Developments in stocks and adhesives yield versatile, value-added applications. Quick, quiet, efficient, on-demand solutions, direct thermal and thermal-transfer products have been serving variable imaging needs for more than 13 years, with suppliers continuously seeking to enhance performance. Overlaminates, repositionable adhesives and top-preforming ribbons are just a few of the cool value-added features turning thermal products into hot commodities. For instance, McCourt Label, Lewis Run, Pa., has introduced direct thermal and thermal-transfer laminated label systems, which greatly increase options for distributors and their customers. To Protect & Serve While they are extremely efficient applications that eliminate the need for costly ribbons—as well
Tom Ainsworth
Expanded manufacturer sites add convenience and resources By Janet R. Gross Manufacturer Web sites have offered distributors product information, e-mail communications, even marketing support for several years now. Some forms producers, though, have begun expanding their sites, promising added convenience and resources for distributors. For instance, a few manufacturers allow end-users to enter reorders through their Web sites and credit the distributors with the sales. Roger Buck, national sales manager and vice president at Ward/Kraft, Fort Scott, Kansas, said he expects this capability to be added to the company's site by the first quarter of next year. "It's a development issue," he said. "We
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
Consumers stick with thermal labels for bar codes and more By Eric Fiedler Direct thermal and thermal-transfer labels are getting tougher, and so is their market. Although still a relatively new product, thermal labels have established themselves as the leading label products for a host of printers. "It's becoming a real dog fight because everyone wants a piece of the action," said Tony Heinl, vice president of sales and marketing at Repacorp Label Products, Tipp City, Ohio. "They are out of the infant stage and definitely in a state of growth," said Tom Ainsworth, marketing director for Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill. "It's growing,
The demand for unique labels is leading the way to higher profits By Carol A. Katarsky Presentation is important, especially in business. Custom labels can enhance the image of items on which they are placed. The value of adding an attractive, eye-catching custom label--or one designed to meet a specific set of requirements--can't be underestimated. Custom labels are the largest product line at Woodinville, Wash.-based Labels West, mostly sold for retail packaging, according to John Shanley, president. He noted that as the quality of four-color flexo has improved, it has become easier to increase the attractiveness of previously humble labels. Bill Bohning, president of North Mankato, Minn.-based Label Works,
Prolific printers increase opportunities for profits By Erik Cagle Labels produced on laser printers have several elements working in their favor. They are more advanced than their impact printer brethren and cost less than thermal-transfer labels. Many office desktop laser printers can handle laser label sheets. More offices are switching to laser printers, if they have not already done so, and they seem to be taking the torch from impact printers. Among the many applications for laser-printed labels: • Health care--patient record labels that are inserted into wristbands. • Retail environments--pricing labels on store shelves. • Bar codes. • Shipping labels. • Product
