The answer is that durable barcodes are a must for industrial applications and absolutely vital for marking equipment.
How durable is “durable”?
High quality, durable barcodes can resist corrosion, heat, cold, UV light and solvents. Durable barcode labels come in a lot of types and are available under various names. They might be listed as warehouse barcode labels, industrial use barcode labels and polyester barcode labels.
The durability of a barcode label does not solely depend on the type of material used. It also depends on the type of printing technology, label stock and label programs. In order to print long lasting images, thermal printers are used. Thermally printed labels are scratch-resistant and more durable than ordinary labels.
What are they made of?
Long lasting barcode labels are available in wide range of adhesive backings, and are classified into ceramic, aluminum and polyester labels. Aluminum barcode labels can go so far as to resist moderate wear and tear and corrosive chemicals. Polyester barcode labels have a permanent adhesive bond. Other durable barcode labels have a stainless steel base and are ceramic coated. These types of labels can also withstand extreme heat and cold. Other materials used to make durable barcodes are polycarbonate, anodised aluminum and stainless steel.
However, even if dot matrix printers or laser printers are mixed with other durable media, long lasting barcode labels can be printed. Nowadays there are high tech, sophisticated barcode systems and programs available which ensure that barcode labels are durable and can resist wear and tear. On the flip side, the cost in producing barcode labels can be high.