Here at Southern United, we know all too well that using the wrong material or adhesive on a label could cost a substantial amount of time and money – for both us and the client.

After all, labels need to be able to withstand a lot – from temperatures of up to 500°C to chemical washes which require specialist materials.

Having labels with little or no heat resistance will, over time, cause them to disintegrate and their print to fade. In essence, they won’t really be worth having and you’ll need to replace them pretty soon after getting them.

Therefore, knowing the difference between the types of labels you can purchase is vital. If, for instance, you’re looking for a label that can put up with high temperatures and the harsh environments typically encountered during the manufacturing process, you’re going to need labels that are heat, cold water and UV resistant.

However, depending on your budget and the exact use of the label, you’ll need to choose between the two main options: polyimide and polyamide. We have outlined the key differences between the two for you below.

Polyimide Labels.

If you’ve heard of the brand name Kapton, you’ll have encountered polyimide labels before.

Primarily used for component labelling in printed circuit boards, polyimide can withstand temperatures of up to 300°C, allowing it to be used for a wide range of applications.

Polyamide Labels.

With a synthetic polymer structure, polyamide labels are made from synthetic resin.

In essence, they’re not a lot different to polyimide labels, as they can withstand similar temperatures. However, they’re typically less expensive to manufacture.

Here at Southern United, we offer a huge variety of materials and services. Whether you’re looking for a bespoke metal engraving service or help deciding which labelling material is the right choice for your needs, do not hesitate to contact our team for expert advice. Simply give us a call on 01273 418636 or click here to request a quote.

If you are choosing a nameplate for your company, you have a vast range of materials to select between. Plastic has traditionally been one of the most popular – but while it is cheap, it doesn’t have the benefits of metal. Having a metal nameplate is not only visually striking, but it also has a number of advantages over other materials.

Here we take a look at why you might consider a metal nameplate for your business, and why it could be perfect for you.

Cost effective

One of the major advantages of metal nameplates is that they are highly cost-effective. Of course, some other materials may be cheaper to buy – but metal is long-lasting and durable, meaning that the investment that you make now in a metal nameplate will last for years to come, rather than needing replacing in a matter of months.

Highly versatile

As well as its virtually unmatched durability, metal nameplates offer fantastic versatility. Whether you are looking to have your nameplate printed, embossed, or engraved, this is entirely possible. Nameplates can also be made into virtually any shape to suit the look that your business is hoping to achieve.

A variety of metals available

There are a number of different types of metal available to create your nameplate from. Some businesses prefer the lightness of aluminium nameplates, others the striking visuals of brass nameplates. You could also opt for the outright strength and durability of stainless steel – there are no bad options, just some that might be better to suited to your company.

At Southern United, we are specialists in the creation of bespoke metal nameplates, ideal for giving businesses an upmarket and appealing sign. If you are interested in learning more about the options available, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Plastic labels have a broad variety of uses for many businesses, clubs and organisations across the UK. Many of the types of plastic labels available make a great choice, as they are highly durable, as well as weatherproof. And, if required, they can even be over-laminated for additional durability.

So, if you are considering investing in plastic labels, you have made a good choice. But it is important to know that there are actually many different types of plastic labels available – including polyester, polycarbonate, vinyl, and polyimide. Here we present a guide to these different types of plastic labels to help you to decide which one might be best suited for your needs.

Polyester

Polyester labels are created from a plastic film which has properties including being resistant to the majority of chemicals. The material is also stable at temperatures up to 150 degree Celsius, and is considered a heat-stabilised label. With excellent flatness and transparency, these labels are extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of industrial applications.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate labels are very popular. They are highly resistant to high temperatures, and hold very good dimensional stability and colour. Labels are available in thicknesses of 250 or 500 microns and, better yet, they can be cut into virtually any shape, so they are perfect for a huge range of applications.

Vinyl

Vinyl labels have the advantage of being waterproof, weather-proof and scratch-proof, as they are printed using solvent inks. As well as being able to withstand temperatures from -50 to 110 degrees Celsius, vinyl labels are also very versatile and competitively priced.

Polyimide

Polyimide labels are made using polyimide film. This is a permanent, pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive. Specifically designed for thermal transfer printing, they have a high opacity, gloss white topcoat.

Southern United specialise in the production of the highest quality metal nameplates for businesses and organisations across a huge range of industries. Weather resistant and highly durable, our nameplates are fantastic choices for a wide range of possibilities.

We offer our nameplates in aluminium, brass, and stainless steel. All of these materials have their specific uses, advantages and disadvantages. It is important to know the difference between these materials before you choose which one is right for you. Here we take a look at the specifics of each material to help you make the right decision for your business.

Aluminium Nameplates

One of the major advantages of aluminium nameplates is they are the lightest type of metal nameplate available on the market – giving you a broader variety of options for where to place them. Once the aluminium has been coated with an anode layer it is highly weather and chemical-resistant. It is also more malleable than other options, making it easier to work into creative shapes.

Brass Nameplates

Brass offers something of a middle ground between aluminium and steel in terms of malleability, weight, and resistance against corrosion. One of the advantages of brass is the impressive natural colour of the metal, which may be perfect for some purposes.

Stainless Steel Nameplates

Stainless steel is the strongest metal available for nameplates, and is generally ideal for use in demanding conditions. It is highly resistant to chemicals and weather as well as issues such as temperature change and damage. However, it also the heaviest material that we offer.

If you are interested in learning more about the range of nameplates and materials we use, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the team at Southern United today.

Let’s set the scene.

You have recently decided to start a new architecture firm. You’ve set the office up, splashed out on new supplies and have your team raring to go. You decide the office needs one final finishing touch – a bespoke engraved metal nameplate that lets your clients know who you are.

You submit your order, and your shiny, new nameplate arrives a few days later. You love it – your new firm’s name glistening as the light bounces off the metal. You’re keen to keep it in this condition for as long as possible but aren’t sure how… that’s where we can help.

Maintaining your metal nameplate effectively is often easier said than done. Depending on the type of metal it has been made from, this can significantly impact its longevity and durability. However, with the right maintenance, it can be kept in tip-top condition for months and years to come.

In this article, we detail two of the main metals used to produce engraved nameplates and highlight how to maintain them both effectively.

1 – Aluminium

Aluminium is the most commonly used nameplate metal for good reason. Not only is it the most abundant metal on the planet, but it is resistant to corrosion, making it the ideal choice for engraving. It’s also incredibly lightweight and durable and is often used by the military, aircraft and marine industries.

To keep it from deteriorating over time, it’s important to remove any grease or dirt using a clean sponge and warm water. If the dirt is particularly difficult to remove, use a mild detergent to help shift it and then buff it using a clean, soft piece of cloth.

If the nameplate starts to discolour, don’t worry – a mixture of tartaric acid (two teaspoons) and warm water (1.13 litres or 2 pints) should do the job.

2 – Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is another commonly used metal in nameplate crafting and is generally considered the best choice for acidic environments. Since this metal is resistant to corrosion, chemicals and heat, it is the ideal choice for a wide variety of applications. Its resistance to dents and scratches is also one of the key reasons why it’s used outdoors so commonly.

To keep your stainless steel nameplate clean, you simply need to give it a gentle wipe using warm water and a mild detergent, and then remove any excess moisture with a cotton cloth. If the nameplate becomes stained, use an equal parts solution of warm water and vinegar to wipe off the stain.

If you are looking to produce a high-quality metal nameplate for your business or would like any tips on how to maintain an existing one, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.