| abstract |
A method of applying a label (12) to an article (10), the method comprises: - providing an article having a surface comprising at least one curve of compound (16), - providing a label comprising (i) a heat shrinkable film having an internal surface and an external surface, and (ii) a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the internal surface of the heat shrinkable film, wherein the label has a first edge and a contact region, - - making contact the adhesive layer in the contact region of the label with the article, - and applying heat and pressure simultaneously to the label in a direction of the contact area with the first edge such that the first edge of the label adheres to the article and the label shrinks to conform to the compound curve of the article, wherein the heat and pressure are applied at least one hot air knife assembly comprising an air source c encourage, a flow control mechanism and one or more hot air slots. |