Any business process that manages people and/or things requires accurate and fast identification. Automatic identification tools such as barcode, RFID, and signature capture faciliate this requirement. The marking technologies below illustrate different techniques used for efficient labeling and marking.

Which label and marking technology will best support your system?

Each of the following sections contains information about technologies and links to the Solutions and Industries where we use these technologies to improve operations. To learn more, please click on one of these links or contact us (949)-600-6970.

Simply put, thermal printing describes the printing process that uses heat to generate markings that create a label. This is the most popular and widely used way of printing barcodes. Benefits of using thermal technology in general include low equipment and material cost as well as flexibility in material size, durability, and convenience. Two popular techniques of heat for labeling include:

• Direct Thermal
• Thermal Transfer

Direct Thermal printing involves using heat generated by a print head to activate specially treated paper changing the color (typically to black) of the area of the paper, that contacts the head. As the paper label moves under the head and receives exposure to the heat, the label forms.

The benefits of direct thermal labels include cost and convenience. Since this process does not require a ribbon, it enjoys the advantage of lower cost and greater ease of operation - no ribbons need to be purchased and the user avoids potential problems that ribbons may bring.

Fewer options on label types and limited application are two disadvantages of direct thermal. Since the label must react to heat, direct thermal printers limit you to materials sensitive to heat. Secondly, ambient heat will cause the treated material to activate by itself over time. Thus, over time, any thermal label will fade and/or turn black.

Common uses of direct thermal include labels on perishable items (produce, meat dept). Since the items themselves go bad over time, the fact that the label will degrade is not an issue provided that label lasts as long as the perishable item!

Thermal Transfer labels apply heat to a ribbon that is 'burned' onto the label and is by far the most popular thermal printing technology. Similar to direct thermal, a print head uses heat. However, in thermal transfer, the heat transfers the ribbon ink from the ribbon to the label. Different ribbon types provide different options for label durability. The most popular ribbon types are:

• Wax
• Resin
• Wax/Resin Combination

The benefits of thermal transfer include greater flexibly and control of label materials and durability. Since a ribbon is used, a wide range of paper and polyester labels exist. The different ribbon types also allow control over the durability of the markings and how long they will stay on the label.

The main drawback of thermal transfer printing comes from the ribbons. Using a ribbon add one more supply that much be purchased and managed as well as adding another potential point of failure.

Common uses of thermal transfer include fixed asset and mobile asset tracking, product labeling, inventory and warehouse tracking, and package tracking.

Need more information about these technologies?

To find out more about these technologies and how they can apply to your operation, please browse through the Solutions we offer, the Industries we typically work with, or contact us (949)-600-6970.

Dot Peen marking mainly makes permanent markings directly on to products. A pointed stylus made from a durable material impacts the surface of the material to create small 'dimples' that, when positioned correctly, can create an image or readable text. For automatic identification purposes, these marketing are typically limited to 2D DataMatrix since this symbology lends it self to the round 'percussion' markings made by this technology.

An important advantage to Dot Peen is the ability to mark a hard surface permanently and cleanly. Unlike labels, Dot Peen Marking devices create permanent markings imbedded directly into the item. In addition, since the marks are made via impact, there is little maintenance and environmental problems plus there are no on-going ribbons, labels, or ink costs.

Disadvantages include the upfront cost of the equipment. Additionally, the percussion markings limit the types of barcodes you can use to mainly 2D DataMatrix.

Organizations commonly use Dot Peen with products exposed to harsh environments such as aircraft and military weaponry. Companies also use them to reduce forgery by permanently marking products in small inconspicuous areas with special identification characteristics or codes.

Need more information about these technologies?

To find out more about these technologies and how they can apply to your operation, please browse through the Solutions we offer, the Industries we typically work with, or contact us (949)-600-6970.

Laser marking is another permanent marking technique. Using a high performance laser, the Laser Marking device focuses a controlled beam directly on the item to be marked. An electronic controller then etches out a mark in a pattern that matches the image or text needed. Lasers' main benefits as a marking/labeling tool include minimal maintenance, no consumables to buy, manage, or clean, and very precise control over how the product is marked.

The downside to using lasers includes a relatively high up-front equipment cost and work environment considerations (ventilation, etc.). Additionally, since the laser does burn off some of the material, the laser can negatively affect coatings and surface integrity.

Common uses for Laser Marking include most materials. However, Lasers are particularly useful with certain materials such as wood, fabric, or glass. In many cases, Laser is about the only option for a permanent marking.

Need more information about these technologies?

To find out more about these technologies and how they can apply to your operation, please browse through the Solutions we offer, the Industries we typically work with, or contact us (949)-600-6970.

Popular with manufacturing and production lines, inkjets use a printing head to spray ink directly on the surface of the item marked. A computerized controller allows the sprayer to control the flow of ink in such a way that it creates the desired image as the product moves past the print head. Inkjet printers come with a wide range of ink types that can suit different environmental needs.

Inkjet printers can mark items with great speed and accuracy. In addition, they support several different types of barcode symbologies (linear and 2D). Different ink types allow flexibility in color and design. Automatic identification devices typically read these marks with ease.

Problems with Inkjet printers include relatively high maintenance and ink costs. Poor printing environments lead to clogging of print heads. Additionally, the operator must closely monitor ink levels to prevent production downtime.

Common uses for Inkjets include high-speed production environments that demand labeling such as beverages and some consumer packages.

Need more information about these technologies?

To find out more about these technologies and how they can apply to your operation, please browse through the Solutions we offer, the Industries we typically work with, or contact us (949)-600-6970.