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FAQs

  • WHAT IS A COMPUTER IMPRINTABLE LABEL?

    Computer imprintable labels are manufactured to withstand the harshest environments yet can be easily customised and printed by you, using a standard office PC and laser or thermal transfer printer.

    HOW IS A COMPUTER IMPRINTABLE LABEL CONSTRUCTED?

    A CILS durable label is made of the following:

    • a high-tech, "easy release" backing, or liner
    • a specialised adhesive, matched to the needs of your application
    • a durable base material (polyester, polyimide or similar)
    • a pre-printed design (logo, fixed data etc.)
    • a computer-printable coating, allowing a laser or thermal transfer printer to print without smudging or fading

    WHAT DO YOUR LABELS RESIST?

    Our industrial labels can withstand temperatures up to 388°C, solvents (such as acetone, toluene, thinners, Skydrol® and MEK) and abrasion, heavy weathering including UV exposure and salt water, oils and grease, hydraulic / brake fluid and more.

    Laboratory labels can be manufactured to resist cryogenic temperatures down to -196°C or ovens / water baths up to +155°C, xylene and acetone exposure, chemical sterilisation, autoclaving, slide staining, freeze / thaw cycles and other harsh processes.

    Each label is constructed for a specific application - for product ranges and label material datasheets, contact us.

    DO YOU MAKE LABELS FOR USE IN AUTOCLAVES?

    We have a label range specifically for autoclaves that includes an indicator-style panel and a cleanly-removable adhesive, for easy identification of sterilised labware and quick removal of used labels. Our team can offer a range of alternatives without the panel - just submit a quick enquiry.

    WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPLY LABELS?

    To ensure long-term label adhesion, first make sure your surface is clean and dry. We recommend applying labels onto your application straight from the liner. It’s important to smooth it down as you go to eliminate trapped air pockets, and to avoid touching the adhesive with your fingers.

    For further details about your specific labels, contact us.

    HOW DO I LABEL TUBES EFFECTIVELY?

    We have a range of labels dedicated to curved surfaces of all gauges, including microvials, tubes, hoses and cables. Customers usually choose wraparound labels for very low temperatures, but alternative formats are available depending on your requirements - just tell us what you need.

    WHAT ARE THE BEST LABELS FOR CRYOGENIC STORAGE?

    Depending on your lowest temperature and preferred print method, there are several options available. CILS 8100X labels (thermal transfer) or 9100LN labels (laser) are perfect for labelling tubes and vials down to -80°C. If your application reaches -196°C, or involves flash freezing, the 8/91000TN self-laminating label is the best match.

    DO YOU PROVIDE LABELS FOR USE ON POWDER-COATED OR TEXTURED SURFACES?

    Absolutely. If your surface is textured in any way (powder-coated, cast metal, dimpled etc.), we can match it to one of our high-tech solvent acrylic adhesives that start curing immediately for secure identification.

    DO YOUR LABELS MEET MY REGULATION SPECIFICATIONS?

    Our labels have been approved by many industrial and scientific organisations and regulatory bodies. Common examples of these include:

    • REACH and RoHS
    • WEEE
    • ITAR
    • EAR
    • ATEX environments etc.
    • European Space Agency
    • NCAGE
    • UL
    • CSA

    If you have a specific regulation to meet, contact us today.

    DO YOU SUPPLY LABEL PRODUCT SAMPLES?

    We offer a same-day Label Sample Service, so you can test the quality of our products for yourself. Simply get in touch, tell us what you want to label and we will send you the appropriate samples. 

    WHAT SOFTWARE DO I NEED TO PRINT DURABLE LABELS?

    Our labels can be printed using almost any label design software programs or even standard office applications. However we can provide you with NiceLabel software which we can assist you with.

    Alternatively we can eliminate the need for printing altogether with our Label Printing Service.

    Yes, making it one of the most convenient ways to print your durable labels. If you need assistance with setup, our team can help. Alternatively, you can save time by letting us print your labels for you.

    WHAT FILE TYPE DO YOU NEED TO DESIGN MY LABELS?

    Depending on your design requirements we may need:

    • The technical drawing for your label dimensions
    • Vector files (.eps / .ai) of your company logo
    • Your sequential data for serial numbers, QR codes or barcodes in Excel format.

    We can help with any queries at this stage.

    WHAT PRINTER DO I NEED?

    You can use most standard laser (providing you use the original toner) and thermal transfer printers to print CILS labels. Thermal transfer printing will require the correct ribbon to achieve your required print durability, which we can recommend for you.

    Our Label Technology Centre team can advise the best printing method for your requirements, and we can supply thermal transfer printers and barcode scanners if required - just tell us what you need.

    WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIRECT THERMAL AND THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTING?

    In direct thermal printing the printhead applies heat directly onto a heat-sensitive material, which changes colour to display the data required. In thermal transfer printing, the printhead heats a wax or resin ribbon against the label material instead.

    While both printing methods have their benefits, thermal transfer printing is by far the more durable option. This is especially true when labels are exposed to chemicals, solvents and high temperatures (including sunlight), as these may destroy data printed on direct thermal labels.

    WHAT'S THE BEST PRINTING METHOD FOR SMALL BATCHES?

    We would recommend using a thermal transfer printer for low-volumes, as labels can be printed in precise quantities with minimal wastage.

    WHAT LABEL SIZE DO I NEED?

    We manufacture labels in any shape and size that you need. We can match the dimensions of your existing labels or creating something completely customised.

    We regularly manufacture unusual shaped labels - including perforations, folds or voids etc. If you have a labelling challenge contact us and just tell us what you need.

    HOW DO I ORDER WITH CILS?

    We accept orders by phone (0800 917 0024), email or you can fill out our contact us form.

    1) Quote's that are under 30 days old:

    Please provide our part number, quantity, delivery date and your purchase order number.

    2) Quote's that are over 30 days old:

    Please provide our part number, quantity, delivery date and your purchase order number. We will then re-quote before processing your order. 

    Need help? Speak to one of our friendly advisers - click here.

    WHAT ARE YOUR LEAD TIMES?

    For new orders our standard lead time is 2 weeks; or 1 week for a repeat order.

    However, we can often manufacture urgent orders in 24-48 hours - please call us as soon as possible if this is required.

    WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

    Where possible we like to open a trading account on a net-30 day payment basis. Please contact us for further details and options.

    DO YOU HAVE A CATALOGUE?

    We manufacture our labels from hundreds of material and adhesive combinations, and the majority of them are in custom shapes and sizes to individual customers' requirements. We do manufacture a selection of common industry sizes if you know that's what you're looking for, but we specialise in being completely flexible to your design requirements. Just tell us what you need.

    DO YOU HAVE A PRICE LIST?

    Every customer and label is unique, and deserves individual planning, design and costing. We always offer our most competitive prices, and allow our customers to benefit from having a carefully considered manufacturing process with minimum waste.

    While we have no minimum order quantity, there are cost reductions associated with higher volume runs – contact us and we will recommend the most cost-effective volumes for your requirements.

    WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF YOUR LABELS?

    Typically 2 years, if your labels are stored inside their delivery bag and kept at 21°C and 50% relative humidity.

    WHO DO I CALL IF I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY LABELS, SOFTWARE OR PRINTERS?

    Our Technical Advisors are always happy to help over the phone or in person with labelling or printing queries and problems. For software support, assistance with printer calibration or printer drivers, or label-related challenges, please contact us.

    HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PRINTER TO PICK?

    Choosing the “right” printer can depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the volume of labels you intend to print and the level of durability you require. To save time and hassle, our technical labels advisers can take key details about your applications and work out the best printer and label combination for your business needs.

    LOW SURFACE ENERGY VS. HIGH SURFACE ENERGY

    Surface energy is the degree to which the adhesive and the material's surface repel or attract.

    Low Surface Energy (LSE)

    The lower the surface energy of an application material the harder adhesion becomes, resulting in labels peeling or falling off altogether. Typical low surface materials include; PVC, Acrylic, Polyethylene, Polypropylene and PTFE Fluoropolymer (Teflon®)

    High Surface Energy (HSE)

    The higher the surface energy of the application material, the easier the label will stick. Typical high surface materials include: Copper, Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Zinc, Tin, Glass, Nylon, Polyester (PET), ABS Plastic, Polycarbonate.

    To gain the best possible adhesion, an adhesive must thoroughly “wet out” the surface to be bonded.

    What CPV codes apply to CILS International?

    The types of codes and descriptions that CILS can help with are as follows:

    • 30192800 : Self-adhesive labels
    • 30199760 : Labels
    • 30199761 : Bar-coded labels
    • 30199763 : Theft protection labels

    If you would like to discuss this further, please get in touch.

    What are hose and pipe labels?

    Industrial hose labels are essential for displaying important manufacturer information that includes pressure ratings, temperature ranges, barcodes and hose life which are used in industrial regulation compliance, equipment and replacement works. 

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