It’s no secret. Printing wristbands can be a tough, frustrating job.

We’ve written an informative post on Zebra wristband solutions, which outlines some of the basic strategies and tips that you can use to print perfect wristbands every time.

Our blog post did not offer too much information on the best printers to use for printing on wristbands.

The Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer is the ONLY printer available that is specifically designed for printing on wristbands.

Let’s take a look at some of the HC100’s specs:

• The Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer offers three different print widths: .75″, 1″, and 1.1875″.
• The HC100 offers 300 dpi images, which allows end users to create smaller, more defined barcodes. 
• The outer shell of the HC100 is covered in a medical grade plastic. This allows end users to properly disinfect the entire printer without causing any damage. 
• Wristbands can be printed at two different speeds: 2 IPS and 4 IPS.
• Available with USB/Serial/Ethernet/Wifi interface options.  

Easy-to-Load Wristband Cartridges 

The Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer offers a new type of media loading system.

Wristbands will typically be loaded onto either a 1″ core or a 3″ core, depending on the type of printer that is being used.

With the HC100, wristbands are purchased pre-loaded into recyclable cartridges.

The end user then loads these cartridges directly into the printer, without ever having to touch the actual media.

This cartridge-based system allows the printer to effortlessly calibrate the wristbands, resulting in a perfect print, every time.

There are also a variety of different types of wristbands available in cartridges for the HC100.

Choose from child and adult sizes, different colors, and even softer materials like the Zebra Comfort Wristband.

Remember, there are currently no thermal transfer wristband options available.

ALL wristbands are manufactured with direct thermal coating, which means you’ll have to use a direct thermal printer.

Find out the difference between thermal transfer and direct thermal printing here.

Print Wristbands On-Demand

The Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer is specifically designed for printing wristbands when you need them.

This means that you will only be printing out a few wristbands at a time.

Please note that the HC100 is NOT well-suited for large-scale printing applications.

The direct thermal printhead on the HC100 will overheat, which in turn will pause your printing for at least a few minutes.

There are other Zebra printers that are better suited for large scale wristband printing applications, like the ZT200 series, or even the Xi Series.

Use the Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer for “on-demand” printing applications. Save the large scale projects for the big boys…

Ideal Applications for the HC100

The Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer is perfect for a variety of applications.

The wide range of available wristbands are suitable for hospital patient identification, as well as guest identification at hospitality venues and attractions such as amusement parks, sporting events and zoos.

Currently, the HC100 is one of the most popular wristband printers in the healthcare field.

Here is an informative Youtube video from a hospital in Europe that has successfully integrated the HC100 into all of their operations.

Here is an informative success story featuring the Nebraska Medical Center, which implemented the use of HC100s to cut down on accidental medication doses.

Order the Zebra HC100 Wristband Printer from Professional Label Solutions

At PLS, we stock all of the most popular models of the Zebra HC100, all available at the best prices around.

Check out our full selection of HC100s here.

Check out our full selection of HC100 wristband cartridges here.

Got questions? Our reps are happy to help! Call us anytime at 1-844-458-1078, or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com.

We can help you to select the best HC100 printer and wristband cartridge for your application.

Find out why we’re the BEST authorized Zebra reseller in the country.

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Zebra Advanced Desktop “GK” Series

The Zebra Advanced Desktop Series of Printers is essentially a more budget-friendly version of the Performance Desktop Series.

Remember that a budget-friendly printer does not constitute a “cheap printer”. All Zebra Desktop Printers are manufactured with the highest quality control standards.

These printers all feature media specs with a 1” core, and a 5” outer diameter.

• Zebra GK420D – Features a 4” print width, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. Available with various interface options. This printer does NOT offer thermal transfer printing capabilities. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “D” stands for direct thermal. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra GK420T – Features a 4″ print width, with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, with a 203 dpi image. Available with various interface options. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “T” stands for thermal transfer. Check out our selection and prices here.

Zebra Value Desktop Series

The Zebra Value Desktop Series is a budget-friendly tier of printers for simple applications.

The Value Desktop Series is essentially the perfect entry-level label printer. If you have a simple printing application, then one of these printers has your name on it.

These printers all have media specs of 1” core, with a 5” outer diameter.

• Zebra GC420D – Features a 4” print width, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. Available with different interface options. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “D” stands for direct thermal. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra GC420T – Features a 4” print width, with thermal transfer printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. You will need a ribbon to use this printer. Available with different interface options. The “420” stands for 203 dpi. The “T” stands for thermal transfer. Check out our selection and prices here.

Compact Desktop Printer Series

The Zebra Compact Desktop Printer Series features two Next Generation label printers: the ZD410 and the ZD420.

The ZD410 and ZD420 feature user-friendly control panels, easy-to-load media options, and ultra-compact profiles that are easy to fit into your work space.

At PLS, we offer the best prices on these Zebra Desktop Printers.

We’ve also created blog posts that explain the different specs and features of each printer.

Check out our blog post on the ZD410 here.

Check out our blog post on the ZD420 here.

The media specs for the Compact Desktop Printer Series are a 1” core, with a 5” outer diameter.

• Zebra ZD410 – This printer features a print width of 2”, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and a 203/300 dpi image, depending on the model. This high dpi makes the ZD410 unique. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra ZD420 – This printer features a print width of 4″, with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, and a 203/300 dpi image, depending on the model.  The ZD420 is user-friendly and features an easy-to-load ribbon cartridge. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.
• Zebra TLP 2824 Plus – This printer features a print width of 2”, with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing capabilities, and a 203 dpi image. The “T” in TLP stands for thermal transfer. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.

We’ve also created Youtube videos to highlight the useful features and specs of the Zebra ZD410 and ZD420.

Check out our ZD410 video here.

Check out our ZD420 video here.

Cartridge Based Wristband Printers

The Cartridge Based Wristband Printer Series is solely comprised of the Zebra HC100.

The Zebra HC100 is a Wristband Printer that uses wristbands that are loaded into a cartridge. These wristband cartridges are then loaded into the printer.

This cartridge-based system allows end users to consistently print perfect wristbands.

Please note that the Zebra HC100 is not built for high-volume wristband printing. The HC100 print head will automatically shut down when it is overheated.

The HC100 is primarily used in healthcare applications, but it is also used in retail, outdoor, and sporting applications.

• Zebra HC100 – Features a print width of 1.1875″, with direct thermal printing capabilities, and 300 dpi images. Available with different interface options. Check out our selection and prices here.

Wristbands can also be printed on other hardware, including Desktop and Industrial printers.

PLEASE NOTE THAT MANY OF THE PRINTERS IN THIS GUIDE ARE AVAILABLE IN A HEALTHCARE VERSION.

THE HEALTHCARE VERSION IS IDENTICAL TO THE STANDARD VERSION, EXCEPT FOR THE OUTER MATERIAL.

HEALTHCARE PRINTERS ARE ALL MADE FROM CHEMICAL-RESISTANT PLASTIC.

We hope that our guide to Zebra Desktop Printers has given you the information you need to make the best purchasing decisions possible.

Do you have any questions or concerns regarding Zebra Desktop Printers?

Contact Professional Label Solutions anytime at 1-844-458-1078, or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com. Our reps are happy to help!

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• Zebra Desktop Printers

Zebra desktop printers are well-suited for large-scale wristband projects.

Here are some of the best Zebra desktop printers for wristband printing applications:

• Zebra LP2824 Plus
• Zebra LP2844 Plus
• Zebra GK420D
• Zebra GC420D
• Zebra ZD410
• Zebra ZD420
• Zebra ZD500R

Remember that Zebra desktop printers have different media requirements than a cartridge-based wristband printer.

Wristbands for Zebra desktop printers will need to be ordered on a 1″ core, with a 5″ outer diameter.

Also, you may need to purchase a media guide adapter for your Zebra desktop printer.

Here is some more information on Zebra Desktop Printers.

Zebra Industrial Printers

Last but not least, we have the Zebra Industrial Printer.

Zebra industrial printers are excellent for printing large volumes of wristbands.

Here are some of the best Zebra industrial printers for wristband printing applications:

• Zebra 105SL Plus 
• Zebra ZT230
• Zebra ZT410
• Zebra ZT420
• Zebra 110Xi4 
• Zebra 140Xi4

Remember that the media specifications for industrial printers are different from desktop printers.

Wristbands that are being used with a Zebra industrial printer will need to be ordered on a 3″ core, with an 8″ outer diameter.

Here is some more information on Zebra industrial printers.

Wristband Materials

There are a huge variety of Zebra wristband materials to choose from, including materials suited for healthcare/hospital applications, to waterproof materials suited for rugged outdoor applications.

Here are some of the most popular Zebra wristband materials:

• Zebra Z-Band wristbands are manufactured from 100% polypropylene. These wristbands are available in several different colors as a stock option, and can be ordered in a cartridge for the HC100, or on a 1″ or 3″ core for Zebra Desktop and Industrial Printers. The Z-Band wristband does offer some resistance to outdoor elements like dirt, water, and sweat. There are a few different types of Z-Band wristbands, like the Ultrasoft, Direct, Infant Soft, QuickClip, and Fusion. Find out more information on Zebra Z-Band wristbands here.
• Zebra Hospitality Wristbands are manufactured from 100% polypropylene. These wristbands are available in several different colors as a stock option, and can be orderered in a cartridge for the HC100, or on a 1″ or 3″ core for Zebra Desktop and Industrial Printers. There are two different types of Hospitality Wristbands: the Z-Band Fun and the Z-Band Splash. The Z-Band Fun and the Z-Band Splash are both highly resistant to outdoor elements like sun, water, sweat, and even sunscreen. These wristbands are the best option for outdoor entertainment options like water parks, pools, carnivals, etc.

RFID Wristbands

Zebra does offer direct thermal wristbands with RFID capabilities.

Zebra RFID wristbands are not a stock option. They must be ordered as a custom job.

All Zebra RFID wristbands must be paired with a Zebra RFID printer.

Click here for more information on Zebra RFID wristbands.

Recycling Your Old & Unused Wristbands

All Zebra wristbands are manufactured from 100% polypropylene.

This makes them 100% recyclable, as long as your recycling program accepts #5 plastics.

Please make sure to double check with your local recycling program to see if they accept #5 plastics.

PLS Can Help You Implement Your Zebra Wristband Solution

Zebra Wristband Solutions are one of our specialties at PLS.

We’ve worked with many end users, big and small, to implement a variety of different wristband printing solutions. From healthcare to outdoor events, we can help you pick the best hardware and media for your application.

Check out our huge selection of stock Zebra wristbands here.

Got questions? Feel free to contact us anytime at 1-844-458-1078, or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com. Our reps are happy to help!

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The RW Series was officially discontinued on November 30th, 2015. Zebra is offering service and support on the RW Series until December 20th, 2020.

You can find out more information on the RW Series here.

What Makes the Zebra ZQ500 Series So Special?

The Zebra ZQ500 Series of Mobile Printers are, simply put, built to last.

Zebra ZQ500 Printers are lightweight, yet engineered to handle the bumps, drops and collisions that are part of the job.

The printers feature a patented military design that meets third-party-verified MIL-STD 810G military standards for shock, vibration and temperature exposure.

Extreme environments and bangs and bumps are no match for these lightweight, compact printers. Zebra’s ZQ510 and ZQ520 printers are the most rugged printers available; this is one advantage that this series has over the RW Series.

The Zebra ZQ500 Series can perform in the widest operating temperature range in the industry and can withstand repeated drops to concrete from up to 6.6 feet.

In addition, the ZQ500 Series can withstand exposure to water and water spray. These printers have an IP Code rating of IP 54.

Easy to Use, Easy to Integrate 

Featuring Zebra’s Link-OS environment, the Zebra ZQ500 Series of Printers are easy to integrate, manage and maintain.

Zebra ZQ500 Printers are designed for intuitive, simple use, from the first shift to the last.

The simplified user interface reduces the amount of accidentally changed printer settings, and the large buttons increase accuracy for gloved hands and fingers.

Intuitive media loading reduces time employees spend changing rolls, and with sleep mode the printer wakes up when a job is sent and conserves battery power when not in use.

The Zebra ZQ500 Printers are Zebra’s first products to support a secondary Bluetooth communication channel, an innovative feature that allows one channel to send print jobs to the printer while a second channel performs additional functions such as device management.

These printers also feature “draft mode” which optimizes the printing speed (up to 5 inches per minute) for text-only printing.

Increase Your Mobility

The Zebra ZQ500 Series are Mobile Printers, so it makes sense that using these printers will help to increase your mobility, which in turn increases your productivity.

Zebra ZQ500 accessories are designed to optimize the tight spaces of mobile work environments, such as vehicles, through small footprints and multipurpose use.

With easy and reliable vehicle charging options, employees can grab their device and go.

The battery eliminator enables users to rely solely on vehicle power for fixed in-vehicle applications, erasing the need to replace the battery over the life of the printer.

Zebra ZQ500 Series Printers also offer adapters to attach vehicle cradles to existing e-charge and settlement room brackets.

ZQ500 Printing Specifications

The Zebra ZQ500 Series is made up of two printers: the ZQ510 and the ZQ520.

The Zebra ZQ510 features a 3″ print width, with a 203 dpi image, and a variety of interface options.

The Zebra ZQ520 features a 4″ print width, with a 203 dpi image, and a variety of interface options.

Both of these printers are direct thermal only. The ZQ500 Series does NOT offer any thermal transfer printing capabilities.

The ZQ500 Series can handle media with a .75″ core, and a 2.2″ outer diameter.

The Ultimate Mobile Printer for Rugged Applications

The Zebra ZQ500 Series are the ultimate family of printers for rugged, outdoor applications.

These printers can take a beating. They can be dropped, splashed with water, exposed to dust and grime, and still print out invoices, bar code labels, and receipts.

You can even cover your printer with a Zebra Exoskeleton, which will increase drop resistance to a whopping 12 ft. That’s right, you can drop this printer from 12 ft, and it will still be working!

Check out our exclusive Youtube video on the Zebra ZQ520.

They are easy-to-use, and easy-to-integrate into your operations. The ZQ500 Series is smaller and lighter than the RW Series.

Use the Zebra ZQ500 Series in warehousing, asset tracking, retail, and utility/outdoor applications.

All models of the Zebra ZQ510 and ZQ520 are now available for purchase from PLS, at the best prices available.

Got questions? Call us anytime at 1-888-458-1078, or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com. Our reps are happy to help!

Your #1 Source for Printers, Printer Media, Software, & Accessories. 

Spare Batteries

Batteries are another important piece of equipment that cannot be overlooked.

All Zebra mobile printers/mobile computers will need a re-chargeable lithium ion battery.

Typically, a lithium ion battery, or a Li-Ion battery, will last for two to three years before losing the ability to hold a charge.

At this point, we recommend that end users look into purchasing replacement batteries for their mobile printer/mobile computer.

Zebra does manufacturer replacement lithium ion batteries for it’s entire family of mobile printers/mobile computers. There are also third party manufacturers like Honeywell/GTS who offer stock lithium ion batteries for Zebra products.

Are you looking to expedite and streamline your business or enterprise? Purchasing spare batteries and charging cradles can help you avoid downtime associated with charging batteries. Having a few extra Li-Ion batteries sitting on a charger will help you to keep your workforce moving forward.

Cables for Various Interface Options 

A Zebra printer cable will ensure fast and efficient data flow without interruption. This is why it’s so important to use the proper cables for the correct interface option.

Zebra offers a huge variety of printer interface options for it’s products, including USB, Ethernet, Serial, and Parallel. Make sure that you have the correct interface for when you are looking to purchase any cables for your application.

Printer Covers and Cases

Printer covers and cases are one of the most important Zebra printer accessories available.

Quality custom-designed printer case and cover products add an extra layer of protection to your Zebra mobile printers.

Weather-resistant, soft and leather printer case products help safeguard your printer investment from harsh natural elements, such as rain and dust. In addition, cases provide a firm grip and access, as well as protection from scratches and dings

Want a cheap way to extend the life of your mobile printer?

Then look into purchasing a cover or case for your asset.

Carrying Straps

Carrying straps are especially useful for mobile printing applications. We don’t recommend that you jimmy-rig a DIY carrying strap; we’ve seen too many failed straps and broken printers.

Zebra carrying straps help you comfortably carry and protect your mobile printer during transport.

Carrying straps are specially designed for mobile printers and can be worn over the shoulder so your hands are free for other tasks.

Looking for another way to streamline your printing application?

Then consider purchasing carrying straps for your mobile printers/mobile computers.

Media Adapter Guides

Media adapter guides are often overlooked when it comes to Zebra Printer Accessories.

It can be easy to forget about how important it is to keep your printer media in place.

A media adapter guide helps prevent “media drift.”

Zebra media guide products help your valuable media (labels, tags, wristbands) track through the printer more precisely and are expressly designed for a variety of Zebra high-performance and mid-range printers, including the 140Xi Series, Z Series, PAX OEM print engines, and many more.

In addition, Zebra edge guides work with snap plates to ensure proper media alignment.

Label Rewinders

Does your printing application involve a large volume of labels? Will you need to print variable information on each label?

Don’t rewind your labels by hand.

Zebra offers the perfect solution for this application: a label rewinder.

Zebra Label rewinders help you with pre-printing tasks. The J-hook label rewinder design is ideal for print jobs with minor differences from label to label, such as prices or part numbers.

Label rewinders also allow you to pre-print labels with static information first. After a fast, secure and tight rewind, a second run of variable data through the printer completes the job.

Direct Thermal Printheads 

Direct thermal printheads do not last forever.

At some point, the printhead will fail.

This means that you will need to replace the failed printhead with a new functioning printhead.

Zebra printhead replacement products deliver quality, reliability and performance. The printhead is a vital printer component that creates the image on the face of the media.

Worn or damaged printheads should be replaced immediately. Every Zebra printhead is easy to install, and made to exacting engineering standards for continued reliability and performance from your printer.

Roll Holders

Did you know that Zebra Kiosk Printers need a roll holder to print properly?

A roll holder provides convenient and trouble-free feeding of media to your Zebra printer.

Optional roll holder and spindle products are available for media of many different sizes, with several holder location choices.

Expressly designed for compatible Zebra kiosk models, roll holders provide a stable, accurate and reliable guide for feeding continuous roll media into your printer.

Don’t forget to order a roll holder for your Zebra Kiosk Printer.

Never Overlook the Importance of Zebra Label Accessories

Zebra Label Accessories will help you to get the most out of your printer/mobile computer.

Don’t skimp on the printer accessories; your investment will pay for itself in due time.

Remember that all of these Zebra Printer Accessories are available for purchase in our PLS online store, under the Printer Accessories section.

Feel free to contact us directly at 1-844-458-1078, or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com. Our reps are happy to answer any questions or concerns that you might have regarding Zebra printer accessories.

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Multiple Interface and Connectivity Options

The Zebra ZD420 offers a HUGE variety of interface and connectivity options.

With virtually every modern wired and wireless connectivity option and support for many printer languages, deployment is always fast and easy: just unplug your existing printer, plug in the ZD420 and you’re back up and running.

Add new connectivity and media handling options whenever you need them, right on site. Monitor and manage all your ZD420 printers from the cloud, for unsurpassed management simplicity.

The Zebra ZD420 can handle all types of printer media.

For example, the Zebra ZD420 has a moveable media sensor that can accommodate black bar sensor, full width, and gap sensing labels.

This makes switching out labels fast and easy.

The ZD420 also offers Direct Thermal printing capabilities. End users have the option of switching from thermal transfer to direct thermal with a few clicks of a mouse.

The Zebra ZD420 is highly adaptable to meet your current and future needs.

The Zebra ZD420 can accommodate a variety of different printer media core sizes. The maximum outer diameter for the ZD410 is 5″, but the core sizes range from the following:

.50″, .75″, 1″, 1.5″, 2″, and even 3″ with an optional adapter.

This feature puts the ZD420 at a great advantage over the older line of Zebra Desktop Printers. The GX420T can only handle media with a 1″ core, and a 5″ outer diameter.

The Zebra ZD420 is easy to operate and easy to troubleshoot.

The ZD420 features a simple, user-friendly control panel. There are only five status icons on the printer itself: status, pause, data, supplies, and network.

This allows you to receive updates with a quick glance. These icons will inform you if your printer media is running low, or if you’ve lost network connection.

Easy to clean and sanitize Healthcare Models are available.

The ZD420 is available in a Healthcare Model with disinfectant-ready plastics and a sealed button interface that makes it easy to clean and disinfect.

These features are crucial in hospitals and clinics.

The ZD420 also fits easily in space constrained pharmacies, labs and nurses stations. And with its 300 dpi printing option, even the small labels on specimen containers and prescriptions are highly legible

Pick from 203 dpi to 300 dpi.

The Zebra ZD420 offers two different DPI options: 203 dpi and 300 dpi.

Please keep this in mind when ordering your printer. Make sure that you are picking the correct dpi for your application.

Integrate into your Cloud, and manage from any location.

The ZD420 supports Zebra’s Link-OS, a unique software platform that makes it easy to integrate, manage, and maintain your printers from any location.

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Zebra’s Link-OS platform.

Don’t confuse the ZD420 with the ZD410.

Both the Zebra ZD420 and the ZD410 are part of the same series of printers, which is the ZD400 Series.

Don’t confuse the two printers; the ZD420 has a maximum print width of 4 inches, while the ZD410 has a maximum print width of 2.2 inches.

The Zebra ZD420 will quickly become one of the best-selling Desktop Label Printers for space-constrained areas, as well as time-sensitive applications.

Some suggested applications include retail, healthcare, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, security, and travel/hospitality.

The Zebra ZD420 is now available for purchase from PLS. We offer the full selection of models, with different dpi and Interface Options. Check out our selection here.

Please email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com or call our office at 1-844-458-1078 to inquire about volume discounts, or if you have any questions at all regarding the ZD420.

PLS also stocks a large variety of Genuine Zebra Printer Media. You can extend the life of your Zebra Printer simply by using Genuine Zebra Printer Labels and Ribbons.

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Bleed: When the printed image extends beyond the trim edge of the label.

Brightness: The reflectivity of a sheet of paper for blue light measured under standardized conditions on a particular instrument designed and calibrated specifically for the purpose. Strictly speaking, brightness is not a colormetric quantity.

CAD: Computer Assisted Design.

Chemical Resistance: The resistance of a pressure sensitive label to the deteriorating effects resulting from exposure to chemicals under specified conditions.

Clinical Laboratory Labels: Labels that are used to insure identity and integrity of vialed laboratory specimens through a variety of means. The labels can be used to identify date, collector, shipping container seal, and specimen ID, and may also provide double duty as a sealing document for the specimen. The labels can also be die cut in a sophisticated manner or be made from specialty face stocks which provide evidence of tampering. This Zebra page will provide more information on Laboratory label applications.

Coating: The emulsion, varnish, or lacquer applied to a label, often over a printed surface, to give it added protection from moisture or abrasion, or to give the finished surface receptivity to subsequent printing.

Cohesion: The internal strength of an adhesive mass; resistance to flow, and resistance to failure in the adhesive when labels are removed or are under stress. See cohesive strength. Also referred to as cohesive strength, internal bond, and shear.

Core: A paper, plastic or metal tube on which paper, film, or foil labels are wound for shipment. A Zebra desktop label printer will use media with a 1″ core.

Die: Hardened steel or tungsten carbide tools or devices used for imparting or cutting a desired shape, form, or finish to or from a material. A device used in converting machinery for cutting only the face material of a pressure sensitive laminate or for punching out shapes from the entire laminate or any other label material.

Die Cut Label: Pressure sensitive labels die-cut to the release liner from which the matrix has been die cut and usually removed.

Direct Thermal Labels: Labels used with a printing method utilizing heat impinged upon a specially coated substrate so that the heat turns the surface black. No ribbon is required.

DPI: Dots per inch. Resolution is expressed as the number of lines or halftone dots per inch, also called screen ruling. This is also used to express the print resolution of digital printing machines including laser printers, thermal printers and ink jet printers.

Face Material: Any paper, film, fabric, laminate or foil material suitable for converting into pressure sensitive label stock. In the finished construction this web is bonded to the adhesive layer and becomes the functional part of the construction.

Fading: A gradual decrease in brilliance of color. The term is often applied to the change in color produced by exposure to light.

Fan Fold: Labels manufactured from a continuous web of label stock and then folded into a zigzag accordion style format for packing flat in packaging. The fold is created by horizontal perforations in the release liner. Fan folded labels are mostly used for data processing applications.

Flood Coat: The coating of an entire label surface with ink, adhesive or varnish.

Four-Color Process: Printing with cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (CYMK) inks using screens to reproduce the wide spectrum of colors. This is referred to as process printing or CMYK printing.

ISO: The International Organization of Standards (ISO) is a non-governmental organization which occupies a special position between the public and private sectors, developing worldwide technical standards and providing a consensus on solutions that meet both the requirements of the business and the broader needs of society. The ISO issues the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard, as well as more than 14,000 international standards for business and government.

Label: The functional portion of a pressure sensitive construction comprising the face material and adhesive, die cut into various shapes.

Lamination: A plastic film bonded by heat, adhesive and/or pressure to a printed web for protection or appearance. Two or more materials bonded together functioning as one.

Liner: The carrier sheet, as opposed to the face, of material in a pressure sensitive lamination. It usually has a release coating applied so the adhesive will adequately stick to the backing.

M: Abbreviation for a quantity of 1,000.

Matte Finish: Paper coatings, inks, varnishes, and laminates may all be obtained with a matte finish, which diffuse the reflection of light to provide a flat, non-glossy finish.

Mil: A unit of thickness measurement used for label materials. 1 mil=0.001 inch=100 gauge.

OD: The outside diameter (OD) of a cylinder, roller or roll of labels. The OD of a finished roll of labels is often specified, especially when labels will be mounted on a printing or application machine with certain OD size limitations. Zebra Desktop Printers require media with an OD of 5 inches.

Opaque: A material or surface that is not transparent, translucent or transmits light. Opaque label materials are often used when covering up existing text on a product. The opacity of the label assures the ink underneath the label will not be visible.

Overrun: Production manufactured in excess of the specified order quantity. The industry standard is +/-10%.

Pantone Matching System: An international system of matching color for printing, designating unique colors by standard Pantone Matching System® (PMS) numbers. Pantone is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. See our Pantone color chart for reference.

Perforation: A line or row of cuts or tiny holes that enable a label or its liner to be folded, torn off or separated easily. Perforation may be horizontal or vertical, with standard or microperforations. Perforations can also allow labels to be segmented as needed by an application. A very important addition to the Guide to Label Terms.

Permanent Adhesive: An adhesive with relatively high ultimate adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces.

Pharmaceutical Label: There are a wide range of applications and solutions required for pharmaceutical labels. Some applications may require the inks to be autoclaved or sterilized, while others may need to be stored in a freezer. The label will often need secondary information printed with a thermal transfer printer.

Piggyback Labels: Pressure-sensitive label constructions that have two release coated liners, two layers of adhesive and a face material which enables the label to be applied, complete with the backing, for further or future application.

Plate: The image carrier in letterpress and flexographic printing. Flexographic printing plates are made of a flexible polymer and wrap around a print cylinder for printing. Each color used on a label requires its own printing plate and ink station.

Polyester: Made of polyetherylene terephthalate (PET), it is a high-performing film with excellent resistance to moisture, solvents, and oils. It provides excellent strength, clarity, and dimensional stability.

Polypropylene: Similar to polyethylene but stronger and having a higher temperature resistance. Various thermoplastics are polymers of propylene with excellent clarity. It is also used in various thicknesses in the printing of labels as well as backing or liner materials.

PVC: Vinyl; polyvinyl chloride.

Residue: The adhesive left on substrate when a label is removed.

Smudge Resistance: Resistance of a printed paper surface to ink blurring or smearing and thus related to the absorption of the paper.

Solvent Resistance: The resistance of a pressure sensitive label to the action of specific organic liquids. May apply to either adhesive or printing.

Stock: Paper or other material to be converted.

Synthetics: Those materials developed and manufactured through chemistry, which tend to replace natural materials.

Tack: The property of a pressure sensitive label which causes it to adhere to a surface instantly with a minimum of pressure and contact time. It is the feeling of stickiness obtained when the surface of an adhesive is touched or when a label is applied to a surface and quickly pulled away.

Tag Label: Labels on heavy paper or tag stock with die cut holes so labels can be folded over a packaging material as in a header or hanger label.

Tags: Any identification that is only partially affixed to the product or item. System tags are converted through roll-fed production equipment. Merchandise tags are converted through narrow web roll-fed production equipment.

Tamper-Evident Label: A pressure sensitive construction made of materials which will partially destruct, indicating that a package, label or container has been tampered with.

Tear Strength: Force required to tear a specimen under standardized conditions. This is measured with an instrument that simulates use conditions under which tearing might be accomplished.

Thermal Transfer: Similar to a thermal print system, except a one-time ribbon and smooth surfaced materials are used to eliminate the problems of fading or changing color inherent in the direct thermal print process.

Thickness: Distance from one surface of tape, label or adhesive to the other, usually expressed in mils, or thousandths of an inch. This is normally measured under slight pressure with a special gauge.

Translucent Label: Material capable of transmitting light, yet not totally transparent.

2D Bar Codes: Unlike conventional bar codes, these two-dimensional bar codes are able to carry information in both horizontal and vertical planes, enabling more information to be printed in a smaller amount of space.

Tyvek: Du Pont’s registered trademark for its non-woven, spun-bonded polyolefin material that brings together several of the best properties of paper, textile fibers and film into one synthetic material. It is extremely strong and resistant to continuous folding, tearing, and weather conditions.

UPC: The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a 12-digit code used by manufacturers to identify themselves and their products. The allocation of the manufacturers identification number and the administration of the code system is done on the payment of an annual fee by manufacturer to the Uniform Code Council. The allocated code enables manufacturer members of the Council to identify trade items, logistics units, assets, locations, and service relations to bring efficiency into their supply chains.

Variable Data Printing: Warehousing, distribution, shipping, storage and tracking of all use labels that are printed with variable data. This variable information printing may be in the form of variable text, bar codes, sequential numbers, batch or date codes. They are usually printed with thermal transfer printers which ensure absolute legibility or with impact printing systems, such as dot matrix printers.

Varnish: A clear protective coating either glossy or matte in finish that contains no coloring pigments or dyes. When printed or coated over the top of a substrate, the varnish provides a protective finish that enhances appearance and increases durability.

Wrap-Around Label: Label that extends completely around bottle or can and overlaps itself.

And there you have it.

These are the most useful terms to know when it comes to labeling applications.

This guide to label terms will help you decipher the world of “label lingo”. Keep it handy anytime you are confused about anything related to printers or printer media.

At PLS, we know our labels. Feel free to contact us anytime at 1-844-458-1078, or email us at info@professionallabelsolutions.com. Our sales reps are happy to address any questions or concerns that you might have. We’ll help make sure we provide you with efficient service, proper and useful information, and most important of all: value.

Your #1 Source for Printers, Printer Media, Software, and Accessories.

We Recommend You Print with a Direct Thermal Printer

There are two types of label printing methods: direct thermal and thermal transfer. You can read more about these two methods here.

Direct thermal printing is when a print head uses heat to print onto each label. The label itself is sensitive to light and heat, and it does not require a ribbon. Direct thermal printing is best used in certain retail environments, as well as mobile printing and shipping applications.

Thermal transfer printing is when a printer uses a thermal ribbon to print onto each label. This is typically the method used when printing onto synthetic labels. The labels themselves are not sensitive to heat or light. Also, there are a variety of different ribbon materials, which work best for different applications.

Each printing method has it’s pros and cons. A direct thermal printer is generally cheaper and easier to operate. This is why we recommend all cannabis/MMJ owners and managers to invest in a direct thermal label printer to print out their MMJ labels.

You will save money on supplies, and your staff will be able to operate the printer with minimal training.

The Zebra LP 2824 Plus is one of the most popular direct thermal label printers currently being used in the MMJ labeling industry. This printer features a 2.25″ print width, as well as a variety of interface options. It can be easily integrated into your POS system, and is very affordable.

We also recommend the Zebra ZD410 for cannabis/MMJ labeling applications. This ultra-compact printer is very user friendly, offers a variety of interface options, features a 2″ print width, and can accommodate a variety of different sized media.

Lastly, the Zebra GC420D is a budget friendly Desktop Label Printer that features a 4″ print width. The GC420D would be a good option if you intend to print labels that are wider than 2.25″. This printer also features a variety of different interface options.

Use a Zebra Brand Label Printer

Simply put, Zebra brand label printers are worth investing in. We’ve seen many cannabis/MMJ business owners invest in cheaper label printers like Dymo, only to have a variety of problems that arise shortly after they’ve set up their systems.

Any problems or delays in the MMJ industry will mean less money in your pocket. A high volume of sales results in a happy staff and management.

This is why we recommend Zebra label printers.

Zebra printers are very user friendly, offer a variety of interfaces, and are reliable and durable. In addition, Zebra Technologies offers unbeatable support through their website, and through a network of resellers like PLS.

Don’t buy a printer because it’s dirt cheap; buy one because it’s tough as nails and will get the job done right.

Use Zebra Brand Direct Thermal Labels

It’s important to use Zebra brand direct thermal labels in your MMJ labeling application. There are a few reasons for this.

• Zebra print heads will last longer with genuine Zebra media.
• The cost of stock brand labels isn’t always lower than Zebra media.
• Zebra media offers a variety of adhesives, sizes, and materials that are ready to order.
• Zebra also offers synthetic direct thermal labels.

PLS offers an enormous selection of Zebra direct thermal labels. Remember, you will want to use direct thermal labels on in your MMJ labeling application.

Direct thermal labels are less expensive and are easier to use in a retail environment.

Here are some labels that are commonly used in cannabis/MMJ labeling applications:

• Zebra Z-Perform 2000D 2″ x 1″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10010028) for Zebra Desktop Printers
• Zebra PolyPro 4000D 2.25″ x 1.25″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10010028) for Zebra Desktop Printers
• Zebra Z-Perform 2000D 2.25″ x 1.25″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10015781) for Zebra Desktop Printers
• Zebra Z-Select 4000D 2.25″ x 1.25″ White Direct Thermal Labels (10015341) for Zebra Desktop Printers

Don’t Worry About Colored Labels

Many dispensaries think they need brightly colored labels to use in their MMJ labeling applications. This is simply not the case.

You are in a better position if you use black and white direct thermal labels. 

You will not have to invest in a costly full colored label printer, and you will be able to print out labels and barcodes on demand.

Colored labels can be purchased from third parties online, but these labels are not available as an “on-demand” option. You will have to incur more expenses as you order labels for strains you might not use.

On-demand MMJ labeling applications are more efficient for your cannabis/MMJ business.

An on-demand labeling application can be easily implemented with Zebra label printers and Zebra media.

Trust the Experts. Ask Us Anything.

Efficiently implementing a MMJ labeling application can be a daunting task. It can be a hassle to put pair the best label printer with the right label.

Our reps at PLS have a great deal of experience with retail labeling applications.

Feel free to contact us anytime at info@professionallabelsolutions.com, or call our office at 1-844-458-1078. We will gladly address any questions or concerns that you might have, and can help you put together the best package for your cannabis/MMJ labeling application.

Your #1 Source for Printers, Printer Media, Software, and Accessories.