Day: January 9, 2023

What are Equipment Stickers?

Industrial equipment stickers are labels or decals that are used to identify and provide information about industrial equipment. These stickers can be used to indicate the manufacturer, model, serial number, safety warnings, operating instructions, and other important information about the equipment. They are commonly found on industrial machinery, equipment, and vehicles, such as forklifts, cranes, and generators.

What is the purpose of Industrial Equipment Stickers?

These decals serve a variety of important purposes, with the primary purpose of communicating safety and operating instructions to users. Below are the most common uses of industrial decals:

1. Identifying the Equipment: ID stickers are used to identify the equipment, including its manufacturer, model, and serial number. This information can be used to track the equipment’s maintenance history, as well as to identify it in case of theft or loss.
2. Providing Safety Information: Safety stickers are used to provide information and warnings about the equipment. They may include information about safe operating procedures, capacity limitations, and potential hazards associated with the equipment. This helps operators to use the equipment safely and to avoid potential accidents or injuries.
3. Operating Instructions: Stickers provide information on how to operate the equipment safely and effectively. This may include information on how to start and stop the equipment, as well as information on any controls or buttons.
4. Compliance and Regulations: Industrial equipment often is subject to regulation by OSHA, other government agencies, and industry bodies that require certain information to be displayed on the equipment. These stickers can indicate compliance with regulations and standards, such as labeling equipment with information about chemical composition and proper disposal.
5. Asset Management: Keeping records of each piece of equipment’s information in one place, such as on the sticker can make it easier to inventory, track and maintain equipment.

Overall, the purpose of industrial equipment stickers is to provide important information about the equipment, which can help operators to use the equipment safely and effectively, and help with the management and maintenance of the equipment.

What type of Equipment are these stickers used on?

Industrial stickers are used on a wide variety of equipment and machinery in many different industries. Some examples of equipment that industrial stickers may be used on include:

• Heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, mining, and manufacturing, such as excavators, bulldozers, and assembly line machinery
• Transportation equipment, such as trains, trucks, and buses
• Agricultural equipment, such as tractors and combines
• HVAC and other home services equipment
• Medical equipment, such as hospital beds and imaging machines
• Laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and centrifuges
• Electrical and electronic equipment, such as control panels and circuit boards

These types of stickers are often used to label or identify the equipment, provide warning or safety information, or display certifications or other information required by regulations.

What type of sticker material is recommended for industrial stickers?

Industrial equipment stickers should be made from materials that are durable, resistant to environmental conditions, and able to withstand the wear and tear of the equipment they are applied to. Some of the most commonly used materials for industrial equipment stickers include:

• Vinyl: Vinyl is a flexible and durable material that is resistant to water, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. It is often used for labels and decals that will be applied to curved or irregular surfaces.
• Polyester: Polyester is a strong material that is resistant to fading, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. It is often used for labels and decals that will be exposed to sunlight or other sources of UV light.
• Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent material that is resistant to impact, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. It is often used for labels and decals that will be applied to equipment that will be subject to rough usage or exposure to industrial environments
• Aluminum: Aluminium is also used for industrial equipment where it will be exposed to harsh environments, it provides a strong and long-lasting labeling solution.
• Reflective materials: Reflective materials, such as reflective vinyl or 3M reflective material, can be used for labels and decals that will be applied to equipment that will be used in low-light or nighttime conditions. This material is used to make reflective stickers.

In addition, the adhesive used to attach the sticker to the equipment is also important. It should be strong enough to keep the sticker in place, but also able to withstand harsh environmental conditions and be removable without leaving residue behind.

Ultimately, the type of material used for industrial equipment stickers will depend on the specific application, the environmental conditions the equipment will be exposed to, and the requirements of the equipment owner or operator.

How should equipment decals be printed?

There are a few different methods that can be used to print industrial equipment decals, depending on the specific requirements of the decal and the equipment it will be applied to. Some of the most common methods include:

• Screen printing: Screen printing is a traditional printing method that involves using a stencil or mesh screen to apply ink to the decal material. This method is often used for printing large quantities of decals and is well-suited for printing solid colors or simple designs.
• Digital printing: Digital printing is a more recent printing method that uses a digital file and a specialized inkjet or thermal transfer printer to print the decal. This method is well-suited for printing detailed or photographic designs and allows for easy customization of each decal.
• Thermal transfer printing: This is also a digital printing method, thermal transfer printers use a heated print head to transfer ink from a ribbon to the decal material. This method is useful for printing on a wide variety of materials, including those that are heat-sensitive and is well-suited for printing barcodes, serial numbers, and other data that is required to be printed on the equipment decals.
• Cut vinyl, also called Transfer Decals: This method is also popular in industrial equipment labeling, it uses cut vinyl to create decals. This method is especially useful for creating labels and decals with simple text or designs and can be done in any color.

When printing decals, the label material and ink should be compatible and able to withstand the environmental conditions the equipment will be exposed to. For example, if the equipment will be exposed to high temperatures or chemicals, the ink and decal material should be able to withstand those conditions without fading or breaking down.

It’s essential that the final product of the decals are of good quality, clear and legible so that it can be used for equipment labeling and identification.

Laminating custom stickers can be a nuanced dilemma and opinions vary widely on the correct answer. Some print processes, like UV screen printed stickers, do not require lamination to be waterproof and outdoors durable. For other printing techniques, such as an HP Indigo digital printer, an unlaminated sticker will not last very long in the outdoor elements.

If the stickers have an outdoor-rated printed process, the decision to laminate can come down to a cost-benefit analysis for the brand. Lamination adds cost to each sticker, but can also provide a really cool look. Some consumers really like the look and feel of a laminated sticker because it feels extra durable.

Let’s learn a little bit more about the pros and cons of laminating stickers.

What are branding stickers?

Branding stickers are stickers that are used for promotional or marketing purposes. They often feature a company’s logo, branding elements, or other identifying information, and are used to create brand awareness and visibility. Branding stickers can be used in a variety of ways, such as being included in the packaging for products, placed on promotional materials or business cards, or used as part of a marketing campaign. They can be made in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, and can be used to promote businesses of all sizes and industries.

What is the purpose of laminating stickers?

Laminating stickers can serve a number of purposes. Some of the main benefits of laminating stickers include:

1. Protection: Lamination can help protect stickers from fading, smudging, and wear and tear. This is particularly useful if the stickers will be exposed to the elements or handled frequently.
2. Durability: Laminating stickers can make them more durable and longer-lasting.
3. Appearance: Lamination can give stickers a professional, finished look, and can also help to enhance their colors and make them more vibrant.
4. Versatility: Laminated stickers can be used in a wide range of environments and applications, as they are resistant to fading and wear and tear.

Overall, the purpose of laminating stickers is to improve their durability, appearance, and versatility, and to protect them from the elements and wear and tear.

Which Print Processes Don’t Require Lamination?

The printing processes that best withstand the sun, rain, wind, and dishwasher are the ones that put the thickness deposit of ink on the material. In this case, screen printing puts down the most durable layer of ink. Screen printing with UV inks is a quick-drying and environmentally-friendly approach to printing outdoor stickers. The average screen print will last 3-5 years in direct sunlight without any noticeable fading of color.

Can Screen Printed Stickers Benefit from Lamination?

Laminating screen printed stickers is a good way to change up the final finish of the decal. Applying a matte laminate will make the print more reader friendly, but less eye-catching. Using a high-gloss laminate is a great way to capture attention. The high-gloss look can be distracting to the eye though.

Laminates can bring out the rich colors of the printed stickers. Some consumers like the look and feel of the laminate because the sticker feels more durable and sturdy. The perceived increased quality can offset the increased cost of adding a laminate.

Laminates are also a good way to protect a screen printed product from heavy abrasion. For instance, a sticker going on the back of a phone case could really benefit from lamination because it will be constantly rubbed against items in a pocket or purse. The initial wear and tear will not affect the print, but over time, the print will have scratches.

What are the most common laminates?

Laminates come in all different constructions and finishes. Here’s a list of the most common types of sticker laminates.

1. Matte vinyl laminate
2. Gloss vinyl laminate
3. Gloss polyester laminate
4. Floor graphic laminate
5. Pebbled surface laminate
6. BOPP selfwound laminate for roll labels.

Are there any cons to laminated stickers?

There are two primary cons to laminating stickers. The first is the extra cost of the laminate. The second con is the added environmental waste that results from unnecessary plastic material.

What is Comgraphx’s Position on Laminates?

We want whatever is best for the customer! We are ambivalent as long as the customer receives the product they want. Most of the products available for sale through our website, such as die cut stickers and custom sticker sheets, are laminated with a matte or gloss laminate. We think these products look really cool with a laminate.

There are a few steps you can follow to apply a sticker:

1. Clean the surface where you want to use the sticker. Make sure it is dry and free of any dirt or debris.
2. Slowly peel the backing paper off the sticker. If the sticker is large, it might be best to use the wet method to apply. Another option is to have the stickers back slit in multiple places to make it easier to apply.
3. Position the sticker on the surface where you want to apply it. Use a scraper or a credit card to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure that the sticker adheres appropriately.
4. If the sticker has multiple layers, carefully peel off each layer, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go.
5. Once the sticker is applied, gently press down on the edges to ensure it is fully stuck to the surface.

Stickers can take up to 72 hours before they fully adhere to the surface. This is because the adhesive takes time to ooze out and fill all crevices.

By following these steps, you can apply a sticker smoothly and evenly.

What are the best places to put stickers?

Stickers can go almost anywhere! They are a fun accessory to decorate your gear. These are our top recommendations for sticker placement:

1. Laptops, tablets, and other personal devices
2. Water bottles and tumblers
3. Notebooks and planners
4. Car windows and
5. Garage refrigerators and freezers
6. Toolboxes
7. Ice chests

Stickers are a great way to show support for a particular brand or product you enjoy using. They are the perfect way to personalize your items and show off your interests.

Stickers with back slits make it easy to remove the backing paper

Have you ever seen a sticker without a back slit and had trouble getting the sticker off the backing paper? Stickers with a back slit make it significantly easier to apply stickers correctly on the first try. All of the stickers we produce come standard with a back slit.

Using the wet method for Large Stickers and Retail Graphics

The wet method is a way of applying very large stickers. The most common places the wet method are used is for retail window graphics and truck graphics. This method uses a soap and water combination to temporarily deaden the adhesive, allowing the sticker to be repositioned.

To learn more about the wet method, check out this video!

There is more to applying stickers than meets the eye! By selecting the right location and using the best method to stick them on your ideal surface, stickers can be a fun way to show personality through your favorite brands.