Temperature stickers and other non-electronic temperature indicators

Temperature Labels

Another variation of the phase-change indicators is the temperature sensitive label. These adhesive backed monitors consist of one or more heat sensitive indicators sealed under transparent, heat-resistant windows. The centers of these indicators turn from white to black at the temperature ratings as shown on the label face. This color change, caused by the temperature-sensitive substance being absorbed into its backing material, is irreversible. After registering the temperature history of the workpiece, the exposed monitor label can then be removed and affixed to a service report to remain part of a permanent record.

Temperature Crayons

all the fusible indicators is the temperature sensitive stick, or crayon. Each crayon has a calibrated melting point. These indicators are manufactured in 100 different temperature ratings and range from 100°F to 2500°F. Each has a temperature indicating accuracy within 1% of its temperature rating.

Using the crayons is simple. The workpiece to be tested is marked with a crayon. When the pre-determined melting point of the crayon mark is attained, the mark instantly liquifies, notifying the observer that the workpiece has reached that temperature.

However, under some circumstances, premarking with a crayon is not practical. This can be the case if a prolonged heating period is involved (the crayon mark may evaporate), if the surface is highly polished and does not readily accept a crayon mark, or if the material being marked is such that it absorbs the liquid phase of the crayon. In such instances, the operator can repeatedly stroke the workpiece with the crayon. The point at which the surface reaches the desired temperature is determined by noting when the crayon ceases to make dry marks and instead leaves a liquid smear.

Temperature Lacquers

Another form of heat sensitive material is a dull lacquer-type liquid that turns glossy and transparent at a predetermined temperature. This phase changing liquid is a fusible coating material that offers greater flexibility than crayons as to the types of surfaces on which it can be applied.

Chemically, this lacquer-type fluid contains a solid material that has a calibrated melting point. These solids are suspended in an inert, volatile, but nonflammable vehicle. Upon reaching its rated temperature, the dull lacquer mark liquifies. On subsequent cooling, however, the fluid does not revert to its original dull appearance, but rather to a glossy or crystalline coating. This shiny state of appearance is evidence that the lacquer has reached the rated temperature.

Due to their physical properties, these lacquers are often used instead of crayons on very smooth surfaces (glass, plastic film, laminated plastic), soft surfaces (paper, cloth), or on surfaces not readily accessible for application of a crayon mark during heating. Within seconds after application, the lacquer dries to a dull matte finish. Response is only a fraction of a second when the temperature to be indicated is reached. This time can be reduced to milliseconds by applying a mark of minimal thickness. These fluids are available in over 100 different temperature ratings, covering the range from 100°F to 2500°F. As with the crayon type indicators, accuracy is within ±1%. The temperature ratings available range from 100°F to 350°F in 6 increments, from 350°F to 500°F in 12 increments, from 500°F to 750°F in 25 increments, and from 750°F to 2500°F in 50 increments.

The temperature-sensitive lacquers are supplied in the proper consistency for brushing. If spraying or dipping is preferred, a special thinner is added to alter the viscosity without impairing the temperature indicating performance.

Temperature Pellets

The first commercial form of the fusible indicator was the pellet, which continues to be useful in certain applications. Pellets are most frequently employed when extended heating periods are involved or when oxidation of a metal workpiece might obscure a crayon mark. Pellets are also ideal when a relatively large bulk of indicator material is necessary because observations must be made from a distance. Another major use of pellet-type indicators is for determining specific air-space temperatures. A typical application is the monitoring of heat zones in industrial ovens and furnaces.

Phase change temperature indicating pellets are available in flat tablets, 7/16” in diameter and 1/8” thick. For special applications, smaller 1/8” by 1/8” thick pellets are also available. One application for these miniature pellets is that of thermal fuses. The solid pellet acts as a circuit breaker as it melts and releases tension on a spring which, in relaxing, opens a contact, in turn, cutting off electrical continuity.

Pellets come in the extended range from 100°F to 3000°F. For temperature measurements in hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or other reducing environments, a special series of pellets is also available.

Reversible temperature sticker
Reversible liquid crystal sensor labels change appearance once a certain temperature is reached and can be used over and over.

Non-reversible temperarture sticker
Irreversible sensor labels change appearance once a certain temperature is reached. These can be handy when one needs confirmation that the temperature of a piece of equipment or a material has not exceeded a certain level.

pt100 Probes
Easy to use temperature kits, simply mark with the correct temperature color and when the temperature is reached, the mark changes.

Advantages over electronic devices

This family of fusible temperature indicators has several advantages over other methods of determining surface temperature. First, the temperature indications obtained are unquestionably those of the surface being tested. The temperature sensitive material is applied directly to the surface, and therefore changes state in direct response to that surface, and only that surface.

A second advantage of using fusible temperature indicators is the fact that there is no delay in obtaining a signal. Since a mark left by a crayon or a lacquer has an extremely small mass, it attains rapid equilibrium with the surface. The use of a “massive” probe tends to prolong response time and could result in an erroneously low reading. With the use of fusible temperature indicators, there is no conduction of heat away from the surface. Nor is there any dependence on the duration of heating.

The third advantage of fusible indicators is that the technique for using them is simple and economical. Determining surface temperatures by most other means requires some technical competence and skill and, in many cases, sophisticated instrumentation. Surface temperature readings can be obtained from fusible indicators with little effort, training, and expense.

What is the difference between Non-Reversible and Reversible Temperature stickers?

As implied by the name, reversible temperature strips can change back and forth as needed to provide an indication of the present temperature. One advantage of the reversible stickers is that they can be used over and over again. Non-reversible temperature stickers are a one time usage indication that the specified temperature has been reached. Non-reversible stickers are useful in a situation where an operator is not available or does not have access to the sticker attached to a product under test. At any future time a non-reversible sticker may be examined to see if the specified temperature had been obtained.

What are Non-Reversible Temperature labels?

OMEGALABEL™ irreversible self adhesive temperature strips consist of one or more heat sensitive indicators sealed under transparent, heat-resistant windows. The centers of the temperature indicator circles will turn black at the temperature ratings shown on the sticker. The change to black is irreversible and registers the temperature history of the work piece. The exposed OMEGALABEL™ can be made part of the permanent record by removing it and affixing it to a service report. These conveniently applied and easy-to-interpret temperature indicating tabs find many industrial and military uses, as well as applications in research and development programs. The OMEGALABEL™ will indicate a specified temperature or sequence of temperatures. The performance of the OMEGALABEL™ is typically not affected by transient contact with solvents, gasoline, fuel oil, lubricants, hot water, or steam. The OMEGALABEL™ is particularly useful in the solution of problems, which include: monitoring the safe operating temperature of equipment and processes; determining temperatures as a guide to design and material selection in research and development projects; determining temperatures as a guide to design and material selection in research and development projects; safeguarding temperature sensitive materials in storage and transit; obtaining operating temperature data of components and regions not readily accessible to other methods. To use the OMEGALABEL™, remove the backing, exposing the adhesive; press the OMEGALABEL™ firmly to the work surface. No special treatment is needed for the surface, although it should be clean and dry to obtain maximum adhesion.