{"id":80,"date":"2020-09-20T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-20T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/?p=80"},"modified":"2020-12-16T02:53:50","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T02:53:50","slug":"how-long-do-thermal-labels-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/how-long-do-thermal-labels-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do Thermal Labels Last?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Both vendors and customers often wonder how long thermal labels last. These labels sometimes contain barcodes, vital information, and important receipts, among other things. There is so much to know about the lifespan of thermal labels. In this article, we will tell you everything we know about this subject matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long do thermal labels last? Unused thermal labels remain viable for 3-10 years after the manufacture date when kept in proper conditions. But after you print an image on the label, the image should be legible for about seven years provided you print with the right equipment and store it properly. But with the way most people handle thermal labels, they often last for only about six months.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lifespan of your thermal labels largely depends on how well you store and handle them. Used or unused, you must keep thermal labels in the right condition and handle them properly for them to last long. As you read on, we will show you how to properly store and handle your thermal labels to increase their durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Thermal Labels Don’t Often Last Long<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The typical lifespan of thermal printed labels (6 months – 2 years)<\/a> is far less than what manufacturers indicate (7-10 years<\/a>) because most people don’t follow the manufacturers’ guidelines in storing and handling thermal labels. Most people handle thermal labels carelessly and don’t protect them from sweat, mostly from the palm. Also, many people don’t pay attention to the recommended storage conditions for thermal labels. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few general recommendations to increase the lifespan of your thermal labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shelf Life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Manufacturers recommend that for long shelf life of ten years<\/a>, you should store your thermal label in a dark storage area with a 45-65% relative humidity. You should also keep thermal labels away from light as much as possible. And the temperature of the storage area should be lower than 77\u00b0F (25\u00baC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These storage conditions will keep the label in optimum conditions for a minimum of three years. Anything short of these conditions would reduce the shelf life of your thermal label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image Life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As soon as you print on a thermal paper, your printed image or information should remain on the paper for about 7-10 years.<\/a> But for the document to last that long, you must file and store it properly. The proper storage conditions are the same as that of unused paper. You should keep them in areas with 25\u00b0C or lower temperatures and a 45-65% relative humidity. Besides, you should take heed of fade resistance recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Storage Parameter<\/strong><\/td>Appropriate Conditions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Area<\/td>Cool and dry<\/td><\/tr>
Relative Humidity<\/td>45 – 60%<\/td><\/tr>
Atmospheric Temperature<\/td>25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F)<\/td><\/tr>
Exposure<\/td>Away from sunlight, water, and other contaminants<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Light Exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thermal labels often use co-reactant and dye technology to create images. This combination can\u2019t withstand intense light exposure. Even the light bulb in your office can damage your thermal papers if the exposure is long enough. Short UV light exposure (under sunlight) could cause mild damage to thermal labels, while prolonged exposure would cause discoloration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contraindicated Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To make your thermal labels last longer, you should keep them away from the following substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n