Labels are an essential part of packaging design and product identification that play a significant role in providing information and attracting and retaining customers’ attention. Their visual elements — color, font, graphics, and shape — are crucial in creating a memorable brand image and making a product stand out. Additionally, the type of material used to print the label affects its durability and overall appearance.
Polypropylene and polyester are two of the most widely utilized materials in label production due to their distinct features, advantages, and versatile applications. This article will dive into their characteristics to help you choose the best labeling material for your product.
What’s the Best Labeling Material for Your Project?
Labels enhance a product’s aesthetic appeal and convey essential information, such as branding, product facts, and warnings. Aside from their visual impact, they are created to withstand a range of storage, temperature, and light conditions while maintaining legibility and functionality.
Polypropylene Labels
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (PP) is a type of plastic film known for its moisture resistance and cost-effectiveness. It is often used for products with a short shelf life and requires protection from moisture and humidity. It is also an excellent alternative for quickly degrading materials such as food packaging.
Another advantage of PP is its versatility. It can be used for various applications, from food packaging to labeling products in multiple industries. The film can also be printed using different techniques, allowing for the production of high-quality labels. Polypropylene material can be printed as a thermal transfer ribbon or as direct thermal printing.
When exposed to sunshine, polypropylene has a shorter lifespan than other materials. As a result, the material can degrade rapidly, leading to fading and other problems that can severely affect the appearance of your packaging. It is also incompatible with digital printing as it can cause streaks and produce a low-quality output.
Polyester Labels
Also known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester is suitable for durable applications. It is a semi-rigid, lightweight material that comes in various adhesives. Moreover, it has excellent moisture barrier properties.
Polyester labels can last as long as 10 years due to their high durability. They can also endure temperatures as high as 300 °F and as low as -40 °F. In addition, they are resistant to various caustic and acidic agents, making them perfect for printing complicated graphics.
One of the main drawbacks of polyester is its high cost compared to other labeling materials, such as vinyl and polypropylene. It is also not ideal for labeling objects with uneven surfaces or narrow circumferences because it tends to be stiff and rigid.
High-Quality Custom Labels From Technicode
Polyester is the preferred labeling material for products frequently exposed to outdoor or extreme environments. On the other hand, polypropylene is ideal for indoor use and labeling requirements that demand a stronger option than paper.
For more than 25 years, Technicode has been providing customized label solutions for thermal transfer and direct printing! Our offerings include multiple color labels in six distinctive hues, tailored conversions, and top-quality products that meet industry standards.
Contact us today to learn more about our products or request a quote to start your labeling project with us!
The present dynamic of the business landscape prompts companies and individuals to constantly strive to improve their efficiency. One technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) labels. They are electronic tags that can be attached to various objects, providing a means of tracking and identifying them through radio waves.
RFID labels provide many advantages, including improved inventory precision and expedited supply chain management. However, the many available labeling options can pose a challenge when determining the most suitable one for your specific requirements. This guide will delve into these smart labels, including their functionality and the various types available.
How RFID Labels Work
RFID labels — or RFID tags or transponders — are small electronic devices that can be affixed to various objects, such as products, assets, or people. They feature an antenna and microchip that facilitate the transmission and reception of data via radio waves. They also serve as a mechanism for monitoring and identifying objects, enhancing inventory precision and supply chain management.
The labels operate based on the principle of wireless communication, allowing them to function without any direct physical link to the reader device. When a reader device is near the tag, it sends a radio signal picked up by the label’s antenna. This enables the microchip to receive power and transmit a unique identifier code back to the reader.
RFID tags are offered in various sizes to cater to different requirements. The size usually depends on the object it will be attached to and the read range necessary for the application.
Here are the three available dimensions and their respective uses:
Small-sized labels are suitable for tagging items like jewelry, documents, and compact electronic components.
Medium-sized tags are useful for tracking items like pallets, containers, and large machinery.
Large-sized labels are most appropriate for tracking fast-moving objects like vehicles and athletes.
Types of RFID Labels
RFID tags are available in various types, each designed with specific applications and operating requirements in mind. Listed below are some of the most commonly used types of labels:
Passive Labels
Passive labels are the most widely used due to their affordability and suitability for high-volume applications. They operate without a battery and instead rely on the electromagnetic field generated by the reader to power their microchip. This enables them to return the unique identifier code stored on the microchip to the reader.
Active Labels
Active labels have an embedded battery that powers both the microchip and antenna. This allows them to transmit signals over greater distances and with improved accuracy. Although they are more costly than the passive ones, their extended read range and higher accuracy make them useful for asset-tracking applications.
Semi-Passive Labels
Semi-passive labels combine features of both passive and active transponders. They have a built-in battery that powers the microchip but not the antenna. This allows them to provide a longer read range than passive labels while being less costly than active tags.
The Process of Making an RFID Label
The label’s production involves multiple stages: design, material selection, and printing. First, the design phase determines the position of the microchip and antenna and the shape and size of the tag. After that, the material selection requires selecting the substrate, adhesive, and conductive ink used for the antenna.
The printing process can be done using several techniques, including flexographic printing, screen printing, or digital printing. This usually depends on the design and the type of substrate being used. After printing, the RFID label is encoded with a unique identifier code that will be transmitted through radio waves.
Technicode: Your Reliable Provider of High-Quality Label Solutions
Since 1997, Technicode has been delivering premium label solutions for thermal transfer and direct printing! We offer a wide range of services, including high-quality labels that meet industry standards, customized conversions, and six unique color options.
Contact us today to learn more about our services! You can also request a quote to start your labeling project with us.
The ever-evolving logistics and shipping industry requires processes that streamline operations while ensuring that packages are labeled and easily identifiable. To remain competitive, the industry must also keep operating expenses low, which necessitates effective and economical tools, innovations, and alternatives. The thermal shipping label is a prime example.
Thermal printing labels, also known as thermal shipping labels, are produced by utilizing thermal transfer printing technology. Heat is used to transfer ink from the ribbon to the label material, resulting in a high-quality and distinct image. The label material is typically made of a special paper that reacts to heat and changes color.
This article will go over the fundamentals of thermal printing, including its various types and benefits.
Types of Thermal Shipping Labels
Direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels are the two main types of thermal labels. Each has distinct benefits and drawbacks, and the best type for a given application is determined by the project’s specific needs.
Direct Thermal Labels
Labels for direct thermal printing are made of a special thermal-sensitive paper that changes color when heated. One of their primary benefits is that they do not require the use of a ribbon or ink in the printing process. This means that they are less expensive than thermal transfer labels. They are also simpler to operate and produce high-quality prints with sharp images and text.
This label is frequently used in shipment uses, where it is subjected to light and heat during transports. Parking tickets, event passes, wristbands, name tags, and receipts are some of the other uses for direct thermal labels.
Thermal Transfer Labels
Thermal transfer labels are made of a thermal-sensitive material coated on a film or paper. When a printhead heats the material, ink from the ribbon transfers to the label. This results in images that are clear and long-lasting. They can also be made from various materials, such as paper, film, and synthetic materials. Further, this versatility extends to the different printing methods that can be done on these labels.
They are ideal for applications where the label needs to be durable, such as inventory management and product identification. They can also be used in circuit board tracking and specimen labels.
Benefits of Thermal Shipping Labels
Direct thermal and thermal transfer labels have advantages that make them ideal for various applications. Some of their primary benefits include the following:
Durability
Labels are frequently exposed to moisture, heat, and rough handling in a shipping environment, which can cause them to smudge, fade, or tear. This is not an issue with thermal printing labels. Thermal-sensitive materials used in direct thermal and ribbon ink in thermal transfer are resistant to water and other harsh elements. This ensures that the labels remain legible and accurate over time.
Versatility
Thermal labels are available in various sizes, materials, and adhesives, ensuring they are suitable for a wide range of packages and products. Whether you are shipping small items or large parcels, these labels apply to any packaging type. Moreover, they come with either permanent, repositionable, or removable adhesives.
Cost-Effectiveness
Thermal transfer printing is relatively inexpensive compared to other printing technologies, making it an attractive solution for businesses of all sizes. Furthermore, large quantities of labels can be produced at a minimal price because of the low cost of materials.
Clear Printing Capability
Businesses can be confident that their labels will be easily readable and accurate with clear printing capability. This helps ensure that packages are delivered to the intended recipient on time with no delays or misunderstandings.
Choose Technicode for Exceptional Custom Labeling Services
With over 25 years of experience, Technicode has earned a reputation as the leading provider of customized label solutions for thermal transfer and direct printing. We understand the unique needs of businesses in the logistics and shipping industries, allowing us to provide custom solutions for your product or brand.
With Technicode, you can be sure that you are getting the best in terms of quality and affordability! Contact us today to learn more about our products and services, or request a quote now! Let us help you achieve your labeling goals and ensure that your packages are delivered quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
