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Because of their unmatched speed and no ink use, thermal printers are imperative to almost all industries, especially warehousing, logistics, and retail. However, not all thermal printers will perform at their best, and one of the reasons for this is the type of label printer paper being used. During our 10+ years of being in the self-adhesive label manufacturing business, we've learned that the best label paper will create a seamless flow of business activities and reduce costs. In this article, we will identify various types of label printer paper that can be used in thermal printers and share our expertise and experience to better assist you.
Thermal Adhesive Paper
The most commonly utilized type of paper for thermal printers is thermal adhesive paper. It is the most compatible with the thermal printing principles, and as such, it has is one of the more outstanding option available. The paper has a heat-sensitive coating, allowing it to react with the thermal printer head and produce inkless prints that are sharp and clear.
From a technical perspective, excellent thermal adhesive paper provides durability and good clarity. It is able to withstand (and resist) water, oil, alcohol, and tearing, so the moisture and tearing will not affect the print. One time, there was a big logistics company we worked with that had a problem with the labels getting ripped and blurry. After using thermal adhesive paper, the issue was solved. Because of the clear labels, there were fewer sorting errors, which improved delivery efficiency by 15% to add on to the problem that was solved.
This paper provides enough clarity and longevity to meet almost any industry’s standards. It is widely used on shipping labels, price tags, pharmacy labels, and aviation labels so it is dependable for those businesses that are focused on efficiency and accuracy.
Synthetic Adhesive Paper
Synthetic adhesive paper is made with PP (polypropylene) and other materials that provide superior physical properties to traditional paper and meet more advanced application needs.
The first notable feature of synthetic adhesive paper is the durability that it provides. It has a great amount of resistance to water, oil, and abrasives, and can withstand great amounts of cold and heat. Because of these characteristics, it can be used in a large variety of indoor and outdoor applications. A great example of this is in retail, in which some stores have outdoor areas that display promotional materials. Because of this, the labels must be able to endure sun and rain for a long period of time. Synthetic adhesive paper is great because it can withstand these conditions and maintain great quality.
Apart from being high quality, adhesive paper is high quality in terms of printing as well. It is a material that supports great printing quality and color quality in terms of reproduction. Because of this, it is great for the presentation of characteristics and prices of the product as well as for promotional labels. This can be seen in many industries, especially in household chemicals, where it can stand contact with all kinds of chemicals and other products that can be corrosive.
Film Material Labels
When it comes to premium products, Film Material Labels are the high end option. Aesthetically, it fulfills the functional requirements of premium products and adds some elegance to them. For example, some of the materials that can be used are Thermal Sensitive Film, Metallic BOPP, Transparent BOPP, and Brushed Gold or Silver Pet.
First of all, they are 100% waterproof and oil-proof, which is important for high-quality cosmetics and daily chemicals. These labels are also great for the cosmetic and personal care industry, because they are contacted with lots of liquids like lotions, sprays, and cleansers. Film labels also perform great when submerged in water, and they also stick great.
They can be made in all different shapes and sizes, and they can be styled to represent a high-quality brand. Film labels have also passed lots of international certifications like SGS and FSC, so you know they are safe to use.
Specialty Label Papers
Specialty Label Papers include unique materials that are made for a specific purpose. They include, but are not limited to, Kraft Adhesive Paper, Adhesive Paper that is Wood Free, and Brush Gold PET Adhesive Paper.
Kraft adhesive paper is valued among companies because it looks eco-friendly and matches with their brand image. They also use it for packaging labels on organic food, crafts, and more. On the other hand, because Wooden Free Adhesive Paper is cheaper, and has decent print and stick quality, it works well for general product labeling in the stationery and everyday products industries.
Matt Silver Adhesive Paper and Brush Gold PET Adhesive Paper. These look luxurious and are used on high-end gift packaging, wine bottles, and electronics. These specialty papers serve a purpose and make companies look good with their visual presentation.
Important Considerations When Selecting The Correct Paper Labels
There are many things to consider when choosing label papers designed for use with a thermal printer. Most important is what the purpose for the label paper will be. Shipping labels for example are best done with thermal adhesive and synthetic adhesive papers, because they must withstand the elements. Quality film labels are a good choice on high-end cosmetic products.
Second, think about the conditions the labels will face. For example, if the labels are going to be used in the refrigerated sections of supermarkets, they have to withstand moisture and cold. Supermarket labels made of copperboard or clear self-adhesive paper cold and damp environments and are still legible.
Another factor is the compatibility with the thermal printer. Different label papers have different thicknesses and surface properties and can have varied effects on the print. Testing samples is a good strategy to ensure the paper works with the printer before buying in bulk.
Finally, the brand image and the budget are to be considered. Products on the high end may need to have labels made of premium film materials to increase their appeal. Cost-sensitive businesses can use economical solutions on premium wood free adhesive paper and still keep the quality high.
Conclusion
For businesses, there is a great deal of flexibility in the types of label printer papers that can be used for thermal printers. Businesses can choose types of label printer papers, from the basic thermal adhesive paper, all the way to the more advanced film material labels. With the information about the unique basic characteristics of the label printer types from above will assist in the labeling processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the brand value of the business.
Choosing label paper requires guidance from industry professionals. These types of vendors are typically those with the most credible documentation, credentials, and experience, and present the most value. These types of vendors will present the best value propositions for the business, and present the most cost effective solutions in the long term. If long term viability is the primary business focus, quality label paper should be acquired.