Barcode Labels
Labels are where “the rubber meets the road” in optimizing the shipping,
receiving, warehousing, and asset tracking processes.
Put simply, the better your label, the better it will scan. Mismatching
label media, item surface and environment can be disastrous. That’s
why we encourage you to spend a little time up front determining
which barcode label best suits your needs. That way you’ll spend
less time later dealing with problems like damage from abrasion,
heat and moisture.
First you must determine what type of equipment will be printing
the barcodes. If your printer uses a ribbon, you have a thermal
transfer printer. If it does not have a ribbon, it is a direct thermal
printer.
Direct thermal labels are suited for general, indoor use where the
label is needed temporarily. Thermal transfer labels have a longer
label life span which means they hold up well to moisture, cold
and heat.In addition to environmental factors, here are some
other key considerations:
- Label stock – Choose from versatile papers or durable synthetics.
- Item surface – Determine the size of the label and type of
adhesive you’ll need. Factors include texture and size of item.
- Coating – Improve resolution and durability. Some barcode
labels are coated with retro-reflective material that is effective
for long-range scans.
Call or email us today for expert help in finding the right label
for the job.
Barcode Printer Ribbons
Choosing a high-quality ribbon for your thermal transfer printer
saves you money by extending the life of your print head.
As with printer and label choice, the printer ribbon you choose
depends on your application. There are three main types of ribbon
materials:
- Wax – Ideal for paper or synthetic labels, wax ribbons combine
value and performance for lower-volume printing applications.
- Wax/Resin – Step up to this durable formulation for high-resolution
barcodes, text and graphics. Works especially well with coated
papers.
- Resin – The best choice for the harshest environments. Offers
chemical and heat resistance as well as the ability to print dense
bar codes and graphics. Useful for specialty applications such
as printed circuit boards.
Barcode Print Heads
The most critical component of your barcode printer, the print head
is also one of the most delicate. Even with proper care and maintenance,
the print head can wear down and cause poor performance. When you
see unwanted lines or fading, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Manufacturer testing has shown that with proper maintenance, a high-quality
thermal barcode printer will print over a million inches. On the
other hand a poorly maintained print head will fail far short of
that milestone.
Here are some common causes of excessive wear and premature print
head failure:
- Abrasion– Often caused by paper dust buildup, using the wrong
media for direct thermal printing and incorrect printer settings.
- Corrosion – Avoid using unapproved media coatings and physically
touching the print head.
- Electrostatic discharge – Can come from the media or ribbon.
Also caused by improper handling of the print head.
- Buildup of ribbon coating or direct thermal media coatings
– Often solved by adjusting the darkness settings.
Wireless Network Solutions offers the best in parts, accessories,
and cleaning solutions…all designed to maximize the return on your
barcode printing investment. |
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