Lexmark X864 Card Stock & Label Guide - Page 19

Labels, Label characteristics, Printing on labels, Duplexing paper labels

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Labels Labels (also called pressure-sensitive materials) are multi-ply materials consisting of a "sandwich" of various combinations of face sheets (printable stock), adhesives, and removable protective backings (liners). The multiple layers can result in thick, difficult-to-handle materials. Labels are among the most difficult print materials for any printer to reliably feed and print. The heat, pressure, and paper paths required by laser printers create a particularly difficult environment for printing labels. Temperatures near 225°C (437°F) [temperatures vary between printers; check the section for your specific printer] and pressures to 25 psi can be necessary for the fusing process. Heavy label stock can absorb heat, which in turn affects toner adhesion and print quality and causes problems such as delamination. Note: To prevent labels peeling off or delaminating, make sure the release strength of the labels you use is sufficient to withstand the temperature and pressure extremes generated during printing. Label characteristics The materials used to construct labels have a wide range of properties that can affect printing. In addition to volatile components in adhesive, volatiles are also in some label materials. We recommend that volatile emissions from the label, up to 160°C (320°F), should be a minimal amount. These low boiling point volatiles can produce emissions when they are heated in the fuser and they can potentially produce vapors which can cause damage to the printer. Preprinted inks can also cause printer contamination, and may be present on one or both sides of the label sheet. Observing recommended label design guidelines can minimize contamination as well as prevent other critical problems, such as labels peeling off and causing jams in the printer, or the label or adhesive melting if the sheet stops in the fuser during a paper jam. Review label designs with a converter or vendor who is knowledgeable about labels and laser printer characteristics to ensure you use labels suitable for your application. Note: Before purchasing large quantities of labels, make sure you extensively test the labels with your printer. Printing on labels Use full label sheets only. Partial sheets (with areas exposed by missing labels) can cause labels to peel off during printing, resulting in a paper jam. Partial sheets can also contaminate your printer and cartridge with adhesive and can void the printer and cartridge service warranties. Do not feed labels through the printer more than once. Doing so may result in adhesive contamination to the cartridge and other components. Depending on your printer model and the number of labels you print, printing labels may require special printer maintenance. For specific maintenance information, see the documentation that came with your printer. For more information about printing labels, locate your printer in the "Printer specifications" chapter. Duplexing paper labels Due to the special construction of labels, they are not typically duplexed. However, if certain design, construction, and usage guidelines are followed, you can print on both sides of the label sheet successfully. Labels 19

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Labels
Labels
(also called pressure-sensitive materials) are multi-ply materials consisting of a "sandwich" of various
combinations of face sheets (printable stock), adhesives, and removable protective backings (liners). The multiple layers
can result in thick, difficult-to-handle materials.
Labels are among the most difficult print materials for any printer to reliably feed and print. The heat, pressure, and
paper paths required by laser printers create a particularly difficult environment for printing labels. Temperatures near
225°C (437°F) [temperatures vary between printers; check the section for your specific printer] and pressures to 25 psi
can be necessary for the fusing process. Heavy label stock can absorb heat, which in turn affects toner adhesion and
print quality and causes problems such as delamination.
Note:
To prevent labels peeling off or delaminating, make sure the release strength of the labels you use is sufficient
to withstand the temperature and pressure extremes generated during printing.
Label characteristics
The materials used to construct labels have a wide range of properties that can affect printing. In addition to volatile
components in adhesive, volatiles are also in some label materials. We recommend that volatile emissions from the
label, up to 160°C (320°F), should be a minimal amount. These low boiling point volatiles can produce emissions when
they are heated in the fuser and they can potentially produce vapors which can cause damage to the printer. Preprinted
inks can also cause printer contamination, and may be present on one or both sides of the label sheet.
Observing recommended label design guidelines can minimize contamination as well as prevent other critical problems,
such as labels peeling off and causing jams in the printer, or the label or adhesive melting if the sheet stops in the fuser
during a paper jam.
Review label designs with a converter or vendor who is knowledgeable about labels and laser printer characteristics to
ensure you use labels suitable for your application.
Note:
Before purchasing large quantities of labels, make sure you extensively test the labels with your printer.
Printing on labels
Use full label sheets only. Partial sheets (with areas exposed by missing labels) can cause labels to peel off during
printing, resulting in a paper jam. Partial sheets can also contaminate your printer and cartridge with adhesive and can
void the printer and cartridge service warranties.
Do not feed labels through the printer more than once. Doing so may result in adhesive contamination to the cartridge
and other components.
Depending on your printer model and the number of labels you print, printing labels may require special printer
maintenance. For specific maintenance information, see the documentation that came with your printer.
For more information about printing labels, locate your printer in the “Printer specifications” chapter.
Duplexing paper labels
Due to the special construction of labels, they are not typically duplexed. However, if certain design, construction, and
usage guidelines are followed, you can print on both sides of the label sheet successfully.
Labels
19