Tape Measures – Grading technology

Hultafors tape measurers are graduated using inkjet technology. The inkjet technology result in a precise and accurate scale, ensuring correct measurements.

The majority of our measuring tapes are graduated using inkjet technology. By doing so, we achieve the highest level of precision, EU Class I. The technology also enables double sided printing, flexibility in the production and printing more complex artwork.

How the inkjet technology works

Using the inkjet technology means a print head applies the graduation on the blade, by typing the desired gradation. It’s a precise technique offering high clarity printing with a high level of accuracy.

The inkjet printers can print 60 meters per minute with ultraviolet ink on solvent paint. Both steel and fibreglass blades can be printed using the ink-jet printing technology. The printed blades remain in the temperature controlled room for 24 hours to cure, prior to the lacquering process. Each blade is then coated with a layer of matt polyester lacquer that has an anti-reflective effect, increasing the readability of the scale.

Letterpress printing

Manufacturers that don’t use the inkjet technology for the measuring tapes are instead using large wheels when grading, printing the scale by rolling the wheel on top of the steel band. This technique is easy to work with, but can lead to variations in the measurement scale because of the difficulty of getting a steady supply of steel band relative to the wheel.

Classified as EU Class I or EU Class II

European measuring tapes are classified in two classes, I and II. The classification is a quality measurement of how accurate the measuring tape is when used during certain pre-set circumstances. Our steel measuring tapes, both short and long are classified as EU Class I, the highest precision. Using the traditional grading technology means that the products only can achieve EU Class II in terms of precision.

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