Our customers often ask us how to make their labels more permanent, or durable – especially in certain environments, like manufacturing.

Here’s everything you wanted to know about durable labels – and more!

1) What is a durable label?
By definition, a “durable” label is designed to withstand environmental conditions that would normally degrade the printed image and/or jeopardize the integrity of the label construction.

In other words, durable labels are meant to be long-lasting and permanent.

2) What are some typical applications where I would need durable labels?
Some typical durable labeling applications include asset tags, pharmaceutical, electronic components, U/L and Military Standard conformance, and parts manufacturing involving high heat and/or solvents.

3) What kind of printers should I use to print durable labels?
Thermal transfer printers work best. Thermal transfer printers, unlike direct thermal printers, work with thermal transfer ribbon and media.

They are beneficial for printing durable labels because of they:

Have a crisp and durable print quality
Can print on different types of media (paper, film, foil substrates, etc.)
Use different ribbon and label combinations that provide resistance against abrasion, heavy wear, temperature extremes, and chemical damage

4) How do I figure out what is the best label material and thermal transfer ribbon formulation to use for my specific application?
What you first need is a thorough understanding of the application. This helps you to properly determine the correct label material and thermal transfer ribbon formulation to use.

Some questions to ask are:

What is the life expectancy needed?
What type of surface will the label be applied to?
What type of environmental conditions will the label be exposed to? (E.g., indoor/outdoor, moisture/rain, heat/cold, abrasion, etc.)
Next, you need to understand the thermal transfer ribbon formulation. In fact, this is just as important as the label material regarding overall durability. Matching the correct ribbon formulation with the label material (facestock) will ensure the highest print quality and product durability.

Adhesive properties are also crucial and must be matched to the application as well.

In short, a durable label is only as strong as its weakest links (the “links” being label material, thermal transfer ribbon formulation and adhesive).

5) How can I make sure that the labels I choose are truly durable and will last as long as I need them to?
TSC/Printronix supplies experts will ask the right questions so the proper determination can be made as to the full label construction requirement: facestock, ribbon formulation and adhesive.

This way, you can be assured that the “durable” label we provide is truly “durable” and will last the life of the intended application.

Let us know if you have any other questions about labels, label durability, or connecting the best printers or supplies with your applications; we’re here to help!