Things to Consider When Choosing Printable Barcode Labels

 Barcode labels are crucial supplies that enable accurate inventory and tracking for many industries including healthcare, IT, construction, education and retail. But with the huge choice of printable barcode labels, how to know which ones are the right ones for you?! Well, the first and most important thing you should do is to review all of the options and take into account some important things.

Materials

Generally speaking, you can choose from two main types of materials:

Paper

Labels made from this material are used for general application with the use of direct thermal technology. Practice shows that you can use them on inventory labelling, shipping labels and products that need to be produced into the final product. They work best when applied to a dry and smooth surface without exposure to extreme temperature and humidity conditions, sunlight and liquids. They are extremely easy to remove, easy to scan and hard to take off if kept in the needed storage condition.

Synthetic

Labels made from this material are mainly used for thermal transfer and for products that need a label that will last a long time under harsh conditions. Usually, they are weather, scratch and tear-resistant, and depending on the material and ink, they can also be resistant to oil and chemicals. An important thing to have in mind is that they are more expensive than the ones made from paper. Some of the most common materials used for labelling under different conditions are:

• Polyolefin – This material is treated with corona and is best for curved and rough surfaces.
• Polyester/Polypropylene – This material is perfect for barcodes that are usually prone to scratching, smearing and wearing down when exposed to some chemicals.
• Polyimide – This material is one of the most durable as it's said that it can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees.
• Acrylic – This material is known as long-lasting and is best used for long-term outdoor use.
• Polypropylene – When made of polypropylene, labels can withstand harsher weather conditions and they are best to be applied on non-flexible materials. Keep in mind that they are water-resistant and not waterproof, so make sure to avoid continual exposure to wet conditions.

Longevity and Durability

When searching to find the right ones, consider choosing printable barcode labels that can maximise use and minimise costs. Considering their longevity and durability is paramount if you want them to last longer, which is why you should take into account two important things:

 Scanning Time

When in need of short to medium-term printing, you might want to choose the direct thermal printing method, otherwise. You can opt for the thermal transfer method which is perfect for long-term printing and labels that can withstand harsh and heavy-duty conditions.

 Application Time

When in need of quality labels for shipping and logistics, you might want to consider investing in ones that can stick permanently. You can also choose from the large selection of removable barcode labels which allow for being peeled off/removed after a certain period.

Environmental Conditions

Considering the environmental changes and conditions is just another thing that you should take into account when in the search for the right type. So before ordering your barcode roll, make sure to consider the:

 Application Conditions

When planning on applying them onto an item that is chilled, wet or frozen for instance, you might want to consider the idea of choosing ones that give a sturdier and more durable adhesive that will stick on them regardless of the conditions.

 Scanning Conditions

Similar to the aforementioned type, you'll also need a label roll with specific adhesive and ink if the items will be exposed to temperature changes, moisture, chemicals, UV light and long shelf life. In such cases, the labels shouldn't fall off nor fade, especially if stored for a longer period.

Types

As you may know by now, you can choose between permanent and removable barcode labels.

Permanent

These ones are designed to stay on the product's surface for a really long time. They are hard to remove and can be applied on any type of surface whether made from wood, metal, plastic or glass.

Removable

Given the fact that these materials are designed to be removed, they are temporary and are mainly used on promotional products and materials. They are extremely easy to remove, so you can have peace of mind that the actual products won't get damaged.

High Tack

These labels have an extremely powerful type of permanent adhesive that is designed to keep labels in place for a long period regardless of the exposure. These labels are mainly used in building materials with different textures and they can also be used in fabrics for labeling different products.

To be sure that you'll be making the right choice, you should certainly consult with a professional who'll help you find the right fit for your needs.