Vinyl and Polyester Labels

Vinyl labels work well within specified design parameters. Vinyls are heat sensitive, so the liners need to be thick enough to absorb excess heat and prevent melting. A total strip matrix may cause adhesive contamination. Thin liners or weak pull strength may lead to labels peeling off the form inside the printer, which will require printer servicing. See “Figure 3” on page 22 for an illustration of a vinyl label design for Optra plus printers and “Figure 4” on page 23 for Optra S, Optra T, and Lexmark T printers.

As illustrated on page 23, a leading and trailing edge stripped area is recommended to be a maximum of 3 mm. This area is recommended to prevent adhesive being close to the edge, which can contaminate your printer. Certain materials used in label construction, which have liner face melt temperatures lower than the fuser temperature, may require the leading and trailing edge stripped areas to be 1.6 mm maximum due to feeding problems. It is preferred that the liner face be constructed with material that can withstand our fuser temperatures, which eliminates the need for changing the stripped areas from 3 mm to 1.6 mm. If a 1.6 mm stripped area is used, it is very important that the 1.6 mm tolerance be held tightly. With a stripped area of less than 1.6 mm, it is highly possible that adhesive contamination will occur.

Vinyls are non-absorbing, which leads to toner build-up in the fuser that requires special maintenance. Look under “maintenance procedures” in the index for specific information about maintaining your printer. Vinyls may require a topcoat to ensure good toner adhesion.

Polyester labels are less heat sensitive but are also non-absorbing. Backings for polyester labels can be thinner, but requirements for coatings and cleaning are similar to vinyl labels.

It is recommended that when you run vinyl labels, you install a special oil fuser cleaner,

P/N 99A0725. When you order a new cartridge, be sure to order the cartridge that will include the correct fuser cleaner.

Integrated Forms

To create integrated forms, the converter uses hot melt adhesives to apply the label adhesive and liner to a base material (generally paper). Oil bleed, recognizable by a discolored face sheet, can be a problem with these forms. Oil may also migrate from the top of the liner to the back surface of the liner while it is on the roll, before the conversion process takes place. The forms created from this material may then be slick, and the pick mechanism of your printer may be unable to successfully move all the sheets from the tray into the printer. Jamming and misfeeds increase when oil is present on the back of the liner.

The adhesive on these forms is commonly patterned on two or four sides (that is, the forms have a non-adhesive border on either two or four edges). We recommend designing a 1 mm (0.04 in.) non-adhesive border (zone coated) on all four sides.

When printing on integrated forms with a long grain base material, orient the form in the tray so the paper portion of the form feeds into the printer first. Orient the pressure sensitive portion of the form toward the portrait left edge. For integrated forms with a short grain base material, orient the form in the tray so the pressure sensitive portion feeds into the printer first.

Label Design Guidelines

Laser Printers specifications

Lexmark laser printers are renowned for their high-quality printing solutions tailored for both personal and business environments. They leverage robust laser printing technology, which utilizes a laser beam to produce sharp text and clear images on paper. This method is not only efficient but also exceptionally fast, making it ideal for high-volume print jobs.

One of the standout features of Lexmark laser printers is their exceptional print resolution. Many models offer print resolutions of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, allowing for sharp text and detailed graphics. This level of quality is particularly useful for businesses that require professional documents, presentations, and marketing materials. The clarity provided by Lexmark printers makes them suitable for various applications, from everyday office printing to specialized projects.

Lexmark also incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance user experience and productivity. One such innovation is the Smart MFP (Multifunction Printer) technology, which combines printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities into one device. This all-in-one functionality reduces the need for multiple machines, saving both space and maintenance costs. Additionally, many Lexmark models come equipped with intuitive touch-screen interfaces that simplify navigation and operation.

Another key characteristic is Lexmark's commitment to sustainability. Many of their printers are designed with energy-saving features, such as Sleep Mode and automatic duplex printing, which reduces paper usage. Lexmark also participates in recycling programs for toner cartridges, supporting environmentally responsible practices.

Moreover, Lexmark laser printers are well-known for their reliability and durability. Built with high-quality components, these printers are engineered to handle demanding workloads, maintaining peak performance over time. Businesses can rely on Lexmark printers for consistent output, which ultimately boosts overall operational efficiency.

Connectivity is another important aspect of Lexmark laser printers. With options for USB, Ethernet, and wireless connectivity, users have the flexibility to print from various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Furthermore, many models support mobile printing solutions, enabling users to print directly from their mobile devices via apps and services like Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print.

In summary, Lexmark laser printers are an excellent investment for those seeking high-quality, reliable printing solutions. With features like advanced print resolution, multifunction capabilities, sustainability initiatives, and robust connectivity options, Lexmark continues to be a leader in the laser printing industry, catering to diverse printing needs while maintaining efficiency and performance.

Lexmark Laser Printers manual Vinyl and Polyester Labels, Integrated Forms

Models: Laser Printers