Glossary of Label Technology
Automatic Application
A stipulation made by our customers whereby the finished labels will be applied by machine, so it is important that the labels are positioned uniformly on the reel and can be easily extracted.
Bar Code Check Digit
A check digit is a verifying character at the end of a bar code which is derived by means of a calculation of the other digits, e.g. "12348". The "8" is the result of a mathematical algorithm of the digits "1234". With some barcode types, the check digit is optional.
Bar Code Quiet Zones
The spacing on either side of the bar code. This can affect the read rate of the bar code, and consequently there are guidelines laid down according to each symbology type.
Bar Code Ratio
For bar code symbologies where there are only two thickness of bar this is the ratio between the width of the narrow and wide bars. For example, in a barcode where the narrow bar measures 1mm thick and the wide bars 3mm, then the ratio is therefore 3:1. Wide:narrow bar ratio should be consistent throughout the bar code.
Bar Code Symbology
Bar codes come in different formats or 'symbologies' and each has its own characteristics.
Bar Code X-dimension
The width of the narrowest bar of the bar code.
Butt Cut / Butted Together
When labels are positioned directly next to each other without gaps in between.
Core
The cardboard tube that labels are wound onto. Available in different diameters to suit various printer models.
Direct Thermal
When using a thermal printer, information is printed directly onto heat-sensitive label material without the use of a ribbon.
Fan Fold
When pages of labels are folded concertina style to allow feeding into a dot matrix printer.
Gaps
The spacing between labels.
Margins
On sheeted labels this is the spacing around the perimeter of the page.
N.E.L. or Narrow Edge Leading
This refers to the orientation of the labels on the roll. The labels are positioned with their narrower edges perpendicular to the sides of the roll.
Peelable
Labels which can be removed without tearing or leaving any residue.
Rads
Radius corners.
Removable
See peelable.
Side Wastage
On rolls of die cut labels this is the gap running down either side of the label.
Sprocket Holes
Holes punched by the sides of the labels to enable use with dot-matrix or other tractor-fed machines.
Thermal Transfer
When using a thermal printer, ink is transferred through a ribbon by means of heat emitted from the print head.
Web Width
The width of the backing paper.
W.E.L. or Wide Edge Leading
This refers to the orientation of the labels on the roll. The labels are positioned with their wider edges perpendicular to the sides of the roll.