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How to Maximize the Use of
Your Label Printer
BarcodesInc
www.barcodesinc.com
1.800.351.9962
What You'll Learn in this Ebook
• How to reduce costs and save time by using
your existing thermal label printer for a number
of different printing applications in your
business
• How to get started, including what media you'll
need for each application
Label Printers for Many Applications
Many businesses purchase thermal label printers with one specific task in mind, like
shipping or product labeling. However, your thermal printer can be used in a much wider
range of applications! In fact, you can put your label printer to work in a number of
different ways that can help you cut costs and improve your business processes.
Labels and Changing Media
A label is a simple and cost effect tracking tool to help you identify something. With
labels, you can identify anything from products and assets, to guests and patients. But
with a simple change of media and a couple of adjustments, you can use your label
printer for a whole host of other printing applications. Let’s take a look at a few of them
But first, one important note to remember: when you swap out the media, don’t forget to
use your design software to create a template that matches the size and style of your
new media (i.e., the images, barcodes, and text need to be organized to fit your specific
needs).
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APPLICATION: Product
Labeling
Product labeling is by far one of the
most common uses for a label printer.
Product labeling can be anything from
UPC (barcode) labeling to product IDs
and even ingredient labels. Though
barcodes are most commonly used for
product labeling, many other types of
labels can be produced with your
thermal printer. For example, ingredient lists, expiration dates, and special warnings or
directions can all be made for your products with the same thermal printer that you’re
using to make UPC barcode labels. No matter what the use, your thermal printer can
easily create labels for individual products as well as product cases or cartons.
Product labels will have to last until the point of sale or possibly the entire life of the
product. Since most products will not encounter harsh or rugged usage, a standard
paper label will be the most economical choice. To ensure the label lasts, it’s best to
use thermal transfer paper as this provides a durable label that will not fade over time.
Pair the paper with the correct ribbon and you’ll have a product label you can count on.
Application
Labels Needed
• Product Labeling
• Thermal Transfer Paper
Ribbon
Needed
• Wax
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APPLICATION: Asset
Labeling
Asset tracking is a process that almost
every business needs to use, but often
has difficulty getting started with.
Whether it’s the PCs and printers in the
office or tools and machinery at a
manufacturing plant, assets are a vital
part of every business. Asset management allows you to efficiently utilize, maintain,
and replace the tools you need on a daily basis.
The first step in asset tracking is making sure that each item is individually labeled.
With an ID on every asset, you can easily track each item uniquely. You’ll also label the
locations (e.g. rooms, shelves, racks, etc.) that the assets are located in to quickly call
up all the items that should be in that location.
Thermal label printers are a perfect solution for asset labeling as they can print on a
variety of materials beyond standard paper. Since assets are items that are used
regularly, often get cleaned, and may even be used in rugged or outdoor environments,
using plastic labels ensures they will hold up no matter what they encounter.
Application
Labels Needed
• Asset Labels
(indoor)
• Polypropylene
Application
Labels Needed
• Asset Labels
(rugged/outdoor)
• Polyester
Ribbon
Needed
• Wax/Resin
Ribbon
Needed
• Resin
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APPLICATION: Shipping
Labeling
More UPS and FedEx shipping labels are
made with thermal printers than any other
type of printer. In many ways, thermal
printers have become very popular because
they are easy to use and cost effective for
printing shipping labels.
However, many businesses don’t realize that
the label printer they have can also be
printing any label that is part of their shipping
process. Package contents, return and even
address labels are all possible to create with
your shipping printer. Simply load different
sized labels for the specific shipping task and
you’re set to go.
Shipping labels need to withstand up to a couple weeks of use while the delivery is in
route. Given this limited lifespan, direct thermal paper labels are the best fit option.
They still produce high quality, easy to scan labels but with minimal cost since no ribbon
is needed. Just load the printer with labels and start printing!
Application
Labels Needed
• Shipping Labels
• Direct Thermal Paper
Ribbon
Needed
• None
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APPLICATION: Receipt Printing
While you may be using your printer to make labels, the
printer can technically print on any paper material. The
common receipt you get at a retail store is actually the
same direct thermal paper your shipping labels are made
from. A quick change from a label roll to a continuous
paper roll and you’re on the way to making high quality
receipts. With a single printer, you can handle all your
labeling and receipt printing needs.
Using a thermal printer for receipts also has the
advantage of more size options. Dedicated receipt
printers are limited to a 3” print width while the standard
for label printers goes up to 4”. This added inch makes
for wider receipts that can fit more information and use
less paper.
Since receipt paper is direct thermal (doesn’t require
ribbon), just install the new paper roll, select the label
printer in your POS software preferences, and start
making receipts.
Application
Labels Needed
• Receipt
Printing
• Direct Thermal Receipt Paper
Ribbon
Needed
• None
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APPLICATION: Visitor
ID Labeling
Security is a concern for all
organizations today. When you have
visitors to your facility on a daily basis,
you need to be able to identify and
track them. Providing a simple ID for
each visitor is a must to ensure
everyone’s safety. For temporary
purposes such as using for visitors, a label is the most efficient option.
Given the low cost per label, a thermal printer is a quick and simple solution to make
disposable IDs. Compared to basic handwritten labels, a printed label is much harder to
forge and can have expiration dates/times on them for greater security. Plastic ID cards
can offer similar security but are much more costly and if they are re-used, end up being
another task to manage.
Thermal printers provide a cost-effective and high-quality way for you to print clear
images of each visitor on the label. The printer’s quick print speed also keeps the visitor
check-in process streamlined. With direct thermal labels in your printer, you are set to
ensure that everyone in your building is who they say they are and are authorized to be
there.
Application
Labels Needed
• Visitor ID
• Direct Thermal Paper
Ribbon
Needed
• None
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APPLICATION: Wristband
Printing
We’ve all come across wristbands while
attending a concert, going to a water park,
or visiting the hospital. They’re a durable
and disposable tool to easily ID a person.
While they are often just color coded, using
barcodes and custom printed text provides
additional security and track ability.
Instead of buying pre-made wristbands (which offer no customization beyond a color) or
investing in a dedicated wristband printer, your thermal label printer can be put to use.
Create unique, customized wristbands just as easily as you make labels. Making
wristbands for a company event or at patient check-in could not be easier.
Though they are used for a short time, wristbands need to be rugged enough to handle
the wear and tear of being worn by a person. Available in either direct thermal
polypropylene (indoor use) or thermal transfer polyester material (outdoor use), they
come on the same type of easy-to-load rolls like labels. Simply change your media,
adjust you design settings, and you can start making full customizable wristband IDs.
Application
Labels Needed
• Wristbands (indoor)
• Polypropylene
Ribbon
Needed
• None
Application
Labels Needed
• Wristbands
(rugged/outdoor)
• Polyester
Ribbon
Needed
• Resin
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Getting the Most From your Printer
Businesses are constantly under pressure to maintain productivity while keeping costs
at a minimum. “Do more with less” is the motto of the day. Using the technology you
already have to serve multiple purposes is a simple but often overlooked means to
greater efficiency.
Thermal printers are a perfect example of technology that you can leverage for a variety
of applications. All you have to do is change the media you put inside it, and you’re
ready to put your investment to work for a variety of your printing needs.
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About BarcodesInc
BarcodesInc is North America's leading provider of data tracking products and solutions,
including barcoding, printing, mobile computing, and RFID. Since 1994, we’ve delivered
thousands of solutions across industries and across businesses large and small.
At BarcodesInc, data tracking is our expertise and customer service is our passion.
Visit us at www.barcodesinc.com or speak to a product expert at 1.800.351.9962
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