When working in the manufacturing and industrial industry, there are a lot of risks involved. This is due to the operation of heavy machinery and other dangerous equipment and products. At the end of the day, you are liable for any end-user risks.
That is why there is a strong need for manufacturing labels, industrial nameplates, and other product overlays that can be used to alleviate this risk.
From risk mitigation to asset management, discover all of the valuable ways labels and overlays can benefit the manufacturing and industrial industry. Let’s get started.
Common Uses of Overlays and Labels in the Manufacturing Industry
It’s no secret that there is a strong need for overlays, nameplates, and labels in the manufacturing and industrial industry. In fact, overlays and labels are used in almost all aspects of manufacturing. No matter what industry you work with.
They are placed on consumer goods, construction and industrial equipment, food processing and restaurant equipment, IT systems, OEM electronic hardware, telecommunications equipment, and more.
Manufacturing labels and overlays commonly used in this industry include:
- Barcode and UID nameplates
- Product branding tags and promotional nameplates
- Inventory and asset tags
- Model and serial number nameplates
- Tracking labels and tags
- Metal nameplates for equipment identification
- Equipment operating instructions and safety warnings
- Control panel overlays
- Precision dials and scales
- Schematics for troubleshooting
So, what type of manufacturers can benefit from using overlays and labels?
Types of Manufacturers That Need Overlays and Labels
Manufacturers in practically every industry use overlays and labels, some of which include:
- Communication equipment manufacturers
- Construction equipment manufacturers
- Consumer goods manufacturers
- Furniture manufacturer
- Industrial appliance manufacturers
- Restaurant equipment manufacturers
While they all use overlays and labels, the type they need may vary. Keep reading to learn more about the types of overlays and labels available and how the manufacturing industry can benefit from each one.
Benefits of Industry-Grade Graphic Overlays
First, let’s talk about graphic overlays. A graphic overlay, also known as a panel overlay, is a critical printed interface on mechanical and electronic assemblies. It allows the user to effectively interact with the device, machine, or equipment.
This top layer visually represents the device’s user interface panel and is the first thing the operator sees. There are various forms, such as a single layer that is backed by adhesive or part of a membrane switch.
These overlays typically include the company name and branding, in addition to product information. Important information to include is IDs and serial numbers, plus instructions for using the device.
Finally, a graphic overlay may also include important safety warnings. This functional user-friendly interface is very important, as it helps define the user experience.
Purpose of Overlays in the Manufacturing Industry
Now let’s discuss how the manufacturing industry uses overlays.
You might already know that graphic overlays used on equipment for manufacturing must be “industry-grade.” Overlays need to be ready to handle heavy daily use and resist harsh chemical environments. This ensures the overlay will last the test of time and never fade when it is needed the most.
Types of machinery that would heavily benefit from the use overlays include:
- Electronic testing devices
- Foodservice equipment
- Safety equipment
- Material handling equipment
- Testing equipment
- Printing devices
- Lathes
- Saws
- Presses
- Milling machines
- Color measurement equipment
- Motor controllers
- Processing equipment
- Commercial and residential appliances
As heavy machinery can pose a potential workplace risk and increased liability for organizations, interfaces must be robust and easy to read, as well as intuitive. This involves a smart design, high-quality graphics, and hearty materials that remain sharp over years of abuse.
Choose the Right Material for Your Overlays
With that being said, let’s take a look at the most beneficial materials for industry-grade overlays.
Anodized Aluminum – Lightweight yet durable, anodized aluminum is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It’s known for its corrosion and abrasion resistance and is lighter than other metals. Anodized aluminum can be customized with various colors and designs.
PhotoSensitive Aluminum (MetalPhoto) – MetalPhoto is extremely durable and unaffected by harsh indoor and outdoor conditions. It includes the process of sealing your image under a sapphire-hard anodic layer to protect it.
Polyester (Mylar®) – Polyester, also known as Mylar, is ideal for harsh indoor and outdoor environments. The material is UV resistant, won’t fade in the sun, is non-yellowing, electrical resistant. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, water, abrasion, and chemicals.
Polycarbonate (Lexan®) – Lexan is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic material that’s transparent, strong, tough, impact-resistant, and temperature resistant. It’s the best material to use where extreme temperatures and widely varying temperatures are a concern. This material is also resistant to scratches, corrosion, chemical abrasion, and water. It also expands and contracts without damaging the material.
Vinyl (PVC) – PVC vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is very rigid and extremely durable. However, unless it has UV overlaminate protection, it isn’t suitable for outdoor use. Properties of PVC include resistance to moisture and humidity as well as low cost.
Now that you know all about graphic overlays, it’s time to talk about the importance of industry labels.
Benefits of Industry Labels for the Manufacturing Industry
Businesses in the manufacturing industry use labels to facilitate their manufacturing and inventory tracking. Labels are also used for shipping any products or equipment their business makes. Labels share vital instructions and safety warnings as well as provide quality control.
Typically, labels are placed on manufacturing machines and equipment in order to provide the necessary information. They usually contain barcodes, ownership details, manufacturer’s name, serial number, and maintenance requirements.
Purpose of Labels in the Manufacturing Industry
Now let’s discuss how the manufacturing industry uses labels.
Machinery and heavy-duty equipment require labels that can withstand harsh conditions and meet industry specifications. The manufacturing industry often uses labels for safety and instructional purposes, putting them in facilities and on equipment.
You can get custom industrial labels, tags, nameplates, such as:
- Manufacturing labels
- Factory and machinery labels
- Circuit board and electronics labels
- Engineering labels
- Domed labels
- QC stickers, labels & tags
- QR codes, barcodes, serial number labels
- UL labels
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety labels
- Hazard labels
- Security labels
- Instructional labels
Once you have decided the purpose of your label, you can begin to select the material you want to use.
Pick the Proper Material for Your Industry Labels
The best materials for your labels will depend on many factors, including usage, environmental conditions, and the information required. However, here are some of the most common materials used for industry labels.
Polyester (Mylar®) – Polyester, also known as Mylar, is ideal for harsh indoor and outdoor environments. The material is UV resistant, won’t fade in the sun, is non-yellowing, is electrical resistant. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, water, abrasion, and chemicals.
Polycarbonate (Lexan®) – Lexan is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic material that’s transparent, strong, tough, impact-resistant, and temperature resistant. It’s the best material to use where extreme temperatures and widely varying temperatures are a concern. This material is also resistant to scratches, corrosion, chemical abrasion, and water, and it expands and contracts without damaging the material.
With proper, well-made manufacturing labels and overlays on your side, you can run your business smoothly and safely.
Design Your Manufacturing Labels and Overlays with Hallmark Nameplate
Are you ready to craft the strongest, most reliable industry-grade labels and overlays for your equipment, machinery, and products?
At Hallmark Nameplate, we’ll work closely with your team to learn every detail of your desired application so we can design the best manufacturing labels for your business. We use top-quality materials and printing processes to ensure each order is made to perfection.
Ready to get started? Sign up for a comprehensive FREE quote to find a solution that will meet your specific needs.
Want to learn more? Read our guide, The Complete Guide to Industrial and Custom Labels.
Related Resources from Hallmark Nameplate
- Hallmark Nameplate products and services
- Increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- How to choose a nameplate manufacturer
- How to choose a manufacturer
Frequently Asked Questions About Manufacturing Labels and Overlays
What industries rely on custom industrial-grade labels?
Any sector where equipment must be identified, operated and serviced over a long life in a demanding environment. That includes industrial machinery and automation, medical devices, aerospace and defense, food and beverage processing, telecommunications, energy and utilities, and transportation. The common factor is not the industry but the requirement: regulated marking, long service life, and an environment that would destroy a commercial-grade label.
What is the difference between industrial labels and commercial labels?
Specification depth. A commercial label is selected mainly on appearance and cost, with a service life measured in months and a benign environment. An industrial label is engineered against a defined environment: temperature range, chemical and UV exposure, abrasion, substrate surface energy and expected life. The face stock, adhesive and marking method are each selected deliberately, and the label is expected to stay legible and attached for the life of the equipment.
How do labels and overlays improve manufacturing operations?
Through three mechanisms that rarely get measured but show up in operating cost. Identification speeds fault diagnosis and parts matching, which reduces mean time to repair. Clear interface labelling reduces setup errors and shortens operator response to alarms, which protects throughput and first-pass quality. And durable regulatory marking keeps equipment compliant through audits and inspections without remedial work. Most plants only notice the value when illegible labelling has already cost them a shift.
What is an overlay in manufacturing?
An overlay is a printed flexible layer, usually polyester or polycarbonate, that forms the visible face of a control panel. It carries the key legends, display windows and branding, protects the switches and electronics beneath it, and seals the panel against dust, moisture and cleaning agents. In most industrial equipment it is the part of the machine the operator physically touches most often.
What are reinforcement labels used for?
Reinforcement labels add material at a stress point so the primary part survives. On flexible assemblies they are bonded around a hole or connector exit to spread load and stop tearing, and on membrane switch tails a stiffener performs the same job at the connector so the flex does not fatigue where it is clamped. The principle is the same in each case: put material where the assembly would otherwise fail first.
How do you specify labels for a manufacturing environment?
State the environment before the appearance. Give the temperature range, the specific chemicals and cleaning agents involved, UV exposure, abrasion expectations and the required service life. Identify the substrate the label mounts to, since low-surface-energy plastics and textured powder coats defeat general-purpose adhesives. Then specify content, size and artwork. Supplying the environment up front is what prevents the most common and most expensive failure, which is a correctly printed label on the wrong material system.
