Five Key Considerations Before Creating Industrial Labels

Five Key Considerations Before Creating Industrial Labels

Industrial labels play a critical role in various sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and energy. They provide essential information for safety, compliance, and efficiency. However, creating effective industrial labels requires careful planning and consideration. Neglecting crucial factors can lead to misidentification, safety hazards, and costly errors.

This blog post outlines five key aspects customers must consider before creating industrial labels.

1. Material and Durability

Industrial environments can be harsh, exposing labels to extreme temperatures, chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation. Choosing the right material is paramount to ensure the label remains legible and intact throughout its lifespan.

• Consider the environment, will the label be exposed to chemicals, moisture, or extreme temperatures? Choose materials like vinyl, polyester, or polycarbonate for chemical resistance and durability.
• The surface on which the label adheres will influence material selection. Rough surfaces may require thicker adhesives or specific materials for optimal adhesion.
• How long does the label need to last? For long-term applications, consider materials with high UV resistance and durability.

*RH Technical Industries offers a wide range of label materials designed for diverse industrial applications. Our experts can guide you in selecting the most suitable material for your specific needs.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Various industries have specific labelling requirements mandated by regulatory bodies. These regulations dictate the information that must be included on labels, such as hazard warnings, safety instructions, and product identification.

• Determine the specific regulations that apply to your industry and products.
• Verify the accuracy of all information included on the label, including hazard symbols, signal words, and precautionary statements.
• Regulations can change, so it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest requirements and update labels accordingly.

*From intricate safety warnings to durable product identification, RH Technical Industries provides tailored labelling solutions for any industry. Our team of experts will work with you to create labels that not only meet compliance standards but also enhance your brand.

3. Design and Readability

Effective labels must be easily readable and understood by workers. Clear design and appropriate font sizes are crucial for quick identification and comprehension.

• Avoid jargon and use simple language that is easily understood.
• Ensure the text is large enough to be read from a safe distance.
• Using contrasting colours for both text and background will enhance readability.
• Use universally recognised symbols to convey information quickly and effectively.

*RH Technical Industries can help you design labels that are visually clear, easy to read, and effectively communicate essential information.

4. Adhesion and Application

Proper adhesion is essential to ensure the label stays in place. The application method also plays a role in label performance.

• Clean the surface before applying the label to ensure proper adhesion.
• Choose an adhesive that is compatible with the surface material and application environment.
• Consider the application method, whether manual or automated, and choose labels that are suitable for the process. (Do we supply any labels that are not hand applied?)

*RH Technical Industries offers a variety of adhesives and can advise on the best application methods for your specific needs.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

While quality and compliance are paramount, cost-effectiveness is also an important consideration.

• Choose materials and printing methods that offer the best balance of quality and cost.
• Evaluate different printing options, such as digital printing, screen printing or a hybrid approach, to determine the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
• Optimise label size and design to minimise material waste and costs.

*RH Technical Industries offers competitive pricing and can help you find cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or compliance.

By carefully considering these five factors, customers can create industrial labels that are effective, compliant, and cost-efficient. RH Technical Industries is a trusted partner with extensive experience in many types of industrial labelling. We offer a wide range of materials, printing options, and design services to meet your specific needs. While some customers handle labelling separately at the end of their membrane keypad projects, contacting us early allows us to incorporate labelling directly into production, saving you time and potential costs.