Let’s Talk 800-528-4058
Get Quote › Get Samples ›

How To Choose The Right Industrial Equipment Labels

Free Label Samples ›
Get Custom Label Quote ›
how to choose industrial equipment labels

Key Takeaway

  • To select the appropriate industrial equipment labels, it’s essential to assess environmental conditions, define specific application needs, and choose suitable materials and attachment methods to ensure durability and functionality.
  • Industrial equipment labels are used by companies throughout the world as a convenient way to mark their important assets. Given the high capital cost and demanding upkeep that most of these assets require, it’s important to properly manage all of the critical details for each item.

    Many businesses use industrial equipment labels to share important information including barcodes and also demonstrate clear ownership.

    When choosing an equipment label you should always carefully consider your requirements, application, and label design. In this post, we’ll take a look at the best way to prepare for your order and make the most out of your label selection.

    Industrial equipment labels are a versatile and durable asset management solution, with options that can meet even the most unique requirements.

    What are Industrial Equipment Labels?

     requirements for industrial equipment labels

    Industrial equipment labels are specialized tags, plates, or stickers designed to convey critical information about machinery, tools, and other industrial equipment. These labels play a vital role in maintaining safety, ensuring proper operation, and complying with regulatory standards in industrial settings.

    Unlike standard consumer labels, industrial equipment labels are engineered to withstand harsh environments. They are often exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals, abrasion, and outdoor elements, requiring durable materials and robust adhesives.

    Common Uses of Industrial Equipment Labels

    1. Safety Warnings: Highlight potential hazards to ensure worker safety and compliance with regulations such as OSHA standards.
    2. Operational Instructions: Provide clear and concise guidelines for operating equipment to prevent misuse and improve efficiency.
    3. Asset Identification: Track and manage equipment through barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags for inventory control.
    4. Regulatory Compliance: Indicate adherence to industry-specific standards or certifications, such as UL, CE, or RoHS.
    5. Maintenance Information: Include schedules, serial numbers, or specifications to assist with proper upkeep and repairs.

    Key Features of Industrial Equipment Labels

    To meet the demands of industrial applications, these labels must exhibit the following characteristics:

    • Durability: Constructed from materials such as polyester, vinyl, or metal to resist wear and tear.
    • Legibility: Printed with high-contrast inks or engraved to remain readable over time.
    • Adhesion: Equipped with strong adhesives that can bond to a variety of surfaces, including textured or oily ones.
    • Customizability: Tailored to include specific information, graphics, and logos as per user requirements.

    Industrial equipment labels are essential tools that ensure safety, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain compliance in industrial environments. Choosing the right label for your equipment is critical to achieving these goals, making it important to consider material, adhesive, and application conditions.

    So here are the 3 steps to choosing the right labels for your industrial equipment needs.

    1. Define the Requirements

    One of the most critical decisions to make when choosing industrial equipment labels is selecting the right substrate material. To ensure maximum compatibility with your intended applications, consider any potential environments where your industrial equipment may be stored. These can include warehouses, outdoor locations, trucks, buildings and factories.

    For each location, identify any potential hazards that may be present such as moisture, chemicals, and sources of abrasion. Since it is not possible to prepare for every scenario, this process can really help you understand the level of label durability your application requires.

    Once you understand the sources of potential damage, you can then select a substrate material that is most compatible with those parameters. Industrial equipment labels can be fabricated with metals, plastics, or polyester, giving you a wide range of choices to fit your specific needs. Additional requirements to consider are label positioning, barcode scanning, and the attachment method.

    All of these considerations combined will help you narrow down your potential industrial equipment labels selection to a few label options.

    Want a FREE Manufacturer’s Guide to Metal Labeling?

    Click the button below to receive a free PDF of our Manufacturer’s Guide to Metal Labeling, which contains the benefits, options, and key tips of product labelling for manufacturers.
    Get The Guide ›

    2. Determine Your Application

    Once you understand the type of label material and basic design requirements for your application, it is much easier to select from a specific style of industrial equipment label. There are many options available to suit unique application specifications. Some labels can be used in many different situations, while others are intended for a very specific use case.

    Here’s a look at common use cases and the types of industrial equipment labels and tags that are suitable for each.

    • Asset Management. A durable asset label or tag is an excellent choice for marking industrial equipment of all types. These tags typically contain a company or item name, identifying number, and an associated barcode. You can choose from plastic or metal label designs, including the highly durable Metalphoto® aluminum.
    • Security. For industrial equipment that may frequently leave your facility, is transferred between work sites or locations, or may be used by third parties, a security label may be the best choice. These labels are available with metal or plastic substrates, and some are designed to display a special visible layer or leave clear evidence of tampering behind on your equipment surface if anyone tries to remove it.
    • Operations & Maintenance. In some situations, you may need to place a large amount of information on your industrial equipment label. By installing a durable metal rating plate label, you can include information like the equipment manufacturer, serial number, and electrical specifications on the label surface. This is a great option when OEM labels may be missing or damaged, or you require additional reference information for maintenance and equipment upkeep purposes.
    • Compliance. Some industries and applications are highly regulated, with specific requirements for the use of associated equipment. A compliance tag, similar to a data plate, can be used to place important data and information directly on your equipment. These tags are fabricated of Metalphoto® aluminum and have an expected exterior lifetime of over 20 years.
    • Instructional. An excellent way to ensure compliance with regulatory procedures and operations and safety best practices is to place a visual reference on your equipment with an instructional label. These labels are made of Metalphoto® aluminum, and you can fully customize the graphics and include 1D or 2D barcodes.

    3. Finalize Your Order and Quantity

    materials for industrial labels

    After identifying your label specifications and determining your application, you can confirm a few final details and have your labels created, shipped, and delivered. Before placing an order, it’s always a good idea to review your final design and confirm the expected label order quantity.

    You may also have a need for label blanks, which can be purchased for onsite engraving, embossing, or stamping. This is often desired for businesses that frequently relabel equipment or are managing work-in-progress (WIP) processes.

    By working with a trusted partner, you have access to experts who can review your specifications and make recommendations if there are any questions about compatibility or design fit. The selection process is as easy as following a few simple steps to choose a design that is optimized for your industrial equipment labeling needs.

    Final Thoughts

    Choosing the right industrial equipment labels is a strategic investment that can boost efficiency, safety, and brand recognition for any operation. The selection process goes beyond picking a label that “sticks.” It demands careful consideration of environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, and the demands of your specific application.

    By partnering with a label provider who understands these nuanced challenges—whether it’s harsh temperatures, chemical exposure, or the need for strong adhesives—you stand to gain a solution that is both cost-effective and durable in the long run. Ultimately, devoting the proper time and resources to selecting the right industrial labels will protect your equipment and personnel while reinforcing your commitment to quality and compliance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Questions about the article? Let us help!

    Our sales engineers are experts in automatic asset tracking, tagging and identification,a nd can answer all your questions. Get in touch now.

    Lets Talk ›

    Create The Ideal Solution For Your Product Identification Needs

    If you’re having trouble finding the ideal identification solution for your project or application, build it with Metalphoto of Cincinnati. Talk with our experienced sales engineers today.
    Let’s Talk ›
    Want a FREE Guide to Metal Labeling for Manufacturers?

    Enter your information and get a free guide that will give you a detailed overview of metal labeling, its advantages over alternative label materials, and all the best practices for using metal labels in your own business or organization.

    No Thanks
    Thank You!
    Download Your Free Guide Below!
    Click the button to access a PDF version of the guide that you can download to your device:
    If you have any pressing questions or need immediate assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out and Contact Us Now or call 800-528-4058.