DK Technical Data
DK Technical Data
DK Technical Data
for DK Rolls
www.brother.com.au
Extensive DK Label Tests
Temperature Resistance Test
The results showed that DK film labels were unaffected throughout the
DK Film in -80°C/+80°C
temperature test, whether placed in -80°C or in +80°C*. The DK paper
labels were unaffected at temperatures ranging from -80°C to +60°C, but
showed slight discolouration at +80°C.
The DK 2-colour paper labels were unaffected at temperatures ranging from DK Paper in -80°C
-80°C to 25°C, but showed slight discolouration at +60°C and the red colour
could not be distinguished at +80°C.
DK Paper in +60°C
DK 2-colour
DK paper
DK Paper in +80°C
DK Film
Hours
paper
Temperature
-80°C 240hrs
DK 2-colour paper in -80°C
-30°C 240hrs
0°C 240hrs
+60°C 240hrs
+80°C 240hrs
* For higher or longer exposure to temperatures, we recommend using Brother TZe laminated labels in one of our P-touch Labelling Machines
Extensive DK Label Tests
Like all direct thermal labels, Brother DK paper, 2-colour paper and film labels are not designed for durable,
permanent labelling. However, as these tests show, Brother DK paper, 2-colour paper and film labels are an
excellent solution for short-term labelling. If durable, long term labelling is required then Brother laminated P-touch
tapes should be used.
Brother DK paper labels protect against accidental marks and scratches, due
to a special coating applied to the surface of the paper labels.
A 1kg sanding device was passed over Brother DK film, paper and 2-colour
paper labels. After 50 return passes the DK film labels were completely
unaffected.
The DK paper and 2-colour paper labels’ print quality stayed completely
unaffected, even though slight scratches appeared on the paper itself.
= Not affected
DK Paper
DK 2-colour Paper
*For exposure to heavier abrasion we recommend using Brother TZe laminated labels in one of our P-touch Labelling Machines
Extensive DK Label Tests
Outdoor Fade Resistance Test
Brother DK film labels were attached to coated metal plates and placed inside
a fade-inducing chamber and left for a maximum period of 100 hours. In
addition, labels were placed in a natural outdoor environment and inspected for
any obvious changes*.
Test results show that DK labels are not ideally suited for use outdoors for
periods over one month. For these applications, we recommend the use of
Brother TZe laminated labels.
*Different environmental conditions will have varying effects on the printed DK labels, and as such Brother cannot guarantee that labels placed in another environment other than those as tested will have
the same results as shown.
Extensive DK Label Tests
Indoor Fade Resistance Test
Brother DK film, paper and 2-colour paper labels are ideal for indoor
usage.
Brother DK film, paper and 2-colour paper labels were attached to coated
metal plates and placed inside a fade-inducing chamber at +24±2°C with
60%±5% humidity. They were left for a period of 52 hours.
In addition, DK labels were placed in a natural office environment for one year
and inspected for any obvious changes*.
Both the Brother DK film, paper and 2-colour paper labels remained completely
legible, as shown below.
*Different environmental conditions will have varying effects on the printed DK labels, and as such Brother cannot guarantee that labels placed in another environment other than those as tested will have
the same results as shown.
Extensive DK Label Tests
Test Comparison Results
Water
Hexane
Mineral Spirit
Toluene
Brother DK film, paper and 2-colour paper labels were affixed to several glass plates, and a 500g weight with a chemical
and solvent infused cloth was passed over each label 40 times (20 return passes).
Brother DK film labels remained unaffected when rubbed with a variety of chemicals and water. Should any chemicals
be accidentally spilt onto the DK film labels, wiping them dry should help avoid any damage. The DK paper and 2-colour
paper labels showed some discolouration when tested with several of the chemicals, however, the text itself remained
legible. If spillages of water, Sodium Hydroxide, or Hydrochloric Acid do occur, do not wipe the label, but simply let it dry.
Extensive DK Label Tests
Water and Chemical Resistance Test
Brother DK film, paper and 2-colour paper labels were tested for their legibility in various chemicals and water.
To test Brother DK film, paper and 2-colour paper labels against the effects of water and chemicals, the labels were
attached to glass slides and immersed in a variety of liquids for 2 hours.
The labels most resistant to submersion in the chemicals tested were the DK film labels. However, in general none of the
labels should be submerged in highly volatile chemicals, such as acetone and ethyl acetate. In general, we recommend
the use of durable TZe laminated labels should labels be subjected to chemicals.
DK 2-colour
DK paper
DK Film
paper
Solution
Water
Hexane
Mineral Spirit
Toluene
= No noticeable change
Ethanol
= Slight discolouration, but legible
Acetone
Ethyl Acetate
= Illegible
Extensive DK Label Tests
Strong Adhesion Test
Brother DK paper and film labels are both supplied with a strong adhesive
to ensure that they remain stuck to most common surfaces.
To test the adhesive strength of Brother DK film and paper labels, 25mm wide
labels were affixed to a variety of surfaces and left for 30 minutes.
The adhesive strength was tested by removing the label at an angle of 180
degrees. This testing method complies with Japanese Standard JIS Z0237
Labels
testing for adhesive tape.
DK
Solution
PVC 12.7
The table shows that an adhesive strength of at least 11 Newtons was
maintained with most materials, indicating sufficient adhesive strength against Acrylic 11.0
Brother DK film labels are specifically designed so that the labels will
stick to most cylindrical surfaces used within the laboratory and medical
sectors*.
Brother DK film and paper labels were attached to test tubes of various
materials and sizes, and left for approximately 30 minutes. The labels were then
checked for their ability to stay affixed to each particular surface.
Polypropylene
Polystyrene
Polystyrene
Polystyrene
Ø 14.6mm
Ø 17.7mm
Ø 11.8mm
Ø 11.8mm
Glass
DK Film
Dk Paper
DK 2-colour
DK paper
DK Film
paper
Solution
Water
Hexane
Mineral Spirit
Toluene
= No noticeable change
Ethanol
= Slight discolouration, but legible
Acetone
= Illegible
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Acetate
Acetone
1. A random sample of tape types were selected and used to perform these tests. Accordingly, results may have differed slightly, depending on the type of tape used.
2. The actual test results were acquired under specific conditions configured by Brother, with the sole aim of providing information contained within this booklet. Brother
does not guarantee the strength, safety or accuracy of numerical data.
3. Since tape adherence performance is affected by the material the tape is attached to, the material’s surface condition, whether it is greasy, dusty, rough or curved, and
the environmental conditions, the customer should confirm adherence performance under actual usage conditions after purchasing the tape required, and use the product
under their own responsibility.
4. Brother accepts no responsibility for injuries or lost earnings resulting from application of the information contained in this document.
DK rolls for the QL label printer range
Wide range of labels available in paper and plastic film material, pre-sized labels or continuous rolls.
* QL-1050/1050N/1060N/QL-1110/QL-1110NWB. ** QL-1050/1050N/1060N require firmware update - visit http://solutions.brother.com for more information
*** QL-800/810W/820NWB
All specifications correct at time of printing. Brother is a registered trademark of Brother Industries Ltd. Brand product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.