A New Spin on Laser Labels

The popularity of CD-R hardware is driving demand for disc labels

By Sharon R. Cole

Until recently, the printer has been the computer hardware responsible for significant changes in label design. The progression from dot matrix to ink jet and laser printers has resulted in the creation of sheeted laser labels, designed to withstand the heat and pressure of laser printers. Now another form of computer-based technology is further changing the shape of labels.

As CD-R (writable) hardware infiltrates the business market, laser and ink jet labels are not only being cranked through printer rollers, but also being spun on CD disc drives.

According to Tom Ainsworth, marketing director, Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill., manufacturers are uncovering a new venue for laser labels. "We found that owning a CD-R drive is not out of the norm these days. With CD-R equipment costing about $200, more and more companies and individuals are purchasing them," said Ainsworth.

With this hardware, Ainsworth added, companies can archive information as well as install new product descriptions on a CD; a convenient alternative to filing documents and mailing packets of information. With businesses interested in burning their own CDs, Continental Da-talabel decided to meet the new demand by introducing an innovative CD labeling and storage system.

"We recently introduced a variety of formats for CD labels. One of these formats is called CD-Rappit, a system that enables consumers to easily label and store CDs and DVDs," explained Ains-worth. "If consumers and business people are burning discs, why not make laser label formats available to them?"

As a result, Continental Datalabel now supplies specially designed labels that are part of an all-in-one CD labeling and storage kit.

"Normally when you want to burn a CD, you have to purchase discs, then buy jewel cases, a software label program and J-Cards," said Ainsworth.