Application area
Manufacturing
In manufacturing a label follows the product from raw material to dispatch: batch, serial number, production date and the code that ties a part to your records. If the label wears off in an oven, dissolves in a solvent or comes out crooked on the line, traceability breaks exactly where it matters most. That is why the printer, the label material and the ribbon are chosen together, for the real conditions on the line.
Typical tasks
- Traceability of batches and serial numbers from raw material to finished goods
- Marking parts and components with small labels and DataMatrix codes
- Labels for unit packs, cartons and multipacks
- GS1-128 logistics labels for pallets of finished goods
- Automatic labelling on the line with print&apply modules, without an operator
- Status labels: quality control, quarantine, reject
What to look for
Material and ribbon. For parts exposed to heat, oils, solvents or washing, a paper label will not last. Synthetic materials are used with thermal transfer and resin ribbons, chosen for the specific environment. Test the label on real samples, in your own conditions, before ordering in volume.
Resolution. Small DataMatrix codes and fine text on parts call for 300 or 600 dpi, while carton and pallet labels usually manage with 203 dpi. See the article 300 or 600 dpi.
Industrial printer or module. Next to the line, for continuous work over several shifts, choose an industrial printer with a metal housing and large rolls. If the label has to be applied automatically to the product or carton, you need a print engine built into the line or a print&apply system, for example the Hermes line from CAB.
GS1 standards. If your products go to retail chains or distributors, the code structure (GTIN, batch, date, SSCC) follows GS1 rules. The printer prints what it is sent; the correct data is prepared by your business system.
Integration and verification. Labels are usually printed from ERP or MES over the network. Check the printer language (ZPL, TSPL or emulation) and whether your existing templates can still be used. The quality of printed codes is checked with scanners, see scanere.md.
Lines for manufacturing
| Task | Zebra | TSC | CAB |
|---|---|---|---|
| At the line, continuous work | ZT411, ZT610 | MH | SQUIX |
| Medium volume, limited space | ZT231 | ML | MACH |
| Automatic labelling on the line | print engines, on request | print engines, on request | Hermes |
| Workstation, quality control | ZD421, ZD621 | TE, TC | EOS |
If finished goods go into your own warehouse, pallet receiving by SSCC label can be run by a warehouse system, see wms.md.
Resolution, materials and exact configurations are confirmed on the specific model, based on samples; prices are given on request. See the selection guide, the Zebra, TSC and CAB lines, or request a consultation.
Manufacturing
Not sure which one to choose?
Describe which labels you print and where: store, warehouse, production or logistics. We will help you choose the printer and consumables and prepare the quote.