Cable labels for efficient processes in industrial identification

Whether cable and wire marking, solutions for industrial labelling in hazardous areas or security labelling with tamper evidence: HellermannTyton offers a comprehensive portfolio of cable labels and other marking solutions for a wide range of applications, from aerospace and rail industry to warehousing.

Our industrial identification solutions vary from simple pre-printed markers to inscribable adhesive labels and complete printing systems designed to process thousands of labels, heatshrink tubes or markers. 

Most of our products have been developed in close cooperation with customers.

As a result, our portfolio now includes solutions that meet a wide variety of requirements: including security aspects, the need for traceability or compliance with legal requirements.

HellermannTyton offers a wide range of labels that meet most requirements:

• Labels for thermal transfer printing, laser printing or manual marking
• Labels in different sizes and shapes
• Labels made of various materials and with various specifications

Below you find some highlights from our cable label portfolio.

The TagPrint Pro labelling software contains templates for all HellermannTyton thermal transfer and laser printable products – from wire labels, markers to heatshrink tubing. 

Simply select the built-in graphic or download your own and add data from the ERP system or standard programmes such as Excel. 

Barcodes are created with a few clicks. The surface of all HellermannTyton labels has been specially prepared so that the printing performance with label printers is excellent at all times.

Laser-printable labels are a dependable solution for marking wires and cables in industrial environments. Their self-laminating design offers robust protection against humidity and abrasion, while rounded edges improve bonding strength for a secure hold.

Helatag1104 cable labels are ideal for users seeking standard, high-performance labels. Constructed from 25-micron material, these labels are both lightweight and durable, making them ideal for general labeling tasks.

For applications that demand longer and more durable labels, Helatag 1105 cable labels are the preferred option. With a 50-micron thickness, these labels provide added durability, making them well-suited to more demanding environments.

Our self-laminating cable labels Helatag 896 and Helatag 323 are suitable for thermal transfer printing, ensuring crisp, high-resolution markings that are both durable and professional. Also, Helatag 323 cable labels are especially designed for challening environments as they are resistant to high temperatures and UV radiation.

Available in different dimensions, materials and thicknesses, they consist of a printable area with a protective laminate layer. The transparent laminate layer protects the printed information from environmental factors such as humidity, dirt, abrasion, water, chemicals, UV and high-temperature resistance, ensuring stability under challenging conditions.

The self-laminating Helatag 1232 labels are ideal in harsh environments, e.g. for marking hydraulic pipes. They feature an extremely resistant protective over-laminate and can be printed comfortably with the HellermannTyton thermal transfer printer series. 

The Helatag 1232 label series provides space for more information than just the serial number as they are much longer than standard self-laminating cable labels. The acrylate-based adhesive will not damage the hose.

The marking has good resistance to chemicals such as alcohol, petrol, solvents and hydraulic oil. Permanent cable identification is ensured by the flexible yet tear-resistant and impact-resistant polyester material.

Helasign 1402 cable labels offer durable and reliable solutions for wire and cable identification, making them ideal for low-volume maintenance tasks, whether for permanent or temporary markings. The self-laminating design protects against moisture, abrasion, and chemicals, ensuring reliable performance in demanding environments. These labels come in convenient, pocket-sized booklets complete with an applicator, allowing for quick, on-the-go use.

Key Features:

• Long-lasting durability: Resistant to water, oils, and abrasion for long-lasting clarity
• Easy application: Includes a practical applicator for fast and efficient labeling
• Versatile on-site use: Write directly with fast-drying T82 ink pens for professional-quality results

Popular applications for HellermannTyton heat shrink markers and cable tags include:

• high-temperature and UV resistance
• compliance with rail limited hazard standards
• metal detectability
• fluid resistance
• halogen-free properties

HellermannTyton offers a range of heat shrink wire labels that deliver excellent print quality when paired with our thermal transfer printers. They are available in continuous format or pre-cut in a practical “ladder style” system. The following three options are specifically designed for reliability and safety in rail applications.

HellermannTyton 2:1 heat shrink markers are halogen-free, European rail-approved, feature low smoke propagation, density, and toxicity. They also allow for double-sided printing. TLFX heat shrink cable markers are supplied as continuous tubes and can be perforated or fully cut to predetermined lenghts.

TLFX DS heat shrink cable markers come in a ladder-style format. Similar to the TLFX marker, this version allows for double-sided printing thanks to its ladder-style format, making it easy to select individual markers as needed.

TLFD DS heat shrink cable markers are fluid-resistant and ideal for fire-sensitive applications. Pre-cut into a convenient ladder format, they offer enhanced resistance to organic fluids, fuels, lubricants, and solvents, while maintaining low smoke propagation, density, and toxicity

The cable markers TIPTAG PU and TAGPU are designed to withstand extreme conditions. Offering UV stability, resistance to weather and chemicals, and versatility to meet demanding requirements, these cable tags set the standard for cable and wire identification in harsh environments.

Equipped with fastening slots, they can be easily attached with cable ties, making them ideal for retrofit installations and adaptable to existing setups.

Made of a flexible polyurethane material, these cable tags combine durability with adaptability for challenging conditions. The TIPTAG PU cable tags are supplied pre-perforated in continuous reels whereas the TAGPU tags are supplied pre-cut in a ladder-style format, allowing for quick selection and use.

HellermannTyton offers a variety of pre-printed markers for cable and wire identification. These markers are available in yellow and in colours based on the international resistance color code. They feature characters 0–9, A–Z, and electrical symbols, printed using either laser or thermal transfer methods. The primary difference between the markers lies in their structure and how they are applied to cables. To simplify installation, accessories are available for all marker types.

WIC cable markers are designed for easy use on completed terminations or during maintenance. These vibration-resistant markers snap securely onto wires, preventing rotation and ensuring strong stability with perfectly aligned text. They come in a range of sizes (WIC0–WIC3) to accommodate cable diameters from 0.8 mm to 5.3 mm.

Ovalgrip and Helagrip cable markers are designed for slide-on application, allowing them to be applied directly to wires or cables before termination. Ovalgrip markers, featuring a straight cut, are suitable for cable diameters ranging from 1.7 mm to 6 mm. Helagrip markers, with a chevron cut to keep them together and maintain text alignment, are ideal for cable diameters from 1 mm to 9 mm.

IT-Series identification cable ties provide the unique ability to both identify and secure cable bundles in one step.

Identification plates, such as the IMP and IT Series, and Arrowtag range, are suitable for marking large cables, pipes, or flat surfaces, either before or after termination. These plates can be fixed using cable ties up to 4.8 mm wide. 

Identification cable ties and plates can be manually identified with T82 indelible markers or by using our Helatag 892 labels.

Helafix HC and HCR cable carriers offer a versatile solution for marking cable looms, cables, pipes, transport systems, valves, sensors, and even inventory on machinery or other components. These transparent carriers are designed to accommodate HFX labels, offering options for both temporary and permanent marking.

Key features include:

• Flexible Mounting Options: HC cable carriers can be mounted using T18 series cable ties, screws, or rivets
• Durable Protection: The carriers shield the inserted HFX label from environmental factors such as moisture, dirt, physical damage, and UV radiation, ensuring long-term readability and reliability
• Pre-Cut or Continuous Formats: HC carriers are available in pre-cut lengths as well as in a continuous tube format, allowing custom lengths to be easily cut

Specifically designed for robust identification on trucks and trailers and in the automotive market, the Helatag 1251 tamper-evident labels provide a highly visible and durable marking and are an effective alternative to conventional aluminium plates. These labels leave a clear indication if removed, providing strong tamper evidence for enhanced security. 

A transparent protective laminate ensures resistance to dirt and abrasion, making them highly durable for both indoor and outdoor applications. With a strong adhesive and sturdy construction, these labels stay firmly in place, offering reliable protection for your identification needs.

For general inventory management, Helatag 1203 labels provide similar tamper-evident features for secure asset marking. These versatile labels can be printed with text, graphics, or barcodes, delivering flexible solutions for various identification requirements. Perfect for marking equipment and inventory, they ensure clear, reliable, and unambiguous asset identification.

There are a variety of cable and wire marking solutions suitable for the permanent marking of components and pre-assembled units in the electrical industry as well as for plant machinery marking.

These industrial identification solutions can also be used for construction and commissioning as well as for repair and extension of switch cabinets and control systems. 

Have a look at some selected product highlights which are often used in the field of industrial labelling.

HellermannTyton offers a range of materials that enable customers to quickly identify whether assets have been tampered with. 

Two types of materials are common and are used to identify problems with tampering: One leaves a distinct pattern on the surface and the other disintegrates into fragments. 

Also available is a robust outdoor labelling system consisting of a clear, overlaminated and printable silver label that provides excellent performance on trucks and trailers. 

Thermal transfer panel labels such as Helatag 1220 (white) and Helatag 1221 (silver), are a cost effective alternative to engraved plates. Ideal for industrial control panels, switchgears and general identification equipment, they provide a reliable identification solution without the need for screws or bolts.

These durable, self-adhesive labels offer:

• Easy customisation: Sharp text and barcode printing
• Strong adhesion: Permanent acrylic adhesive with foam backing adapts to any surface
• Long-lasting durability: Resists harsh weather, chemicals, and UV exposure

The handwritten HELASIGN 270 labels made of yellow fabric are designed for the quick identification of components, switchgear and other on site equipment. 

Thanks to the synthetic rubber adhesive, the label can be easily removed or repositioned if necessary – without leaving any adhesive residue. 

The labels are also suitable for tricky surfaces and are available with or without a black frame.

HellermannTyton MBML metal cable markers, made of 316L stainless steel, are versatile and find applications across various industries due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand harsh environments, ensuring efficient operations, safety, and proper maintenance. Here are some examples of applications for SS316L cable markers in different industries: 

• Marine: used in shipbuilding for labelling cables and wires in challenging marine applications such as vessels and port equipment
• Oil and gas industry: present on offshore drilling rigs and refineries, resistant to saltwater and weather
• Outdoor installations: ideal for exposed environments
• Renewable energy: suitable for wind turbines and solar panel installations
• Heavy-duty applications: ensuring safety in railway systems and infrastructure such as signalling systems and trackside equipment 
• Food, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing industries: our metal cable markers are durable, non-toxic and will withstand heat and cleaning chemicals, supporting hygiene and HACCP quality processes

Product features:

• SS316L cable markers are available in four dimensions: 10x90 mm, 20x90 mm, 10x45 mm and 20x45 mm
• It is possible to mark them up to 23 characters per line and up to three lines per marker, depending on the dimension
• Customised printing is also available
• Can be applied with MBT metal cable tie up to 4.6mm in width
• Manufactured in the UK, offering excellent value for money and immediate availability

316L is a low carbon variety of the widely used 316 stainless steel. “SS316L” stands for “low carbon”, which indicates that the composition of this stainless steel has a lower carbon concentration, meaning there is additional resistance to corrosion. Therefore, SS316L marine grade is typically used in harsher and more demanding environments than standard 316 stainless steel.

316L steel properties:

• Superior corrosion resistance: Compared to standard 304 and 316 grades, SS316L offers  superior corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice in highly corrosive environments where corrosion is a significant concern, such as marine, offshore, coastal, and chemical processing industries
• Mechanical robustness: SS316L offers comparable strength and toughness to other stainless-steel grades: UV radiation, wind, fluctuating temperatures, precipitation, and ice; ensuring long-lasting durability and reliability
• Versatile industrial use: High tensile strength and durability make 316L stainless steel perfect for various industries, reducing material costs and providing design flexibility
• High temperatures resistance: Withstands from -80°C to +538°C, maintaining its strength and toughness and ensuring reliable performance in extreme conditions, without losing its mechanical properties

The M-BOSS Compact stainless steel embossing system has been designed for easy printing of our MBML series metal cable markers, providing clear and durable identification, crucial for hazardous areas. The key features of this metal marker engraving equipment are:

• Durability: Embosses up to 60 characters, each tested to endure 1.5 million strikes
• Fast operation: It offers quick and efficient marking, producing each symbol in less than a second
• Ease of use: Compatible with the TagPrint Pro printing software, facilitating easy text creation
• Efficiency: It allows long continuous long operation, thanks to an advanced cooling system.
• Quiet operation: Ideal for both production and office environments
• Customised printing service available: HellermannTyton also offers a convenient customised printing service to meet your needs.

Basically, a distinction is made between the following two states: the initial bond, which occurs immediately after the label and surface have been joined, and the final bond, which represents the permanent bonding state between the label and surface after the adhesive has been applied, pressed on and cured. Factors influencing optimum adhesion include the quality of the surface material and the properties of the adhesive. 

What else needs to be considered? Learn more in our brochure bonding properties of labels!

Flat drops:

• High surface energy
• Good wetting
• Good bonding properties

Rounded drops:

• Low surface energy
• Poor wetting
• Weak bonding properties

What exactly is it all about? Learn more here: in our brochure effect of surface energy on bonding properties!