Labels that Last when Attached to Hot Surfaces
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What Types of Labels will Last when Attached to Hot Surfaces?
If you manage any type of manufacturing facility, you know how important it is to have proper labeling. In many cases, it is required by local, state or federal law. Even in cases where it is not required, however, it is still a good idea as it can help improve safety and make working in the facility much easier. In most cases, you can print off any type of industrial label, and put them in place without a problem. These labels will last for many years, and really require very little maintenance or attention. There are some situations, however, that are more difficult for labels to stand up to.
High Temperature Surfaces
When a label is placed in a location where the surface or surrounding area gets extremely hot, it will become hard for the label to stick. This is because the adhesive will become soft and lose its attachment to the surface. When this happens, the label will begin to curl along the edges and finally fall off.
It is even more difficult when the label is placed on a surface where the temperature changes dramatically. When the surface is hot, the adhesive starts to melt, but when it cools it will solidify again. This constant change of state can cause it to age prematurely, resulting in the label coming off.
One other concern when working with high temperature surfaces is that some labeling materials can actually catch fire when they are on a surface that is too hot. Even with a small label, the smoke and fire that it can create can be a significant hazard.
How to Label Hot Surfaces
Whenever you are labeling a surface that gets very hot, you’ll want to make sure you are using the right types of labels. One great option is the LabelTac High Performance label stock. These labels are made with vinyl, which can stand up to much higher temperatures than normal labeling material.
This type of label can be used on surfaces that get as high as 320 degrees Fahrenheit, so in almost any situation you won’t have a problem. They are also safe to use in areas that get wet or are exposed to direct UV rays. The vinyl is even safe for use with and around most types of chemicals, which makes them one of the most versatile types of label stock you’ll be able to find.
The vinyl labels can be printed on with either the LabelTac 4 or the LabelTac 4 Pro printer, which makes it perfect for most facilities. You’ll be able to quickly create the exact label you need, without having to use a third party printer.
Of course, in addition to standing up to the highest temperatures, these vinyl labels can be used at normal temperatures and situations too. The service use range for these labels is anywhere from -40 degrees to 320 degrees, so you won’t have a problem with any surface you can find in a standard facility.
Hot Surfaces that need Labeling
When you look around your facility, you’ll likely find that you have a number of areas that become quite hot and could benefit from specific labeling. The following are some of the more common high temperature surfaces that should be labeled in an average facility.
- Pipes – Whether it is carrying steam, hot water, or anything else, hot pipes should always be labeled to let people know how hot they are and what is contained within.
- Accessible Surfaces – When a surface gets hot, and it is located in an area where people can easily touch it, there should always be a label. Even if the label is only there to alert people to the temperature, it can help those who see it avoid getting burned.
- Containers – Many large containers get very hot, depending on what is contained within. Even if they only get hot once in a while, it is important to use the right types of labeling to ensure there aren’t any problems.
- Machines – Many machines get extremely hot while in operation. These same machines often need labels to alert people to the motion of the machine, the electrical risks or other things. Having high quality vinyl labels will help make sure this is possible.
Naturally, there will be many other places where you can use labels that can stand up to high temperatures. Having a roll of the LabelTac High Performance label stock around will help ensure you are able to create these labels whenever they are needed.
Installing High Performance Labels
When installing a high performance label, it is best to do it when the surface is as cool as possible. While the label itself can attach to the hot surface, it can be quite dangerous for a person to attempt to do it, since they could be burned.
In many cases, facilities can apply these labels after hours, when the facility is not operating (or at least not operating at full capacity) and the surfaces are cooler. This will allow you to quickly apply the label by removing the protective backing, and carefully pressing it to the desired surface.
If you need a label placed on a surface area that is always hot, you will want to take extra precautions to stay safe. You can use protective gloves, for example, to ensure you don’t burn your fingers. It may also be possible to place the front of the label on a wood block using tape, and then remove the protective backing. You can then press the wood block against the surface where you want the label to go.
This will let it stick to the hot surface, without risking getting burned. You’ll then just have to remove the small piece of tape that was holding the label onto the block. Of course, there are many ways that you can apply these labels safely.
Keeping the Facility Safe
As with all types of labels, the main point of high performance labels is to help improve the overall safety of the facility. Labels are an effective way to share information with people in the facility, and when you have the option to do that on hot surfaces, you’ll find your facility is even safer than before.
The Importance of Industrial Label Printer Infographic
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