Industrial equipment labels are used by many industries to mark any valuable and important assets. Companies use labels to share important information, such as barcodes, and to show their branding. Labels can be manufactured from a wide range of materials and finished in various ways to suit their application, such as etching being used to ensure the label remains legible even in the harshest environments.

When you choose equipment labels for your business, it’s important that you consider your requirements, the application, and the also the design of the label. Here’s a look at some of the things to consider when choosing the right kind of equipment label for your business.

Identify Your Business Needs

Consider what items are being labelled, such as the material it is made from and the colours and shape. Your label will need to fit nicely on the item, be completely legible and not be liable to peeling off. A machine that labels jars and bottles may not work for items with flexible packaging, so consider all the aspects of your items and how labels could affect them. If your products have a smooth surface, they will not need the same kind of label as a product with a rough or ridged surface

Label Design

When designing your label, there are many factors to consider. You may want it to look eye-catching, be printed with your logo and branding colours, or serve as a visual warning sign with plenty of important information that is completely legible.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we have a team of skilled graphic designers who can work with you through the research and development process to provide you with a suitable label for your needs. Whether you need plastic labels or a stainless-steel label that can be chemically etched and used in environments like the oil and gas or offshore industries, we have something to suit you.

Product Environment

Once you have your label designed, you need to consider where it will end up once attached to its desired product. Consider every location where your labelled items will be exposed, such as warehouses, outdoor locations, delivery vans, buildings, etc. For each location, there may be a unique hazard for the label, such as moisture or adverse weather conditions. Consider everything your label will come up against and choose a level of durability that your application requires.

At GSM, we have labels that can withstand the harshest of environments, made from materials resistant to UV rays, so they will not fade or discolour over time. We also have waterproof labels available for the marine or leisure industry. When you discuss your requirements with us, we will be able to make recommendations for the right kind of equipment nameplates to suit your industry’s environment.

Label Application

Once you have your label designed and have considered the environment it will be in, you will need to choose a specific style of industrial equipment label. There are different options available for unique applications. Some labels are suited to many different environments, while others are intended for specific use. Here are some examples of label applications:

• Security – for equipment that leaves your premises and transferred between locations, a security label is ideal. These are typically waterproof labels that may be anodised to protect the information with an anodic layer to remain legible. These labels are also tough to remove, and we have holographic labels available for anti-counterfeit purposes.
• Asset management – a durable label is the perfect choice for industrial equipment, containing information such as company and item name, identification number and a barcode. There are a variety of plastic and metal nameplates to choose from.
• Compliance – for industries that are highly regulated and that require the use of associated equipment, labels can be used to carry vital information and data directly onto the equipment. We have labels available that can last many years without fading or becoming illegible.
• Instructional – to ensure compliance with regulatory procedures and safety practices, labels can be applied to equipment to serve as instructions, making sure that procedures and best practices are followed.

Label Manufacturer

Once you know what kind of label you need for your equipment, you can contact a label manufacturer like GSM Graphic Arts. If you are uncertain about the specific needs of your label or you do not know what type of label would be the best choice for your business needs, our team can help.

We have over 40 years of manufacturing experience and helping our customers choose the right kind of label for their particular application. You can use our artwork and design services to ensure your labels carry all the correct information and look great. We have adhesive labels, graphic overlays and barcodes available. If you would like to learn more, do not hesitate to contact us.