Print and Apply Labeling vs. Direct Printing
Regardless of the industry, cardboard boxes and casings are the most popular packaging worldwide. We encounter products in our everyday lives that are boxed in cardboard and have their pertinent information displayed in a variety of means- most commonly via print and apply labeling or direct printing on the cardboard. Depending on the type of case, the product, and the ultimate goal for the product, manufacturers and suppliers must choose the correct marking and coding option for their means.
Cardboard, being porous, lends itself to direct printing but also results in the ink bleeding or seeping into the surface. Similarly, cardboards fibrous nature makes it an excellent surface for high adhesion labels. In this article we will discuss the differences, pros, and cons of both types of marking when it comes to cardboard as a medium. Inkjet printers and labeling systems vary in speed, affordability and print quality. Depending on a manufacturer’s or perhaps consumer’s needs, companies must choose the option that is right for them.
Please note decorative cases or glossy cardboard are best suited with print and apply labels due to ink not adhering to the substrate. There are inkjet systems that can print on glossy surfaces; however, the cost of the equipment is pricier and the consumables cost increases as well.
What is a Barcode Grade
Barcode grading is only as high as its lowest variable. For example a product could have all grade “A” variables, however if one value is not an “A” grade it can reduce the overall grade of the code. The contrast of a white label with higher quality print will eliminate low grading.
Grading is all about contrast and the reflectance must be 44 or higher.
High barcode grade is required. Some end users require a manufacturer to conform to an “A” or “B” grade on all barcodes that enter their facility. Direct printing with inkjet on brown corrugated typically yields a “C” grade due to the contrast between the corrugated surface and the ink. (Walmart requires at least a “B” grade for label and at least a “C” grade for direct case printing)
Print & Apply Labels on Cardboard
When concerned with print resolution and ease of readability, black thermal transfer printing on a stark white background is the industry standard. Allowing all eyes to easily identify where pertinent information is located and read with ease. A cleanly applied label also compensates for any uneven or rough surfaces on the cardboard that may otherwise hinder the displaying of information. These types of labels offer many benefits to customers and external partners who may rely on scanning technology or automated systems that require easy identification and dissemination of printed information.
Labeling machines tend to be more customizable and adaptable than inkjet printers. Allowing for placement in a variety of orientations on packaging and often able to adapt to variable heights and sizes of packaging on the fly due to extendable dispensing temples and contactless labeling techniques.
For these reasons some suppliers, retailers or even consumers may have preference for the clean, easily-readable and highly adaptable nature of print and apply labeling. Of course, the regulations and guidelines surrounding specific industries as well as protocols set forth by retailers should ultimately determine the type of a labeling, marking, and coding a company decides to utilize on their product.
Direct Printing on Cardboard
The other form of cardboard case labeling we encounter in our everyday life is direct printing onto a case or container. This type of printing ranges from simple information such as barcodes and content information to full color merchandising in retail packaging. For the interest of this article we will be looking at the former, simple information that is in need of being conveyed on the exterior of a cardboard case.
Oftentimes this type of information application is a slightly lower resolution due to the absorbent nature of cardboard. However direct printing with proper equipment still results in legible and cleanly applied data to a cardboard case. Inkjet printers for coding are an integral part of warehouse logistics, freight picking, as well as for quality assurance purposes. Whether the color and quality of the cardboard case will allow the print or image, must be verified by the manufacturer’s needs.
One of the upsides of directly applied printing is that these types of inkjet printers routinely mark cases at a much faster pace than the print and apply counterparts. Taking labels out of the equation, another step in the marking process, allows for a more streamlined, time- effective process. Another advantage of this type of direct printing is that font size can be changed and customized on the fly. Unlike print and apply labeling which tends to be locked into a more rigid template. Due to the nature of this type of marking, the printhead must be applied very close to the surface in the automatic marking process.
When printing directly onto a surface, keep in mind that inkjet printers do not typically have a long throw distance, so precise material handling is needed to ensure clear codes. A throw distance is the distance the ink travels from the printhead to the material the print is going on. The product or package that is getting the print often has to pass by or in front of the printhead of the printer at a close and precise distance, sometimes touching the printhead. The closer to the printhead, the clearer the code.
Labels on the other hand can be applied to the top, bottom, side, front, back, front to side corner wrap, side to rear corner wrap, front to top corner wrap, top to back corner wrap, or any combination with two labels. Often applied with extendable applicators that can work at customizable distances from the product case without any negative impacts on print quality.
Summary
As you can see both Print & Apply Labeling as well as Direct Printing offer many benefits and both display some minor detractions, depending on the ultimate goal. Manufacturers and retailers are encouraged to pursue the means of marking that best fit their needs and meet the regulations and guidelines of their industry. AMI offers practical solutions, hardware to meet your goals, and a dedicated staff that is committed to assisting you.
AMI specializes in in-line print and apply label equipment and technology and our knowledgeable staff can assist manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers alike. Call 1-800-345-6667 or have someone call you.