TLMI Quality Standards

The Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) develops and regulates standards to provide a quality metric for the Label and Packaging Industry.

What Are TLMI International Testing Standards?

TLMI adheres to industry-wide standards set by various organizations worldwide, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These organizations regulate the label and packaging industries’ testing and quality control processes.

Drafted by the association’s technical committee, the TLMI Manual contains recommended test methods for pressure-sensitive labeling and lists ways for assessing basic materials, printed labels and inks.

TLMI Standards List

TLMI divides its testing standards into three different categories.

• TLMI L-IA1: This standard tests the 180-degree peel strength or adhesion of face stocks, which are typically used to produce the surface layer of product labels. Face stocks may refer to paper, film, fabric or foil.
• TLMI L-IA2: The L-IA2 standard assesses the 180-degree peel strength or adhesion of release liners, which are materials commonly used to prevent sticky material from prematurely adhering to surfaces. Also known as release papers, they can be paper or plastic-based sheets coated with a release agent to protect the adhesive on the material.
• TLMI L-IA3: TLMI L-IA3 tests for ramp velocity and the high-speed release capabilities of release liners. It aims to measure the performance of these liners and determine how much force is required to peel the release paper from the adhesive material.

Material Testing Equipment for TMLI Quality Standards

TLMI material testing equipment is used to measure different types of materials, their properties and their performance. Some of the properties measured by TLMI testing equipment include peel adhesion and bond strength of pressure-sensitive labels. The following are the equipment and fixtures we offer that can be used to test TLMI standards:

• The Vantage^NX Tensile Strength Testing Machine: This easy-to-operate universal testing machine can be made to fit many testing standards and materials. Choose options including a single or dual-column frame between 1k and 10kN capacity. Customize with fixtures such as the 180 degree fixture, the German wheel peel, the 90-degree fixture and the TA50 variable peel. These can be used to meet TLMI, ASTM and many more standards.
• QC-3A Universal Testing Machine: The QC-3A is dependable, with a digital display and a single-screw frame with 5kN tensile force potential. Add 180, 90 and variable peel fixtures to meet not just TLMI, but TAPPI, ISO and ASTM standards.
• FP-2260 Friction/Peel Tester: This machine runs tests to measure seal strength at 180 degrees. This peel tester is suitable for many materials and has a lightweight design that is suitable for a range of environments. A 90-degree fixture is available for this machine, as well as a fixture for a T-peel, to line up with standards separate from TLMI, such as ASTM D1876.

Explore Thwing-Albert’s Testing Equipment to Meet TLMI Standards

Thwing-Albert offers a wide range of material testing equipment designed to meet the standards set by TLMI. Browse our online catalog of material testing equipment or contact us for a quote and talk to our experts for recommendations.