CASE STUDIES
Discover how Only Imaging provides professional TTR solutions to global partners.
Case Study: Surviving Acetone & Harsh Solvents in Chemical Labs
In specialty chemical manufacturing and high-end laboratories, a barcode label lives in constant danger. Workers are handling highly aggressive solvents like Acetone, Xylene, MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone), and Brake Fluid.
A single accidental drip of these chemicals will act as an instant paint stripper, completely erasing a standard barcode in less than two seconds.
The Problem: The “Disappearing” Hazard Warnings
The Client: A manufacturer of industrial coatings, thinners, and specialty laboratory reagents. The Issue: During the automated filling process, microscopic splashes of Xylene and Acetone would occasionally land on the newly applied product labels.
The client was already using a “Premium Resin” ribbon from a generic supplier, assuming it was the toughest option available. However, when the solvents hit the label, the resin ink instantly smeared. If a worker tried to wipe the drip off with a rag, they wiped the entire barcode and GHS warning away, leaving a blank white sticker.
This created a massive safety hazard. Unmarked containers of highly flammable solvents are a direct violation of OSHA and global safety protocols.
The Diagnosis: Weak Polymer Resistance
Not all resins are created equal. Most standard resin ribbons are highly resistant to scratching and mild chemicals (like alcohol or window cleaner). However, they are virtually defenseless against aromatic hydrocarbons (like Xylene) and harsh ketones (like Acetone), which aggressively attack and dissolve the ink’s polymer base.
The Solution: Only Imaging SP-Chemical Extreme Resin
We replaced their consumable with our top-tier SP-Chemical Extreme Resin Ribbon.
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Highly Cross-Linked Polymers: This specialized formulation creates an incredibly dense molecular structure upon printing.
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Total Solvent Immunity: Once cured on a high-grade Polycarbonate or PET label, the SP-Chemical Resin becomes virtually inert. It laughs at Acetone, Xylene, MEK, and harsh industrial degreasers.
The Result
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Outcome: The QA team ran a “rub test.” They soaked a rag in pure Acetone and aggressively scrubbed the barcode printed with the SP-Chemical Resin. The barcode did not smudge, smear, or fade.
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Business Impact: The manufacturer achieved 100% scannability on their filling lines, eliminated safety compliance violations, and ensured end-users could safely identify the chemicals even in messy workshop environments.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Solvents Erase Your Data
If your facility handles aggressive chemicals, a standard resin isn’t enough. You need extreme solvent resistance.
ONLY IMAGING is a leading supplier of labels, printing equipment and associate consumables, including TTR products in various widths and lengths. Please take the opportunity to learn more about our range of high-quality thermal transfer ribbons and explore our other products for any further questions you may have click Here.
