Barcode labels are often used in many extreme conditions and harsh environments that demand the right labels and printing supplies for the job.

So, let’s take a look at some of the first indicators that our label experts at IntegraServ use to quickly narrow down what you’ll need.

Label Lifespan, Durability and Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Printing

If you need a longer-lasting, more durable label with printed barcodes, information, and adhesion withstand extreme heat or cold, abrasion, moisture, water, or chemicals, then you’ll need to use a thermal transfer printer and a specialized label, ribbon, and adhesive.

Thermal transfer printers use a thermal printhead to apply heat to a printer ribbon, and this melts the ink onto the label, creating a much more durable image. If you don’t want them to fade, get scratched, damaged or smudged, then you’ll typically combine thermal transfer with a specialized ribbon, label materials, and adhesives.

The 3 Types of Thermal Transfer Ribbons

1. Wax Ribbons are used to print labels that won’t be exposed to abrasion, scratching, or chemicals, or when they’re only exposed to weak chemicals or more minor potential or damage.
2. Wax/Resin Ribbons are used when labels will be exposed to moderate abrasion, extreme chemicals, and/or require UL/cUL approval. These hybrid ribbons use a resin that produces more durable printing that can withstand at least moderate chemicals and abrasion as well as other environmental conditions.
3. Resin Ribbons are for labels that are exposed to harsh abrasion, extreme chemicals, and/or require UL/cUL approval. A full resin ribbon provides the best protection, ensuring that your printer barcodes and information won’t smudge or dissolve—even when exposed to harsh chemicals, abrasion, and abuse.

Application vs. Service Temperature

Application temperature is the typical temperature range when you’re applying your label, and the service temperature is the typical temperature range once your label is actually in use

Standard labels, materials, and printing supplies perform well when the application temperature is a minimum of 25°F and when service temperature ranges from -65°F to 200°F.

For temperatures outside these ranges, you’ll need to use a thermal transfer printer and label, and probably a specialty adhesive. These help make sure that your label grips and adheres to the surface during application and once the label is in service.

Curved or Unusual Surfaces

Sometimes, the surface you’re labeling might be curved or a special material or texture, and it might not be perfectly clean or dry. These and other factors can make a standard acrylic adhesive ineffective.

This is where you might need a specialized, high-tack adhesive, one with high-surface energy, or maybe even a permanent acrylic adhesive. When one of these is combined with the right thermal transfer ribbon, you can conquer virtually any job.

Indoor/Outdoor Use

Extreme indoor environments or outdoor conditions such as sun, rain, snow or even sleet and hurricanes can wreak havoc on labels. In these cases, a thermal transfer synthetic label is needed to ensure durability with the right combination of label material, ribbon, and adhesive.

Print Speed, Print Darkness and Dots Per Inch (DPI)

Using specialized label materials and supplies to handle extreme conditions can slow down print speed. It all depends on how your printer and labels have to work together to produce the right label image. Certain combinations require higher print darkness and/or higher DPI to get the results you need, and synthetic labels are often required in those cases.

Quickly Finding the Right Labels and Supplies

Now that you understand some of the key factors in choosing the right labels and printing supplies, start working with our label experts at IntegraServ to identify the exact combination you’ll need.

Our professionals are experts in label materials, ribbons, and adhesives, and we’re partners with Zebra, one of world’s leading manufacturers and developers of standard and specialized labeling solutions.

Contact us with your key application details, and we’ll recommend exact, proven solutions for your use case. To get started, contact us now at 800-233-1474 or visit our website to email us.