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FAQs  
Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What Is a Self-Adhesive Label?
Q. What labels can I use in my photocopier?
Q. What labels can I use in my inkjet printer?
Q. What labels can I use in my laser printer?
Q. What labels are suitable for despatch labels on recycled cardboard boxes?
Q. What is a bar code label?
Q. What is a thermal label?
Q. How do I store my labels

Q. What Is a Self-Adhesive Label?
A. As the term implies, this is a label coated with an adhesive which is self-sticking (or pressure sensitive), unlike a label that will not stick by itself, i.e. a label to which moisture (gummed paper), heat (heatseal) or glue (plain paper) has to be applied, a pressure sensitive label is pre-coated with an adhesive which is protected by a backing material or liner. When this backing paper is removed, the label will stick to a surface against which the adhesive side is placed. The adhesive does not need to be activated by moisture or heat. It merely requires small amount of pressure to cause adhesion. - It is pressure sensitive! The basic construction of a pressure sensitive label consists of five layers:-

  1. The face material, on which information and/or decoration is printed.
  2. The primer, or anchor coat, which improves anchorage of the adhesive to the face paper. The primer also acts as a barrier to migration of chemicals that could stain the label face paper.
  3. The adhesive which allows the label to be affixed to a surface.
  4. The silicone coating which allows for easy release of the label from the backing paper.
  5. The backing paper.
Labels

Q. What labels can I use in my photocopier?
A. Most pre-cut off the shelf A4 sheet labels may be used in a photocopier. It is highly recommended that a series of labels manufactured specially for photocopiers, ink-jet printers and also laser printers (1-6 pages per minute) be used.
Note: Please be aware that laser labels are not recommended for photocopiers.

Q. What labels can I use in my inkjet printer?
A. Most pre-cut off the shelf A4 sheet labels may be used in most ink-jet printers. However, we recommend A4 sheets that are specially manufactured for ink-jet printers, photocopiers and laser printers (1-6 pages per minute).

Q. What labels can I use in my laser printer?
 A. Most pre-cut off the shelf A4 sheet labels may be used in a laser printer. We recommend that the labels for laser printers be specifically manufactured for lasers operating from one to six pages per minute.

SPECIAL NOTE: For straight feed laser printers with speeds faster than 6 pages per minute, we recommend you consult your label manufacturer for these A4 sheet labels. Perhaps your requirements are for custom-made sheets for high speed laserprinters. (i.e.faster than 12 sheets per minute).

Q. What labels are suitable for despatch labels on recycled cardboard boxes?
 A. Recycled cardboard is manufactured using a variety of different cardboard fibres and materials. It is extremely difficult to recommend a specific label product or adhesive label stocks without first conducting a label trial on the recycled board or box. Standard off-the-shelf despatch labels may fall away from the carton due to loose cardboard fibres. Humidity and temperature can also affect the adhesive properties of the label. Enquire at your label printer's Research and Development department to ensure you are able to have test label stock for your specific purpose.
Email your enquiry tofaq@labels-stickers-tags.com.au and specify your requirement.

Q. What is a bar code label?
 A. A bar code label is a label that is either pre-printed with a specific internationally recognised bar code, or one which is manufactured to be over-printed with bar code information. These labels may be in either A4 sheet format or in rolls for over-printing.

Q. What is the difference between a thermal direct label and a thermal transfer label?
 A. (a) Thermal direct labels are manufactured using a specially designed face paper which reacts to heat. To determine whether a paper is thermal or not, simply strike a match and hold the flame close to the paper. If the paper blackens or discolours it is thermal direct paper. (b) Thermal transfer labels are designed to accept heat activated ink from the ribbon of a thermal transfer printer. Note: The thermal transfer paper itself does not react to heat.

 Q. How do I store my labels

  1. Do not store boxes or rolls of labels in hot areas. During storage, avoid areas where the temperature changes significantly in one day as adhesives may be effected by heat and cold.

  2. Do not remove labels (A4 sheets) from their boxes and leave exposed for long periods of time as humidity can effect the stability of label sheets.

  3. Retain the original that your labels were packaged in, or at least keep the label. Most manufacturers print a production number on the box end label which is essential for traceability of the product if there is a problem.

  4. Before printing, ensure that the label is suitable for its intended end-use. It is too late once labels are printed.

  5. Ensure you are using the correct software/template to match the size you require. A simple test is to print an A4 sheet of paper and hold it to the light against a pre-cut label so you may check the spacing. Some label software is available free of charge. Download it from your label manufacturers website.

  6. Do not reuse an A4 sheet of pre-cut labels through your laser printer or photocopier a second time. This may work for ink-jet printers as there is no heat, but with laser printers and photocopiers, a second pass may result in a label lifting from the backing sheet and then attaching itself to the printer/photocopier fusion drum thereby creating an expensive repair. Label jams are mostly caused through incorrect use of labels in the printer or photocopier.

Do you have a technical question about labels? If so email them to Research & Development: faq@labels-stickers-tags.com.au


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