1.    Create a standard label whenever possible; this eliminates the need to purchase a new tooling die.  4” x 2”, 3” x 5”, 4” x 6”, etc.

 
2.    When designing the label, try and eliminate as many colors as possible for a better price.  It means less color stations on the press, less artwork plates to create.

 
3.    Stay away from reverse print (Blue background with white print).  This requires a new plate every time you need to change any information in the label.  Instead, use a blue border and print in black using a thermal transfer printer.  This will allow you to make changes as needed without creating a new plate. It will also cut down on label waste.

 
4.    Clean the print head when loading a new ribbon.  This can add up to 50% longer life to the print head by keeping your print head clean.

 
5.    Keep knives, box cutters and other sharp objects away from the print head and platen roller. Many times, one will use a knife to remove some adhesive from the print head or platen roller and destroy the part.  Always use 90% Isopropyl Alcohol to remove adhesive, dust and labels from these areas.

 
6.    Do not use rubbing alcohol or other solvents on the barcode printer.  The chemical is too strong and can destroy the platen roller and the electronics of the print head.

 
7.    Clean the platen roller every month.  Turn the printer off, and wipe down the platen roller using a rag soaked with 90% Isopropyl Alcohol.

 
8.    Have one person responsible to clean the unit on a regular basis.  This ensures that it will get done.  If it’s every one’s job, it generally becomes no one’s job.

 
9.    Keep spare parts available for easy replacement when needed.  (Print heads, platen rollers and belts).  Request a “Spare Parts” list from the vendor who sold the printer.

 
10. If printing the labels are mission critical, (line shutting down, unable to ship product), have a spare printer in the IT department.  Make sure it is identical to the printer you have on the floor for easy plug and play.

 
11. Use BRS for all of your barcode equipment, Preventative Maintenance Service, Spare parts list and spare parts.

12. Use a verifier or scanner to test the readability of the barcode prior to rollout. This is a cheap method of preventing rejection of your product shipments due to poor barcode quality.

13. Match the label to the application – paper labels will work for simple shipping labels, temporary labeling, etc… polyester/synthetic is needed for harsh environments such as extreme temperatures, liquids, chemicals, outdoor exposure, etc…

14. Recognize the importance of the adhesive – they are not all alike! “Permanent” adhesives, acrylic adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, freezer-grade for cold temperatures, etc.

15. Match the ribbon to the label substrate. If you are using a paper label, regular wax ribbon will suffice. A resin ribbon formulation is required if you will be using polyester labels. (If you’re not sure which label substrate you’re using, try to tear one of them by hand. If it tears easily, it’s paper. If it bends but won’t tear, it’s polyester.)

16. Turn down the heat and pressure. Ideally, you want to use the least amount of both possible, for best quality printing and to extend the life of your thermal printer’s printhead and platen roller.

 17. Avoid overstocking on labels and ribbon. Only order and inventory the quantity that you’ll need for 3-6 months, since adhesives can dry out and labels will no longer stick. They can last up to 2 years if you have them stored under ideal conditions, but why take a chance? You won’t be saving enough money making a bulk purchase to make up for losing thousands of labels that go bad. Ask BRS about the vendor-managed inventory program, to ensure you never run out of labels and ribbon, and you will always have the correct amount on-hand.

18. Always use a ribbon that is wider than your label stock. This creates a soft barrier between the label stock and the printhead, sparing the printhead from much abrasion as the label stock scrapes by. This also helps prevent adhesive from oozing off the edge of the label onto the printhead. This adhesive buildup will degrade print quality and eventually burn out the printhead, which is expensive to replace.

19. Avoid automatic cutters unless they are absolutely needed. While helpful if your application requires variable length continuous stock, cutters can cause more problems than they solve. Some companies have experienced situations where the cutters cause adhesive to build up at an increased rate, throughout the media path. This can cause paper jams, poor print quality (including unreadable barcodes) and printhead failure.

20. Keep extra batteries and charging cradles as backups. This is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent production downtime due to lack of battery power, brownouts, etc.