How the right label finish could even save lives.

When deciding upon and specifying the surface finish for a label or nameplate, it is important to consider how and where the product will be used in its final application environment.

What perhaps isn’t quite so well-known is just how important it can be to get this decision right depending on the circumstances. You may have to forgive the dramatic title – but let us explain.

Avoiding disaster

Not so long ago, a manufacturer of portable field-based communications equipment specified to us that they needed a mobile battery pack complete with a descriptive aluminium nameplate, and an anodised surface finish. This equipment would be used in a military setting, meaning that in a potentially life or death situation everything had to be exactly right.

Unfortunately, the chosen anodised aluminium nameplate would have a semi-gloss finish and would exhibit strong (and unwanted) reflective properties. This in a combat situation could potentially be disastrous.

Inform Products advised the client that it would be much more appropriate for the battery nameplate to have a matte finish to ensure minimal reflective properties. The communications equipment manufacturer took heed of the advice, and the battery pack was supplied with an aluminium nameplate with a full matte finish and minimal reflective properties.

Years of expertise

Whilst it’s probably unlikely that you or your business will find itself with such dramatic potential consequences anytime soon, it just goes to show how important those little details are. Finding a label manufacturer who has the years of expertise and foresight to spot and communicate problems early on, will help your label be as good as it needs to be in many different applications and environments.

For advice or to find out more about the most appropriate surface finishes, call us on 01473 820060 or email sales@Informproducts.co.uk

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