Separation of label tape into labels

A method of separating a label tape of a thickness in the range of about 0.004 to 0.015 of an inch and formed of oriented thermoplastic polymer fibers, into individual labels having wash-durable ends, comprising the steps of:

• forcing a double beveled hot blade having a substantially flat leading edge against one face of the label tape while continuously maintaining the temperature of the blade edge above the melting temperature of the polymer fibers to melt a localized transverse zone of the label tape polymer fibers progressively from one face of the tape to the opposite face while progressively forcing the molten polymer in a direction both longitudinally of the tape and toward said opposite face into the interstices between the unmolten oriented fibers through to said opposite face, and along said opposite face, and restraining the opposite face of the label tape with a cold platen, said cold platen having a surface supporting said opposite face of said label tape, with its said surface being located directly opposite said flat leading edge of said hot blade towards which said hot blade is forced, while continuously maintaining the temperature of the platen substantially below the melting temperature of the polymer fibers with cooling means to rapidly chill and resolidify said molten polymer along said opposite face into an anchor bonded to said polymer in the interstices, to thereby create wash-durable ends on the individual label;
• followed by removing said blade from contact with said label tape while said blade is still hot and said platen is still cold.