What Temperatures Can Durable Label Materials Withstand?

Polyethylene labels are the cheapest, with the lowest overall level of temperature resistance and print durability, with a maximum temperature of ~60°C: Vinyl labels perform slightly better at ~110°C and Polypropylene labels have a maximum temperature of ~120°C.

Polyester labels are by far the most versatile, with excellent print durability and a peak temperature of ~155°C.

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WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST FOR TEMPERATURES ABOVE 155°C?

Temperature-modified polyester labels can resist higher peak temperatures for short periods ~300°C (60 secs),  higher heat resistance is achieved with  Polyimide labels ~ 388°C (15 minutes). Polyimide is most commonly used for PCB identification through the high-temperature production process. Further to this, we can also supply labels that can resist over 500°C.

For more information, please reach out to us. Our team is eager to provide expert advice on selecting the ideal labels for your specific needs.

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WHAT IF THE LABELS ARE EXPOSED TO CONSTANT HIGH TEMPERATURES?

There are many different end-use applications where high-temperature labels are used. It is not possible to simulate long-term performance in high temperatures specific to your application, so it is best for you to test for yourself based on our recommendation: long-term identification in temperature environments within the maximum temperature stated on a data sheet should be fine.

If you conduct your own tests, you will quickly see if the material is inappropriate, as it will shrink if the temperature is too high.

WHICH LABEL PROVIDES THE BEST HEAT RESISTANCE?

The label with the highest temperature rating is not the best-performing label overall. For instance, polyimide labels are best suited for the flat surface of PCBs and do not adhere well to the textured surface of a more industrial application. Also, peak temperatures stated on label datasheets are only a general guide.

If your application is outside of the specified temperature range highlighted on the data sheets, we are happy to supply you samples to test to see if the labels are appropriate. (Peak temperatures stated on datasheets are for guidance)

Temperature thresholds on datasheets are ‘general safe limits’, but higher temperatures requirements may be achieved in your specific end-use. We have customers using polyester labels with a temperature limit of 155°C in a powder coating process, which bakes the paint and label at 230°C with no negative impact to the label.

WHY IS THE TYPE OF ADHESIVE IMPORTANT?

If the surface gets hot, a water or rubber-based adhesive will dry out and deteriorate. Your label must have a solvent acrylic adhesive to remain permanently stuck to your product/item.
If the adhesive stated on your preferred labels says ‘acrylic’, this is too vague and is probably a water-based acrylic adhesive. It must say ‘solvent acrylic’ to be certain of permanent adhesion.

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