How to Select the Correct Zebra Labels For Your Requirements

There are hundreds of different Zebra Labels available off the shelf, and then there are almost limitless possibilities for custom labels. Zebra have over 9000 dies for different shapes and sizes of labels, and then combine that with all the different materials and adhesive types!

So it can be a very daunting task to try and figure out which ones you need - so we've put together this buyers guide.

The first thing you need to decide is whether to go for 'ThermalTransfer' (using a ribbon) or 'DirectThermal' (burns the image into heat sensitive labels).

DirectThermal labels are generally used indoor with a short to medium term lifespan, while ThermalTransfer provides a much greater range of materials and can be used both indoor and outdoor with medium to long-term lifespans.

Once you've chosen the technology type (you obviously need to make sure you have the printer to match!) then you need to decide on the material to be used.

Paper is an inexpensive way to print in a variety of general-purpose applications, and you can choose between the Z-Perform range (Smooth bright white paper that provides the optimal balance between
performance and price) and the Z-Select (Premium, bright white, ultra-smooth surface where image quality is important) range of Zebra Labels.

Synthetic offers more durable, long-lasting results with resistance to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals and you can choose from the following ranges:

Z-Supreme: Polyimide facestock designed for high-temperature environments up to 500° F.
Recommended for printed circuit board (PCB) labelling.

Z-Ultimate: Gloss polyester that provides outstanding print quality, unparalleled smear and scratch resistance, up to 3 years external usage.

Z-Xtreme: Matte polyester that provides outstanding image quality, resistant to chemicals, up to 3 years outdoors usage;

PolyPro: Matte polypropylene offers some flexibility for labelling curved surfaces, up to 1-2 years external usage;

PolyO: Corona-treated polyolefin that provides flexibility for labelling curved or rough surfaces; not recommended for more than 6 months outdoors;

These labels come with various combinations of adhesives as standard, but if you can't find the one you want you can get them made to your specifications. Here are the different types:

Acrylic: General-purpose; provides long-term adhesion; resistant to chemicals and UV exposure; works across a wide temperature range

Rubber: General-purpose; provides good initial tack; offers adhesion to rough surfaces; not recommended for auto apply

High-Performance: Offers higher resistant to chemicals and UV exposure; often has agency approval such as indirect food contact (FDA 175.105), UL/cUL and CSA approval

High-Temp: Remains strong at higher temperatures (over 300º F)

Cold-Temp: Remains strong at low temperatures (down to -112º F)

All-Temp: May be applied to temperatures below freezing (32º F)

Removable: Clean removal from most surfaces without damaging the label or the surface

Ultra-Removable: Clean removal from nearly all surfaces, including metal and glass, without damaging the label or the surface

Multi-Removable: Offers dual functionality; provides permanent long-term adhesion but also allows for clean removal; repositionable to allow for adjustment and reapplication

Hi-Tack Acrylic: Works well on hard-to-label surfaces and provides good resistance to chemicals and UV exposure

Hi-Tack Rubber: Works very well on hard-to-label surfaces;

There is also a wide range of specialty Zebra Labels for both paper and synthetic stock, and if you still can't find the one you need then Zebra can manufacture a custom label to your specification. You can choose the shape and size, the material, the adhesive type, the colour and so on.

For further details, or to purchase Zebra labels, please visit http://www.labelking.co.uk