Buying Guide

...things we both need to know in order to build the best labels possible.

Manufacturing industrial labels, graphic overlays, specification plates and CSA approved labels is a much more technical process than some might think. The more information that is known before manufacturing, the better the label produced. If a label fails to live up to expectations it is quite often the direct result of a lack of information at production time. The wrong materials or adhesives may have been chosen, or an element is left out because it wasn’t considered. The purpose of this section is to provide insight into the factors which must be considered in the appropriate design of a label.

Abrasion

Will the label be placed in an area where it will be susceptible to being rubbed or knocked? If so, how often? The existence of abrasion requires decisions which will lead to using more durable material (e.g. – aluminum foil, Lexan®, heavy metal), implementing design features (such as rounded corners to resist lifting), including protective elements (such as 3M over laminates), or choosing a different imprinting process, (such as engraving, anodizing or metal photo).

Application

What type of surface will the label be applied to? Smooth, rough, extremely rough, uncoated metal, painted metal, waxy plastics or hard plastics? Or a combination of a few or all of these. Will the surface be flat or curved? Knowing the characteristics of the surface is imperative in selecting the right adhesive.

Environment

Indoor or outdoor? Cold weather or high temperature? Damp or dry? Will the area be regularly cleaned? Will it be exposed to any harsh chemicals? The environmental conditions that a label must endure will significantly affect the decisions regarding which label or plate substrate, fixing method (adhesive or rivets) and other elements (such as a weatherproof over laminate) are used.

Length of Duty

Okay, perhaps the most important question follows. How long do you want the label or plate to last? 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5, 10, 15 years? How about 50 years? We have solutions to them all, and you guessed it, they’re all different.

Marking Requirements

Do you plan on recording variable information onto your labels as they are put into use? How do you plan to do this…ballpoint pen, typewriter, printer? Specific materials work better than others in this area, so it’s important to know marking methods at time of manufacture.

Certifications

Does your label require CSA certification or UL approval? How about military specs that must be satisfied or boiler association specs? Each of require certain materials and imprinting processes.