Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Reversible Temperature Indicating Strips

The Thermochromic Liquid Crystal (TLC) range of reversible temperature indicating labels forms a fast, easy to interpret indication of actual temperature. They are also convenient, easy to use and in-expensive.

What They Are:

These self adhesive labels consist of a series of temperature-sensitive elements containing microencapsulated TLC coated on a black backing. Each element changes colour distinctly as its rated temperature is reached, passing through the colours of the spectrum in sequence (Orange, Yellow, Green, and Blue before turning black at a higher temperature. The TLC strips are calibrated so that the indicator that shows green indicates the actual temperature. The colour changes are reversible and the reflected colours will be observed in the reverse order upon cooling.

How the labels work:

The temperature-sensitive elements contain TLC molecules that are very sensitive to temperature and change position / twist in relation to changes in temperature. This change in molecular structure affects the wavelengths of light that are absorbed and reflected by the liquid crystals, resulting in an apparent change in the colour of each temperature event.

When the rated temperature of an indicator is reached the TLC molecules twist slightly causing the TLC substance to absorb the red and blue portions of the visible light and reflect the green part. This causes the temperature event to appear green. When the temperature decreases, the molecules begin to twist in the opposite direction, and the TLC reflect a different portion of the spectrum.

 

Label Construction:

Component	Thickness
Polyester Film	>75μ, 125μ, 175μ
Graphic Print	10-20μ
Liquid Crystal Ink	10-50μ
Black Backing	10-20μ
Adhesive & Carrier	150-180μ
Release Liner	75μ

Label Accuracy: The tolerance on all our products is ±1°C of the rated temperature, with the exception of the medical products (forehead thermometers and drug test strips) that have a tolerance of ±0.5°C of the rated temperature It should be noted that for forehead, drug test and wine thermometers an “offset” is applied to the rated temperature. The “offset” allows for the difference in temperature readings between the outside and inside of a host item. For example the surface skin temperature of a human is lower than the core body temperature due to heat loss from the surface. A great amount of research has been carried out on this subject to ensure the correct offset has been assigned. Generally liquid crystal thermometer strips / temperature indicators can be read accurately to within half the increment between adjacent temperature events. For example the A296 series products, which have events sequenced every 5ºC, the temperature can be read to within 2.5ºC. For A523 series where events are sequenced every 1ºC or 2ºC and medical products (including forehead and drug test strips) the temperature can be read to within 0.5ºC and 1ºC respectively. Custom Products: In addition to the standard Liquid Crystal labels available, which cover the temperature range of -30 – 120°C, a full custom manufacturing service is available and products can be manufactured to meet customers’ precise requirements of, for example, size, shape, colour, temperature range, number of temperature elements, graphic printing (logo’s etc). Please ask for details.

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