Choosing an industrial label maker may seem like an impossible task. There are hundreds of different options on the market for you to choose from.
It is especially vital if your business is dependent on a label maker in order to operate at peak levels. If you need to create an industrial label and don’t have the proper equipment it could cost your business in the long term.
Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place for answers about label makers and label printers 2021.
Continue reading to learn more about the best types of label makers on the market for your business’s needs.
1. Product Mobility
When trying to find the right label maker for your business, you should start by analyzing where your products spend the most time. This is important because it determines what type of label material you’ll want to use as well as your mobile printing solution.
If you find that your products are spending a lot of time sitting outside in the elements, investing in a thermal transfer synthetic material is going to be your best bet.
Investing in thermal transfer synthetic material is the best route to take because of its durability and flexibility. It is great at standing up to the sunlight and the elements.
If your products will be spending most of their time indoors then your best bet will be direct thermal labels. These labels aren’t as durable as the thermal transfer synthetic labels, but they’re perfect for indoor operations.
2. Environmental Industrial Label Needs
Another thing that you’ll want to consider when choosing the right industrial label maker for your business is what will be going on around where your products are.
The first thing that you’ll want to consider is the weather and temperature where your goods will be. The adhesive is vital for making an industrial label work effectively. You’ll also want to consider chemicals and abrasion.
Temperature
It is important to consider what the temperature will be at the place where the label is applied to the product. It is also important to consider what the temperature will be where the product is stored.
If you apply the industrial label in 80-degree temperatures and then store it in a freezer that is 28 degrees it will affect the adhesive of the label if you choose the wrong type.
Standard labeling materials should be perfect as long as the labels are applied in temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. From there, if you use standard materials you’ll want to make sure it is stored somewhere that temperatures are between 65 degrees and 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any temperatures outside of that range will require special materials, like thermal transfer supplies and a special adhesive.
Abrasion and Chemical Exposure
You also need to take chemicals and abrasion into account when choosing the best industrial labels for industrial printing.
Abrasion is bad for industrial labels because it can cause them to become illegible. This will make them useless when someone tries to read or scan them.
A great solution to this is picking an industrial label maker that works with label ribbons and that has a high level of resin concentration on them. These factors will keep your label durable enough to stand up to abrasion.
Chemicals are also a concern when it comes to labels. Even water can damage industrial labels so you’ll want to make sure that you choose a label maker that works with a thermal transfer label.
If you expect your labels to come into frequent contact with harsh chemicals then you need to invest in a label maker that is compatible with resin ribbons. These ribbons will add to the durability of your labels.
3. Consider the Lifespan
The lifespan of your label is another important factor for choosing the right industrial label maker in 2021. Will your products be in transit for long periods of time? How long do you need your label to last?
A label maker that works with direct thermal material is your best option for labels that only need to last for periods up to six months in dry environments with normal temperatures.
A label maker that is compatible with specialty thermal transfer labels is required if your packages are going to be exposed to extreme temperatures or chemicals over an extended period of time.
4. Know the Surface for the Label
What is the surface of the packages that your labels will go on? It is something that is very important but isn’t considered often. The surface material is a big determinant of which type of adhesive you need to use for your industrial label.
Another factor to consider is the shape of the package that you’re labeling. The shape also makes it difficult to properly install or place the label.
5. Label Quality
Label quality is important if you need your labels to print in a quick and timely manner. The biggest factor when it comes to printing speed is the label material that you choose.
Print speed for labels is measured in Inches Per Second. Synthetic materials will only print at 6 inches per second. You can get more out of your label printer but you’ll need to use high-speed wax ribbons.
Another thing to consider if you need fast printing is getting a label printer that allows for increased darkness. This ensures that the barcode quality is great and able to be read.
You’ll also want to consider Dots Per Second if you are planning on creating labels with graphics or small fonts on them. You’ll need a printer that works with smooth or glossy material for this type of printing.
Get an Industrial Label Printer for Your Business
For businesses that need to produce an industrial label for each of their products, it is vital to invest in the industrial label maker that best fits your needs.
You need to consider the temperature and environmental factors that will impact your labels in order to choose the right material and a printer that is compatible with that material.
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