IDENTCO, a manufacturer of high-performance labeling solutions for the power equipment, electronics, transportation, and general industrial sector, has introduced a new labeling system for the industrial sector that simplifies the manufacturing process while providing unprecedented levels of resistance against harsh cleaning agents. Designed specifically for a prominent fluid management systems OEM, the company’s TT656 Label Series solves for many common sector-specific marking and identification stumbling blocks even while offering the potential for streamlined production and exponential cost savings. 

Before engaging IDENTCO for a custom solution, the fluid management systems company utilized several labeling methods – each with their own drawbacks. Like practically all industrial equipment, the apparatus’ labels needed to endure aggressive cleaning agents while remaining flawlessly legible. The OEM initially employed a system where a clear label was manually placed atop the printed-upon base label. In addition to requiring an onerous amount of labor, the setup was subject to human error such as overlooking the clear, protective top layer. 

The fluid management system OEM eventually transitioned to a multilayer windowed label. While an improvement, issues with available printing real estate and printer compatibility issues left the supplier seeking further improvements. 

IDENTCO’s TT656 Series amounted to a custom-designed sweet spot. The single-layer labels do not require an overlaminate, nor do they incorporate a relatively complex windowed structure. Crucially, TT656 labels withstand a more comprehensive range of cleaning agents compared with other single-layer industrial labeling solutions, and are available in an expanded array of ribbon lengths and widths. The new labeling system also displayed superior adhesion to both stainless steel and polypropylene and, while competing solutions were experiencing lead times of more than two months, IDENTCO is supplying TT656 labels within two weeks of order receipt.  

Despite its many advantages, though, perhaps the most notable benefit IDENTCO’s fluid management system customer is enjoying is the price point. The switch to TT656 labels is providing the OEM with a percentage savings in the high triple digits, meaning it is several times less expensive than its previous solution. 

Offering excellent smudge, abrasion, scratch and solvent resistance, IDENTCO’s TT656 Series of labels is suitable for indoor and limited outdoor applications. It consists of a 2.6 mil gloss white face stock with a 1.0-1.1 mil acrylic adhesive and a 50# kraft liner. When used in combination with IDENTCO’s TTRR-T ribbon, it passes a large variety of chemical durability performance tests. 

“Industrial equipment is understandably subjected to aggressive cleaning agents, which can render vital product markings eroded, illegible or even unaffixed,” says Ralph Rhein, technical director for IDENTCO. “Our new TT656 labels may be our most chemical-resistant industrial marking solutions to date, and bring the added benefits of optimized labor, expanded options for label size, tight-turnaround lead times and drastically reduced cost.”