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Get ROI When You Match Your Barcode Printer to the Label Use

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There are no real shortcuts to quality, just smart choices. Your barcode label printing is no exception. You could try to use the same ribbons or media for a variety of label applications, but unless they all serve the same purpose, you’re wasting time and money. Avalon Integration’s experts remind you that you get ROI when you match your barcode printer to the label use.

Zebra 110xi4 Barcode Printer in a Warehouse with man pushing a dolly

There are literally thousands of options for thermal printer media, so you can pinpoint the perfect match that handles the way your printer operates and produces labels that withstand the conditions they face.

Here are the factors that contribute to choosing the right supplies for your barcode printer.

Barcode Printer Type

Make Sure you have the Right Printer for the Right Label

If you’re producing your labels on a thermal printer, you use either a direct thermal or thermal transfer printing technology. Direct thermal applies heat directly to the media, so you need labels that have been chemically treated to react to the heating process. Direct thermal is a good choice for short-term labels, but the print fades over time, even faster when exposed to sunlight or heat. Thermal transfer is a process that applies heat to a ribbon, which then transfers the ink to the media. The result is a more durable print that resists exposure to light and heat. The label media presents a wider variety: paper, vinyl, polyester, polypropylene, and polyimide. You must match the media to your printer’s technology. It’s not interchangeable.

Barcode Printer Speed

A Zebra Barcode Printer Printing a Label Very Fast

Each printer has a specified print speed. High-speed printers require labels and media that are designed for them. Be sure you know the calibration of any media before you use it in your printer. For the best quality in a high-speed thermal printer, choose a high-speed wax ribbon.

Barcode Printer Resolution

Zebra High Resolution Barcode Printer

The printer’s resolution is measured in dots per inch (dpi). The higher the dpi, the finer the resolution. For micro-labels, you probably print at 600 dpi, while many applications are fine at 203 or 300 dpi. Again, match your barcode label to the printer to ensure quality.

Surface Shape and Material

Zebra Supplies Are Versatile for Any Job

Is your label being applied to a flat surface or a curved one? Is it smooth, like metal, or rough, like cardboard? These are important considerations for your barcode label supplies. Choose a substrate that is designed to adhere to the surface you’re labeling so that you don’t have to worry about labels falling off—which is a costly error.

Environmental Conditions

Media Environmental Specifications

Think about what the label will endure. Will it be exposed to bright sunlight or extreme temperatures? To stay adhered to and readable for the life of the label, pay attention to the media’s environmental specifications.

Chemical Resistance

Zebra Printers are Chemical Resistance for any environment

Similar to the exposure to environmental elements, be aware of the chemicals that might come in contact with the label. Some synthetic substrates are engineered to withstand chemicals of different strengths, from alcohol and gasoline to acetone and xylene.

With all these factors that impact the quality of your barcode labels, make sure your supplier understands how you’re using the supplies. If you’re unsure, ask for samples so you can test the media before ordering a large amount. Avalon Integration strongly recommends Genuine Zebra Supplies because of its consistent quality. We know that every product has been extensively tested and meets the specifications.

There’s another reward for using Zebra supplies. You’ll never pay for another printhead replacement as long as you keep using Genuine Zebra Supplies. That’s about $400 savings per printhead. Enroll for free in the Printhead Protection Program. And when you need someone who truly understands how to make the most of your barcode label printing, talk to us at Avalon Integration.

Please don’t waste your money on bargain barcode printer supplies. They aren’t a bargain at all. Instead, contact Avalon Integration to make the right choice and we’ll pay you back with the Printhead Protection Program. It’s free to enroll and the rewards are substantial!

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Get Free Zebra Printheads with the Printhead Protection Program

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You expect your thermal printer to keep working reliably, with little or no effort, other than reloading the media and replacing the ribbon as needed.  But if you want to gain the best return on investment and the lowest total cost of ownership for your barcode printer, you’ve got to put more into it—more thought and more quality. When you do, you earn free Zebra printheads with the Printhead Protection Program from Avalon Integration.

Yes, free. And for as long as you own your Zebra printer.

Maintain and Save Money with the Printhead Protection Program

Do The Right Thing with Zebra Supplies by utilizing the Printhead Protection Program

Avalon Integration and Zebra want to encourage you to “do the right thing” when it comes to maintaining your thermal printer. That means regular cleaning and using only quality supplies. Inferior printer supplies—like ribbons, cards, and labels—can damage your printer. The media leaves behind dust, dirt, and debris that builds up. The result is poor print quality and a ruined printhead. Then, you pay for repairs, replacement, and the time and cost of downtime and reprinting. So, your “savings” on these bargain printer supplies are actually costing you more money.

Genuine Zebra Supplies for Consistent Quality

Genuine Zebra Supplies offered through the Printhead Protection Program

Genuine Zebra supplies are manufactured according to very stringent and uncompromising standards and processes. This adherence guarantees consistent quality, from one run to the next. Because Zebra designed and engineered the thermal barcode printers, they are the experts at knowing the best supplies to run them. So, when they offer to support that promise with free printhead replacements for life, Avalon Integration confidently recommends genuine Zebra supplies.

Zebra Printhead Protection Program Is Free to Enroll

Free to Enroll to the Printhead Protection Program

The Zebra Printhead Protection Program from Avalon Integration is free to enroll. There’s no membership fee. Just agree to feed your Zebra thermal printer ONLY genuine Zebra supplies and we will give you free printhead replacements when you need them—which will be less often because these quality consumables will prevent the premature wear and tear that the bargain supplies cause

Join the Printhead Protection Program and you can eliminate printhead replacement costs from your budget. You’ll also extend the life of your Zebra printer, which lowers the total cost of ownership. Contact Avalon Integration, checkout Avalons technical support blog or click here to enroll.  

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How to Choose the Right Barcode Labels

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Barcodes look simple enough, and technology has made it easy to use this process for data collection. But with so many uses for barcodes today, you need to pay attention to the label media you choose. Some are designed for specific purposes, like cold storage or affixing to a curved surface. If you don’t choose the right barcode labels, you’ll risk losing the data that this process is intended to provide. That could mean anything from printer damage and downtime to a product recall.

Understand Barcode Labels Easily with “PRESS”

When assessing your options, we follow the acronym “PRESS” that is suggested by Zebra, one of the global leaders in barcode printers, labels, and supplies.

P = Printer: Choose a barcode label that matches the specifications of your thermal printer: print speed (inches per second or ips) and print resolution (dots per inch or dpi). Some labels are designed to print at faster or slower speeds, and won’t serve you well at a different print speed. If you’re using a high-resolution printer (e.g., 600 dpi), don’t expect a label designed for 300 dpi to produce the same clarity and definition.

Your thermal printer’s specs will also identify the material thickness and roll size, as a minimum and maximum output size.

R = Resistance: Will your barcode label have to withstand tough conditions, like exposure to chemicals or contact with other surfaces? Some label media is coated to protect the printed barcode from chemicals, light, and abrasives that could smudge or destroy the barcode. Window cleaners and water are considered weak; alcohol and bleach are moderate chemicals; but oil, gasoline, acetone, and xylene can ruin a label that isn’t printed on the right media. Exposure to UV and fluorescent light can fade it.

E = Environment: Barcodes that will be exposed to extreme temperatures require a specific type of substrate and adhesive that stands up to those conditions. If you’re producing barcodes for products or parts that will come in contact with intense cold (freezers, outdoors), heat (sterilizing), or moisture (steam, rain, snow), look for a synthetic barcode label that is manufactured for these environmental situations.

S = Surface: Consider the type of surface where the label will be applied. A smooth surface could be flat or curved, and that makes a difference in the media. A rough surface presents a different challenge. The type of surface material also impacts the barcode label adhesive you choose. Metal, paper, plastic, and corrugated have different characteristics for adhesion.

S = Size: The dimensions of your label are obviously critical to choosing the right barcode labels. Are you printing multiple labels side by side? Would rolls be the better choice for your printing volume? Your supplier can advise you on the best choice to fit the size of the barcode labels.

Avalon Integration can guide you through the barcode label choices so you’re sure to get the ideal pairing with your printer and purpose. We have partnered with Zebra to ensure the quality, consistency, and unmatched selection of thermal printing supplies. We also provide pre-printed labels and custom labels. Contact Avalon Integration to maximize the ROI in your barcode label printing.

Contact us today to learn more.

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