I. Mainstream Wire Label Materials and Core Properties
- Paper Labels (Basic & Economical)
Core Materials: Usually coated paper or kraft paper, sometimes laminated with a thin PE film for abrasion resistance; requires special adhesives (e.g., hot melt, water-based).
Key Features:
Advantages: Very low cost, high print clarity (suitable for inkjet/laser printers), easy to write on; ideal for temporary marking or dry indoor environments.
Disadvantages: Poor water and heat resistance (≤60℃), easily corroded, prone to peeling or damage in humid or oily conditions.
Applications:
Indoor weak-current projects (e.g., office network cabling, temporary labeling of household distribution boxes).
Short-term wire identification during equipment testing or temporary wiring.
- Polyester (PET) Film Labels (General-Purpose & Durable)
Core Materials: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with matte or glossy coatings; backed with high-performance acrylic adhesive; some versions have scratch-resistant layers.
Key Features:
Advantages: Wide temperature range (-40℃ to 125℃, up to 150℃ for high-temp grades), water/oil resistant, tear-resistant, strong insulation (dielectric strength ≥15kV/mm), durable print quality, strong adhesion.
Disadvantages: More expensive than paper, medium stiffness, may not conform perfectly to very thin wires.
Applications:
Industrial control (e.g., PLC panels, inverters), building electrical circuits (distribution boxes, lighting).
Indoor/outdoor use in both dry and humid environments.
- Polyimide (PI) Film Labels (High-Temperature Specialty Type)
Core Materials: Polyimide (PI), compatible with laser engraving or high-temp inks; backed with silicone adhesive (better heat resistance than acrylic).
Key Features:
Advantages: Extreme temperature resistance (-200℃ to 260℃, short-term >300℃), chemical resistance (acids, alkalis, solvents), exceptional durability, maintains clarity under baking/welding, excellent insulation.
Disadvantages: 3–5x more costly than PET, rigid, unsuitable for very small bending radii.
Applications:
High-temp equipment (e.g., motor windings, oven wiring, automotive engine compartments).
Harsh chemical or metallurgical environments, or long-term labeling (10+ years).
- Vinyl (PVC) Labels (Flexible & Weather-Resistant)
Core Materials: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with added plasticizers for flexibility; backed with high-tack adhesive; some versions flame-retardant (UL94 V-0 certified).
Key Features:
Advantages: Highly flexible (wraps wires ≤2mm diameter), strong weather resistance (-30℃ to 80℃, UV-resistant), water/oil resistant, lower cost than PET.
Disadvantages: Softens above 80℃, may release harmful gases when burned, not suitable for high-temp or enclosed fire-protected areas.
Applications:
Outdoor low-voltage cabling (e.g., CCTV power lines, streetlights), automotive wiring (non-engine areas).
Flexible wires subject to frequent bending.
- Heat-Shrink Tube Labels (Integrated Protection Type)
Core Materials: Polyolefin (PO) or fluororubber, combining labeling with insulation and abrasion protection; requires heating (60℃–120℃) to shrink-fit.
Key Features:
Advantages: Integrated protection (label + insulation + wear resistance), wide temp range (PO: -55℃ to 135℃; fluororubber: -60℃ to 200℃), waterproof and dustproof, protected markings resist abrasion and chemicals.
Disadvantages: Requires heat tools, less efficient to install than adhesive labels, cannot be modified once applied.
Applications:
Wires requiring extra protection (e.g., buried outdoor cables, marine/aerospace harnesses).
High-friction or damage-prone areas (e.g., wire entry points).
II. Three Core Principles for Material Selection
Match to Environment:
High temperature (>80℃) → PI or high-temp PET.
Humid/outdoor → PVC, PET, or heat-shrink tube.
Corrosive environment → PI or fluororubber heat-shrink.
Dry indoor temporary → Paper or economical PVC.
Balance Installation & Cost:
Mass quick application → Adhesive types (PET/PVC).
Small wires/bending → PVC (flexible).
Budget-conscious → Paper (temporary) or PVC (long-term).
High-budget, long-term durability → PI or heat-shrink.
Comply with Standards:
Industrial → UL certification (temperature, flame-retardant).
Building electrical → GB 50303-2015 (insulation, clarity).
Automotive wiring → ISO 6722 (oil/vibration resistance).
III. Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid cheap “three-no” paper labels (may contain formaldehyde, poor adhesion in humidity).
Avoid recycled PVC labels (impurities cause poor flexibility and unstable heat resistance).
Do not use standard PET labels in high-temp environments (≤80℃); may deform or damage insulation.
