The UK manufacturer of labelling solutions, Silver Fox, has reported further positive results from the most recent round of testing of its labels. This time, the labels and tests involved are:

• Fox-Flo  zero halogen thermal tie-on cable labels have passed the ISO 4892 part 3 cycle 1 (UV Weathering) test for 1,000 hours exposure to accelerated ultra-violet (UV) light
• Endurance pipe marking tape (for offshore use) has passed the test for 1,000 hours exposure to accelerated UV light
• Solar panel labelling has passed the test for 1,000 hours exposure to accelerated UV light

A Silver Fox zero halogen tie-on cable label.

Silver Fox solar panel warning labels.

These results follow recent similarly positive test results on Silver Fox Fox-Flo labels for smoke and toxicity, as well as flame propagation. These tests covered IMO FTP Part 2 – Smoke and Toxicity and IMO FTP Part 5 – Surface spread of flames, for the Fox-Flo range of cable labels.

The recent smoke and toxicity, as well as flame, tests were carried out according to the International Maritime Organisation standards for smoke and toxicity, along with flame propagation.

Other recently completed tests of Silver Fox labels include those for low temperature (to ensure that the labels are serviceable in temperature as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius) as well as for hydrogen sulphide (H₂S):

·         MIL-STD-810F Method 502.4 – Low Temperature -40°C

·         H₂S Sour Gas Exposure (2% H₂S)

Except for the IMO tests, where the test specifically requires just the material, in all tests carried out on its labels, Silver Fox tests the finished, printed label – and not just the material.

“The results of all the tests – including the UV tests, which are on-going – are a tribute to the quality and durability of Silver Fox labels’ manufacture,” said Nick Michaelson, CEO of Silver Fox. “The fact that Silver Fox is conducting these tests, progressively, throughout its wide range of labels demonstrates our commitment to not only be the best but also to provide our customers with the best. Silver Fox labels are routinely used in the Oil & Gas, Power, Rail and Data & Telecoms industries worldwide. They’re used in demanding conditions – where the labels can experience both high and low temperatures and, sometimes, are exposed to dangerous gases and other hazards.

“Consequently, it’s important that the labels are tested thoroughly to ensure that they’ll perform well under ‘real world’ conditions – and, indeed, out-perform their rivals.”

Silver Fox regularly tests its labels at MoD, UKAS-certified and independent recognised test laboratories in compliance with a number of different MIL and other standards.