The Importance of Choosing the Right Industrial Label Material

Manufacturing and production companies must choose the right industrial label material to avoid major issues in the long run. With proper industrial labels, your printing equipment will function correctly and last longer because you only use the right media.

However, several options are available, including aluminum, brass, and vinyl. It can understandably be confusing which one to choose. Here’s a closer look at the different kinds of label materials available to determine the best one that works for you.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Industrial Label Material

Identifying the right industrial labels that suit your business will depend on the following factors:

• Environmental Conditions: Label materials will need to adapt to the temperatures where you intend to place the labeled products.
• Durability Requirements: Some locations require labels on their intended applications to last a lifetime, which only certain materials can achieve.
• Chemical Resistance: Industrial environments may require heavy-duty and chemical-resistant labels to ensure they remain on their surfaces.
• Legibility and Print Quality: Readability is one standard that printing companies must comply with to avoid fines.

Popular Industrial Label Materials

Choosing the right industrial label material matters because each type serves a specific purpose better than another. Depending on the nature of your industry, having the most appropriate one will ensure you maintain proper labeling standards. Here’s a comparison of the features and benefits of the most popular label materials for industrial purposes:

Vinyl

Industrial vinyl is stretchy, flexible, and durable. This material is a great option for labeling items that you would keep outdoors, especially those with curved shapes like pipes and cables. The vinyl also features UV ray resistance. UV radiation can make printed labels fade in time, which costs extra to replace. With vinyl, you can keep the same label for up to five years.

Polyester

Industrial polyester is another material suited for outdoor applications for its resistance to various temperatures, tears, and scratches. Essentially, this durable label material is best for applications that encounter tough conditions, including electronics, motors, pumps, and valves. Indoor appliances like refrigerators and air conditioning units may also have polyester labels.

Polycarbonate

This option for industrial labeling offers resistance against outdoor elements, abrasion, and chemicals. As such, polycarbonate is usually suited for environments that encounter high volumes of touching or stepping, such as control panels or care facilities. Most polycarbonate applications include nameplates and faceplates. This material also comes in several textures, such as velvet, suede, brushed, and polished.

Aluminum

Certain industries may require aluminum labels to meet their technical requirements. For example, the aerospace industry encounters extreme conditions that would expose labeled objects to moisture, UV rays, and weather conditions. Aluminum resists all that and more. Besides durability, it offers high printing resolutions to ensure legibility and quality.

Brass

Another metal-based label material, brass is a reliable industrial labeling material that can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions. This metal offers saltwater resistance, making it suitable for underwater applications. In addition, brass can maintain its quality despite exposure to harsh chemicals and solvents, although it may have limited UV resistance.

Customizing Your Industrial Label Material

Although standard sizes for industrial label materials are available, you may have to customize yours to ensure they meet your specific requirements. Reliable industrial labeling companies will offer customization services to help you meet those requirements. Here are some ways that you can customize industrial label materials:

Combining Materials for Specific Requirements

Some industries may require their labeling efforts to withstand multiple conditions that are suited for separate label materials. Similarly, the material that you want could be appropriate but is different from the standard. In that case, a combination of the different materials would be suitable to ensure you meet the specific requirements while keeping your preferences.

Adding Laminates or Coatings for Extra Protection

Although your industrial label materials of choice are already durable, it may be beneficial if you add another layer of protection if cost efficiency is a priority. Consider investing in laminates or coatings for your industrial labels to extend their lifetime.

Get a Quote from SSCPID

Choosing the right industrial label material will depend on your industry and the conditions that the materials you intend to label will encounter in their respective environments. Popular materials include vinyl, polyester, polycarbonate, aluminum, and brass.

Each material fits specific industry requirements, which you must look into before choosing the right one. Contact SSCPID today to get a quote, assess your goals, and determine the right industrial label material for you.