Are You Really Getting Quality? Ask The Experts.

In my last post I talked about Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor and how his quest for more power always let to disaster. Are you doing the same thing when it comes to making your labels and signs?

Does "more vinyl" mean better labels? Or does it mean disaster? Does thicker vinyl mean higher quality? If so, why not have 10 mil or 15 mil thick vinyl? That's going to make big, sturdy labels... right?

Yes, as the vinyl gets thicker, the vinyl is more durable. The problem is that this does not mean labels made with that vinyl will be more durable. There are more factors that contribute to label life than just the thickness of the vinyl.

For example, the thicker the vinyl, the more it tries to retain it's original shape. Vinyl comes on rolls, and it will try to return to the shape it had on the roll. The thicker the vinyl the stronger the force putting a curl into the vinyl will be. This has implications in both print quality and durability of the label.

The SafetyPro has a straight-through tape path. That means the tape comes off the roll and then must lie flat as it moves under the print head. Thicker tapes don't lie flat. They will have a slight curl and this can result in uneven printing. The thicker the tape is, the more difficult it is to get quality printing.

The same problem impacts label durability. After it is applied the vinyl will continue to try to return to the curl it had on the roll. The result is that the label curls away from the surface on which it is applied, opening voids in the adhesive. The label may have as reduced life, falling off well before its full expected life. Or the voids may allow liquids or solvents to more easily attack the adhesive... again resulting in reduced label life.

The key is to find the optimum thickness that delivers both maximum vinyl life AND maximum label life. For most types of vinyl this is a thickness of 3.0 mil.

So trust the experts. Turn to a vendor that has the experience and knowledge to deliver the best labeling materials. A vendor that understands all of the factors that affect label life... not a Tim Taylor who always relies on "more power" as the solution that inevitably leads to disaster.

Contact Discount Labeling Supplies for all your SafetyPro supplies needs. Call 1-877-597-8833.