Which is the proper method?
Chemicals such as detergents, lubricants, paints and adhesives are used daily for work. From their labels we get useful information about the types of chemicals that the product contains, what are the dangers associated with this product, how to use the chemical product safely.
An international globally harmonised system for classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) has been available since 2003. Member States requested the European Commission to prepare a proposal for a Regulation which would adopt the GHS criteria of the United Nations in all EU Member States. In Europe, the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation implements this system in the workplace and for consumers. The purpose of this Regulation is to harmonise the criteria for classification of substances and mixtures, and the rules on labelling and packaging for hazardous substances and mixtures. All EU manufacturers, suppliers of substances and mixtures, as well as distributors and retail chains must classify, label and package substances and mixtures in accordance with the CLP Regulation. Black-red hazardous substance symbols have replaced the previous orange hazard symbols.
There are different ways to apply the hazardous markings in conformity with GHS. Our company can offer two options. The first one is GHS label printing with specialized XC two-colour label printer models. This is the latest series of industrial printers, specially designed to meet the needs of customers for two-colour thermal transfer printing on labels. The XC series includes 2 main versions: XC4 for label width from 20 to 116 mm and XC6 for label width from 46 to 176 mm. Two in-line arranged thermal transfer print units for simultaneous two-colour printing in one label print with resolution 300 dpi. Label materials could be paper, cardboard, textile, plastics such as PET, PE, PP, PVC, PU, acrylate, PI.
If labels have to be applied automatically subsequent to two-colour printing, the Hermes C printing system is right choice. Hermes C is the first labeling system worldwide to print and apply two-colour labels in one operation. It has been developed and optimized especially for applications corresponding to the new Classification and Labelling Inventory according to GHS. All shapes of packaging can be marked, for example bottles, cans, drums, buckets, cardboard or pallets. Because of the modular construction system Hermes C offers a proper solution for every application. The print unit is extended by an applicator to transfer the printed labels. Labels can either be pressed or rolled onto surfaces. At this, the product may be in motion on a conveyor belt or at rest.
The second interesting approach is printing the hazard symbols directly on the product instead of attaching a GHS label. Suitable for this is inkjet printing with piezo technology. For these purposes, the two-colour printing system is used: ALE TC - TWIN printheads, driven by the MasterHD controller. This two-spot colours system is especially designed to meet the new GHS regulation and to print with maximum accuracy traceability data for dangerous products, like chemicals. GHS symbols are integrated in a library, supported by Codex software. The most common colour combination is red and black, for safety marking, but any set of colours is possible. There are 2 versions available for 72 and 144mm print height.
Our experts will be happy to advise you. Contact us.
