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Linerless Labels
WHAT IS LINERLESS LABEL PRINTING?
More than 30 years ago a respected "Label Guru" told us that "from tomorrow all label printing will be linerless".
Well, perhaps tomorrow has come at last.
Today Linerless Label Printing is beginning to attract more and more attention.
Linerless Label Printing does what it "says on the tin". Labels can be printed without the need for label stationery to have a glassine paper backing liner.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LINERLESS LABEL PRINTING?
Because of the absence of a liner this type of label media is about 40% lighter than traditional self-adhesive labels.
This reduction is welcome when used in a weight concious Mobile Label Printer scenario but, equally important, it means that the number of labels per roll can almost be doubled and fewer media changes will be required.
Self-adhesive labels come with a glassine paper liner which is slippery and and can present a hazard if left on the floor below the printer.
Because Linerless Labels have no liner there is no slip hazard. The only waste is the empty cardboard core which can be recycled.
Printed linerless labels can vary in length and unlike self-adhesive labels there is no need to print blank space to reach the end of the label. Because most of the information is contained near the top Linerless Labels are generally shorter.
For applications with a range of label lengths there is no need to change the Linerless Media. Labels can be printed as they come without having to re-calibrate the printer.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF LINERLESS LABEL PRINTING?
Linerless Label Printing requires purpose made Linerless Printers and special Linerless Media which is specifically designed for the printer.
You cannot use traditional self-adhesive labels with Linerless Printers.
Linerless Labels are less robust and you need to avoid exposure to chemicals.
Linerless Label Printing also requires a much stricter cleaning protocol. Some Linerless Printer manufacturers advise thorough cleaning of the printhead and platen roller every time the label roll is replaced.
WHAT IS LINERLESS LABEL MEDIA?
Linerless Label media is direct thermal. No ribbon is required.
It generally comes in rolls outside wound on cores.
The diameter of the core must suit the printer.
The width of the Linerless Media must be within the minimum and maximum accepted by the printer.
The roll diameter of the Label Media must not exceed the maximum accepted by the printer.
HOW DOES LINERLESS MEDIA WORK?
Linerless labels are much simpler than self-adhesive label media which consists of die cut labels which are peelable from a glassine paper backing.
Linerless media is similar to a continuous strip of direct thermal receipt paper but to turn it into Linerless Label Media the undersurface is coated with a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive. The upper printable surface is topcoated with a special silicone release agent.
The release agent prevents the Label Media from permanently sticking to itself when in the roll.
After the label has been printed it can be taken from the printer and transferred to another surface and gently rubbed to activate the pressure sensitive adhesive.
WHO MAKES LINERLESS LABEL MEDIA?
Linerless Label Printing is comparitively new and it is essential at this stage only to use Linerless Media which is made or approved by the printer manufacturer.
There are indications that some third party label manufacturers are starting to offer Linerless Media for specific printers. It will be interesting to see how this progresses.
WHAT PRINTERS CAN BE USED WITH LINERLESS MEDIA?
Some models of Mobile Label Printers, Desktop Label Printers and Industrial Label Printers are available for use with Linerless Media.
A key feature of Linerless Printer models is the use of special silicone coated Platen Rollers.
We offer no specific recommendations or comparisons but show the results of our initial researches.
- Linerless Mobile Label Printers
- Linerless Desktop Label Printers
- Linerless Industrial Label Printers
Linerless Mobile Label Printers
Mobile Label Printers usually come in three widths, 2", 3" or 4".
The core size will depend on the printer but generally is 13, 19 or 35mm.
The roll diameters are fairly small and typically fall into the range of 38-65mm.
A few examples are shown below:
| Manufacturer | Model |
|---|---|
| Bixolon | SPP-L310 |
| Bixolon | XM7 |
| Honeywell | RP4f |
| SATO | PW2NX |
| TSC | Alpha-30L |
| TSC | Alpha-40L |
| Zebra | ZQ511 |
| Zebra | ZQ630 |
Linerless Desktop Label Printers
Linerless Desktop Label Printers generally come in 2" and 4" widths.
This type of printer usually comes with a Linerless Cutter.
The printed label is cut and dropped onto a collection area.
A label taken sensor will check that the label has been removed before another label is printed. Most Desktop printers require label rolls with a diameter of up to 127mm outside wound on 25mm cores.
Some linerless printers have been developed for specific industries and these typically use labels which are 40, 58 or 80mm wide.
Some examples of printers include:
| Maufacturer | Model |
|---|---|
| Epson | TM-L90 |
| Honeywell | PC45 |
| Toshiba | BV420D |
| TSC | DA220 |
| Zebra | ZD621D |
Linerless Industrial Label Printers
As yet we have only found one Industrial label printer being offered for use with linerless label media.
The main differences between Desktop and Industrial printers are usually cited as:
- metal casing
- increased print speeds and duty cycle
- increased label roll size
- internal power supplies
- left justification of the label path
- increased housing for accessories and adapters
| Manufacturer | Model |
|---|---|
| TSC | MB340 Linerless |
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE TRENDS FOR LINERLESS MEDIA?
As demand for Linerless Media expands it is expected to be significantly cheaper than traditional self-adhesive labels.
The range of Linerless Media types is expected to expand to meet a wide range of applications.
COPYRIGHT
The materials contained in this guide are subject to copyright.
Copies may not be made for any commercial use.
ERRATA
This guide is published E & OE for educational purposes and not as a Sales Document.
It is important to us that the contents are correct and easy to understand.
If you find information which is incorrect, or wish to make any suggestions, we will be pleased to receive your comments.
Please email us on sales@decisiontechnology.co.uk
HELP
If you need help please call us on +44 (0)20 8979 5533 or email us at sales@decisiontechnology.co.uk.
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Updated 2024-04-22 at 19:23:05.
Errors and Omissions Excepted.
