technical label questions

Inside Our QC Lab: 7 Tests Every Label Must Pass.

Quality isn’t a promise; it’s a measurable result. While many factories do “visual checks,” we’ve built a small but rigorous QC lab where every production batch undergoes standardized physical testing. Here are the 7 tests that separate our labels from the rest.

Test 1: Colorfastness to Washing (ISO 105-C06)

  • Process: Label samples are sewn to multifiber fabric and washed in a controlled machine with standard detergent at 40°C.
  • Passing Standard: No color transfer to adjacent fabric > Level 4 on the grey scale (minimal visible change).
  • Why it matters: Ensures your brand colors won’t bleed in the laundry.

Test 2: Colorfastness to Rubbing/Crocking (AATCC 8)

  • Process: A white cotton cloth is rubbed against the label surface 10 times under controlled pressure using a Crockmeter.
  • Passing Standard: Dry rubbing: > Level 4. Wet rubbing: > Level 3-4.
  • Why it matters: Prevents color from rubbing off onto skin or other garments.

Test 3: Dimensional Stability (Wash & Dry)

  • Process: Labels are marked with precise measurements, washed, dried, and measured again.
  • Passing Standard: Shrinkage/Growth must not exceed ±2%.
  • Why it matters: Guarantees labels won’t pucker or distort after garment washing.

Test 4: Edge Integrity (Fray Resistance)

  • Process: Laser-cut labels undergo a standardized “tumble test” in a small box for 30 minutes, simulating abrasion.
  • Passing Standard: Zero fraying or thread separation.
  • Why it matters: Validates our laser-edge sealing technology.

Test 5: Peel Strength (For Silicone Backing)

  • Process: Using a tensile tester, we measure the force required to peel the label from a standard fabric.
  • Passing Standard: Minimum 2.0 N/cm of width.
  • Why it matters: Ensures silicone backing effectively prevents curling without being overly sticky.

Test 6: Thread Density & Weave Evenness

  • Process: Under a digital microscope, we measure threads per centimeter in both warp and weft directions.
  • Passing Standard: Must match our specification sheet within ±5%.
  • Why it matters: Consistent density means consistent hand-feel and opacity.

Test 7: Legibility & Contrast Check

  • Process: Using standardized lighting, our QC team verifies that all text is clearly readable from 12 inches away.
  • Passing Standard: 100% of text must be legible by all inspectors.
  • Why it matters: A beautiful label is useless if the care instructions can’t be read.

The Human Element: 100% Visual Inspection
After passing these lab tests, every single label is inspected by trained personnel under proper lighting for:

  • Weaving defects (mis-weaves, skipped threads)
  • Cutting accuracy
  • General appearance

Transparency: You Can See the Reports.
For key clients, we provide summarized QC reports with photos of the tested samples. You see the proof, not just hear the claim.

Quality is a System, Not a Slogan.
This multi-layered approach—combining instrument testing with human inspection—is why our defect rate remains below 0.5%. It’s an investment in your confidence.

Request a Sample QC Report.
Contact us to see a real (anonymous) test report from our lab. Understand the depth of verification behind every label we ship.

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