How to choose the right printer labels

Variable such as size, function and type of printer all play their part in defining the right printer labels for the job in hand. If you are unsure about which printer labels you need then seek advice form a professional. Contact an established and experienced office stationery supplier for the best advice. Chances are the consultant you deal with will have already encountered a similar type scenario or request to yours and will be able to quickly identify an ideal solution. Enjoy the benefits of their experience and make sure you save time and trouble by purchasing the perfect printer labels first time.

Most of the questions you might be asked by your office equipment supplier will relate to either the label brand, Avery or 5 Star for example, the printer you intend using such as a laser printer, an inkjet or Dymo, and the nature of the printing. Perhaps you wish to print CD labels or anti tamper labels or filing labels? Maybe you intend printing high volumes of labels or long bar code runs?

Label Printers - If you are using an industrial label printer or dedicated office label printer for heavy duty and continuous operation then you will need a label printer and labels robust enough to match your requirement. With the ability to print on card stock, self-adhesive labels and other materials, label printers work by either thermal transfer or direct thermal printing. Thermal transfer label printers use heat to transfer the ink onto the label from the ribbon whilst direct thermal label printers print images using a thermal print head. Label printers are compact, deliver short runs of durable, long lasting labels (though chemically sensitive direct thermal labels do fade with age after six months to one year, a process accelerated by exposure to sunlight and heat) and with great precision. They can print in colour too. Most work with Windows or Mac but on the down side only have a maximum label width of 2-1/4". There are other issues in that some chemicals (permanent marker fumes for example) can trigger the darkening of labels. Also the surface of direct thermal labels is slightly abrasive and printheads wear a little faster than if using thermal transfer method. Multi-colour thermal transfer printers can be expensive and both transfer and direct thermal printers lack flexibility, dedicated to labels only.

Laser printers and ink jets offer excellent resolution, decent speeds and can be used for a wide variety of printing tasks. They also offer an economical form of printing through the ability to print large format labels ? for example 8.5 inches by 14 inches. If you need large labels a dot matrix printer, capable of printing very large labels (e.g. 11" x 17"), as well as multi-part carbon forms and individual label printing, might be suitable. Maybe you only want to print a relatively small number of address labels on your office laser printer? In that case you will probably be fine to print off just a few sheets at a time on the laser or a short run of continuous labels through the ink jet. Choose from plain white labels, clear labels and coated labels for colour printing. Most laser labels are guaranteed 'jam free' by the manufacturer. Bear in mind though, that colour labels can work out expensive and with laser printers the hot fuser can wrinkle or melt synthetic labels.

If in doubt, talk to your office supplier for expert advice. Explain clearly the printer you intend using and the task at hand. Take their advice, select the right labels for the job and enjoy stress free, value for money printing.

Let Mark Bartley help you decide which printable labels to use for your business or home office. There is a wide choice labels available and a little advice could save you a lot of trouble. See Mark's other reviews for guidance on other items of stationary for your office.