Specialty Materials · PCB Labels
Polyimide (PI) labels for extreme heat and PCB tracking
Polyimide (PI) is the gold standard for electronics and PCB manufacturing. When standard polyester melts or degrades, polyimide survives. We supply custom thermal transfer polyimide labels engineered to withstand multi-cycle reflow soldering, wave soldering, and aggressive chemical washes.
- Heat resistant up to 572°F (300°C) for lead-free reflow
- Polyonics Apex series and other premium PI films available
- Excellent dimensional stability and barcode contrast
- Chemical resistance to fluxes and harsh industrial cleaners
Why Polyimide for PCB tracking?
Printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing involves extreme environments. The labels used for top-side and bottom-side board tracking must survive intense heat without shrinking, yellowing, or losing barcode readability.
Polyimide labels are formulated specifically for these conditions. When paired with the correct resin thermal transfer ribbon, the printed image remains scannable through the entire production lifecycle.
Polyonics Apex series
We can source high-performance materials like the Polyonics Apex series. These polyimide labels represent the cutting edge of PCB tracking technology, offering unparalleled resistance to heat and chemicals.
Whether you need a 1 mil or 2 mil film, white or amber, we can match the exact material specification your engineering team requires.
Custom sizing and conversion
PCB labels are typically very small—often just 0.25" x 0.25" for micro-components. We convert polyimide materials to your exact die specifications.
Request a custom quote with your dimensions and material requirements, and we will provide a wholesale manufacturing quote.
Related
FAQ
Can I print on Polyimide labels with my Zebra printer?
Yes. Polyimide labels can be printed using standard thermal transfer printers (like Zebra or Honeywell) provided you use a compatible full-resin ribbon designed for extreme heat.
What is the difference between PI and PET?
Polyester (PET) is durable but typically only rated for temperatures up to 300°F (150°C). Polyimide (PI) can handle short-term exposure up to 572°F (300°C) and is designed specifically for soldering processes.