While branding materials are very widespread nowadays, there still are some little-known branding products and aspects that can literally elevate your brand to the next level. Namely, we’re talking about 3D signs, badges and labels made from polyurethane.

What are 3D badges?
You’ve definitely seen them before! 3D signs are also called polydome or polyurethane raised badges and are used in ranging industries– from domestic to industrial.

The logo badge on the hood of your car? Yes, that is a 3D sign. While they are not as widespread among consumers, businesses that rely strongly on their brand often purchase them to achieve a high-quality look on their products.

Besides the visual effects, 3D badges also provide the products with extra advantages. Let’s look at what those are in detail below:

-    Abrasion resistance
-    Easier and stronger adhesion
-    Discolouration (UV) resistance
-    Higher temperature resistance
-    Weather resistance (indoors vs outdoors)
-    Waterproof
-    recess fitting (edges that blend in)
-    embossing

Now, if you’re already familiar with all of these benefits and are looking for a manufacturer, we strongly recommend this doming company that serves all of England. And if you’re just hearing about 3D polyurethane badges and labels, keep reading on as we break down what advantages they have and what they can be used for.

Advantages of Polydomed Products

1. Abrasion resistance
polyurethane is a great material that offers an extra layer of protection with its thick (yet clear) coating. While standard 2D badges often deteriorate under everyday wear-and-tear, 3D domed badges can withstand much harsher environments – and outlast 2D badges by far. This is true for both consumer and industrial products – as the application for 3D badges varies from everyday consumer textile products up to human-machine interface control panels in large manufacturing plants.

2. Adhesion
These products generally come with very strong adhesives that will ensure the badge stays in place. Keep in mind that different applications require different adhesives.Now, it is important to mention that while 3D badges will adhere easier, you must also choose the right badges (and therefore supplier or manufacturer) for the job. The last thing you want is badges falling off of products after a few months – a process that will turn out to be not only expensive but also potentially interfering with productivity – as you’d have to limit operations while the badges are being replaces – and even lower your brand value.

3. Discolouration
Often businesses complain that right after the summer months their badges look nothing like when they ordered them – they have faded away (some say to the point beyond recognition). The reason here is that standard flat badges often do not get a much-needed UV resistant coating. What about 3D badges? While polyurethane itself is susceptible to UV rays and will yellow out with time, new modern additives make it the perfect solution. Nowadays, UV resistant substances are mixed in with the polyurethane ensuring that neither the polyurethane dome itself nor the badge will yellow out or fade away with time. This will dramatically increase the lifespan of your products – and keep your brand fresh for years to come. Make sure you select the right supplier for your 3D domed products.

4. Temperature resistance
Polyurethane is a great material to work with because of its temperature properties. PU/PUR an elastic material which is able to withstand high temperatures without being deformed. This is a great property for the textile industry – meaning the quality of the badge won’t deteriorate during machine washing.

Additionally, the industrial application of polyurethane doming also allows the badges to remain intact and display often very important information even in high temperature environments and work sites.

5. Weather resistance
The polydome coating comes with advantages in temperature as well. While the seasons can easily destroy flat labels in a matter of one or two years, the high (and low) temperature resistance of polyurethane protects your 3D badges for years to come.

Now, this feature is certainly useful for both the textile and manufacturing industries. But that’s not to say that even regular smaller scale business can’t benefit from it. Your “regular mom and pop store” can certainly save tons of money on branding materials with these badges – which can last over a decade. Imagine that!

6. Waterproof
The solid polyurethane dome also protects your badges from water – which can ensure your labels stay crystal clear even when being submitted to the harshest of (nature’s)tests.

7. Recess fitting
Since polyurethane is an elastic material it can also be cut and shaped even after it has cured – meaning the products can be made to fit into a recess if you’re looking to apply them to for example human-machine interface control panels.

8. Embossing
To top all of that, it is possible that the flat 2D badge gets embossed before adding the 3D polyurethane coating. This way, it will become even more 3D – making it even more eye-pleasing.

Conclusion
This can’t be all, can it? There must be something wrong with these badges – otherwise why isn’t everyone using them?! Glad you asked. Why these products are not as widespread among consumers – we don’t know. After all, who wouldn’t want all these benefits. However, we secretly guess that most businesses don’t care enough for their brands – and here, we think they are wrong (and therefore, kudos to you, who is using or considering using those badges – you truly do care about presentation).

Now, what about the disadvantages – certainly there must be some, right?

The only real disadvantage is the higher price compared to standard flat labels. While these products definitely don’t cost an arm and a leg, they are more expensive than regular 2D badges – and understandably so! However, in our opinion, this “trade off” is worth it. After all, you only get so many chances to present yourself and your company in front of your target customers – be it B2C or B2B – and you’d certainly want to be “at your best” when that happens. We certainly would at least. And not to mention that you only need to worry about them once every decade or so!