This new process enables straightforward, sustainable labelling of tubes.
APT
Especially in the context of traceability, the labelling of products and components for industrial applications has become increasingly important in recent years. However, this is a complex issue for products made of fluoropolymers. Labels applied with commercial labelling systems, for instance, do not adhere to fluoropolymers due to the anti-adhesive properties of the materials. The processes currently in use are also not ideal: tubes coloured by colour pigments are unsuitable since the colours can be copied very easily, while burning in the labelling with a laser beam may damage the tubing.
APT has now developed a process that makes the labelling of tubes straightforward and lasting: "We have searched for a solution ensuring a unique allocation of the tubes without posing the risk of damage," says Holger Heuser, Managing Director of APT. For this purpose, additives and pigments are specifically added during the manufacturing process of the tube. The finished tube can then be labelled individually and durably using a laser beam without the risk of the tube being damaged in any way. "In addition to texts, also logos or safety labelling can be printed on the product," Heuser says.
Tubes featuring such labelling can be identified significantly more effectively and quickly. Apart from increased transparency, this saves time for companies when error messages occur, a machine shuts down, or spare parts are to be ordered.