High Temperature Labels — Rated to 1000°C
Standard self-adhesive labels fail under heat — the adhesive degrades, the facestock chars and the print disappears. Our high temperature labels are engineered to survive where others don't.
Polyimide (Kapton) substrates rated to 250°C, aluminium and stainless steel foil options to 600°C, and ceramic paper constructions rated to 1000°C sustained. Used in industrial furnaces, engine compartments, exhaust systems and high-temperature manufacturing plant. Made in the UK.
Choose the Right Substrate for Your Temperature Range
There is no single high temperature label — the right material depends on the operating temperature, the exposure duration (continuous vs. brief cycling), the chemical environment and whether the label needs to be adhesive-backed or mechanically fixed. The table below summarises the options we stock and produce to order.
| Substrate | Temperature Rating | Adhesive Type | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyimide (Kapton®) | Up to +250°C continuous | High-temp silicone | PCBs, wire harnesses, aerospace, electronics |
| Aluminium Foil | Up to +350°C intermittent | High-temp acrylic | Pipe lagging, HVAC ductwork, industrial ovens |
| Stainless Steel Foil | Up to +600°C intermittent | Pressure-sensitive silicone or rivet fix | Engine components, exhaust systems, boilers |
| Ceramic Paper | Up to +1000°C sustained | Wire fixing or mechanical | Furnace identification, smelting plant, foundries |
Applications for High Temperature Labels
Industrial ovens and kilns need product routing labels that survive the baking cycle — polyimide labels withstand short exposure to 250°C and return to room temperature still legible and adhered. Tracking items through a powder coat oven at 180–220°C is the single most common application for polyimide labels in UK manufacturing.
Engine component identification is a more demanding application. Valve covers, exhaust manifolds, turbocharger housings and brake components see sustained temperatures that would destroy any standard label within minutes. Stainless steel foil tags with high-temperature silicone adhesive are the solution — the metal facestock does not deform or ignite, and the silicone adhesive maintains bond strength at temperatures that would liquefy acrylic adhesives.
At the extreme end of the scale, ceramic paper labels are used in foundries, smelting plant and industrial furnaces where temperatures exceed 800°C. These are typically mechanically fixed with stainless wire rather than adhesive, as no adhesive survives direct furnace exposure.
- Powder coat oven product tracking — polyimide, 180–220°C
- Automotive engine component labelling — stainless foil
- Motorcycle exhaust and heat shield identification
- Industrial boiler and steam pipe tagging
- Aerospace wiring harness identification — polyimide
- Foundry and casting plant identification — ceramic paper
- PCB identification through wave solder and reflow
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you print barcodes on high temperature labels?
Yes. We print barcodes and QR codes on polyimide and aluminium foil labels using high-temperature resistant inks. Read rates are consistently high even after oven exposure. Ceramic paper labels cannot carry machine-readable codes due to the rough surface texture.
Does the adhesive fail before the substrate?
On polyimide labels for oven applications — occasionally. If your label is in direct prolonged contact with a surface above 200°C, specify the stainless foil option with silicone adhesive. The adhesive choice is as important as the facestock.
What is the minimum order quantity?
25 labels for polyimide and foil types. Ceramic paper labels are made to order with no set minimum, but pricing is most favourable from 100 pieces.
Can you match our existing label artwork?
Yes. Supply the original artwork file or a sample label and we will reproduce it exactly. If the original was printed on unsuitable material, we will advise on the appropriate substrate upgrade.