How to choose heat resistant labels and tags

Key facts

Labels and tags need an application specification

For heat resistant labels, describe the adhesive surface as well as the heat exposure. For heat resistant tags, explain the proposed fixing and the space available. Temperature alone does not describe the whole application.

Different from heat transfers

Heat transfers apply graphics using heat during application. A label intended to remain in a hot environment has a different specification. Use the high temperature labels product page for the latter enquiry.

Measure the conditions where the label will sit

Start with the temperature at the proposed label position, not a general rating for the whole machine. The air nearby, a hot component and the outer casing can experience different conditions. Explain how you obtained the temperature information and identify anything that remains uncertain. Include the normal operating condition as well as the highest expected exposure. If the label is placed near a heat source rather than directly on it, describe that arrangement. Do not infer suitability from the word resistant alone. A useful enquiry gives the supplier a clear description of the actual location and its conditions.

Explain duration and repeated exposure

A brief exposure and a long period at the same temperature are not equivalent specifications. State whether heat is continuous, occasional or repeated during a production or cleaning cycle. Describe how the item cools between exposures where that is relevant, and identify whether the information must be read during heating or only afterwards. If the label is applied before a process begins, say whether it needs to remain attached and legible through that process. Avoid substituting a general maximum temperature for this description. Ask for the proposed construction and its suitability to be confirmed against your stated use.

Consider the complete label and its fixing

A label involves more than the visible face material. Its printed information and its means of attachment also need to suit the job. Describe whether you are asking for an adhesive label or a tag with a separate fixing. For an adhesive application, identify the surface material and any paint, coating, texture or curvature. For a tag, explain the available fixing position and whether movement could cause rubbing. Do not assume that a tag and a label are interchangeable simply because the wording is identical. The enquiry should explain how the identification stays in place as well as what it says.

Include conditions other than temperature

List other exposure that could affect the identification, such as moisture, outdoor weather, cleaning products, oils or abrasion. Identify chemicals by name where possible and explain how contact occurs. A wipe during routine cleaning is different from immersion, and occasional contact is different from continuous exposure. Describe whether tools, cables or operators may rub the printed face. These details help define the buying requirement without claiming that any one material resists all conditions. If your organisation has an internal specification, include the relevant requirement with the enquiry and ask whether it can be met before approving the order.

Separate heat resistance from heat transfer application

A heat transfer uses heat during the application of a graphic. A heat resistant label is selected for the conditions it will encounter in service. The two terms therefore answer different questions. A graphic applied with heat is not automatically suitable for continuous hot service, and a label intended for a hot location does not automatically use a heat transfer process. The existing high temperature labels product page is the relevant starting point for hot environment enquiries. The heat transfers product page concerns the application process. Explain your intended use rather than selecting a product solely because heat appears in its name.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include quoting a machine temperature instead of the label surface temperature, leaving out exposure duration, overlooking cleaning chemicals and assuming that an adhesive will suit an unidentified coating. Another is choosing a graphic because it was applied with heat and expecting that fact alone to establish service performance. Prepare your artwork, dimensions, quantities and fixing requirements alongside the environmental information. If conditions cannot yet be measured, explain that uncertainty instead of supplying a guessed number. Discuss how suitability will be assessed for your application and request confirmed options in the quote before committing to a production specification.

Keep the specification with the enquiry

Combine the exposure description, surface details and proposed artwork in one brief so that the requirements can be considered together. State the quantity of each design and whether individual labels need different information. Include the available dimensions and any restrictions on placement or fixing. Tell us the delivery destination and when you need the labels, rather than assuming a standard lead time. We will confirm lead time when quoting. If the application changes after the enquiry, send the updated conditions before approval. A change in cleaning, exposure duration or receiving surface may matter even when the text and dimensions on the label remain exactly the same.

Compare heat related buying requirements