a cutting element such as a wheel blade, and a pressure adjusting element for adjusting the amount of pressure applied by the cutting element to the stock material. Alternatively, the cutter assembly may be manufactured with a predetermined pressure load, but still permit an operator to adjust the depth of cut. The cutting apparatus is adaptable for use with both new and existing printers.