4 nameplate and label substrates that can withstand harsh environments

When it’s time to replace or install new equipment in harsh industrial environments, don’t overlook what might seem like a small detail: Substrates that will deliver the most durable and legible nameplates, tags, and labels. 

These small but crucial markers carry vital information, ranging from operator instructions and safety warnings to compliance specifications and maintenance histories. Ensuring that this information is legible and intact over time is paramount for operational efficiency and safety. 

Evaluate your options before assuming the most familiar is also the best.  

The Importance of Substrates 

Substrates are the foundation of any durable nameplate or serialized label. They determine not only physical durability but also resistance to environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, moisture, chemicals, and abrasion.  

Here are a few key substrates to consider: 

Stainless Steel 

• Durability:  Stainless steel is renowned for its exceptional durability, making it ideal for applications where nameplates are subjected to harsh environments or frequent mechanical stress.
• Resistance:   Stainless steel exhibits excellent resistance to corrosion, moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation, ensuring longevity even in the most hostile conditions. 
• Legibility:   Laser etching or chemical etching techniques can create highly legible markings on stainless steel, ensuring critical information is legible throughout the equipment's lifespan. 

Anodized Aluminum 

• Corrosion Resistance:  Anodized aluminum undergoes an electrochemical process that forms a protective oxide layer on the surface, providing excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
• Temperature Tolerance:  Anodized aluminum keeps its integrity across a wide range of temperatures, from freezing cold to extreme heat, ensuring reliable performance in diverse industrial settings. 
• Customization:  Anodized aluminum nameplates offer versatility in design, allowing for precise customization of graphics, text, and barcodes to meet specific application requirements. 

Polyester Labels with High-Performance Adhesives

• Chemical Resistance:  Polyester labels with specialized adhesives offer exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents, ensuring that essential information stays intact even in chemically aggressive environments.
• Flexibility:  These labels are highly flexible and conformable, making them suitable for application on curved or irregular surfaces without compromising adhesion or readability. 
• UV Stability:  Polyester labels boast excellent UV stability, maintaining their color and legibility even when exposed to prolonged sunlight, making them suitable for outdoor applications. 

Polycarbonate

• Exceptional Toughness:  Polycarbonate offers outstanding impact resistance, making it highly durable and suitable for applications where nameplates may be subjected to rough handling or mechanical stress.
• Chemical Resistance:  Polycarbonate offers excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents. This ensures legibility even in chemically harsh environments.
• Temperature Stability:  Polycarbonate maintains its structural integrity across a broad temperature range, from extreme cold to high heat, making it suitable for use in diverse industrial settings.
• Customization Options: Polycarbonate offers design flexibility, including the ability to incorporate intricate designs, variable data, and vibrant colors to meet your specific branding and application requirements.

Get a Quote Today

Don't compromise on the durability and legibility of your industrial nameplates. Reach out to Cubbison Company today for a quote or consultation. Email estimating@cubbison.com to get started or speak directly with one of our knowledgeable design engineers. Let us help you ensure that vital information stays clear and visible, no matter the environmental challenges your equipment faces.