| Selecting the Proper Printer & Media for Your Labeling 
                Application The printer and data collection market offers countless opportunities 
                for sales and service revenue. Choosing the proper type of printer, 
                ribbon, label stock, and adhesive for your customers label 
                printing application means the difference between a one-time customer 
                and repeat business. In this column, well talk about the 
                primary elements to consider when choosing labeling equipment 
                and accessories. Direct thermal and thermal transfer printers are built to produce 
                high quality labels in single quantities or large batches. Direct 
                thermal printers offer the benefit of creating images without 
                using a ribbon and need little maintenance. However, these labels 
                have a shelf life of one year or less in applications that expose 
                them to bright lights or high temperatures. Thermal transfer printers 
                use a special ribbon that can print on many types of label stock 
                to serve a wide range of applications.  Label stock falls into two basic categories: paper and synthetic. 
                For direct thermal and thermal transfer printers, paper is the 
                most common and economical choice. For applications where the 
                label is exposed to abrasion, heat, ultraviolet light, chemicals 
                and other destructive elements, synthetics such as polyester, 
                vinyl and mylar are a better choice. Thermal transfer ribbons come in wax-base, resin-base, or wax/resin, 
                all of which work well with either paper or synthetic facestock. 
                The economical wax-based ribbons are durable in most environments, 
                but smear or scratch if subjected to abrasion or heat. Resin-based 
                ribbons resist smudging and abrasion, and withstand temperatures 
                in excess of 1000° F when matched with certain synthetic stocks. 
                Wax/resin ribbons offer higher durability than wax-based at a 
                lower cost than resin. A wide variety of adhesives exist for all types of applications, 
                from general purpose to specialty labeling. Permanent adhesives 
                stay in place when exposed to temperature extremes, high humidity, 
                and chemical immersion. Certain hard-to-label surfaces such as 
                wood, recycled corrugated materials, refrigerated materials, and 
                small, curved objects require special adhesives.  I hope these tips help you in choosing the right printer and 
                media stock for your next labeling application. But if youd 
                like to learn more, our service school offers a course called 
                DC444 that provides hands-on training for printer maintenance 
                and integration, and its taught in both English and Spanish. 
                Call Cathy at 715-234-9171, ext. 5185 for course content and scheduling 
                information. Back to top |