Label and Tags Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference
between DIRECT THERMAL printing and THERMAL TRANSFER?
What are thermal transfer paper labels?
Are you selling poor
quality labels for these prices?
How can your prices be so
much lower than my current supplier?
Do
you offer two or three-year contracts on labeling consumables like other
companies?
Are the laser sheet labels
the same as Avery® labels?
What are thermal transfer polypropylene labels?
What are thermal transfer polyester labels?
Does Label Roll Size
Matter?
What is the difference between
DIRECT THERMAL printing and THERMAL TRANSFER?
The
basic difference between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfers labels is the
Direct Thermal labels DO NOT require a ribbon. Direct Thermal labels
normally have a shorter label life than Thermal Transfer labels. Direct Thermal
labels are used primarily in applications such as shipping labels.
Direct thermal labels can cost 10-30% more per label, however there is no
ribbon cost and setup time is reduced since the operator is just changing
the labels.
Direct thermal labels are not recommended for applications in which there
is prolonged exposure to UV, heat, or direct sunlight. Since
Direct Thermal Labels are not as widely used as Thermal Transfer labels,
there are fewer selections of 'off the shelf' stock sizes.
What are Thermal
Transfer Paper Labels?
Thermal Transfer Paper labels are the most common type, as well as the least
expensive type of label for your thermal transfer printer. Since the
label is made of paper, the label is susceptible to tearing. A Wax or
Wax/Resin combination ribbon is used to print on a
paper label. Thermal Transfer Paper labels are very economical.
Are you selling poor
quality labels for these prices?
The quality of the labels we sell and distribute are of the highest
quality available in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection Industry. If you
have any concerns about the quality of our products, request a FREE sample of our labels.
Our labels are created from high quality pressure sensitive label materials from
manufacturers such as Fasson
and Raflatac. We
do not sell "rolls of paper with glue on the back" like
some of the business supply companies here in the buckeye state.
How can your prices be so
much lower than my current supplier?
Our pricing structure is a direct reflection of our strategic goal to
help companies save money on the products they are purchasing each year for
barcoding and product labeling and identification.
We keep our pricing low by utilizing an efficient
supply chain management system and by using suppliers that have the same
customer oriented goals we have.
Do
you offer two or three-year contracts on labeling consumables like other
companies?
No, the
longest 'Blanket' we offer is one year and this is actually good for you.
Most consumable agreements lock in a set price for the length of the
contract and in most cases, the set price never changes over the period of
the contract. Normally the price on a two or three-year contract is
calculated at a higher rate than current competitive price levels simply to
cover for projected increases in label/ribbon prices over the length of the
contract period. Over the past few years, label and ribbon prices have
either decreased or remained flat. Unless there is a provision for
price changes during the contract period (rare), you are probably OVER
PAYING for labeling consumables. Even if there is an increase of
5%, in most cases, you are still SAVING MONEY over signing a two or
three year contact.
If you are
considering signing an agreement in order to make sure you consistently
receive labeling consumables, ask us about the Dynamic Reminder. The
Dynamic Reminder is a program designed to remind you or in some cases,
automatically reorder your labeling consumables for you to make sure you
receive your shipments as expected. This is a service that is offered
at NO additional cost.
Are the laser sheet labels
the same as Avery® labels?
The label sizes are the same
size as some popular Avery® label sizes. We have placed some Avery®
compatibility numbers on some sizes SOLELY for selection of proper software
template layouts in most popular label software programs. We do not sell
Avery-Dennison® laser products and are in no way affiliated with
Avery-Dennison®. Cross-references are for layout only. Package quantities
may be different from Avery® compatible products. All product names,
product numbers, logos, and trademarks are registered to the respective
companies.
What are Thermal Transfer Polypropylene
Labels?
Polypropylene is also known by the brand name of Kimdura®. Some
automotive companies require the use of Polypropylene labels on parts being
shipped to their assembly lines. Polypropylene is resistant to
moisture tearing, dirt and grease. Some other suitable applications
include identification and barcoding for warehouse shelf and bin labels.
You can use wax and wax/resin ribbons to print on
polypropylene labels.
What are
Thermal Transfer Polyester Labels?
Polyester labels are
sometimes referred to Mylar and Fantastock labels.
Polyester is more durable than polypropylene. Polyester labels can
withstand higher temperatures and also has superior abrasion resistance when
compared to polypropylene. Polyester labels are available in White and
Silver Gloss finishes. Most polyester labels such as our Fantastock,
are UL recognized when used with an approved UL recognized Resin
ribbon such as Sony's
TR4070 Resin Ribbon.
Does Label Roll Size
Matter?
Yes, the outside diameter of a roll of labels,
as well as the inside diameter of the core the labels are wound on, both are
very significant. Some printers can only use label rolls with a 1 inch
inside diameter core, and a 4-5 inch maximum outside diameter roll. The
Tharo V series printer, as well as, some smaller
Eltron printers, the Datamax E-Class printers, and Zebra TLP-series printers
have this maximum roll requirement. Labels with a smaller outside diameter
normally are more expensive 'per 1,000' than a comparable size using the 8"
outside diameter rolls. The most common roll dimensions are 3 inch
inside diameter cores and 8 inch outside diameter rolls. These are
for the larger footprint printer such as the Tharo H
series, Datamax I-4208, Zebra Z4M, and many others. Wound In labels are
available for some Sato printers and larger roll diameters of 12 inches are
available for automated print/apply systems.
We highly recommend that you test all labels and ribbons in the end use
application before purchasing.
Sample ribbons and labels are available at no charge
upon request.
Please Contact us for your specific label
requirements.
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