[Fwd: Re: Labels in alcool]

[Thomas E. Labedz]

Message-ID: <35DDC0A6.1EC0 at unlinfo.unl.edu>
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1998 13:47:02 -0500
From: "Thomas E. Labedz" <tlabedz at unlinfo.unl.edu>
Organization: University of Nebraska State Museum
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To: Claude Godin <godinc at EM.AGR.CA>
Subject: Re: Labels in alcool
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Dear Claude, (and others)
        Here in the Division of Zoology at the University of Nebraska State
Museum we are just beginning the use of computer generated (HP LaserJet
5L and 6L) labels on Byron Weston Resistall Index card stock in our fish
collection and other alcohol-stored (60-70% EtOH) vertebrates.  The
LaserJet printers heat the paper and toner to about 392oF for 0.1
seconds on typical paper.  We're running this heavy card stock through
and it too does not bond well in that limited heating environment.  So,
what I've done is take an old Commercial 210M Dry Mount Press (very
similar to the one in University Products Archive Quality Materials
catalog) and crank up the heat (gauge is messed up but I'm probably
around 250-300oF) and heat press the tags in between paper towels for
one to two minutes.  We are really having great luck with the print
staying on the tag with a scratch test but only time will tell in the
fluid.  For insurance we are still hand-writing the catalog number in
india-type ink on the label too.
        Side note.  This old Byron-Weston Resistall we are using is acidic.
But by soaking the labels overnight in tap water we get a pH test to
6-7.
                Write me, please, with comments or questions.
        Thomas E. Labedz  tlabedz at unlinfo.unl.edu
        Collections Manager - Division of Zoology
        University of Nebraska State Museum
        Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A.
Claude Godin wrote:
>
> Does anyone know how long a lazer-printed label can still be readable in 70% ethanol? Are special precautions needed?
>
> A similar question was asked some months ago on Entomo-l or Taxacom, but I don't remember the conclusions of the discussion.
>
> Thanks
>
> ___________________
> Claude Godin
> Entomologist, M.Sc.
> Horticultural Research and Development Centre,
> Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada,
> St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, PQ, Canada, J3B 3E6
> tel: 514-346-4494, fax: 346-7740
> godinc at em.agr.ca
>
> !