Quick Guide to Barcode Label Selection
By: POSGuys - 4/17/2019

**Quick Guide to Barcode Label Selection**

Choosing the right barcode label depends on what you’re labeling, how you’ll apply the label, how long you need it to be scannable and readable, and the environment where it will be used.

Fortunately, it’s relatively simple to narrow down your choices when you understand some key factors, starting with the direct thermal vs. thermal transfer label printing.

**Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer**

Direct thermal printing is designed for applications that require a shorter label lifespan, such as office or shipping labels.
![enter image description here][1][][]
Direct thermal printing doesn’t use ink, toner or ribbon. It creates the image directly on a paper label, but the image has limited durability. [Click here][2] for a look at a few of our Direct Thermal printers.

If you need long-lasting and durable label images or protection against temperatures, abrasion or chemicals, you need to use thermal transfer printing.

Thermal transfer uses a thermal printhead and applies heat to a printer ribbon, which melts ink onto the label and forms a more durable image. Check out more Thermal Transfer models of printers [here!][3]

Thermal transfer, when combined with specialized label materials, produces labels that meet demanding application and environmental requirements that are beyond the capabilities of standard direct thermal labels. However, you’ll need to match your specialized label with the right thermal transfer ribbon.

**Thermal Transfer Ribbons**
![Zebra ribbons][4][][]
Wax Ribbons produce label images for applications with little to no exposure to weak chemicals and/or moderate abrasion.
![Tabletop ribbons][5][][]
Wax/Resin Ribbons are for labels facing extreme chemical exposure and/or exposure to moderate abrasion, or where UL/cUL approval is required.

Resin Ribbons are used to print labels that are exposed to harsh to extreme chemical exposure and/or exposure to excessive abrasion, and UL/cUL approval.

**Application Factors**

***Lifespan***
As we discussed earlier, if you only need short-term labels that won’t be exposed to chemicals, moisture, and abrasion, a direct thermal paper label will probably meet your needs. Otherwise, a specialty thermal transfer synthetic label is almost certainly required.

***Surface***
Different labels and adhesives, such as acrylic adhesives or polypropylene labels, may be required to adhere to curved or unusual surfaces.

***Extreme Temperatures***

Application temperature is the temperature at which you apply your label, and service temperature is the range when you’re using it.

Standard label materials perform with application temperatures of at least 25°F and service temperatures of -65°F to 200°F.

If you need application and temperature resistance beyond this, you’ll need to use thermal transfer and probably a specialty adhesive.

***Abrasion Resistance***
If your label needs resistance to rubbing or scratching, use a ribbon with higher resin content.

***Applicator Use***
If you’ll be using a label applicator, the label must be cut differently so it peels off properly from the liner. Perforations aren’t recommended because they alter label stiffness, making it difficult to release from the liner.

***Chemical Resistance***
If your label will be exposed to moderate to extreme chemicals, use thermal transfer printing and labels. In the case of harsh and extreme chemicals, a high-durability resin ribbon is also recommended.

***Indoor/Outdoor Use***
If your label will be regularly exposed to outdoor conditions such as sun, rain or snow, it’s best to use a thermal transfer synthetic label.

***Print Speed, Darkness and Dots Per Inch (DPI)***
Certain label materials and ribbons will cause printing to be slower or faster, and some combinations will require higher print darkness and/or higher DPI. Synthetic labels may also be needed for proper printing. Keep these factors in mind and ask your label provider what you can expect.

**Need More Help with Choosing Barcode Labels?**

Contact our team at [POSGuys.com][6] at **1-800-903-6571** or <a href="mailto:sales@posguys.com">email us now</a> to get answers to your questions and a copy of our Zebra label supplies selector guide. In the meantime, [check here][7] for a full list of our avaiblable labels and ribbons from Zebra!

[1]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/51150/zebra-barcode-labels_800_600.png
  [2]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD420_2506/
  [3]: https://posguys.com/barcode-printer_1/Zebra-ZD620_2633/
  [4]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/51150/3blackrolls_800_600.png
  [5]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/51150/zebra-industrial-ribbon_800_700.png
  [6]: http://www.posguys.com
  [7]: https://posguys.com/barcode-label-stock_64/

Quick Guide to Barcode Label Selection By: POSGuys - 4/17/2019

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Quick Guide to Barcode Label Selection
By: POSGuys - 4/17/2019