How To Print Heat Resistant Labels

If you're in the market for heat resistant labels, you know how important it is for your labels to withstand harsh environments and high temperatures without losing their legibility. Heat resistant labels, also known as heat proof labels, are essential for many industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, logistics and construction.

At Thermal Labels Australia, one of our specialties is transfer labels so we understand the unique requirements for printing heat resistant labels, and we're here to help. In this guide, we'll explore the best practices for printing heat resistant labels and provide you with some tips to ensure that your labels are durable and long-lasting. Whether you need labels for sub zero temperatures or require durable labels for your warehouse or manufacturing facility, read on to discover how to print heat resistant labels that will stand up to any challenge.

Why you might need heat resistant thermal labels

Heat resistant thermal labels are an indispensable tool for businesses that need to label products or assets that are exposed to high temperatures, harsh environments, or extreme weather conditions. These labels are designed to withstand the most challenging conditions, from high humidity levels to freezing temperatures, without losing their legibility or adhesion. In contrast, non-durable labels can quickly become illegible, fall off, or become brittle, rendering them useless in many environments.

Examples

In the food and beverage industry, heat resistant labels are necessary for labelling items that need to be stored or transported at high temperatures, such as baked goods. Labels for refrigerated products are required for frozen foods. Traditional labels can easily smudge or fade in these conditions, making it challenging to identify the products or track their expiry dates. In these cases, using non-durable labels can lead to inaccurate tracking, lost equipment, or compromised patient safety.

In the manufacturing industry, labels are used to track products and assets through the production process and to identify finished products that need to be stored or shipped. However, manufacturing environments can be challenging for labels due to high temperatures, humidity, and exposure to chemicals or abrasion. heat proof labels are specifically designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring that labels remain legible and firmly adhered to products and assets. In contrast, non-durable labels can easily smudge or fade, become illegible or fall off, leading to lost inventory, inaccurate tracking, and delays in the production process.

The healthcare industry heavily relies on heat resistant labels for a variety of applications, including labelling patient samples, blood product labels, medical equipment, and medications. In healthcare, the labels must be durable and resistant to extreme environments, such as refrigeration or sterilisation. Heat proof labels are also crucial for printing barcodes and other important information that needs to remain legible throughout the medical supply chain. With the right substrate material and printing method, healthcare professionals can ensure that the labels remain durable and reliable, providing accurate and critical information that is essential for patient care.

The logistics and transportation industry utilises heat proof labels for package and shipment labelling, tracking, and inventory management. Labels must be able to withstand various environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and handling during transportation and storage. Heat resistant labels provide a reliable solution for printing barcodes and other important information, ensuring accurate tracking and efficient management of shipments throughout the supply chain. With the right substrate material and adhesive, heat resistant labels can withstand harsh environmental conditions, providing a durable and reliable labelling solution for the logistics and transportation industry.

How do heat resistant thermal labels work

Heat proof labels are made from materials that can withstand high heat, such as polyester, and the adhesives used are specifically formulated to remain effective under these challenging conditions. The secret to heat resistant labels' heat resistance lies in the printing process, which involves using a full resin thermal transfer ribbon. The resin ribbon bonds to the polyester, creating a permanent and durable image that can withstand exposure to high temperatures and extreme conditions. 

How to choose heat resistant thermal labels

Find a suitable printing method

Finding a suitable printing method is crucial when choosing heat resistant labels. The printing process used must be compatible with the label material and adhesive to ensure the labels remain durable and legible in high-temperature and extreme environments. Thermal transfer printing is the most common method for printing heat resistant labels, as it uses a thermal transfer ribbon to transfer the image onto the label.

Choose the right substrate, adhesive and ribbon

Ensuring optimal durability and legibility of heat resistant labels in high-temperature and extreme environments requires careful consideration of the substrate and ribbon. Different scenarios demand tailored solutions with specific combinations of materials and adhesives to meet diverse use cases, including applications in a wide range of temperature conditions, even in cryogenic environments for medical purposes.

The choice of substrate material is crucial, favouring heat-resistant options like polyester. Similarly, the adhesive must be formulated explicitly for high-temperature and extreme conditions. This pairing ensures labels that can withstand harsh environments without compromising print quality or durability.

An equally important factor is selecting a compatible resin ribbon that complements the chosen substrate and adhesive. The ribbon should be capable of withstanding elevated temperatures and challenging conditions, ensuring the printed image remains legible, fade-resistant, and smudge-free over time.

When choosing the right substrate and ribbon for heat resistant labels, it is a good idea to consult with a label printing expert like Thermal Labels Australia to ensure that you get the best quality labels that meet your specific needs.

Get the most out of your labels

To get the most out of heat resistant labels, it is crucial to choose the right printing method, substrate material, and ribbon. Consult with a label printing expert to ensure that you get the best quality labels that meet your specific needs. Additionally, make sure to store the labels properly to maintain their quality and effectiveness. Keep them in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. Proper handling and storage of heat resistant labels will ensure that they remain durable and legible, even in high-temperature and extreme environments, providing a reliable solution for your labelling needs.

Browse our range of high-quality thermal transfer labels in Australia to find the perfect solution for your labelling needs. Or, get in touch with our friendly customer service team if you have any questions.