Our Process — How Vulcanizable Labels Are Made

Vulcanizable labels are not printed — they are transferred. 
That distinction matters to every rubber manufacturer who has 
ever dealt with a label that peeled, cracked, or failed 
inspection after vulcanization.

At Transfer Graphic, we have spent 8 years engineering a 
transfer process that becomes permanent the moment heat and 
pressure are applied.

── The Substrate

We print on .002" transparent PET film. This ultra-thin carrier 
allows precise ink adhesion while releasing cleanly during the 
transfer process, leaving only the label bonded to the rubber surface.

── The Printing Methods

We operate two industrial printing processes:

Silkscreen — 90-thread mesh. Ideal for bold graphics, solid 
colors, and short-to-medium production runs. Delivers consistent 
ink deposit and sharp edges on complex geometries.

Rotogravure — Cylinder-engraved printing for high-resolution 
artwork and long production runs. Superior color consistency 
across high volumes. The preferred method for clients with 
repeating orders above 10,000 units.

── The Transfer

Labels are applied by heat and pressure over a 20-minute cycle. 
During vulcanization, the ink permanently bonds to the rubber 
substrate. The PET carrier is removed, leaving a mark that 
cannot be peeled, scraped, or separated without damaging 
the rubber itself.

── Quality Control

Every production run is executed under our ISO 9001:2015 
certified quality management system. Process parameters, 
ink batches, and transfer conditions are documented and 
traceable for every order.

── Applications

Our process is validated for:
— Industrial and automotive hoses
— Transmission belts
— Air springs (pneumatic suspension)
— Tires and retreads
— Rubber seals and gaskets
— Rubber footwear soles
— Any vulcanized rubber article requiring permanent marking

Have a specific application or material? Contact us at 
info@transfergraphic.com or call +1 (214) 261-5688