Tray Labeling: How to Use Labels Effectively for Your Packaging

Tray Labeling – Key Facts at a Glance

• Tray labels enable the clear identification, traceability, inventory management, and automation of plastic trays.
• Methods such as engraving, embossing, hot stamping, color strips, or labels are suitable for different applications depending on the material, quantity, and intended use.
• Engravings provide the most durable solution because they are resistant to cleaning, tamper-resistant, and ideal for ESD or cleanroom applications.
• With the 3D Tray Generator from formary, labeling can be taken into account at an early stage of the tray design and checked for technical feasibility.

→ Generate your 3D tray now and add your labeling!

What Is Tray Labeling?

Tray labeling is a unique inscription or marking applied to plastic trays. Among other things, it enables:

• Identification
• Traceability
• and automation.

Depending on the requirements, different methods are used: from permanent engravings that are incorporated directly into the thermoforming tool and transferred to the tray during plastic thermoforming, to flexible labels or colored strips.

Engraved markings are particularly suitable for reusable trays, ESD-protected workpiece carriers, automation trays, and applications with high requirements for cleaning resistance and reliable operation. Other methods, such as labels or color strips, are often sufficient and more cost-effective when requirements are lower.

When Is Which Tray Labeling Method Worthwhile?

Not every application requires permanent engraving. The choice of the appropriate method depends on the operating conditions, quantity, and process requirements of the project.

Permanent labeling such as engraving is worthwhile when:

• trays are frequently cleaned or disinfected
• there is a high level of mechanical stress
• traceability must be ensured over several years
• trays are automatically identified, sorted, or transported
• ESD protection or cleanroom requirements require labeling that cannot detach
• tamper resistance is important
• labels would otherwise detach due to temperature, chemicals, or abrasion

Simpler methods such as labels or color strips are sufficient when:

• trays are only used temporarily or internally
• quantities are low
• there is no cleaning or mechanical stress
• identification is purely visual and does not involve automation

What Methods Are Available for Tray Labeling?

Depending on the material, quantity, budget, and area of application, various labeling methods can be considered.

For applications with high requirements for durability and process reliability, laser engraving is particularly common because it is flexible, precise, and permanent. It is suitable for plastics such as ABS, PC, PET-G, PP, or PS, and produces clearly legible codes, text, or logos without contact with the component.

What Information Can Be Engraved on Trays?

The type of labeling depends on the intended application. Typical content includes:

Identification Data

Serial numbers, part IDs, project numbers, or customer identifiers enable unique assignment and traceability.

Barcodes and QR Codes

Machine-readable codes enable automated data capture in ERP, WMS, or MES systems. They support inventory management, order picking, and process control.

Logos and Company Markings

Company logos or brand marks create recognition value and document ownership of reusable trays.

Product Designations

Labels such as “Component A,” “Batch 2026-03,” or “ESD-protected” facilitate visual identification and reduce the risk of mix-ups.

Warning Notices

Safety notices such as “Max. stacking height 5,” “Not for food use,” or “Store in dry conditions only” can be engraved directly onto the tray.

Process Data

Information such as production date, material identification, or recycling codes supports quality assurance and the circular economy.

How Do You Plan Tray Labeling in the Tray Design?

Tray labeling should be considered from an early stage. The reason: early planning during tray design saves costs, avoids rework, and ensures that the labeling is technically feasible and remains permanently legible.

Step 1: Define the Requirements

Before designing the tray, clarify:

• What information needs to be applied?
• What size does the labeling need to be?
• Where should the labeling be positioned?
• Will the labeling be machine-readable?
• Which cleaning methods will be used?

Step 2: Consider the Geometry in the 3D Model

The 3D Tray Generator from formary makes it possible to identify suitable areas for labeling during the configuration process. Important factors include:

• flat or slightly inclined surfaces for good readability
• sufficiently large areas for barcodes or QR codes
• accessible positions for laser, embossing, or labeling equipment
• no overlap with draft angles or functional elements

Step 3: Coordinate the Method and Post-Processing

Discuss with formary which labeling method is best suited to your material, quantity, and requirements. formary coordinates the post-processing and checks technical feasibility and costs.

Step 4: Test Run and Validation

For critical applications, a test run using sample trays is worthwhile. This allows you to check readability, durability, and process integration before series production.

What Role Does Tray Labeling Play in Automation?

In automated production and logistics processes, tray labeling is important for process reliability and efficiency.

Automatic Identification

Barcodes or QR codes enable fast, error-free identification by scanners, cameras, or RFID readers. This reduces manual data entry and prevents mix-ups.

Inventory Management

Permanent markings support WMS systems in tracking trays, components, and inventory. Storage locations, movements, and inventory changes are documented automatically.

Process Control

In production lines, tray labels control assembly, inspection, or packaging processes. Correctly assigning components to the appropriate trays prevents errors and optimizes throughput times.

Traceability

Unique serial numbers enable complete traceability across production, warehousing, and supply chains. This is particularly relevant in regulated industries such as medical technology, automotive, or electronics.

Reusable Tray Management

For reusable trays, tray labeling makes it easier to manage circulating inventory, cleaning and maintenance cycles, and return logistics.

Requirements for Tray Labeling in ESD and Cleanroom Applications

ESD trays and cleanroom trays have special labeling requirements.

ESD Trays

Stickers or labels can detach and cause electrostatic charging. Engravings are permanent, do not affect conductivity, and meet ESD requirements without additional risk.

Cleanroom Trays

No particles or contamination may be generated in cleanrooms. Laser engraving is contactless and does not create deposits. After engraving, the tray can be cleaned and used without concern.

Medical Applications

Trays for medical applications must be sterilizable, resistant to cleaning, and traceable. Engravings meet these requirements and remain legible even after hundreds of cleaning and sterilization cycles.

Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of Tray Labeling

The unit and tooling costs involved in labeling trays depend on factors such as the method, quantity, complexity, and post-processing effort.

Laser Engraving

The one-time setup costs are low because no tooling is required. Depending on the size and complexity, the cost per unit ranges from a few cents to a few euros. For large series, the unit costs decrease significantly.

Embossing

The tooling costs for an embossing die are higher, but the unit costs are very low for large series. Embossing becomes worthwhile from quantities of several thousand trays.

Hot Stamping

Medium unit and tooling costs. Suitable for medium-sized series with high readability requirements.

Color Strips and Labels

Color strips and labels involve the lowest investment costs. They are particularly suitable for single-use applications or low quantities but do not provide permanent or alphanumeric labeling.

Cost-Effectiveness

Permanent markings such as engravings quickly pay for themselves if they eliminate manual labeling, label reordering, mix-ups, or process disruptions. Particularly for reusable trays, the investment pays off over the service life of the trays.

Common Tray Labeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

For tray labels to function reliably in practice, proper planning is essential. The following common mistakes should be avoided:

Mistake 1: Labeling Is Planned Too Late

If labeling is only added after the tray has been manufactured, problems with positioning, readability, or costs can arise. Plan the labeling as part of the tray design using the 3D Tray Generator.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Placement

Labels on heavily curved, mechanically stressed, or poorly accessible surfaces are difficult to read or wear quickly. Choose flat, clearly visible areas.

Mistake 3: Font Size Is Too Small

Barcodes or text that are too small cannot be reliably scanned or read. Observe the minimum requirements of the scanner systems being used.

Mistake 4: The Wrong Method Is Chosen

Not every method is suitable for every application. For example, a label applied to an ESD tray that is frequently cleaned will not remain permanently attached. Choose the method according to the material, level of stress, and intended service life.

Mistake 5: No Coordination With Automation

If trays are automatically detected, labels must be positioned at defined locations. Clarify the requirements with the automation engineering team at an early stage.

Conclusion: Using Permanent Tray Labeling Through Engraving Effectively

Well-planned tray labeling forms the basis for traceability, automation, and process reliability in plastic trays. The most suitable method depends on your project. For single-use applications, labels or color strips are often sufficient, while automated, cleanroom-related, or reusable applications benefit from permanent engravings.

The key is to take labeling into account early in the tray design process. formary’s 3D Tray Generator helps you plan suitable labeling areas, check their technical feasibility, and integrate them into production.

→ Request a tray with labeling now