Custom printed labels are generally manufactured using plastics, paper, cloths or sometimes metals too. Summarized information about the product is printed on these labels. These labels can be attached by adhesives to the containers or directly printed on the containers.

Their Uses

Labels are widely used to print following information of products -

    * Name of the product
    * Date of manufacturing
    * Batch and Id of the product
    * Address of the place where the product is manufactured
    * Date of Expiry
    * Warnings
    * International Bar Codes etc.

If the labels are printed digitally, they may also have RFID information. Here RFID means Radio Frequency Identification code.

Attaching the labels

The custom printed labels can be attached to the products or their containers in many different ways. Few of them are mentioned below.

    * Glue - wet glue is applied to the labels and then they are pasted on the products.
    * Small plates are also manufactured as labels and they are attached to industrial Equipments.
    * Some labels are shrinkable. It means they are attached first and then heated so that they shrink and attaché properly to the product.
    * For mattresses, clothes, industrial sacks etc. labels are sometimes sewn to the products.
    * A new type is called Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSAs). They can be attached simply by applying little pressure. They need not be heated.

What are The Labels made of? (Label Stocks)

Label Stocks are the carriers which have adhesive coating on one side and normally printed on other side. They can be made of clothes, variety of papers, foils or films. The labels can be manufactured separately, or on a sheet or on a roll as per the requirement of the customer. Different properties are considered when making the custom printed labels. These properties include - flexibility, strength, resistance to tear, transparency etc. If a label needs to shine against the product or container, it is made of foils to give it a shine or glitter. A very strong adhesive when applied to labels, make them impossible to tear down without damaging. Engraved labels are also used sometime because of their long durability. The type of stock affects what kind of ink can be printed on them. Different techniques such as Corona treating or flame treating are used to make the plastics more receptive to the inks and adhesives. This is achieved when the surface tension reduces for them. Generally Labels are pre-printed. Sometimes they can also be printed manually or automatically at the time of attaching them to the products. Labels are difficult to apply when attached one at a time. Hence a special equipment/machine called label dispenser is used for custom printed labels. Nowadays, many label manufacturing companies have started considering environmental issues while making labels. That sure is a positive sign.

By Mike Benson

Custom printed labels are preferred by those users who wish to add an individual touch to their products or services- be it on a commercial or, on a personal basis. They make anything and everything stand out among others. In this article, you would get to know about the various options you may expect as a part of getting a variety of customized options for printed labels.

    * Choice of Colors - You can get a wide range of options in different colors. However, before choosing the color of your choice, always remember to make sure that a particular color suits your purpose. Most service providers today offer blank to 7 spot color labels and 4 color process labels for offering you optimal benefit, and that too without any additional charges.

    * Custom Dies - All customized printed labels can be made to suit the die of your choice. The options are many - you can get Butt Cutt (Kiss cut-squared corners), tamperproof, computer or special shape etc. Other shapes are round corner rectangles, circles, round corner squares, heart shapes, seals, ovals etc. Similarly you can get them in a varied range of sizes- from small to very big labels.

    * Base Materials - Polyesters, Vinys, BOPP, thermal transfer, direct thermal, fluorescents, piggyback, tyvek, brown Kraft are some popular options for custom printed labels. However, you can also get them in other custom label materials. Decide beforehand whether glossy or matte would suit your purpose better.

    * Laminated or UV Varnished Labels - Laminated or UV Varnished labels offer the much needed protection from water and abrasives as well as during transit. You can opt for alternatives like hi- gloss, outdoor gloss finish and matte. You may also opt for un-laminated labels, the choice is all yours.

    * Consecutive Bar coded or Numbered Labels - This can also add a customized quotient to your printed labels. Get your custom printed labels either consecutively numbered or bar coded to better customization.

    * Roll or Sheet Labels - Another choice you might go for in order to customize your label/s is to go for fan fold varieties or in lengthy rolls. Though this is not visible to your end users, yet this is one option you can get as per your storage facilities.

Now, that you know about the different options for getting customized labels, the next step is to get them from a reliable place. Well, what better place than the internet? This is the only place where you can get access to wide range of designing companies, which would take care to convert your ideas into reality. Or better still; for best custom printed labels, get help from professionals that are equipped to offer you the right suggestions.

By Mike Benson