Barcode Label Solutions Blog

(7/13/20)   Hey, it's Kathleen - this is Part 3 of our series of questions we ask to identify your label requirements  in order to find you the right label solution.  The questions are underlined and italicized within the paragraphs for your convenience.

Today's discussion is about Where the Label is Used and Label Exposure.

Label Where Used

Quite simply:  Where is the label going to be used?  Will it be used inside (such as a building like a warehouse or office), outside (outdoors) or both inside and outside.  It's important to know this because it will greatly determine what type of label material and adhesive would be required. 

Now we've got the information on where the label will be used.

Next question pertains to Label Exposure 

Label Exposure

Chemicals, solvents, moisture, ultraviolet light

Will the label be exposed to chemicals, solvents, moisture and ultraviolet light, etc.?

If you answer yes to any or all of these questions, then it's important to gather as much information on each that apply.

Are there labels and adhesives that can withstand the above?  You bet.  But what specific label material and adhesive depends on the specific exposures.

For instance, exposure to chemicals and solvents.  What are the chemical(s) or solvents the label will be exposed to?  Providing an Material Safety Sheet (MSS) is often very helpful.  An MSS is a technical document which provides detailed and comprehensive information on the chemical such as physical properties, toxicity, reactivity.  An MSS can be obtained from the manufacturer of that product.  Identifying  these key components will aid towards finding the right label material and adhesive that will withstand the chemical's or solvents successfully.

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(7/10/20)   Hey, it's Kathleen - this is Part 2 of our series of questions we ask to identify your label requirements  in order to find you the right label solution.  The questions are underlined and italicized within the paragraphs for your convenience.

Today's discussion is about Label Life and Temperatures

Label Life

Quite simply:  how long does your label need to last?  Is it days, weeks, months, a year or years?  If it's a shipping label, for instance, then it only needs to last days - from the time the label is applied to the carton to the time the carton is delivered.  There - job done.  Label has lived its life.  The label solution:  simply a paper direct thermal or thermal transfer label. 

However, if it's an asset or inventory label, it will likely need to last years.  In that case, you would need a longer lasting, more durable label.  The label solution:  a synthetic thermal transfer.  Now we've got the label life information.

Next question pertains to Temperatures. 

 

Temperatures:  Apply and Use Temperatures

Apply Temperature

This pertains to the temperature of the object or product at the time you're applying the label to it.

For instance, let's say you're labeling a frozen box of seafood. 

At the time the label is applied, what will be the temperature of the object/product (i.e., the frozen box of seafood) to which the label is being applied?  And this question is best answered in a temperature range scale. 

Let's say the temperature range of the frozen box of seafood is between -50F to -25F.  

Now we've got the apply temperature information.

 

Use Temperature

This temperature pertains to  what the temperature range the label will be exposed to over its life?

Let's take the frozen box of seafood again.  And it's kept in a freezer until it's ready for final sale, for instance.  And you've determined the temperature range of the labeled box will exposed to over its life is -120F to -20F.

Now we have the two important temperature range specifications necessary towards finding the right label material and adhesive that must withstand:

The Apply temp of -50F to -25F

The Use temp of -120F to -20F

Another step towards  towards finding the right label material and adhesive that must withstand the above specified temperature label requirements.

 

Discussed in our next blog will be: 1) label where used and 2) label exposure.

 

Don’t be overwhelmed - we can help you identify your label requirements and help find you the right label solution using our comprehensive label questionnaire that we can review together over the phone if you wish - contact us.

 

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(7/09/20)   Hey, it's Kathleen - discussing factors to be aware of when finding the right label(s) for your various products with different surface materials and surface conditions.

Here's a common scenario we hear - is this your situation?

"I have several products with different surface materials and surface conditions that I'd like one label for -- one is wood, another is foam rubber, and the other is plastic." 

As part of labeling application specifications, some times we receive requests for “one label” that will work on a variety of surface materials -- for instance, raw wood, powder coated, rubber or plastic materials.  Surface materials have different surface properties. All surface materials are not alike, therefore, one label face stock/adhesive would not necessarily be a solution for all surfaces.    In addition, it’s not only the surface material that must be taken into consideration, but it’s equally important to understand all the applicable surface conditions of each surface material to determine the right label face stock and adhesive.

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