Thermochromic inks are types of pigments that are temperature sensitive and can change color when the temperature of the surface to which they are applied changes. Think of those color-changing straws you had when you were a kid or mood rings -- these are examples of thermochromic pigments in action. The temporary change in color has a variety of applications such as safeguards for temperature-safe handling indicators and applications in food and beverage packaging. These inks can be applied to let customers know when products are at the proper temperature to consume, create added interest in packaging design, and create an interactive experience with your user. Lets find out by briefly going over some of the key points of temperature indicators labels and how they are used.
The first kind is Irreversible labels which are also known as non-reversible temperature labels. This type of test strip is great for many uses because the color change can only occur once. The indicator will not revert back when the temperature drops. When someone needs a lasting record that a temperature was reached (or not reached), the white to black color change technology in our temperature labels is the perfect solution. They are used in countless manufacturing processes and in various other commercial applications such as food service dish sanitation and contract sterilization.
Another useful temperature indicator type is the reversible temperature label. Reversible temperature labels show the approximate current temperature of a surface. As the temperature rises and falls the temperature label is indicating what the current temperature is. This is similar to a conventional glass thermometer, the type all of us are probably familiar with. Reversible temperature labels are used in a number of applications for example as a forehead fever indicator, an aquarium thermometer, and for use by homebrewers who want to know the temperature their beer is fermenting at.
As implied in the name reversible temperature labels can change color back and forth as needed in order to and display the current temperature in which they are exposed. One advantage of reversible labels is that they can be used multiple times. Since they are constantly changing depending on the temperature they are in monitoring of them must be done at the time of the event. They will not record temperature changes from the past only display the current temperature.
Color changing inks and thermochromic labels.
Thermochromic pigments just like any other ink, though usually a greater amount of ink will be applied to enhance the color-changing results. Here are some colors for you to choose: red, orange, magenta, green, blue, purple, turquoise, black, and vermilion. Activated by either hot or cold temperatures, these inks are incredibly versatile and have a wide range of applications in labeling.
Where will the temperature indicator labels be used?
Pharmaceutical products are highly sensitive to temperature and need proper management and care. Therefore, the process of packaging in the pharmaceutical industry is of extreme importance. Haphazard handling of drugs might result in major losses and can even pose risk to patient lives. Temperature indicator labels have various applications in the food and beverage industry.
Beer can labels and beer bottle labels can be printed with thermochromic inks and can be applied to individual graphics, so that when the beer is chilled, the label changes. Aside from practicality, this label creates added interest and creates a unique experience for drinkers.
The end-user segment of this market includes food and beverages, pharmaceutical, and chemicals and fertilizers. The pharmaceutical and food and beverages sectors dominated the market in 2018, due to the increase in the use of smart packaging, which helps in analyzing the temperature differences in the products.
