Self-Adhesive Labels: Types, Printing and Store Use

Self-adhesive label is used for product marking: it can contain the name, price, article number, barcode and other data. To choose consumables, you need to consider the printing method, label service life, product storage conditions, label size and printer specifications.

Self-adhesive labels for product marking

How self-adhesive labels are printed

Retail most often uses two printing methods: direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing. The type of label and the list of consumables depend on this.

Direct thermal printing

The printer’s thermal head heats the heat-sensitive layer of the label, and an image appears on the surface. No ink ribbon is needed for this type of printing.

This method is used for price tags, product labels, shipping labels and other marking that does not need to last for years. Heat-sensitive material reacts to heat, intense light, friction and some chemicals, so operating conditions must be considered when choosing it.

Thermal transfer printing

The thermal head heats the ribbon, from which the ink layer is transferred onto the label. This type of printing requires a thermal transfer printer, a suitable label and a ribbon.

Thermal transfer printing is used when the printed information must remain readable for longer or when the label is exposed to greater mechanical impact. Actual durability depends on the label material, adhesive and ribbon type.

What can be placed on a label

The label content depends on the product and the store’s task. For internal accounting and sales, the following are usually used:

product name;
price;
article number;
barcode;
manufacturer or brand, if this data is needed by the customer;
store or company name;
logo;
additional product characteristics that fit the selected format.

Mandatory marking depends on the product category and the requirements for its sale. Before creating a permanent template, check which information must be specified specifically for your product group.

How Torgsoft works with labels and barcodes

In Torgsoft, you can configure a label template, select a printer and print the required number of labels while working with products.

Printing during product posting

The merchandiser creates the «Product Receipt» document and selects products for marking. Torgsoft allows printing labels in the quantity specified in the invoice, one label per item, or in a user-defined quantity.

If the product does not have a factory barcode, Torgsoft allows you to configure your own barcoding and print the generated code on the label.

Printing by actual stock balance

An employee can open «Warehouse → Warehouse Status», select products and print one label or the required quantity according to the balance at the selected accounting center.

This scenario is useful after price changes, repeat product marking or preparation of a new sales floor.

Bulk printing via buffer

To prepare a large batch of labels, Torgsoft provides the «Label Print Buffer». The employee adds selected products to it, checks the number of labels for each item and then starts printing.

The buffer allows you to first create a marking list and then send it to the printer in one operation.

Template setup

In the template, you can define the placement of the name, price, barcode, logo and other available data. Torgsoft allows you to select a printer for labels and preview the layout before printing.

Before bulk printing, make several test labels. Check the text placement, price readability and stable barcode scanning with a scanner.

Main types of labels

Thermal label

A regular thermal label is designed for direct thermal printing. It does not require a ribbon. This material is used in stores, warehouses and logistics when the marking is used under normal conditions and is not intended for long-term storage.

The catalog includes, for example, thermal label 30×20 mm, 2000 pcs. and thermal label 58×40 mm, 1000 pcs..

Thermal TOP

Thermal TOP is also printed by direct thermal printing without a ribbon. The protective top layer increases the durability of the printed surface against external influence compared with regular thermal material.

The TOP designation itself does not define the operating temperature of the adhesive, suitability for a freezer or full resistance to water and grease. For such conditions, check the specifications of the specific label.

Available formats include Thermal TOP 30×20 mm, 1000 pcs., Thermal TOP 40×25 mm, 1000 pcs. and Thermal TOP 58×40 mm, 1000 pcs..

Vellum

Vellum — a paper label for thermal transfer printing. It does not have a heat-sensitive layer, so the image is created using a ribbon.

Thermal transfer printing is suitable for products where the information must remain readable for a longer period. Resistance to abrasion, moisture and other factors depends on the combination of label material and ribbon.

For thermal transfer printing, the catalog includes Vellum 40×25 mm, 1000 pcs. and Vellum 58×40 mm, 1000 pcs..

How to choose the label size

The size depends on the space available on the product or packaging and the amount of information in the template. Before ordering, also consider the permissible material width for your printer.

30×20 mm

A compact format for small products where a short name, price, article number and barcode are enough. It is used for costume jewelry, stationery, cosmetics, accessories and other small items.

40×25 mm

This format provides more space for the name and barcode and is suitable for many typical retail store products. Materials of different types are available in this size, including Thermal TOP and Vellum.

52×30 and 58×30 mm

The larger area allows you to make the barcode bigger, add a longer name or additional characteristics. The catalog includes label 52×30 mm, 1000 pcs. and Thermal TOP 58×30 mm, 1000 pcs..

58×40 mm

This format is used when more information needs to be placed on the label: a long name, article number, price, large barcode, logo or additional characteristics.

How to choose material for usage conditions

First, determine what will happen to the product after marking.

Regular indoor retail. For a product with a relatively short sales cycle, a regular thermal label is often sufficient.
Active transportation and frequent handling. Check Thermal TOP or thermal transfer printing depending on the required durability.
Long-term storage of marking. Consider thermal transfer printing with properly selected label and ribbon.
Cold, moisture, grease or aggressive environment. Check the specifications of the specific face material and adhesive. The names «Thermal TOP» or «Vellum» are not enough to determine suitability for special conditions.

What to check before ordering labels

Two rolls of the same size may differ in specifications. Before purchasing, match the consumable with the printer.

Printing method. Direct thermal or thermal transfer.
Label width and height. They must correspond to the task and the printer’s capabilities.
Printer print width. The layout must fully fit within the working area.
Core and roll diameter. The roll must physically fit into the printer.
Method for detecting label boundaries. The printer must correctly detect the gap or another mark between labels.
Adhesive type. Consider the packaging material and temperature during application and further use.
Ribbon. For thermal transfer printing, its width, length, core and type must match the printer and label material.

If the printer model is already known, select consumables according to its technical parameters. The general name «label printer» does not define the compatible roll or ribbon size.

How to choose a ribbon

A ribbon is used only for thermal transfer printing. It is selected for both the printer and the label material.

For paper labels, ribbons designed for printing on paper are used. For increased abrasion resistance or printing on synthetic materials, other ink-layer compositions are used. Before ordering, check the recommendations for the specific printer and label.

The ribbon width must cover the print area on the label. A ribbon that is too narrow leaves part of the thermal head unprotected during printing.

Typical mistakes when choosing labels

Choosing only by size. You need to consider the printing method, roll, core, adhesive and usage conditions.
Buying Vellum for a thermal printer without thermal transfer mode. Vellum requires a ribbon and a printer that supports the corresponding printing method.
Expecting the same durability from all Thermal TOP labels. Surface and adhesive characteristics depend on the specific material.
Making the barcode too small. After setting up the template, check several printed labels with a scanner.
Printing the entire batch at once. First, check a test label on the actual product or packaging.
Ignoring price changes. If the price is printed on the label, after it changes, the employee must re-label the product in time.

What consumables are needed for printing

For direct thermal printing, a roll of thermal labels of the appropriate format is needed. The printer forms the image without ink or ribbon.

For thermal transfer printing, labels, a ribbon and a thermal transfer printer are needed. The specifications of all three components must be aligned with each other.

After selecting the material, configure the Torgsoft template for the actual label size, assign the required printer and make a test print. After checking the barcode and data placement, you can print labels during product receipt, from warehouse status or through the print buffer.