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04/12/2015

How Do I Know What Barcode Label I Have?

Barcode labelsIntermec Duratran II Label come in a variety of types and materials to meet the needs of a range of applications. From a temporary shipping label to a rugged asset tag that needs to endure the challenges of outdoor use, there are labels that can meet these needs.

Knowing what type of label you are using is almost impossible to tell from just looking at it but there are a few key tests you can conduct to figure out what type and material your label is. Following these steps you can be assured you order the same label your application needs.

1. Try to tear the label in half

If you can tear the label in half we know right away that it’s a paper stock as opposed to a synthetic material like polypropylene or polyester. Synthetic materials may stretch and deform a bit but will not be tear-able by hand.

2. Scratch the surface of the label

With this test we are trying to determine if the label is printed with or without a ribbon. If you scratch the surface of the label with the end of a pen or key and a black mark is made then it is a direct thermal label that does not require a ribbon. These labels are coated with a heat sensitive layer and are normally used for short term applications since the print will fade over time.

If the scratch doesn’t make a mark then the label is a thermal transfer type that will require a ribbon to be printed on. These labels will last longer and can utilized for permanent applications.

3. See if the label floats/sinks in water

At this point, if the label tore in half we know its paper and the scratch test tells us if it is Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer. If the label didn’t tear however, we still need to determine what type of plastic it is between polypropylene or polyester. The main concern here is that there is a noticeable costs difference between the two plastics and they also use different ribbons to be printed on

The simplest test for determining the plastic type is to take the label (or part of it if it’s large) and submerge it water. Polypropylene is less dense than polyester and will float in water where polyester will sink.

Following these simple tests are an easy way to quickly figure out what kind of label you are using and allow you purchase the right label stock. If you do encounter any issues or need further assistance finding the right label for your needs, you can always contact one of our label specialists.

04/12/2015

How to Choose the Right Thermal Ribbon for your Label Printer

Thermal transfer printing provides for a longer lasting print as compared to direct thermal printing. The reason thermal transfer prints last longer is due to the use of a thermal transfer ribbon during the printing process. A thermal transfer ribbon is required to obtain a long lasting print. However, choosing the proper thermal transfer ribbon to fit your printer and application can be difficult. Help choosing the correct thermal transfer ribbon has arrived!

Follow the simple steps below to identify the proper ribbon:

Step 1: Ensure you have a Thermal Transfer Printer

Ribbon is only used with Thermal Transfer printers. A ribbon cannot be used with a Direct Thermal printers as they do not have the proper internal mechanical components to hold or thread the ribbon.

Step 2: Determine the proper ribbon size.

Ribbons are measured, width by length (WxL):

Width: Many printers have different print widths. A 6 inch width ribbon will not fit into a printer with a 4 inch print width. Choose the width of ribbon that is equal to or less than your printers print width.
Length: The length of a ribbon will indicate the numbers of inches that 1 roll will print. For example: a ribbon with a length of 244 inches will have enough ribbon to print 244, 1 inch long labels or 122, 2 inch long labels. Choose the proper length based on the inches needed for your desired print.
Step 3: Choose a ribbon material:

Wax Ribbon – Most cost effective version of ribbon. Suggested for printing shipping and packaging labels, retail tags and retail labels. A wax ribbon print will last significantly longer than a direct thermal print. Recommended to be used with paper labels. Most ribbon will print in black. However, if a need for a specific color print arises, choose a color ribbon.

Wax/Resin Ribbon – A mixture/hybrid of wax/resin in a ribbon offers exceptional print quality and scratch resistance/smudge proof. Suggested uses are for asset tracking in rough our outdoor locations, warehouse signage and medical device tracing. Recommended to be used on a wide range of paper and mid-range synthetic label stocks.

Resin Ribbon – This type of ribbon is the most durable longest lasting choice. Typically this choice is used to asset track products that are exposed to many different environments. Resin prints are able to withstand water, chemicals, abrasions, oil and greases. Suggested to be used with durable synthetic labels.
The above simple steps provide the correct direction for choosing ribbon based on application and desired results.

You can also contact one of our knowledgeable sales representatives who are standing by to provide assistance for choosing the correct ribbon.

04/12/2015

Label Adhesive Breakdown
Posted July 9, 2015
Label come in many sizes, shapes and materials. Labels also have several options of adhesives. Although size and material is important, the type of adhesive a label contains can be critical to the success of the label in the desired application. Consider the following choices when selecting the proper label:

Removable Labels: These labels are designed to be removed from the surface they are applied to. The labels will adhere to most dry, clean surfaces. The benefit of this label is that the label can be completely removed from the surface without damage to the surface or excess adhesive residue/ label flaking during the removal process.

Permanent Labels: These labels are designed to be non-removable. Ideal for application where the label needs to withstand a long amount of time on a surface and where the label cannot be removed with out being damaged. Shipping a box, warehouse signage or asset tracking are a few applications where a label with a permanent adhesive would work best.

High-Tack Labels: These labels are designed to also be non-removable. However, the difference is that these labels can withstand higher levels of abrasion, outdoor environments (water and UV resistant) and locations where the label may come in contact with chemicals.
All-Temp Labels: These labels can be used in several different applications where the labels may be moved from a hot to cold location. Moving inventory from a cold climate to a hot climate is an ideal application for this type of label. These labels are not intended for extremely high temperature applications.

High-Temp Labels: These labels are designed to be used in environments or applications that may expose the label to extremely high temperatures.

04/12/2015

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