Rugged Barcode Labels & Stickers

We are leading manufacturers of rugged barcode labels and stickers.

Available in a range of materials for any application, our rugged barcode labels and stickers are manufactured with leading processes to the highest standards.

Since 1974, we’ve helped all market and industry sectors to meet their varied barcode label requirements.

What Are Rugged Barcode Labels?

Rugged barcode labels are used as an extremely durable way of uniquely identifying an item for recording and traceability purposes. They are excellent for use in warehouses, industry or harsh environments where products may be exposed to knocks, abrasions, harsh weather, extreme temperatures or even solvents.

Their sturdy, hard-wearing nature makes them perfect for eliminating scanning issues. This can benefit stock visibility, improve tracking of items and increase the general efficiency of warehousing operations.

Types of Rugged Barcode Labels

We are able to produce barcodes of a number of different types, most popularly linear and datamatrix. Both barcode types are used in a wide range of industrial and logistics applications. They can be produced as sequentially numbered barcode labels, either on a roll, as a rugged anodised aluminium label, under-surface printed polycarbonate and even stainless steel.

Standard linear barcode

The linear barcode labels are typically produced using either code 39 or code 128. This can link back to a database to access required information.

Code 39 does not contain a check digit and its low data density means that it will require more space to encrypt data, hence a larger barcode label. Code 128 type is a high density barcode containing a check digit, making it suitable for both alphanumeric and numeric codes.

2D datamatrix barcode

A datamatrix (or 2D) barcode is a 2 dimensional code consisting of white and black squares holding a variety of information including part numbers, serial numbers, and manufacturer codes. This information is provided immediately upon scanning. These can be produced using digital printing, with anodised aluminium a commonly used material in military, aerospace and electronics.

Commonly used in marketing, we are also able to produce QR codes. These provide a direct connection to a specific web page when scanned. This might outline your company, products or provide instructions for use.

We also produce roll-form labels. This can represent an economical option for high volume usage in low-risk environments, such as electronics, logistics and warehousing.

High-performance Materials to Meet Your Application and Budget

Our team can help you to select the most suitable material for your needs. We offer a number of options and leading processes for creating your barcode labels and stickers, with all products manufactured to ISO 9001:2008 standards.

  • Anodised aluminium — these barcodes are digitally printed, anodised and sealed within the surface of the aluminium. This provides an exceptionally hard-wearing, solvent-resistant surface. A number of aluminium thicknesses are available, from 0.3mm to 3mm. This material is popularly specified for military, instrumentation, medical and asset management applications.
  • Laser marked or etched stainless steel — the barcode is marked into the surface of the metal to give a very durable finish, suitable for harsh environments such as those encountered in marine, environmental and oil and gas applications. The etched stainless steel rugged barcode labels have also been tested for use in very high temperatures, up to 800°C.
  • Plastic — these types of rugged barcode labels are under-surface digitally printed onto plastics such as polycarbonate and acrylic. These provide a durable finish, with the inks printed on the rear and viewed through the clear substrate to provide a long-lasting solution. Depending on your application, this can be a cost effective, perfectly suitable solution, especially for identifying aisles and racks in warehousing, logistics and asset management.

These products can be specified with either a high-quality self-adhesive tape on rear, or with holes for a mechanical fixing. This can even be fixed with tamper proof screws for security after installation.

Discuss Your Needs With Our Team Today

Trust GSM to find the perfect solution for your application. Fill in our request a quote form, email webenquiry@gsmgraphicarts.com or phone 01845 522 184 to talk to our team. You may also like to request our brochure and sample pack.