How To Select The Right Barcode Label
Barcode labels are important supplies that enable accurate inventory and asset management and tracking in a variety of industries, including healthcare and information technology, as well as construction, education, retail, and others.
But which barcode label is best suited to your organization's needs? There are various types of barcode labels, which differ primarily in terms of barcode printer compatibility as well as the label's durability and adhesion properties. If you choose a product that is incompatible with your business needs or your barcode printer, it can be costly and inconvenient. There are a few important factors to consider when selecting the right barcode label manufacturer in India for your job – keep reading to learn about the most important barcode label selection criteria.
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Barcode Label
There are numerous factors to consider when selecting a suitable barcode label for your product. Temperature, chemical exposure, climate, surface type, and lifespan are just a few examples. A better understanding of each category will help you avoid the pitfalls of selecting the incorrect label.
Surface
It is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a barcode sticker. The shape of the material surface, such as smooth or curved, influences the barcode label adhesive. Paper, plastic, and even metal have different adhesion properties.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider is the label's dimensions, but size is also important if you want to maximise your savings.
Adhesive
Another factor to consider when selecting a barcode label for your product. Some barcodes are meant to be temporary, while others are meant to be permanent. Permanent adhesive should never be used on stickers that will only be used for a short period of time.
Label Lifespan
If your label must be read for an extended period of time, it is more likely to be subjected to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals. A label with a shorter lifespan does not require a high level of resistance and durability. In such cases, a direct thermal paper label will be enough.
Compatibility Of Barcode Label Printers
Thermal barcode printing is the most dependable and widely used method for printing barcode labels. Thermal barcode printers are classified into two types: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Both print high-resolution barcodes, but they produce very different results and are chosen based on their intended use.
Direct Thermal
To print barcodes, direct thermal printing employs a specialized type of ink rather than ink ribbons. After applying ink to the barcode label, the printer head heats up, causing the ink to become visible due to the temperature change. Because heat is the only catalyst for the chemical change, the resulting label will not withstand extremely hot temperatures, moisture, or sunlight. Direct thermal printers produce a high-resolution barcode label that is best suited for short-term applications such as packing labels.
This proves that your barcode label selection and characteristics are directly influenced by your barcode printer, and vice versa.
Thermal Transfer
The printer uses thermal transfer printing to melt the ink onto the barcode label by heating a high-carbon ribbon containing ink. Thermal transfer printing produces more durable label products than direct thermal printing, making it ideal for long-term applications that require a label that can withstand harsh conditions. Thermal transfer printer-printed barcode labels are resistant to smudging, scratching, moisture, extreme temperatures, and sunlight. A barcode label will most likely deteriorate over time if such a printing method is not used, leading to errors and misreads.
Material Types For Barcode Labels
Each type of barcode label material has advantages and disadvantages that determine its intended and ideal use. In the case of thermal transfer printing, the barcode label you select must be compatible with the appropriate ribbon type. Failure to do so may result in label smearing or inability to print. Here's a closer look at barcode label materials and thermal transfer ribbons that go with them.
Paper Barcode Labels
Under the right conditions, paper labels combined with wax ribbon printing materials can last a long time and are best suited for indoor use. The labels are best applied to a smooth, dry surface and be stored without exposure to extreme temperature and humidity conditions, liquids, and sunlight. Paper barcode labels are easily removed and degraded. Paper barcode labels are typically easy to scan and will not fade or rub off easily.
Paper barcode labels are commonly found on indoor parts, inventory, and assets, such as file folders and product labels.
Polypropylene Barcode Labels
A polypropylene barcode label is a synthetic option that can withstand harsher conditions than paper barcode labels. Printing polypropylene labels with a wax/resin printer ribbon yields a high-quality finish that can be clear or matte.
Barcode labels made with polypropylene and wax ribbon are weather, scratch, and tear-resistant, and in some cases, chemical and oil-resistant as well. Polypropylene labels are ideal for rigid materials. While they’re water-resistant, polypropylene labels are not waterproof. This barcode label is not the best option if your products will be squeezed or stretched, submerged in water, or constantly exposed to humid/wet conditions.
These labels have a six-month to two-year lifespan. They are twice as expensive as standard paper barcode label materials.
Polypropylene barcode labels are most commonly found on the following products.
- Barrels \ Floors \ Baggage
- Retail storage
- Cartons and pallets
- Electronics \ Machinery
Polyester Barcode Labels
Polyester barcode labels printed with resin ribbon are the most durable option. Polyester barcode labels can withstand high temperatures. For outdoor applications, polyester barcode labels are commonly used. They are resistant to abrasion, chemicals, water, and weather.
Polyester barcode labels generate long-lasting, easy-to-read barcodes. Depending on the look you want, you can print polyester barcode labels in matte or white.
Polyester labels are used on materials, assets, and inventory that are subjected to harsher or more extreme conditions on a regular basis. Among these are, but are not limited to:
- Motors \ Actuators \ Pumps \ Electronics \ Valves
- Other car and truck parts.
Polyester is the most expensive label material because of its ability to withstand almost any environment. Choosing the right materials for your barcode label saves you time and money in the long run.
Finding The Ideal Barcode Label Types
Another important factor to consider when selecting a barcode label type is your requirements, which are affected by the environment and surface requirements. The type of label adhesion should be selected based on the operating and storage environment, which can be influenced by moisture and extreme temperatures. The durability should be selected based on the nature of the labeled item as well as its surface requirements.
The three most common types of barcode label options are as follows: permanent, removable, and high tack.
Permanent
This is the most common type of label. Its purpose, as the name suggests, is to keep the barcode label on the product. Permanent appeals to the surface of the product and cannot be easily removed. It is frequently applied to wood, plastic, metal, and glass.
Removable
Removable is frequently used for temporary labeling of items such as products or promotional materials. Removable barcode labels can be removed without harming the product or the material.
If left on for an extended time or exposed to high temperatures, removable adhesive can cure and leave residue or marks when removed.
High Tack
High tack is a more powerful type of permanent adhesion that is designed to keep labels in place even if the surface is not uniform or clean. These labels are not meant to be removed and will remain on the surface for a long time.
When other adhesives fail, companies turn to high-tack adhesives. High tack adhesives are used in fabrics or building materials with varying textures.
Consult with a Sun Data Processing Pvt. Ltd.
Understanding barcode printer options, label materials, and adhesive options are important for selecting the right barcode label for you. This blog is a great starting point when it comes to outlining and determining how your needs and environment can guide your decision.
Consult our experts at Sun Data Processing Pvt. Ltd. to ensure you're getting the right barcode label material and adhesive for your business. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can help you in selecting the proper fit for your barcode labeling requirements.
