Used in both the retail trade and industry more generally, label guns are easy to use hand held tools. They enable users to label items speedily, simply and cheaply with bespoke data. The data can include virtually anything that can be configured on the raised printing bands.
Whilst retail is the most common application, batch processes and quality control are other chief and regular uses. The label gun prints information to the label via the brocaded print heads, then peels the label from the wax paper substrate for application.
There are four basic components or movements in the labelling gun; the printer head, ink roller, label and label glue.
Print heads are made up of a simple brace with rollers and rubber bands. The synthetic bands have brocaded changeable characters on them which impart the data. The bands can be cycled round their frame to present the desired data on the print head. Virtually any number of combinations can be offered up for printing by the print head. Block bands of entire words can also be loaded. This might be suitable for an operation dealing with only limited ranges of product or process or operator (e.g. Expedite, Standard, 2nd Class, Low Priority).
The print head can also be consecutive where numbering is required. The counter can be arranged in any number of ways depending on the application. This is particularly beneficial in quality control and production applications.
Ink technology as a result of chemical technological development adds an additional dimension of functionality to the label gun. Thermo-sensitive inks can be used to add additional surety in temperature-sensitive applications such as food labelling. Inks that are sensitive to warmth can signal if foodstuffs have defrosted during transit or storage. Labels attached to items placed in an autoclave can ensure that the item has been subjected to the necessary heat. This is signified with ink colour change.
Whilst paper is the most common label, different materials have uses in challenging environments. Plasticised, impregnated paper or metallic labels are all alternative options to meet specific circumstances. Evident free removal is impossible where labels are part cut so as to ensure that they perish on removal. The addition of other more sophisticated security features can also be incorporated such as holographics and foil strips.
Waterproof, permanent or removable glues are the final consideration. Depending on the situation, your gum choices may be limited. Most challenges can be surmounted with the application of a suitable adhesive.
