Bekaert: A Case Study on High-Temperature Labels
Bekaert: A Case Study on High-Temperature Labels
The Right Tools in the New World
Identification is an important part of any process that needs to track objects. But how do you track items that get heated to more than 500C? That was the problem multi-national technology company Bekaert, specialists in advanced metal transformation and materials solutions, had. This is how we helped them solve that problem with the help of barcodes and ultra high temperature labels.
Our client Bekaert tells us how they use ultra-high temperature labels to make their operations world class. With Bekaert’s focus on operational efficiencies, they’re able to create sustainable growth and success.
The Story of Bekaert
Bekaert first started designing wire products in Belgium back in 1880. They have since grown into a multinational group with operations across Europe, North America, Central and South America and Asia.
From humble beginnings, Bekaert now produces cutting edge metal fibres for a variety of industries, including concrete reinforcement, armoured wires and magnetic wiring. Working with multiple industries requires complex production processes which need to be carefully managed to maximise potential and minimise errors.
One operational efficiency that Bekaert uses in their production process is a barcode based tracking system, which means parts need to be clearly identifiable throughout each stage of production.
These barcodes can’t be printed onto regular labels however, due to the fact that production involves a furnacing process which can reach temperatures of 500°C. In order for the parts to continue through the entire process without the need to change labels (a process which takes time and leaves the potential for errors) the parts need to be labelled with high temperature labels.
Where We Come In
Expert Labels helps Bekaert streamline their production processes by supplying temperature resistant labels, capable of withstanding temperatures more than 1000°C, with a special adhesive to ensure the labels can handle anything thrown at them during these processes.
The barcode tracking system, using the specialised, high temperature labels ‘reduced the number of quality complaints relating to the application of incorrect labels, overnight’ according to Bekaert’s General Manager.
The presence of these labels during the furnacing process has led to ‘no deterioration in product quality’ whilst increasing the efficiency of production as a whole.
In the past Bekaert used to replace tracking codes after the heating process which led to mistakes and took valuable time. The new high temperature labels means Bekaert is able to save valuable ‘operational time and eliminate the errors’ by having barcodes move around the whole process without needing to be replaced.
Bekaert extensively researched the options available to them with the help of Expert Labels to find material options that could perform throughout the production process as well as finding an adhesive that could maintain contact with a metal part under the extreme conditions of the furnacing.
The services that Expert Labels provide for Bekaert allow them to focus on their products that have 144 years of quality and experience behind them and assist in minimising the potential errors that can impact a company of this size and reputation.
Long-term Partners
At Expert Labels we have over 30 years of experience dealing with specialist material labels, and pride ourselves on our ability to find new, forward-thinking solutions to all processes that involve labelling solutions.
Our continued relationship with Bekaert ‘has made a massive difference’ to their production experience. This difference is what can separate an efficient process from one that hinders your company’s growth and development.
To see how we can use specialist labelling materials to streamline your business, from high temperature materials to cryogenics and compostable materials; please get in touch with us by phoning 013 5927 1111 or by emailing us at info@expertlabels.co.uk.
Useful Links
Bekaert Homepage
Check Berkaert:
https://www.bekaert.com/en/
High Temperature Labels
High Temperature Heat-Proof Labels and Tags
Last Updated: 19 Mar 2024
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