01 /
Technical Overview of ASTM D3359 for Labels
Widely used test method
Overview of ASTM D3359 for Labels:
ASTM D3359 is a widely used test method designed to assess the adhesion of coatings on metallic substrates. The procedure involves applying and removing pressure-sensitive tape over a crosshatch or X-cut in the coating and evaluating the amount of material removed. However, when applied to labels on polyolefi n thermoplastics, the test is often simplifi ed
inappropriately, failing to capture real-world durability.
02 /
How ASTM D3359 Has Been Reduced for Labels on Plastics
Difficulties adhering to polyolefin thermoplastics
Because adhering to polyole n thermoplastics is inherently di cult due to their low surface energy, thermal expansion, and outgassing properties, an aggressive crosshatch tape test like ASTM D3359 typically removes adhesion-based labels, proving them ine ffective. To counter this, several standards often reference this test but remove the crosshatching altogether, reducing it to a simple tape-over-the-label peel test.
This modi fication assumes that all labeling methods rely on adhesion or bonding, arti ficially allowing traditional labels to pass while ignoring their fundamental weaknesses on polyolefi ns. This approach fails to re ach real-world performance and durability, reinforcing why ASTM D3359 itself highlights issues with assessing coatings (labels) applied to plastics.
03 /
ASTM D3330 – An Initial Test
Tools for quality assurance
This method evaluates whether a label initially sticks to a surface and is used primarily for quality assurance rather than long-term durability. Adhesion is assessed by measuring the force required to remove the label.
5.1
These test methods are tools for quality assurance use. Given specifi c pressure-sensitive
tape and a requirement in terms of the minimum or maximum peel value expected for this
tape, the data from the test can be used in conjunction with acceptance criteria.
1.2
These test methods provide a means of assessing the uniformity of the adhesion of a
given type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The assessment may be within a roll of tape,
between rolls, or between production lots.
04 /
ASTM D3359 – Long Term Testing
Adhesion after exposure to environmental factors
Unlike ASTM D3330, this method assess adhesion after exposure to environmental factors, mechanical stress, and intentional crosshatch cuts. These tests provide insight into long-term performance and real-world durability.
5.1
In order for a coating to fu ll its function of protecting or decorating a substrate, the coating must remain adhered to the substrate. Because the substrate and its surface preparation (or lack thereof) have a drastic e ffect on the adhesion of coatings, a method to evaluate adhesion of a coating to di fferent substrates or surface treatments, or of diff erent coatings to the same substrate, is of considerable usefulness in the industry.
1.3
These test methods are used to evaluate whether the adhesion of a coating to a substrate is adequate for the user’s application. They do not distinguish between higher levels of adhesion for which more sophisticated methods of measurement are required.
05 /
Why Adhesion-Based Labeling Methods Fail ASTM D3359 on Polyolefin Thermoplastics
Traditional labeling methods
Traditional labeling methods—including pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), heat transfers, hot stamp foils (heat-activated adhesives), screen and pad printing (curable adhesives), and UV inks (UV-curable but adhesion-based)—all depend on adhesion to the polyole n substrate. However, polyole ns possess a Te on®-like resistance to adhesion, making these methods prone to failure under ASTM D3359 testing.
Crosshatch Testing Reveals Weak Bonds: Adhesion-based labels and coatings may initially appear secure but peel away under tape pull conditions.
No Long-Term Durability Guarantee: A label that passes adhesion testing on a diff erent substrate (such as metal or treated plastic) may still fail on polyolefi n thermoplastics.
Surface Energy Challenge: Unlike metals and other higher surface energy materials, polyole ns inherently resist bonding, meaning labels relying on surface adhesion degrade over time.
06 /
Show ASTM D3359 Proves Polymer Fusion Labeling
Polymer Fusion Labels operate fundamentally different
Polymer Fusion Labels operate fundamentally di fferently from adhesion-based labels. Instead of adhering to the surface, they molecularly fuse with polyolefi n thermoplastics, becoming a homogeneous part of the substrate itself. ASTM D3359 evaluates adhesion based on a 0B-5B classi fication scale, which rates the extent of material detachment after tape pull.
Polymer Fusion Labels Achieve 5B Ratings: Unlike adhesion-based labels, Polymer Fusion Labels exhibit completely fused edges with no detachment of the fused material.
Adhesion-Based Labels Exhibit Material Loss: Traditional labels are more likely to exhibit material
removal, where label fragments adhere to the tape and detach from the substrate, with scores varying
depending on adhesive chemistry, surface preparation, and environmental conditions.Fusion Prevents Detachment: While adhesion-based labels degrade under testing, Polymer Fusion Labels
remain permanently fused—removal would require damaging the plastic itself.
07 /
Why Polyfuze® & MIGS® Choose ASTM D3359 for Testing
ASTM D3359 not designed for plastics
Despite ASTM D3359 not being designed for plastics, at Polyfuze® we use it to expose the shortcomings of adhesion-based labels while validating the performance of Polymer Fusion Labels.
Proof of Fusion: The inability to remove a Polymer Fusion Label without damaging the plastic itself
con rms the technology’s superiority. It truly is a tattoo for plastic.
Industry Education: Many labels claiming “permanence” fail this test on polyolefi ns, highlighting their misleading claims.
