|
Educational Material
A Better Understanding
We have put together this educational section to assist you with the
ordering process and to help you better understand our vast product line.
Learn more about the following topics:
Label Specifications:
We included the images below to help you get a better understanding on how to spec out a label when ordering a custom label, or just understanding the vast stock label offerings shown throughout our catalog. Each label will have specifications next to it throughout the catalog.
|
Product Code:
The product code, or item number, is a series of letters and numbers which help you recognize the product. As you look through the catalog you will see a variety of these combinations. Here are some basic rules to follow:
Prefix Definition
C = Circle Labels
DP = Data Processing Labels
DPS = Data Processing Labels
TD = Coated Thermal Labels
TI = Infrared Thermal Labels
TM = Laser Sheet Wristbands
TTR = Thermal Transfer Labels/Ribbons
The suffixes usually refer to the information system that the label is used with and/or the size of the label.
Suffix Definition
SQ4 = Sunquest/MYSIS Label
2341 = 2-3/4", 1 Across
 |
Color:
Refers to the color of the tapes and/or labels. TimeMed offers 18 colors. Custom colors are also available. Color = Yellow
Label Size:
The labels are measured:
1. "top to bottom" and then
2. "left to right".
(as the labels come off the roll - or out of the printer.)
Label Size: = 2" x 1"
|
Carrier Width:
The carrier width refers to the distance from one edge of the liner to the other. This measurement is important to note when you are feeding the labels through a printer.
|
 |
Core Size:
The core size refers to the cardboard core that the labels are wound around. The most common core sizes that TimeMed has are 1", 1-1/2" & 3". The measurements are taken from the inside diameter of the core.
Core Size = 1"
|
 |
Maximum Outside Diameter (MOD):
The MOD refers to the measurement from one edge of a full roll of labels to the other (measured from the top of the label roll). This measurement is important to note when loading a roll of labels into a printer.
|
Quantity:
The quantities are usually shown referring to the labels per roll first and then the amount of rolls per box:
Example: 4,300/RL - 2RLS/BX
Inside or Outside Wind:
When ordering a label it is also important to pay attention to how the labels are wound on the roll. It all depends on how your system data and your printer are set up.
Inside Wind - The back of the liner is rolled to the outside. The labels are facing the inside of the roll.
Outside Wind - The labels are facing out.
(Most Common Wind)
|
[Back to top]
Selecting the Right Ribbon:
Thermal transfer ribbons are made of polyester film, pigmented inks and specially formulated protective back coating.
- What is the length of time required for reading the printed information?
- Will you be barcoding and/or scanning?
- What type of label material are you printing on?
Types of ribbons:
Wax ($) - When durability is not an issue.
Wax/Resin Combo ($$) – When scratch and smear or mild chemical durability is needed.
Resin ($$$) – When durability is an absolute must.
Thermal Transfer Printer Ribbons & FAQs
As an experienced high quality manufacturer of thermal media, TimeMed can provide thermal ribbons for a wide range of substrates and sizes. All of our ribbons meet or exceed the OEM specifications. Contact your TimeMed sales rep for assistance with combining stock labels and ribbons.
TimeMed offers different ribbon formulations to ensure that you have the best price/performance solution for every label application. Here are a few "rules of thumb" to guide you in matching the right ribbon to the application.
|
Standard Wax
Multi-purpose ribbon recommended for standard applications on a wide variety of label stocks, which also has good smudge resistance.
GP725 Clean StartTM Wax
This general-purpose wax ribbon features Clean Start Printhead cleaner. Clean Start is an innovative printhead cleaner built right into the ribbon to make printhead cleaning faster and easier by removing debris before it builds up. This ribbon is compatible for a wide range of heat settings and has sharp, black print quality to meet a variety of applications. Best suited for coated and uncoated paper tag and label stocks, polypropylene and polyethylene films.
Versa Mark Wax
Formulated with a protective Guardian backcoat, our Versa Mark ribbon helps reduce residue on your printhead to allow longer printhead life. It reduces static, attracting less printhead-harming debris. The Versa Mark ribbon also performs well on Kimdura® and other low-end films, as well as flexible packaging material, unlike most standard wax ribbons.
High Mark Wax
A high performance wax, that is resin enhanced for applications that require a wax ribbon with a higher level of durability. High Mark ribbons perform well on coated paper stocks, as well as Kimdura® and other low-end films.
Wax/Resin Based
Designed for demanding print results, or for potential contact with mild chemicals. Wax/resin ribbons have excellent scratch and smear resistance, also exceptional in printing complex formats and rotated barcodes on paper or synthetic labels.
Resin
A scratch and smear proof ribbon best suited for synthetic labels, subject to harsh conditions such as chemicals, heat and steam.
|
SP410 Premium Products
SP410 is a specialty ribbon designed for extreme niche applications, specifically in high temperature and harsh chemical environments. Heat resistant up to 390o F and offers excellent resistance to xylene and other harsh chemicals. The ribbon’s extreme durability makes it ideal for printing on polyester and polyamide film labels used in autoclave sterilization and lab applications.
Color Ribbons
A wide range of color selections (including red, blue and green) are available in all of the formulations.
|
Calculating the Number of Ribbons Needed for a Label Order:
|
