IDENTCO, a manufacturer of high-performance labeling solutions for the power equipment, electronics, transportation, and general industrial sectors, has been named label supplier of choice by a prominent North American provider of kayaks and other consumer watercraft. The selection process comprised a comprehensive analysis gauging the durability and legibility of solutions from several labeling suppliers; notably, the thorough testing was conducted over a span of some 7,000 hours, exponentially exceeding the UL testing standard of 750 hours.

Deemed the clear-cut winner, IDENTCO’s TT735 thermal transfer labels – part of the company’s DuraChem Series – comprise a 2mil, top coated, gloss white polyester face stock providing excellent resistance to harsh chemicals and abrasion, and designed not to shrink. Its adhesive is a 2 mil, high-performance permanent acrylic with high solvent resistance and an extra thick layering to better adhere to LSE and textured surfaces. A 50# kraft liner offers exemplary performance for both manual and automatic application.

For the watercraft provider, the TT735 Labels are paired with IDENTCO’s TTRR-D thermal transfer resin ribbon, whose critical bond between ink and topcoat ensures lasting print legibility. Often utilized in rugged settings such as automotive, industrial, aerospace and electronics, the TTRR-D offers heightened resistance to chemicals and abrasion.

To ensure the labels’ adhesion durability and enduring legibility across the wide swath of North American climates, tested labels underwent a process that saw temperatures fluctuate between -40° C and 80° C, and at relative humidity from zero to 95%. For its selection process, the watercraft company sought to confirm the functionality and readability of its labels over several years; considering that such simulations equate 375 hours with one year of outdoors exposure, the chosen IDENTCO solution proved durable and legible for well over 15 years.

IDENTCO’s DuraChem Series features highly durable labels constructed from white gloss polyester, a versatile material that can adhere to a wide variety of standard smooth surfaces. Offering excellent chemical, solvent, abrasion, and smudge resistance, DuraChem labels have 2-year UL, CUL and CSA ratings for both indoor and outdoor use and make an ideal choice for a variety of industries including medical, industrial, electronics, military, and automotive.