FAQ: Labels

Ribbon creasing is more common when the ribbon being used is much wider than the label it is printing i.e. 134mm width ribbon printing a 55mm wide label.

The ribbon needs to be tight when moving across the label otherwise the creasing will cause printing errors such as specs on the label. It also more cost effective to use a narrower ribbon when there are smaller widths in the range.

Try keeping labels sizes generic. Also, if we can run labels of the same size together, while inks and/or plates may need changing, the fact the material and the cutter do not change will reduce costs.

Finally, a few mm that can be ‘stolen’ here and there off the label size to keep labels sizes common will also reduce costs.

The lowest-cost approach is to use blank white labels in stock sizes. Any size label can be created, but the most affordable option is to use stock sizes. Labels are available for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Another option is to use a custom pre-printed label. Pre-printed labels allow you to use one or more colours on your labels (e.g., you could have your company logo and other company information appear on each label printed in one or more a specific colours).

Using your thermal inkjet printer, you would then print any variable information you needed on the labels.

Some applications require tags instead of labels. Tags can be printed, just like labels, to carry your logo, pricing and barcode information.

You can also have labels made in any size you need, and you can choose to the label material characteristics (e.g., chemical resistant, sunlight resistant, security labels, etc.).

Getting started is easy. Rotech can provide all the hardware, software and technical support necessary, whether you need a light-duty desktop printer or a heavy-duty industrial printer. Whatever the application, the basic components are the same. Here’s what you need:

•     A thermal printer
•     A PC-compatible computer
•     Label creation software
•     Cables to connect the printer to the
•     Labels
•     Thermal transfer ribbons

If you are just getting started and want to purchase a complete package, give us a call to see what we can offer.

Thermal printing allows for ‘printing on demand’. Some of the benefits include:

• Labels can be customised with variable information (e.g, they can include your customer information, and place or date of manufacture.)
• Reduces the stock of different labels needed; there is no need to stock numerous specific labels when they can be printed on demand
• Reduces waste; the same labels can be used for each product version, with changes only to the variable information.

Self-adhesive labels consist of three layers – the face paper, the adhesive, and the backing – making the total stationery weight about 170 gsm. You should check that your printer can handle this weight.

If your printer used to cope well but isn’t doing so any longer, this might simply be the effects of wear.