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Label Form Combinations

Label/form combinations can be used to reduce your time in addressing, labeling shipments, product marking and many other applications.

 

Laser Cut Sheets

Laser printer compatible, offset printed up to 4 colors, available as single and multiple parts, as well as security features and papers available on checks.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of stock can be used?

Normally a 20# stock is used; however, almost any stock can be used.

Is there a limit to the size of label that can be created?

The size is most often determined by the form’s size, usage and print method. We offer several methods of creating an integrated product and each provides different options for size and formatting.

Will the labels stick to anything?

It is important for us to know the usage of the product from print method to application method to the product itself. Temperature, environment and dust can all play major roles in the success of any label application. Our professionals will help you determine the best product/adhesive to use for your specific need.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Feature: Forms are cut true-to-size.

Benefit: Less likely to have feeding or jamming 11" depth problems.

Feature: Off-line perf-unit capabilities.

Benefit: Allows flexibility for placement of horizontal perforations.

Feature: All perforations are microperfs.

Benefit: Insures trouble-free feeding through laser printers.

Feature: Antistatic polybag packaging.

Benefit: Keeps the moisture out but does not curl the corners or edges; resealable bags allow customer to use on demand.

Feature: Precollated multiple-part.

Benefit: Allows you to run multiple copies. Cut sheets available using different colored papers, part-to-part changes, etc., from the same paper tray.


 

Printed Envelopes

With office quality and speeds up to 70,000 envelopes per hour, we now provide Printed Envelopes with the same quality and speed of service you have come to expect from us. Whether you need one color standard #10 envelopes or custom sized 4 color process we can handle all your envelope needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications
Business correspondence, personal correspondence, return envelopes, statement envelopes, catalog envelopes, window envelopes.

Used By
Small businesses, medical offices, banks, manufacturers, insurance companies, law offices, schools, universities, clubs and non-profit organizations.

  • Offset printing

  • Stock & custom envelopes available

  • Full composition capabilities

  • 15 standard ink colors: Black, Reflex Blue, Process Blue, Blue 300, Red 185, Warm Red, Maroon 201, Orange 165, Green 347, Brown 470, Gray 424, Gray 429, Pantone Purple, Pantone Yellow

  • Security tints available

Feature: In-house composition
Benefit: You do not have to provide film or use an outside composition service

Feature: Forms, labels, specialty products & envelopes produced 'under one roof' 
Benefit: 
Ink and graphic consistency between products

Feature: Two-color perfecting press
Benefit: Prints two colors on the face and back in one pass through the press

 

Barcoding

Do you have information that must be gathered and input into a computer system?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “bar code symbology”?
Symbology can be described as a computer language – the computer translates the bars and spaces into Binary code. The binary code is then translated into predetermined letters or numbers based on the value of the binary code. There are a variety of different bar code symbologies. Changing the width and spacing of the bars and spaces within each individual bar code creates these different symbologies. Some of the most common bar code symbologies are Code 3 of 9 (or Code 39), UPC, Code 128, Codabar and Interleaved 2 of 5. 

What is a quiet zone?
The quiet zone is the clear area at the beginning and end of a bar code. This clear area keeps the scanner from picking up information that does not pertain to the barcode you are scanning (ex. The scanner may see a line that forms columns around the bar code which may keep it from reading the bar code or give an improper scan). Most clear areas are recommended to be at least 10x the width of the narrowest bar or space used in the bar code. A simple rule of thumb when designing a form or label with barcode would be to leave ¼” or more of clear space. 

Can a bar code contain alpha characters? 
Yes. Code 3 of 9 is among common bar code symbologies that allow the user to use letters as well as numbers. This increases the combination of codes that can be created or may allow prefixes to be assigned to various offices/shipping locations, etc.

What is a check digit? 
This is a number within the barcode, generally at the end, whose value is used for the purpose of performing a mathematical check to ensure the accuracy of the bar code. 

How do I get UPC codes for my products?
The Uniform Code Council in Dayton Ohio is the clearinghouse for assigning these numbers. The contact information is as follows:

UCC
8163 Old Yankee Road, Suite J
Dayton, OH. 45458
513-435-3870
http://www.uc-council.org/ 

What is barcode density?
Space for bar codes is often at a premium. The density of the barcode refers to how much space is required for the needed characters. This is determined by the nominal width of the bars and spaces that make up the code itself. The narrower the nominal width of the bars and spaces, the higher the density of the bar code. As a rule of thumb: Low density = 3 or 4 cpi; medium density = 5 to 7 cpi; high density = 8 or more cpi; referencing code 3 of 9. Certain printing methods, such as laser and thermal, allow for higher density codes because they can create a narrower width bar than impact printing systems. Also, some bar codes--such as Code 128 and I-2 of 5--require less space than others.

What are some of the criteria that should be considered when determining which method to be used to print a barcode?
Many factors need to be considered, chief among these are size and density required, durability needed, end use environment, volume of bar codes to be supplied and whether or not multiple plies are to be imaged.

What do the term’s “picket fence” and “ladder” have to do with barcode terminology? 
These terms refer to the orientation of the barcode. Bar codes that go from left to right are referred to as “picket fence” style. Bar codes that appear vertically are known as “ladder” style. The orientation is important in helping the manufacturer determine the best way to produce the bar code needed.

What is first-read rate? 
This term refers to the number of times a barcode scans correctly on the first attempt. A low first-read rate may mean that the application should be evaluated to determine if the symbology, printing method and scanner used are suitable for the application.

 

What if I don’t know what bar code symbology I am using?
We have scanning equipment that can be used to determine the symbology of your barcode sample. Also, a test bar code may be printed and sent to you for verification.  

 

 

Custom Labels

Welcome to our wide world of labels

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by label repeat and why is it important? What do “initial tack” and “ultimate adhesion” mean?
The “repeat” of a label is the measurement from the top of one label to the top of the next label. This is the measurement that is used to determine if tooling is available for printing, die cutting, perfing and folding the label.

 

What do “initial tack” and “ultimate adhesion” mean?
Initial tack refers to the amount of adhesion to a surface upon first contact with that surface. Ultimate adhesion refers to how well a product will adhere after allowing the adhesive time to bond. Some adhesives have a low initial tack but have excellent ultimate adhesion. The amount of time required for an adhesive to attain its ultimate bond depends on the type of adhesive, material it is applied to, temperature, surface conditions; clean, flat, curved, pebbled etc…. Most adhesives have achieved their ultimate bond within 24 to 48 hours.

 

What is an imaging liner?
Imaging liners are used when your customer wants a duplicate copy of the face label. With this type of liner, when pressure is exerted on the facestock by either handwriting or computer printing, a duplicate image will form on the liner. This eliminates the possibility of transcription and transposition errors.

 

How does an imaging liner differ from a crash image? 
When the you need static information added to the self-imaging liner, the manufacturer will “crash image” this information. This is done by using a hardened material as the printing plate, in a die or print station without any ink. This is usually done if your customer will be adding several numbers in different positions. This assures that the P.O.# does not get mistaken as the account #, etc...

 

What label stock is best suited for use in laboratories?
Latex labels are often recommended for laboratory use because they are more flexible than EDP paper labels. Since latex labels have no memory, this helps them to stay down when wrapped around test tubes. Also, latex labels have greater resistance to moisture than EDP paper labels. These features make latex labels a good fit for laboratories, as they will not “wing up” off a test tube and can be run through a centrifuge.

 

What is a “UL” approved label?
These are labels produced on materials that have undergone a series of testing at Underwriters Laboratories. Underwriters Laboratories requires the manufacturer to use specified materials and to be registered with UL to produce labels that have the UL symbol on them. Other associations that have similar requirements include A.G.A. (American Gas Association) and C.S.A. (Canadian Standards Association). Check with our customer service staff if requesting a quote for these types of labels.

 

What is a prime label?
A prime label is one that is applied to a product at the time of manufacture to identify and/or promote the product. In most cases these labels have been designed by a marketing group in order to portray a certain product image. These labels are often process printed, multiple color labels designed to attract attention to that manufacturers product. This contrasts with data processing labels which are used for shipping, distribution, tracking, etc… Data processing labels are designed for functionality versus the aesthetically pleasing nature of a prime label.

 

What is a crack and peel label?
Label material used by flat sheet printers often has a series of back slits in the liner that are used to remove the liner from the face stock. Typically, the user would bend or “crack” the liner to expose the slits and make removing the liner easier. On a web press, a single, vertical, or horizontal back slit is used to accomplish the same thing.

 

What is the difference between thermal transfer and direct thermal?
Thermal transfer requires a ribbon to create the image on the label stock. It has a heated matrix head that melts the wax, wax/resin or resin ribbon to transfer the pigment to the paper. Direct thermal papers have a heat sensitive coating on the face of the label stock and do not require a ribbon. The coating on direct thermal papers is activated when it comes into direct contact with the heated matrix head (most of the older fax machines used this technology). Many of the thermal printers on the market today can be used with either material. You can identify direct thermal stocks by heating them with a lighter or putting them on a warmer plate for a coffee maker. Thermal transfer can be marked or written on by using a silver coin like a nickel.

What are application temperature and service range?
Application temperature refers to the lowest temperature that a label can be applied and ensure a good bond (surface temperature of the material being labeled is a key component also). Service range refers to the upper and lower limits at which an adhesive will function after it has bonded to the substrate. 

 

What is the shelf life of a label?
Most products are warranted for one year from the date of purchase. The adhesive may remain usable for a longer period of time but deterioration of the adhesive becomes more rapid after a year. Note: Once the label has been applied to the substrate, the lifespan is indefinite. 

 

What are the most important items to know when requesting a quote on a label?  

  1. How will you print it? Dot matrix, thermal transfer, laser, ink jet, etc…

    1. What is the label being applied to? Corrugated, plastic, glass, etc…

    2. What is the environment? Clean, dust, dirt, frost, oils, moisture, etc...

    3. What is the application temperature?

    4. What is the service range required?

    5. Permanent or removable adhesive? If removable,how long before label will be removed?

    6. Type of facestock

    7. Number of colors, numbering, perfs, slits etc.

    8. Label dimensions – width, depth, repeat

    9. Roll, fold or sheet

    10. Packaging requirements