What die-cut burrs look like to a camera on a film label
On a film label, a die-cut burr looks to the camera like a bright thread or a string of dots outside the label outline. It is not in the same place as print dirt.
On a film label, a die-cut burr looks to the camera like a bright thread or a string of dots outside the label outline. It is not in the same place as print dirt. What you look for is whether the cut between labels is incomplete, not whether normal film texture is alarmed. A tie will pull a whole row apart at labelling.
Why it is judged this way
Straight light on a roll that is already die-cut often cannot see a small piece of film that is still joined. Backlight or side light lights the outline. At acceptance, leave one tie on purpose and confirm the alarm sits on the knife line, not inside the artwork.
What to compare
| What you see | What to call it | What not to do |
|---|---|---|
| A bright thread joins two labels | A tie: stop | Call it a print streak |
| An even wisp outside the outline | Compare it with the signed sample | Stop every roll |
| A white spot in the middle of the artwork | Judge it as a print defect | Record it as a burr |
At job change or when a roll is opened
- The camera after die-cutting has to see the outline.
- Leave one tie and try the alarm.
- The alarm position should be on the knife line, not in the centre of the artwork.
