Choosing A Barcode Label

Barcode labels have several important attributes: the print method, the label media used to print on, the adhesive used to attach the label, and the size needed. Careful choices that fit your needs will help lower ownership cost and ensure the label performs under the conditions it will face.
Labels or Tags?
Labels are backed with an adhesive, and attached directly to an object. Tags do not have an adhesive backing, but may have a hole to attach them via an alternate method.
Print Method
Thermal Transfer Printing

Thermal transfer uses a barcode printer ribbon to form an image, using heat to transfer ink from the ribbon to the media. Thermal transfer printers can use a wide variety of media materials and ribbon formulations. Images have a greater durability for long-term applications.
Direct Thermal Printing

Direct thermal barcode labels are specially coated to run through a barcode printer without a ribbon. The special coating reacts with the heat from the barcode print head to burn the image onto the label. Because of the specialty coating, direct thermal barcode labels are sensitive to heat and other environmental conditions. The images will deteriorate over time, and are more suited for short-term applications, such as shopping, clinical laboratory tracking, and perishable food labels.

Direct thermal barcode labels are typically slightly more expensive than thermal transfer barcode labels at purchase but have a lower cost of ownership because you are not required to purchase a ribbon for printing.
Label Media
Paper

Paper thermal transfer barcode labels are usually best for bin labeling, shipping and product labeling. Most direct thermal labels are paper and because of this they are environmentally sensitive and have limited and specific applications.
Synthetic

If your application requires a label to withstand abrasion, moisture resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance or must meet UL or CSA compliance standards, it is vital that you use a synthetic label. The materials in synthetic labels are designed to withstand the rigors of these special environmental conditions.
Adhesive

Adhesive choice will vary with the desired durability of the label. Applications may call for temporary, no-residue adhesive, or semi-permanent adhesion.
Size

Label size is often a major factor in choosing stock or custom labels. Stock labels come in the most common sizes, but your application may require a specific dimensional "footprint." In this case, custom labels can be made to fit any need.