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Practical guides, comparisons and technical data sheets on labels, signs, marking methods and materials, with know-how from our Singapore workshop.

Articles Materials & Durability

Polyester and Mylar (PET) for Durable Labels: How They Compare to Vinyl

Polyester film, often called Mylar, is a PET plastic and the go-to material for durable labels, nameplates, and graphic overlays that must survive abrasion, chemicals, and heat better than vinyl.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Traffolyte Engraving Laminate for Labels and Tags: How It Compares to Engraved Metal

Traffolyte, also called engraving laminate, is a multi-layer plastic sheet with a coloured core that shows through when the top layer is engraved, giving crisp, permanent, high-contrast text.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Rigid PVC for Signage and Boards: Properties, Uses, and How It Compares

Rigid PVC, in foam and solid sheet forms, is the economical choice for flat signage and panels.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Polycarbonate for Signage and Guards: Properties, Uses, and How It Compares

Polycarbonate is a tough, near unbreakable transparent plastic used for machine guards, protective panels, and signage where impact resistance matters more than surface hardness or cost.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Stainless Steel for Nameplates and Tags: 304 vs 316 and How to Choose

Stainless steel is the default metal for durable nameplates, tags, and rating plates because it resists corrosion, tolerates heat and chemicals, and holds engraving or etching for the working life

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Articles Materials & Durability

Aluminium and Anodised Aluminium for Plates: Properties, Uses, and How It Compares

Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal and the workhorse for nameplates, labels, and panels where you want a durable metal finish without the weight or cost of stainless steel.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Self-Adhesive Vinyl for Labels and Graphics: Cast vs Calendered Explained

Self-adhesive vinyl is the most versatile signage material, used for labels, decals, floor and pipe markers, cut lettering, and vehicle graphics.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Brass for Plaques and Nameplates: Properties, Uses, and How It Compares

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy chosen for premium, traditional plaques and nameplates where a warm gold finish and fine engraving detail matter.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Acrylic for Signage and Marking: Properties, Uses, and How It Compares

Acrylic is a rigid, glass-clear plastic used widely in signage, displays, and panels because it combines high optical clarity with good weather resistance at a lower cost than most alternatives.

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Articles Production Methods

What Is a Pantone Colour and How Does the Pantone Matching System Work?

What Is a Pantone Colour and How Does the Pantone Matching System Work?

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Articles Standards & Compliance

IMO Marine Safety Signs: Symbols, Colours & Standards

When vessel owners, shipyards and safety officers specify maritime safety signs, the reference point is IMO Resolution A.952(26) and its companion standard

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Articles Production Methods

Cut Vinyl vs Digital Print vs Screen Print

Below is a table comparing the differences between colored vinyl cut-outs, digitally printed labels (cut-outs), and screen printed images in industrial app

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Articles Materials & Durability

Valve Tag Materials Compared: Laminate, Acrylic, Steel

Here's a tabulated comparison of Gravoply Valve Tags, Acrylic Valve Tags, Traffolyte Valve Tags, and Steel Valve Tags, including the aspect of maximum serv

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Fire Escape Plans vs Zone Charts vs Mimic Panels

Below is a tabulated comparison of key differences between fire escape route plans, fire detection zone charts, and mimic panels: Aspect Fire Escape Route

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Control Panel vs Mimic Panel: The Difference

What Is the Difference Between Control Panels and Mimic Panels?

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Articles Safety & Workplace

The Benefits of a Pipe Marking System

Understanding the Importance of Pipe Marking Systems in Industrial Safety In industrial environments, the implementation of effective pipe marking systems

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Articles Materials & Durability

Weatherproof vs Water Resistant: The Difference

Below is a table comparing the differences between weatherproof, weather resistant, waterproof, water resistant, and UV resistant: Term Meaning Level of Pr

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Articles Choosing & Comparisons

Tamper-Proof Labels: Benefits and How They Work

Tamper-proof labels offer several benefits, particularly in settings where product or document security is paramount.

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Articles Choosing & Comparisons

How to Choose the Right Label Material

Consider the following guides to ensure you select the most suitable options for your specific needs when choosing materials for labels.

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Articles Choosing & Comparisons

QR Code vs Barcode for Identification

The primary differences between QR codes and barcodes in identification uses lie in their data capacity, readability, and application versatility.

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Articles Choosing & Comparisons

The Benefits of QR Codes on Metal Plates

Printing QR codes on a metal plate offers several benefits.

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Articles Production Methods

Vector File Formats Explained: AI, EPS, SVG, PDF

Vector formats, a common type of digital graphics, come in various file formats, each with its unique features and applications.

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Articles Production Methods

UV Flatbed vs Screen vs Dye Sub vs Inkjet Printing

Here's a tabulated summary of the features of UV flatbed printing, screen printing, dye sublimation printing, and large format inkjet printing.

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Articles Production Methods

Rotary vs Laser Engraving vs Etching vs Sandblasting

Here's a tabulated summary of the features of rotary engraving, laser engraving, chemical etching, and sandblasting.

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Articles Production Methods

Vinyl Cutout vs Screen Print: Which to Choose?

The primary differences between vinyl letter cutouts and screen printing , including outdoor durability, are as follows: Vinyl Letter Cutouts Durability Vi

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Articles Production Methods

Engrave or Print? How to Choose

The decision to engrave or print depends on various factors, including the specific requirements of the application, the desired appearance, durability, an

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Articles Materials & Durability

Coated Board vs Aluminium Stencils

Coated Board vs. Aluminum Stencils: Which Is Right for Your Application?

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Articles Materials & Durability

Surface Preparation for Self-Adhesive Labels

The steps in surface preparation prior to applying a self-adhesive label typically include: Clean the surface Ensure that the surface where the label will

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Traffic Sign Shapes and What They Mean

Traffic Signs come in various shapes, and each shape serves a specific purpose and enhances visibility.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Why Black and White Pigments Last Longer

It is important to note that color fastness can also depend on the specific pigments used within the black or white category, as different variants may have varying levels of

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Articles Choosing & Comparisons

The Benefits of Asset Marking and Tagging

Asset marking serves several important purposes in various industries and organizations.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Traffolyte Tags vs Steel Tags: Which to Choose?

When choosing between traffolyte tags and steel tags, factors such as durability requirements, environmental conditions, visibility needs, customization options, and budget considerations should be taken into account.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Marine Tags: Brass or Stainless Steel?

When it comes to choosing between brass or stainless steel for a marine tag, several factors should be considered.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Anodised vs Untreated Aluminium Compared

Anodized aluminum undergoes an electrochemical process to create a thicker, more durable, and corrosion-resistant oxide layer.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Does Stainless Steel Rust? The Facts

While stainless steel is highly resistant to rust, it is not entirely immune.

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Articles Production Methods

Is Laser-Marked Steel Crockery Food Safe?

Laser marking on steel crockery can be considered food safe, provided that certain conditions are met.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Synthetic Paper vs Traditional Paper Compared

the choice between synthetic paper and traditional paper for printing depends on the specific requirements of the project, such as durability, ink absorption, printing method compatibility, and environmental considerations.

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Articles Materials & Durability

PVC vs PET Labels: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between PVC labels and PET labels depends on factors such as the application requirements, desired flexibility or rigidity, transparency needs, durability, heat resistance, chemical resistance, print quality, and

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Articles Production Methods

Colour Fastness: Digital vs Screen Printing

Ink adhesion on a substrate refers to the ability of the ink to bond securely and stay attached to the surface of the material it is printed on.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Permanent vs Temporary Adhesive for Labels

The key distinction between permanent and temporary adhesion lies in the strength of the bond and the ease of removal.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Ink Adhesion: Why It Matters for Durable Prints

Ink adhesion on a substrate refers to the ability of the ink to bond securely and stay attached to the surface of the material it is printed on.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Why Does Red Fade Faster Than White?

Red color appears to fade faster than white due to the differences in the physical properties of the pigments used to create these colors.

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Articles Production Methods

UV Flatbed vs Digital Printing Compared

UV flatbed printing & traditional digital printing are two common methods used in the printing industry.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Subsurface Anodised Aluminium Plates: Benefits

A subsurface anodized aluminum plate is a specialized type of signage or display material that combines the techniques of subsurface printing, open-pore an

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Articles Materials & Durability

Gravoply vs Traffolyte Engraving Laminate

Glavoply & Traffolyte are laminated plastic materials commonly used for signage and identification purposes.

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Articles Standards & Compliance

What Is EN ISO 7010:2020? Safety Signs Explained

An international standard called EN ISO 7010:2020 is used to indicate safety information and communicate potential hazards in workplaces and public spaces.

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Articles Materials & Durability

What Is the Salt Spray Test? (ASTM B117)

What Is the Artificial Atmosphere Salt Spray Test (ASTM B117)?

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Articles Materials & Durability

ISO 4892-2 Weathering Test Explained

The test involves exposing samples of the material under test to a controlled climate environment that simulates outdoor weathering conditions such as sunlight, water, elevated temperature, and humidity.

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Articles Production Methods

Chemical Etching vs Rotary Engraving on Steel

Chemical etching and rotary engraving are two popular methods for marking or engraving steel.

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Articles Production Methods

Rotary vs Laser Engraving: Which Is Finer?

Rotary engraving and laser engraving are two methods for marking and decorating a wide range of materials.

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Articles Production Methods

Screen Printing vs Digital Printing: Which to Use?

Screen printing and digital printing both have their advantages and disadvantages.

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Articles Safety & Workplace

How to Group Tools on a Shadow Board

Start by identifying the different types of tools required for different job tasks.

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Articles Safety & Workplace

7 Essential Workplace Safety Signs (EN ISO 7010:2020)

Carefully placed and visible safety signs can prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Designing a Workplace Evacuation Route: Key Points

3 minutes read Why Proper Evacuation Route Design Is Essential for Workplace Safety Designing an evacuation route is essential for any workplace to ensure

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Mandatory vs Prohibition Signs: The Difference

Mandatory signs indicate the necessary action required for safety, while prohibitory signs emphasize the actions that need to be avoided to ensure safety.

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Reflective vs Luminous vs Fluorescent Signs Explained

Luminous, reflective, & fluorescent signs improve visibility & safety in low light conditions.

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Danger vs Warning Signs: What Is the Difference?

Danger signs and warning signs both convey important cautionary information, but they have different meanings and implications.

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Articles Safety & Workplace

What Is a Tool Shadow Board? Uses & Benefits

The primary purpose of the tool shadow board is to improve the productivity of employees.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Types of Double-Coated Tape and Their Uses

Adhesive double-coated tape, also known as double-sided tape, is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape with adhesive on both sides.

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Articles Materials & Durability

Adhesive Bonding vs Mechanical Fastening: How to Choose

Adhesive bonding involves using a specialized adhesive material to create a strong bond between two or more surfaces.

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Articles Standards & Compliance

ANSI/ASME A13.1-2020: Pipe Marking Colour Code

The purpose of the standard is to identify hazardous materials conveyed in piping systems and their hazards when released into the environment.

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Technical Data Sheet

3M VHB Tape

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Articles Choosing & Comparisons

How to Choose the Right Sign Material

Effective material use for sign and display depends on various factors such as the intended purpose, location, and budget.

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Articles Safety & Workplace

Sign Legibility: Letter Height, Font & Colour Contrast

What go into creating identification products like signs, tags, labels, trophies or plaques that are easy to read?

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Articles Choosing & Comparisons

What’s the Difference Between Stickers, Labels and Decals?

Many people often use these terms interchangeably.

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Articles Production Methods

Screen Printing on Different Surfaces: A Practical Guide

A silkscreen print is most commonly used for paper and fabric printing, such as for custom t-shirts like polo t-shirts and hoodies.

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