How do you know what type of labels you will need?

There are a few things you want to check before you purchase labels.

1. What type of printer are you using? Direct or Thermal Transfer? (Direct Thermal- heat transfer and Thermal Transfer is will require ribbons to transfer ink onto labels)
   Or if you have not chosen your printer yet, figure out how long do you need your labels to last and choose between direct or thermal transfer.
2. Look at the maximum print width that your printer will print, have a plan on what size you want your labels to be. (For example: 3×1 will be 3inches across and 1 inch tall) Normally, sizes for shipping labels will be 4×6 and shelf labels will be 2×1 or 3×1.
3. Print Material– The main type of print material revolves around three and it’s mostly paper, polypropylene, or polyester.
   Paper- $, used mostly indoor and max lifetime is 5-7 months
   Polypropylene(paper and plastic texture)- $$, can be used indoor and outdoor and max life time is 2 years
   Polyester(plastic texture)- $$$, used indoor or outdoor, gloss on label, scratch/smear, and water resistant and max life time is 3 years
4. Below are the sizes of the label cores that you have to confirm before purchase, just to make sure it will fit inside your printer. (Often times this is the step that most people overlook and realize that the roll won’t fit when it arrives. So keeping note now will prevent any mis-order in the future)
   Desktop Printers: (core in diameter)
   Inner Core: 1 inch              Outer Core: 5 inches
   Industrial Printers:
   Inner Core: 3 inches          Outer Core: 8 inches
   Mobile Printers:
   Varies

Take a look at some of the labels that we have available for desktop, industrial, and mobile printers. If you are still unsure about the type of labels you need, feel free to contact one of our dedicated account managers and they can help you find the type of labels you need.

Labels are a crucial element in any application barcodes are used that can easily be overlooked.  Thermal printing isn’t rocket science but having the right high quality label for your specific needs can be the key to success and profitability.

Not all thermal labels are created equal. Zebra has been a label printing leader for decades now. Using their supplies means you have access to a large selection of quality, pre-tested, supplies manufactured by a thermal industry expert, reducing your risks.

Zebra has intimate knowledge of thermal printers and understands the importance of using quality materials and processes. With one of the largest selections of thoroughly tested label materials to choose from you cab rest assured with any Zebra label you may need. Continue reading »

The L801 Memjet label printer is an industrial web-fed inkjet solution, ideal for short- to medium-range print runs for inventory and product identification applications. It’s easy to use, has an integrated unwinder, works well with industry-standard label design software, and is available with an optional rewinder. The L801 is compatible with a wide range of paper, polyester, polypropylene, and vinyl label stocks from major vendors. With the correct label stock, the L801 can create GHS-compliant labels or any other high-quality label to improve brand recognition and allow your products to stand out from the competition.

High Quality & Resolution

Print at up to 1600 x 1600 dpi for vivid, eye-catching labels. By using CMYKK, the L801 offers exceptional color and rich blacks, giving you the ability to print with better contrast.

Low Cost of Ownership

Afinia Label Memjet label printers allow you to save on consumables. The L801 holds 1.25 liters of ink to support large runs, and offers an industry-leading low ink cost. You can visit our online ink cost calculator to determine the estimated cost of your labels based on label size and percent ink coverage, or see how the L801 has a great return on investment.

Label printing isn’t rocket science by any means but knowing what label to use for your specific application can be challenge at first. Zebra has been the leading manufacturer of printers and labels with a wide range of offerings to meet the needs of any environment from very short term temporary shipping labels to rugged, outdoor asset labeling.

Following these simple guidelines it’ll be easy to determine which type of label you need and the most suitable Zebra options.

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Barcode labels 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.
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