All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About calibration label

Types of calibration labels

Like many other labels, calibration labels also come in various types depending on their use, material, temperature tolerance, and the writing instrument compatible with them.

The most common types of labels include:

  • Vinyl calibration labels

    Vinyl labels are popular because of the material's durability. They are stretchable and can therefore fit over curved surfaces. Also, the ink used in these labels is UV resistant to prevent fading from exposure to sunlight. Vinyl labels are waterproof and, therefore, a good pick for calibration needs in industrial applications, which are often exposed to moisture.

  • Paper calibration labels

    Papercalibration labels are suitable for indoor equipment prone to little water and temperature exposure. While often cheaper and available in myriads of sizes and styles, they are not as durable as the vinyl variety and thus are ideal for short-term or less intensive calibration needs. Paper labels are often compatible with thermal transfer printers to ensure legible barcodes and texts over time.

  • Calibration certificate labels

    Calibration certificate labels are specialized labels used to communicate the result of an instrument calibration process. These labels typically have spaces where one can enter information such as measured values, tolerance ranges, and the date of recalibration. The labels may also come with a standard color code that signals a system's calibration status. Often, they are used in tandem with calibration tags to provide a detailed record of the instrument's performance in relation to specified standards.

  • Calibration warning labels

    These labels serve to inform users and operators about the calibration status of equipment. A calibration warning label may have messages about equipment failing calibration or requiring immediate recalibration. Often, these labels are bright and clearly printed with essential information to ensure that equipment users quickly notice the status of instruments and any potential risks.

  • Calibration labels

    Calibration labels are often made from vinyl or polyester for durability. A calibrating label also contains an adhesive backing that easily sticks to various surfaces. Some labels may have custom slots to report barcodes, heat stamps, or laminates to make the labels impervious to ink fading. Calibration labels come in various shapes and sizes depending on the customer's specifications for the label's data fields and design. Calibration labels are often used in conjunction with calibration label printers to automate the creation of labels bearing bar codes, texts, and graphics for the calibration process.

Designs of calibration labels

Like any other label, the design of calibration labels depends on factors such as the industry in question, their intended use, and the information that should be included on the label.

The most common designs that calibration labels assume include:

  • Standard calibration labels

    The standard calibration labels are the most basic variety that consists of the calibration due date, the issuing date, and the instrument's nominal value or range. The labels may also feature a barcode or QR code for avid tracking. Information on these labels is often printed using a thermal printer to ensure no fading even after long periods. These labels usually come in various sizes depending on the space the printer has to work with.

  • Color-coded calibration labels

    Often, these labels have a background of different colors, representing various statuses such as overdue, pass, fail, or under repair. These labels help in quickly assessing the instruments' status from a distance without much reading required. The color scheme used in the labels is often standardized, although one can customize them depending on the urgency that needs to be signaled.

  • Custom shape labels

    Custom shape labels are made to be fitted around instruments of unique shapes or in positions that present a challenge to standard label shapes. If an equipment has irregular curves or tight spaces, custom labels can be developed to fit them better. Such systems are often preferred by manufacturers with unique branding or those seeking to enhance the visibility of their calibrating labels.

  • Digital print calibration labels

    Digital printing calibration labels have been developed when more than a single label is needed or labels with designs that require extensive color use. It is also ideal for printing labels with variable data, such as serial numbers or barcodes. The digital print labels have photorealistic quality, so they are a good pick for branding or when the information needs to be shown clearly.

  • Industrial calibration labels

    Industrial calibration labels are developed for systems that operate in extreme industrial conditions. They are manufactured from materials that are UV-resistant, heat-stable, and water-resistant. The inks used to print industrial labels are often run-resistant. These labels are tough and withstand harsher conditions while ensuring that the information printed is permanent and legible.

How to choose calibration labels

Choosing the right calibration labels depends on numerous factors, including the environment, the information one needs to convey, and the equipment the labels have to adhere to. Below are some of the factors business owners should consider when choosing calibration labels:

  • Material

    Materials used to make the labels will mainly depend on the environment the label will be in. Folks in water-prone environments should consider labels made with vinyl or polyester, while spaces with high temperatures should use labels made with materials that can resist heat. Labels that are often handled should also be made from material that is wear-resistant. For environments that require barcodes to track items, it is important to ensure the label material is thermally reactive so the barcode remains visible and scannable.

  • Information on the label

    Ensure that the label carries all the critical information that is always needed during the process. Typical details include calibration dates, due dates, measured values, and range. Some labels come with a protected area where users can write in ink that will not wash off. Normally, this ink will wash off if users' hands are wet or even when the labels are exposed to extreme heat. Users can also get templates for labels requiring variable information, such as serial numbers and unique bar codes, to ensure their labels include all necessary information.

  • Adhesive strength

    Instrument calibration labels have to remain in position even under strenuous conditions. However, it should still be possible to remove the labels when the need arises. For this reason, business owners should always get labels whose adhesive strength is well-balanced. Strong adhesion is necessary for systems under extreme conditions, but ease of removal is sometimes required for spaces where the labels will be on equipment that requires rotating or on surfaces undergoing foaming. One can select labels with different adhesive properties to suit various calibration needs.

  • Compliance with regulations

    Many industries have a set of rules governing labeling. This includes information on how instruments should be labeled, especially for measurements on instruments in industries that have high stakes, such as food processing and pharmaceuticals. It is important to choose labels that meet such regulatory requirements, especially if clients are in highly regulated industries. This does not only ensure compliance but may also help avert costly fees and stay clear of operational risks.

Scenarios with calibration labels

Calibration labels are used in virtually all industries where equipment measurement accuracy is vital. From pharmaceutical companies to manufacturing industries, equipment prone to variations in measurement needs to be assessed regularly. Below are several ways businesses apply calibration labels:

  • Equipment tracking in manufacturing

    Most manufacturing industries have a multitude of equipment working simultaneously. Each of the equipment has a set of measurements it needs to stay within to ensure quality. To keep all this equipment in top condition, manufacturers use calibration labels as a visual cue for the status of the equipment. For example, a piece of equipment that has passed calibration typically has a green label on it, while one that's overdue may have a red label. This simple color-coding helps workers make quick decisions about the equipment they need to use, ensuring that only calibrated machines are used in production. To further enhance operations, some manufacturers use calibration labels with QR codes that operators can scan to obtain the equipment's service history digitally. This practice not only improves efficiency but also cuts down on the time needed for routine maintenance, allowing manufacturers to keep their operations running smoothly without any downtime.

  • Pharmaceutical labeling

    Calibration labels are important for maintaining compliance with stringent safety regulations. They are applied to measuring instruments such as pipettes and balances to ensure that each tool operates within prescribed limits. The calibration labels also show the instrument's measurement range and the date of the last calibration; such information is imperative for any business to ensure it stays within compliance and quality control thresholds. Sometimes, these labels are used with calibration tags that describe the instrument status and any required actions.

  • Calibration labels for HVAC systems

    HVAC systems depend on pressure and temperature reading systems to operate efficiently. Calibration labels are stakeholders' preferred methods of communicating the status of their instruments. If, for example, a thermostat, pressure sensor, or any other monitoring device is due for recalibration, the label should clearly communicate that information. The labels are useful in drawing the attention of technicians to instruments that require servicing while also minimizing the risk of operators using uncalibrated systems that may give inaccurate readings.

  • Instrumentation in aerospace systems

    Instrumentation in aerospace systems requires the most stringent standards; even a small error can have catastrophic consequences. Equipment used in this industry undergoes routine calibration to ensure precision and safety. Each calibrated instrument is fitted with a calibration label that indicates its status. These labels provide vital data, such as the date of calibration, the individual that performed the calibration, and the results of the calibration tests. Also, labels may have barcodes or QR codes that enable easy tracking in a digital log system. These labels can be printed using calibration label printers for uniformity and ease of use.

Q&A

How does one ensure that the information on the calibration label remains legible?

To ensure information remains legible, one should get labels made from thermal transfer materials that bond with the label stock.

How do users refresh or replace faded labels?

If the label fades from time or pressure, users can replace it with a fresh label and a fresh calibration.

What materials are used to make labels that will be outdoors?

Labels destined for the outdoors are manufactured using globally weather-resistant materials like vinyl and polyester.

What makes calibration labels different from other labels?

Calibration labels are different from other labels in that they have vital information concerning the date and status of calibration.