Sales03@likexin.com
How to Keep Labels Intact in High-Temperature Environments?
Cynthia Feng
Be your best strong partner.
Have you ever served clients who manufacture electronic components or similar products? In typical high-temperature environments like SMT production lines and automotive engine compartments, ordinary labels may lose information because they cannot withstand the extreme temperatures.
For example, on SMT production lines, labels may need to withstand the instantaneous high-temperature impact of wave soldering (approximately 260°C) and reflow soldering (peak temperatures can reach 288°C), while also resisting chemical corrosion from flux, solvents, and cleaning agents.
If labels cannot withstand such harsh environments and fall off or carbonize, it will result in the loss of various important identification information, incorrect placement, and even customer complaints and damage to brand reputation.
Likexin was fortunate to have clients who were willing to give us a chance.
At the time, after the client made their request, the initial samples we sent didn't actually meet their requirements. However, we knew this was a golden opportunity for us to "advance."
So, our various departments collaborated on repeated sampling, sending samples, and reviews, finally producing labels that met the client's needs and successfully signing a contract.
Looking back now, we are still very grateful to this client. Without their understanding, Likexin wouldn't have grown so rapidly.
As a result, producing labels that can withstand extreme high-temperature environments is no longer a challenge for Likexin.
Those of you reading this article may be more technically or experienced than us. We hope that after reading this article, you can point out our shortcomings and offer valuable suggestions.
Mutual exchange is the key to long-term success.
For example, on SMT production lines, labels may need to withstand the instantaneous high-temperature impact of wave soldering (approximately 260°C) and reflow soldering (peak temperatures can reach 288°C), while also resisting chemical corrosion from flux, solvents, and cleaning agents.
If labels cannot withstand such harsh environments and fall off or carbonize, it will result in the loss of various important identification information, incorrect placement, and even customer complaints and damage to brand reputation.
Likexin was fortunate to have clients who were willing to give us a chance.
At the time, after the client made their request, the initial samples we sent didn't actually meet their requirements. However, we knew this was a golden opportunity for us to "advance."
So, our various departments collaborated on repeated sampling, sending samples, and reviews, finally producing labels that met the client's needs and successfully signing a contract.
Looking back now, we are still very grateful to this client. Without their understanding, Likexin wouldn't have grown so rapidly.
As a result, producing labels that can withstand extreme high-temperature environments is no longer a challenge for Likexin.
Those of you reading this article may be more technically or experienced than us. We hope that after reading this article, you can point out our shortcomings and offer valuable suggestions.
Mutual exchange is the key to long-term success.
The Three Pillars of Creating High-Temperature Resistant Labels
The basic components of a label are not complex. Starting from the basics, a qualified high-temperature resistant label is the result of the synergistic effect of its face material, adhesive, and printing process.
① Face Material - The Carrier of Label Information
For high-temperature resistant labels, temperature resistance and mechanical strength are fundamental. Therefore, we typically choose special face materials such as polyimide and polyester.
Taking these two materials as examples:
Polyimide possesses extremely excellent chemical stability and heat resistance, with a long-term working temperature up to 260℃ and the ability to withstand temperatures above 300℃ for short periods. It is also tough and not easily torn.
Polyester materials, on the other hand, have good flexibility, wear resistance, and chemical resistance, with a temperature range typically between 150℃ and 200℃.
Therefore, for some less demanding high-temperature industrial environments, polyester materials are a highly cost-effective choice.
Of course, if your customers have higher temperature resistance requirements, such as continuous operation above 500℃ or exposure to open flames, then they should choose ceramic labels.
It is formed by directly sintering information onto a ceramic substrate, essentially no longer a traditional paper label, but a high-temperature resistant ceramic nameplate.
The specific material chosen depends on the customer's needs.
Taking these two materials as examples:
Polyimide possesses extremely excellent chemical stability and heat resistance, with a long-term working temperature up to 260℃ and the ability to withstand temperatures above 300℃ for short periods. It is also tough and not easily torn.
Polyester materials, on the other hand, have good flexibility, wear resistance, and chemical resistance, with a temperature range typically between 150℃ and 200℃.
Therefore, for some less demanding high-temperature industrial environments, polyester materials are a highly cost-effective choice.
Of course, if your customers have higher temperature resistance requirements, such as continuous operation above 500℃ or exposure to open flames, then they should choose ceramic labels.
It is formed by directly sintering information onto a ceramic substrate, essentially no longer a traditional paper label, but a high-temperature resistant ceramic nameplate.
The specific material chosen depends on the customer's needs.
② Adhesives - Preventing Label Peeling
Even with a strong face material, labels can easily peel off if the adhesive is not heat-resistant.
The two most commonly used adhesives are acrylic and silicone adhesives.
Acrylic adhesives have good initial tack and can withstand temperatures of approximately 150-200°C, while silicone adhesives can withstand temperatures of approximately 300°C and possess elasticity and extremely high thermal stability, but they are more expensive and have weaker initial tack.
However, in addition to heat resistance, adhesives also need to have strong adhesion to various surfaces and maintain their tackiness even after high temperatures, leaving no residue.
The two most commonly used adhesives are acrylic and silicone adhesives.
Acrylic adhesives have good initial tack and can withstand temperatures of approximately 150-200°C, while silicone adhesives can withstand temperatures of approximately 300°C and possess elasticity and extremely high thermal stability, but they are more expensive and have weaker initial tack.
However, in addition to heat resistance, adhesives also need to have strong adhesion to various surfaces and maintain their tackiness even after high temperatures, leaving no residue.
③ Printing and Lamination Processes - Label Information Protection Measures
In printing, we commonly use high-temperature resistant ribbons.
Special high-temperature resistant resin-based ribbons bond firmly to the label face material after melting, and the printed text and images can withstand high temperatures and chemical solvents, making them less prone to melting, blurring, or peeling.
Alternatively, a transparent high-temperature resistant protective film can be applied to the printed label surface, providing additional physical and chemical protection for the text and images, greatly extending the label's lifespan in harsh environments.
Special high-temperature resistant resin-based ribbons bond firmly to the label face material after melting, and the printed text and images can withstand high temperatures and chemical solvents, making them less prone to melting, blurring, or peeling.
Alternatively, a transparent high-temperature resistant protective film can be applied to the printed label surface, providing additional physical and chemical protection for the text and images, greatly extending the label's lifespan in harsh environments.
Tailor-Made Solutions
Theory is no substitute for real-world examples.
For instance, on SMT production lines, labels face two main challenges: instantaneous high temperatures and chemical cleaning.
Our solution uses a combination of polyimide face stock, silicone adhesive, and a chemically resistant protective film to ensure clear label information on PCBs as they leave the production line.
If the labels face even more severe challenges, such as continuous high temperatures, oil stains, and vibration, we will adjust the material combination according to specific requirements.
We can also provide various certifications proving the materials are safe at specific temperatures and that their performance has been verified by authoritative third-party organizations. We can also provide samples for testing.
After all, nothing beats actual use.
For instance, on SMT production lines, labels face two main challenges: instantaneous high temperatures and chemical cleaning.
Our solution uses a combination of polyimide face stock, silicone adhesive, and a chemically resistant protective film to ensure clear label information on PCBs as they leave the production line.
If the labels face even more severe challenges, such as continuous high temperatures, oil stains, and vibration, we will adjust the material combination according to specific requirements.
We can also provide various certifications proving the materials are safe at specific temperatures and that their performance has been verified by authoritative third-party organizations. We can also provide samples for testing.
After all, nothing beats actual use.
Conclusion
The main point of today's discussion is to illustrate that a reliable, high-temperature resistant label is a silent representative of product quality and management standards.
We offer more than just a small self-adhesive label; we offer peace of mind attached to your product.
We hope to have the opportunity to solve more "minor troubles" and bring "great peace of mind" to more customers.
We offer more than just a small self-adhesive label; we offer peace of mind attached to your product.
We hope to have the opportunity to solve more "minor troubles" and bring "great peace of mind" to more customers.
