Tag Archives: Kiaro

Kiaro printers

Biodegradable Labels

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According to the dictionary, Sustainability is “avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.”  We’re pleased to announce a new label material that is sustainable.
Dispersa
Dispersa® is a water-soluble paper, designed for pressure sensitive labels that disperses completely and rapidly in water with light agitation; including any imprinted or handwritten graphics.  Watch Neenah’s introductory video here:

According to Kelli Clark, Product Marketing Manager for Performance Labels, “Convenience, Safety and Sustainability are the key differences for Dispersa for our end user customers.  Safety as the labels can communicate important information, like use by and expiration dates, that will wash off completely after use avoiding confusion or improper re-use; Convenience as the labels do not need to be removed prior to washing; and Sustainability as Dispersa leaves zero waste behind and is 99% bio-based, per the USDA’s BioPreferred™ program.”

 

In my discussion with Kelli, I learned more about the Biodegradability of Dispersa.  According to Kelli, “Dispersa has been tested following ISO standards 17556/14852 and meets the requirements for biodegradability. Additionally, Dispersa has been tested for flushability and has successfully completed several studies indicating Dispersa can safely be flushed down the drain. Although this material will break down in soil, pursuing testing around compostability has not been an area of focus for Dispersa.”

 

Dispersa Certifications

When asked, what markets should consider using Dispersa, Kelli said, “Food rotation is a good market.  These labels tell retailers, food companies and consumers when to remove/pull expired product from the shelves. In addition, clothing ID or size labels are a good market as washing will remove the labels.  Reusable container labels are a good fit as well; and the labels will come off with washing.  Finally, Dispersa should work for companies who want to reduce the waste from their packaging.”
In my tests of Dispersa pressure sensitive labels, I found the material washed off quickly and easily in water.
Biodegradable Label in Water
Biodegradable Label in Water
Also, I found the adhesive relatively aggressive on both plastic and glass:
Adhesive Test Of Biodegradable Label
Adhesive Test Of Biodegradable Label

I did find the print quality lower than our standard matte paper labels, but should be sufficient for many markets.  And by adding a statement about the biodegradability of labels, this material may support the branding of many of our customer’s products.  Plus I’ve learned that further development is ongoing to improve the print quality of this material.

Print Test Of Biodegradable Labels
Print Test Of Biodegradable Labels

When asked about the cost compared to standard matte paper labels, Kelli said, “Dispersa labels will be more expensive, but offer several key environmental benefits that are priceless to our planet.”  Another plus? The liner on these labels is biodegradable as well.
With a growing need for sustainability in packaging and labels, I’m excited to offer Dispersa labels to our customers.  Send us the size and number you need; and we’ll send you a quote. 
If you want more sustainable and water soluble, on-demand color labels, contact us.  We can help!
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

Sierra Label Printers

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With “Nothing But Love” from their customers, Sierra Stickers, is a family-owned printer business based in Rancho Cordova, CA who produce high quality stickers.  With the motto, “Custom Stickers Done Right”, Sierra Stickers makes ordering easy and ships orders fast. 

Guy Mikel Sierra Stickers
Sierra Sticker Founders; and me with my Covid Haircut


According to Derek Alvarez, Co-Owner of Sierra Stickers, “we started making labels in March/April after we moved into our new location.  Prior to this time, we sold primarily die cut stickers; but had customers who need labels on rolls.  We started with an inexpensive label printer that didn’t work out so well; I then contacted Color Label Solutions to find a label printer option.”  Based on our discussion, Derek purchased a C6500A.”

Derek is one of the few professional printer customers we have that is using the C6500A.  Most would say that the C6500 is too slow, running about 2” per second.  Derek says, “we run the C6500 overnight to print an entire roll of labels.  Once the roll is completed, we rewind the roll to put the black eye mark on the opposite side in order to work in our Finishing System.  Our experience showed that the C6500A runs as fast as our Finishing System.  We’re so satisfied with the C6500, we got a second printer.”

Sierra Stickers-C6500
2 C6500’s At Sierra Stickers


But what I was most interested in seeing was Sierra Sticker’s use of the Finishing System.  We sell the DLF220S from Afinia, but is manufactured by DPR in Italy.  A finishing system laminates, die-cuts, weeds the matrix (removes the waste matrix round the die-cut label), slits labels into columns and then rewinds into rolls. 


Label Finishing System DPR Afinia
Label Finishing System


According to Derek, “the cutter on this finishing system is extremely accurate.  Down to 1/10,000 of an inch; but we run it down to 1/50,000 of an inch.  Although the finishing systems is slow, we run it overnight as well. We now laminate almost 100% of the labels we sell.”  This video shows how important the Finishing system has become in the Sierra Sticker business. 


 

In the video, Derek shows the software designed to specify the cut location.  From my perspective, understanding the software is the critical path to make this equipment productive.  To generate the cut location, Derek creates a PDF with a cut layer along with a visual layer of the art.  With this procedure, the operator can see both the cut and art to ensure the finish labels are correct.
DPR Label Finisher Software
Label Finisher Software

Two suggestions from Derek.  First, don’t push the laminate all the way against the back plate. He finds the alignment easier.
Laminate On The Finishing System
Laminate On The Finishing System

Second, don’t push the cores on the rewinder to the back plate also.  This space ensures the waste from the side cuts doesn’t bind and get wrap up in the matrix.
Label Matrix Waste
Label Matrix Waste

I find the DLF220S complex; it takes time to learn and become proficient.  It’s not plug and play like other devices we sell.  Derek says, “it took me a full two weeks to really learn how to best use the DLF”.  And Derek is a professional printer!  If you start using a finishing system, plan to take some time to become productive.
L801 at Sierra Stickers
L801 at Sierra Stickers

In addition to the C6500 and the Finishing Station, Derek also uses an Afinia L801 in his operation.  According to Derek, “we use the L801 for art with solid black or mix of heavy colors.  And we use the L801 on jobs requiring specific materials such as matte BOPP.  The L801 can produce vibrant colors; and that is an important benefit of the L801.”  In this video, Derek goes through the unboxing and setup of the L801:

Sierra Sticker Founders
Sierra Sticker Founders

In less than 6 months, Derek and his wife have built a thriving label printing business.  Further, I admire how they have used YouTube and other social media to promote their business and communicate the professionalism of their operation.  Sierra Stickers is a great small business run by intelligent entrepreneurs. 
If you are a printer and want to expand your business; be like Derek.  Start by contacting Color Label Solutions.  We’ll help build your business too.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

Organization Of The Year

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I am pleased to announce that the Colorworks Label division of Epson has been named co-winner of the AIM “Organization of the Year” award.

AIM Organization of the Year
AIM Organization of the Year


If you have never heard of this organization, AIM North America is the premier alliance for automated data capture technologies industry.  According to the AIM Press Release, “Epson has devoted their time to delivering efforts towards enhancing monochrome-only barcodes to labels that feature colors and images.” Learn more here: 

I mention this award for two reasons.  First, they deserve the recognition for the contributions to automatic identification and label printing.  And second; because I nominated them. 
Why you ask?  Below is the nomination recommend that I sent to AIM.

For the AIM 2020 Organization of the Year, I’d like to nominate Epson America for their success with on-demand color label printers.  This nomination results from Epson’s successful efforts to move from monochrome only barcodes to labels with colors and images.  Let me tell you a bit more about Epson’s generations of products and markets on-demand color printers serve.
Since the decade of the 2000’s, Epson has launched 6 generations of automatic identification, color label printers:

Catalina Printer
Catalina Printer

With the launch in the mid 2000’s, the Catalina printer became the standard for printing coupons in groceries across North America. Hundreds of thousands of these coupon printers were deployed, each producing coupons with barcodes.

 

C3400 Label Printer
C3400 Label Printer

At the end of 2000’s, Epson launch their first label printer; the TM-C3400. This 3-color printer was perfect for putting color marks on labels as well as barcodes. Here is a customer using the C3400 for color-codes for logistics, to reduce shipping errors:  



C831 Label Printer
C831 Label Printer


In 2012, Epson launch the GP-C831; specifically designed for GHS drum labels.  This pin-fed printer produced extremely durable (in combination with a new, inkjet coated, Kimdura), large labels perfect for chemical drums and the variable red pictograms required for GHS.  Here is a good example of a customer using the C831 printer: 

C3500 Label Printer
C3500 Label Printer


In 2013, Epson launched the TM-C3500, the upgrade to C3400.  This 4-color printer produced higher quality images, up to 5X faster and up to 60% less ink cost than the C3400.  Here is our first customer for the C3500, using color codes on their labels: 

C7500 Label Printer
C7500 Label Printer


In 2015, Epson launched the TM-C7500; a high resolution fast and durable label printer.  The combination of the C7500, C3500 and C831 fit chemical companies perfectly to meet the requirements for GHS.  Here is a post of our first customer using the C7500: 


C6000 Label Printer
C6000 Label Printer


In 2020, Epson launched the C6000 series of color label printers, bringing many new features/capabilities to the print on-demand color label printer market; including ZPL, Peel/Present, Color Management and Network Printer Management.   Here is a post of one of our customers using this new printer: 

On-Demand color label printers are changing the way companies produce labels. All of these examples use color and barcodes to help their internal employees, customers and regulators identify quickly the correct products.  Some of the market applications include the following segments:
Chemical:As mentioned previously, GHS and the need for color, variable pictograms jump-started the market for color label printers.  With the Epson printers, chemical manufacturers could print variable data, barcodes, images and pictograms on-demand.  Because of the capability to meet the GHS requirements, Epson printers became the de-facto standard in the chemical industry. Here, our customer NIC, produces great looking GHS labels:
Manufacturing: Companies producing a large number of SKU’s or organizations needing to produce variable images for retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, need to manage their label inventory.  Print on-demand color makes it possible to reduce waste and manage label inventory.  Here is a good example of how manufacturers meet this requirement: 


Food:  With the requirements for variable data and barcodes on different SKU labels, many food companies have selected print on-demand color labels as the best process to meet these requirements.  For example, Foodie Fit uses color and barcodes to make it easy for their customers to select the correct product:

Trade Show/ID Badges: With the need for not only barcodes, but variable pictures and color codes, event organizers are moving to print on-demand color ID badges.  CES, the world’s largest tradeshow uses Epson’s printers to produce these badges:
Cannabis:With the need for variable data such as THC content and Lot Numbers; as well as the importance of branding, Cannabis manufacturers have moved to print on-demand color labels.  Given the legal requirements and the large number of strains/products, cannabis companies prefer generally, on-demand color labels; including cultivators like 14er’s. 

Plus. companies in many other markets are benefiting from on-demand color for their labels with barcodes.

Finally, color label printers existed prior to the launch of Epson’s printers.  And many other color label printers have come into the market.  However, Epson has focused most of their innovations on printers designed for the automated identification segment of the label market.  Their printers fit this business.
Overall, color label printing has been the largest and most important innovation to automatic identification technology since thermal printers.  And Epson’s technology for durable and affordable labels and printer hardware has made this happen.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

Multiple UP

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Although I’ve written about printing multiple up labels in the past, I had an experience recently that may help you as well.

3 UP Printing
3 UP Printing

Our customer could not only get the labels to print full-bleed correctly and also was getting “strange” white bands in the labels.  Frankly, I had no idea what caused the white bands.  Do you? Full-bleed not printing correctly; I get this question all the time.
To print the multiple up, the customer created a PDF with the 3 labels and loaded them into the BarTender foreground. 

3 UP Image
3 UP Image

I’ve written before about printing multiple up using BarTender in the past:

https://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2020/03/printing-circles-with-c6000.html 

By creating the PDF for multiple up labels, you may have to make changes in the vertical gap measurements to get the full-bleed correct.  In addition, I suspected that the PDF would not work as well for this situation as an image file.

Given my concerns, I recommended that we change to a single label image.  Further, I recommended that we make the image 1/16th of an inch larger on all four sides than the actual label size.

1 UP Image
Once we had the image corrected, I started to setup a new template in BarTender.  First I added the correct size of the label (3.25” x 5”) to the Epson driver along with adding .03” to both orientations.

BarTender 3 UP Settings
BarTender 3 UP Settings

Second, I configured the individual labels with a template size of 1.03” x 5.28”.  We always recommend an additional .03” to both orientations when printing full-bleed.
Multiplying this size by 3 (for the 3 UP label), I had a total width of 3.09”.  With a total width of 3.28” setup in the driver, I had .19” left for the two vertical gaps. Dividing the .19” by 2, I set each gap at .095”.

BarTender 1 UP Setting
BarTender 1 UP Setting

In BarTender, setting up the gap and the actual template size is easier to do than creating a single PDF.  You can easily change the vertical gap size and retest the label print.
Once I had the size of the label set correctly, I embedded the single image in the background.
BarTender Background Setup
BarTender Background Setup

If the file was only the actual size, I may add it as an image rather than in the background.  By having the image slightly larger than the actual size, then I find adding it to the background is easier and better.  And in fact, you can add an “overhang” as well if required.
Once I had created and saved this file, I printed it on my C6500 printer.  And interesting enough, it printed perfectly the first time:
3 Up Perfect Full-Bleed
3 Up Perfect Full-Bleed

Further, by changing the extremely large, PDF file to an image and adding it to the background rather than the foreground, the strange bands disappeared.  I’m assuming the printer spooler had issues with the large file size combined with the BarTender file.
Once I sent the redesigned BarTender template, the customer printed on his C7500G.  Although it printed without the strange white bands, the full-bleed printing was off slightly vertically.  He then made a “position” adjustment in the C7500 Printer Setting Utility; and it worked perfectly.
We sell a lot of multiple up labels; especially given the minimum width requirements of 2” in the C7500/C7500G printers.  You can print multiple up labels using a PDF; but it is a lot easier to print using a label application like BarTender.
If you follow the process described above, you can create and print multiple up labels yourself easily and quickly.  If you need multiple up labels or help using an application like BarTender to print color labels on-demand, contact us.  We’d be glad to help.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

Creating Label Art

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Hawaii Food Products, https://www.hawaiifoodproducts.com/ , has been operating since 1955 and is a long-time kama’aina (a word describing Hawaii residents regardless of their racial background, as opposed to “kanaka” which means a person of Native Hawaiian ancestry) company with roots in the local farming community.  This company delivers the favorite Hawaiian food products in a ready-to-eat format under the Ono Ono brand. From Lau Lau and Kalua Pork to Lechon, Char Siu, and Lomi Salmon, Hawaii Food Products has it all.
Hawaii Food Products Logo
Hawaii Food Products Logo


In 2019, Hawaii Food Products became affiliated with KOHA Foods. Their goals is to perpetuate quality, customer service, and responsible growth by employing local people who manufacture local foods grown at our farm and various local farmers. 


Brian Watanabe of Hawaii Food Products contacted us as they wanted to begin producing their own labels.  According to Brian, “To get the label costs down, we had to purchase 100,000 labels for each product.  Once we had the labels, we couldn’t make the changes required in our production process.  We needed flexibility and the ability to make changes on the fly.”

Continuing, Brian says, “For example, if we use Hunts Tomato sauce in a product and are forced to move to Del Monte Tomato sauce, we may need to change the ingredients on our label.  If we don’t, the FDA could easily tag our products.  On-Demand printing of our labels make these type of ingredient changes easy to do.”

Based on our discussions, Hawaii Food Products purchased a C6000A printer and a variety of label sizes.  The C6000A offers high print quality and is affordable, reliable and durable.  I’ve written extensively on this new printer:

First Post: Introduction to the C6000 Series







SITA is great. If the printer needs repair, Epson ships a replacement overnight.  We recommend SITA when label printing becomes a critical path to production.


With the purchase of the C6000, the next step was artwork.  According to Brian, “we can’t do everything ourselves.  Therefore, we need partners to help create the artwork; including redoing the logo’s.  With their expertise in labelling, we asked Color Label Solutions for assistance with artwork creation.”

With this request, our graphic artist Tony Molina stepped up and started working with Hawaii Food Products.  According to Tony, “initially, my goal was to build continuity into the label designs; with the use of colors and logos.  With new label projects, we need all of the original label elements to complete the project.  Many customers, however, don’t have the original artwork; therefore, we have to recreate them.  In this situation, I needed to recreate the logos (palm trees, etc.) from scratch which was the most difficult aspect of the project.

 

Hawaii Food Products Icon
Hawaii Food Products Icon

Continuing, Tony says, “Once I had the logos, I worked on the other static aspects of the label; such as the US Inspected circle.  Completing the first label takes the longest as all of these items are required.  After the first, the follow-on labels take much less time.”

Hawaii Food Products Label Art
Hawaii Food Products Label Art


In this project, Tony was asked to recreate the company mascot as well.  From the original hand drawing:


Hawaii Food Products Mascot Draft
Hawaii Food Products Mascot Draft



Tony created this mascot option:

Hawaii Food Mascot
Hawaii Food Products Mascot


and placed it on a label for Hawaii Foods:

Hawaii Food Products Art
Hawaii Food Products Art

Once the project was completed, Tony sent all of the original files to Hawaii Foods; a practice many or most graphic artists don’t follow.  We want to continue to earn our customer’s business; and not force companies to purchase from us by withholding original art.

Brian says “Tony did a good job on the labels; and just in time for a new shipment of Pasteles!  No way could I have done this artwork creation myself.  I’m unloading trucks, arranging our warehouse, creating new products; I don’t have the luxury for this type of work.  We need partners like Tony; and the price was worth the time I saved.”

As I have “ZERO” skills in the area of label design, I appreciate Tony’s capabilities.  If you need assistance with your label artwork, please contact us.  We can help with not only label production; but label creation as well.

Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

C7500 Plugged Nozzles

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Plugged nozzles are the mostly likely service issue we’ve experienced with the C7500 or C7500G printer. 
C7500 Nozzle Check
C7500 Nozzle Check

When this issue occurs in the C7500, generally, I recommend first a manual cleaning.  To clean the nozzles on the C7500, use the right arrow on the front panel to select Menu, then the down arrow to select Maintenance and then select Manual Head Cleaning.  Or you can go into the driver to select Manual Head Cleaning as well.

C7500 with Rewinder
C7500 with Rewinder

If the manual cleaning doesn’t work, I sometimes recommend “Ink Recharge” selection from the Maintenance menu in the LED Operator Panel.  Ink Recharge forces ink into and through the printhead to eliminate any air in the ink lines.  Epson has told me that air in the lines can create similar missing dots.

Nozzle Check Setting
Nozzle Check Setting

Also, I’ve recommend disabling the auto cleaning function to see if the printer can “print through” the plugged nozzle problem.  I’ve seen nozzles clear up by printing.
 
If the manual cleaning and ink recharge doesn’t work, the next option has been to contact Epson Advance Technical support for service on the printhead.  This service involved shipping the printer to Indianapolis or getting service on-site by a third party.  Now, we have another option to eliminate plugged nozzles.
 

General Data Service
General Data Service

General Data Service Department offers now a remote tool that may be able to unplug nozzles and improve print performance.  According to Bradley Whited, Technical Support for General Data, “Specifically for Epson printers we have been provided with a tool that assists with our depot repairs to make fine adjustments to the printer after any hardware replacements. This tool does include a function that can force a harder cleaning on the printer to try and clear clogged nozzles. In order to do complete this work, we connect remotely, install the tool, run the cleaning, and then uninstall the tool before disconnecting.”  Although we’ve sold hundreds of the C7500 printers, I didn’t know this capability exists.
 

GDC Service Team
GDC Service Team

When asked about training on the C7500, Bradley said, “We actually have 2 technicians in the depot including myself that have gone to Epson’s repair center in Indiana for certification on the Epson C3500 and C7500 printers.  In addition, we’ve trained other depot technicians; including one in California.  Overall, General Data has experience working on Epson label printers as well as from all major manufacturers. We are able to service all types of printers including thermal, line, laser, and solid ink as well as copiers and scanners.”
 

GDC Service Fleet
GDC Service Fleet

After hearing about the remote possibility to clear up plugged nozzles, I asked Bradley, when should you not use the remote capabilities.  Bradley said, “Remote service cannot assist with any issues determined to be hardware related.”  If hardware is the problem, General Data offers Return to Depot service or even On-Site service if the customer is local to a trained GDC technician.  Continuing, Bradley adds, “GDC is partnered with Epson and are able to get OEM parts to use in our repairs.”
 
If you have plugged nozzles, we charge $140 per incident currently to use the remote tool to unplug C7500 nozzles. 
 
According to Dennis Moore, Regional Service Representative for Epson, “The advanced cleaning tool is a last resort option for clearing nozzles on a C7500 or C7500G.  It is a valid option/utility before resorting to on-site or return to depot service.”
 
It’s great to hear that we now have another tool to help our customers with potential issues with C7500 printers.  Contact us if we can help.
 
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Mi Nueva C6500P

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Gracias a mi grupo que habla Español y mis sinceras disculpas por cualquier error gramatico que quizás encuentren en este blog.  


Cuando recibí mi primera impresora Epson C6500P.

La C6500P En La Caja
La C6500P En La Caja 

Al probar esta nueva tecnología de Epson, y después de abrir la caja pensé que quizás encontrarían mi experiencia un poco interesante. Igualmente, pueden encontrar mi publicación de introducción en las impresoras de la serie C6000 de Epson, también de interés: https://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2019/09/new-c6000-series.html

Después de sacar la impresora de la caja, inicié la impresora primeramente sin instalar la tinta y trate de instalar el controlador, pero tuve problemas instalando el controlador. Me di cuenta que la instalación tenia que hacerse en el panel de LED en la misma impresora y no por medio de el controlador en la computadora.  C6500 Driver: https://epson.com/Support/Printers/Label-Printers/ColorWorks-Series/Epson-ColorWorks-CW-C6500P/s/SPT_C31CH77201 .  La inicialización tomó mas o menos unos 20 minutos. (mas tiempo que la impresora Epson C3500) Después de terminar el proceso de la iniciación, ya pude instalar el controlador sin problemas.  Después de todo este proceso, aprendí que el proceso de inicialización consume aproximadamente 50% de la tinta que la impresora inicialmente tiene. (similar a la Epson C3500). 


C6500 Driver
C6500 Driver

Al final del proceso de inicialización, trate de verificar la versión de la “firmware” para ver si estaba al día. Desafortunadamente encontré que no estaba al día. No me sorprendió mucho esto porque estas impresoras son completamente nuevas. Lo bueno es que pude encontrar la última versión de la “firmware” en la misma página web de Epson, donde se encuentra el controlador de la impresora.

C6500 Firmware Update
Instalación de la última versión de la “firmware” para la impresora C6500

Encontré el proceso de actualizar la “firmware” muy comparable y similar a mi barata impresora Epson Multifuncional WorkForce 4720.

Una vez que logré instalar el controlador y la última versión de la “firmware”, decidí imprimir unas etiquetas de papel mate. Para mí fue muy fácil colocar el rollo de etiquetas de papel usando los ejes. Si alguna vez han usado la impresora LX2000, se darían cuenta que el proceso de la impresora C6500 es mucho más fácil. (Por favor visite mi poste anterior donde comparo la LX2000 con la C7500 y consulte la sección donde se coloca el papel).  

Carrete de papel para la C6500
Carrete de papel para la C6500


Para el papel mate, seleccioné la opción de calidad normal;

Configuración del papel para la C6500
Configuración del papel para la C6500

Adicionalmente, cambié el perfil de la tinta en la opción de ajustes más avanzada a la configuración más oscura. Les recomiendo que hagan este cambio en la mayoría de sus trabajos de arte y aplicaciones.

Perfil de tinta para la C6500
Perfil de tinta para la C6500


Finalmente, asegúrese de configurar el cambio a “Rebobinar” si no está utilizando la función de Despegar y Presentar:


Después de configurar el cambio de impresión en la C6500
Después de configurar el cambio de impresión en la C6500


De lo contrario, la impresora le indicará que tiene que quitar la etiqueta.  Si no se cambia esta configuración, la siguiente etiqueta no le imprimirá correctamente. Usted puede mover un poco la etiqueta ligeramente y la siguiente etiqueta le imprimirá sin problemas.

Encontré la calidad de impresión y la velocidad muy buena. (aproximadamente la misma que la de LX2000)

 

Etiquetas de papel mate para la C6500
Etiquetas de papel mate para la C6500


Después de imprimir las etiquetas usando papel mate, decidí cambiar las etiquetas a papel brillante. Imprimí utilizando estas dos opciones. Calidad y Calidad Máxima.  Con un poco de atención, observe las diferencias en la barra verde y tal vez en el bloque rojo. Yo noté una ligera diferencia en los colores, pero muy poco.  Francamente, mi opinión es que no creo que la gran mayoría de las personas van a utilizar la opción de la Calidad Máxima.
Etiquetas de Papel Brillante para la C6500
Etiquetas de Papel Brillante para la C6500

Usando la opción de Calidad Máxima, en un papel brillante por ejemplo, puedes obtener la más alta y máxima resolución, pero con la velocidad más lenta que ofrece la impresora.  Por favor mire el video para que vea la diferencia cómo se imprimen dos etiquetas.  



Bueno, después de imprimir unas cuantas etiquetas, intenté probar la función que tiene la impresora C6500 de despegar la etiqueta automáticamente. Cambié la configuración del controlador a la “Aplicación Manual”; coloqué el respaldo de la etiqueta en el lugar donde la etiqueta se despega. La función de Despegar y Presentar funciono perfectamente!

La característica Despegar y Presentar de la C6500P
La característica Despegar y Presentar de la C6500P


Ninguna otra impresora de etiquetas de color ofrece esta increíble función. Si usted tiene operadores en una línea de trabajo, imprimiendo y aplicando las etiquetas a mano, esta función le ayudara aumentar su productividad.  Por favor tenga en cuenta que esta función de Despegar y Presentar no tiene sistema de cortar la etiqueta.

Después de usar la función de Despegar y Presentar, probé la nueva forma de reemplazar el color de tinta plana en el controlador Epson. Con esta función, la impresora automáticamente puede reemplazar un color por otro.  Usando la utilidad en la configuración de la impresora (en la sección de datos acumulados), establecí un nuevo valor en los colores RGB para poder reemplazar un color existente.

Configuración de color de tinta plana de la C6500
Configuración de color de tinta plana de la C6500 

A continuación, usted puede seleccionar el color en la sección definida en el controlador:

Configuración de color de tinta plana en el controlador de la C6500
Configuración de color de tinta plana en el controlador de la C6500 


También se puede cambiar los colores de la impresión final sin cambiar la ilustración o el arte. En la imagen de abajo se puede mirar como el bloque azul tiene un color diferente. Una vez más, no tengo conocimiento de ninguna otra impresora que ofrece esta capacidad.


Reemplazo de tinta plana en la Epson C6500. Da te cuenta en las diferencias de los colores azules C6500
Reemplazo de tinta plana en la Epson C6500. Da te cuenta en las diferencias de los colores azules C6500


Esta característica parece funcionar solamente con trabajos de arte y ilustraciones que se han creado con el sistema RGB y no con el sistema de CYMK.  Espero tener más información acerca de el reemplazo de color de tinta plana muy pronto.

Después de hacer diferentes pruebas con esta impresora, trate de alimentar el papel usando el ingreso posterior de etiquetas de gran tamaño como 8.375″ x 13.875″. Concluí que la C6500P es un reemplazo perfecto para la impresora Epson C831. Con grandes etiquetas y la habilidad de abrir el gabinete y poner estas etiquetas por detrás, encontré esto muy conveniente.
 


Usando el ingreso posterior para etiquetas de gran tamaño para la C6500 


Usando el ajuste Sintético en la opción de Impresión Calidad Normal, encontré que la velocidad de imprimir fue más rápida de lo que yo esperaba; probablemente más rápida que la impresora C831.  Mírame imprimir una etiqueta larga aquí en este video:



Y también encontré la calidad de imprimir las etiquetas mejor de lo que yo esperaba en comparación a la impresora Epson C831.


Calidad de etiquetas para tambores imprimidas con la C6500P
Calidad de etiquetas para tambores imprimidas con la C6500P

Después de probar estas etiquetas para tambores, decidí tratar la función de Despegar y Presentar usando etiquetas de tamaño de 8.375″ x 13.875″. Descubrí que la función de Despegar y Presentar funciono muy bien!


Despegar y Presentar usando etiquetas para tambores de gran tamaño con la C6500P
Despegar y Presentar usando etiquetas para tambores de gran tamaño con la C6500P


Esta grande etiqueta se pegó un poco en el respaldo donde la etiqueta se despega, pero se soltó sin problemas cuando le jale suavemente. La función de Despegar y Presentar me parece una opción perfecta para las etiquetas de tambores químicos.  Les sugiero a los propietarios de impresoras C831 de Epson, que observen y consideren la nueva impresora C6500P de Epson tan pronto come les sea posible.

En general, encontré mi experiencia con la nueva impresora C6500P de Epson muy positiva.

Alta calidad de impresión, operación fácil, características únicas como Despegar y Presentar, reemplazo de tinta plana e ingreso posterior para etiquetas de gran tamaño hacen que la impresora C6500 de Epson sea una gran alternativa a otras impresoras como la Primera LX2000, LX900 o LX1000; de VIP como la VP485 y la VP495; o de Neuralabel, la 300x.  Definitivamente, si usted tiene una de estas impresoras, debería seriamente considerar la posibilidad de reemplazarlas con la Epson C6500.
 

Después de todo, no probé varias de las nuevas características; como el controlador para las computadoras MAC, administración remota de impresoras o puerto de I/O. Pero no pierda cuidado, haremos estas pruebas y más en un futuro no muy lejano. Recuerde de ver mi publicación poste acerca de la impresión con ZPL aquí:  


Si encuentran las características de las impresoras C6500A o C6500P de interés, por favor póngase en contacto con nosotros. Siempre haremos lo más posible en ayudarles con la educación de esta nueva tecnología y demostrarles lo fácil que es aprender como imprimir sus propias etiquetas.
 

Guy Mikel con Beatriz, Tony y Grace
855-962-7670

On-Demand Color Print & Apply

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On-Demand color print and apply has been an elusive quest during my years of working on labels.

C7500 Label Applicator
C7500 Label Applicator


In the past, I’ve written about one system that was installed with one of our customers that Filled, Capped, and Labeled in one operation:



Now, Precision Automation, (https://precisionautomationinc.com/) has deployed what they call “FULL COLOR PRINT and APPLY LABELING SYSTEM”.  Watch the video of the deployment of this on-demand color print and apply system here (be sure to check out the video).

Precision Automation Company, Inc. provides high quality Automation Systems, Contract Machine Work, Fabrication, Machinery, Controls, and related services that improve productivity in their customers’ manufacturing and product handling processes.  Based in New Jersey, Precision Automation has operated since 1946.

 

According to Frank Jablonski, of Precision Automation, “we deployed two separate applications for this customer.  One was to apply label to Jugs on both front and back, which you see in the first part of the video.  In addition, we applied a second applicator to apply on-demand color labels to cartons which you see at about the 50 second mark.  In fact, we set up a third applicator to apply preprinted Flammable labels to the same cartons immediately after the product labels were applied.  Overall, this deployment of the Full Color Print and Apply Labeling System was very successful.

 

Arca Evolution 160 Label Applicator
Arca Evolution 160 Label Applicator

When asked about the loose-loop, label applicator, Frank said, “we use the Arca Evolution 160 Label Applicator, which was mounted on a customized stand and can dispense at up to 164 ft/minute. The labeling frequency can reach up to 800 labels/minute and it is accurate within 0.2 inches.” 


C7500 Label Printer
C7500 Label Printer


Continuing, Frank said, “for the system, we use the Epson C7500 which uses inkjet technology to print quality customized color labels for products or containers that require intricate designs. This Epson printer can easily be swapped out with a spare to keep the system up & running.”

 

From my experience, the C7500 is really the only color label printer with the capabilities to be integrated into a print and apply label solution.  The C7500 comes with a GPIO port to enable the applicator to communicate with the printer.  This capability is vital for any printer integrated with a printer applicator.



Similarly, the C6000P and the C6500P from Epson have been built to enable print and apply; especially print one, apply one systems.  Earlier, we launched the PAC-5 for print and apply one label at a time.  Learn more here: https://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2020/03/pct5-color-label-printer-applicator.html 

During our conversation, I asked Frank, why move to print and apply color labels on-demand?  Frank responded, “On-Demand color gives our customers lots of flexibility in their label production.  No longer are our customers beholden to label manufactures.  You can print what you need, when you need it; and become in essence your own label manufacturer.  Plus, on-demand color print and apply enables our customers to print variable data at the same time they print the labels.  Print and apply color labels on-demand improves the labeling workflow for many of our customers.”
 
If you want to print and apply color labels on-demand, be sure to contact us to discuss your requirements and possible solutions.  We look forward to working with you.
 
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

Color-Codes

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Color-Coding is one of the key applications for a color label printer.

 

Color-Coded Food Labels
Color-Coded Food Labels

And recently, I read a saw a video from ColorDyne, a competitor as we don’t resell their printers, on one of their customers, Soli, color coding their food products.  See it here:

In the video, Brown Dudley, owner of Soli, says he needed to color-code his labels for several reasons. First, Brown says the color-coded labels keep it simple for his customers.  Soli codes their labels based on protein; seafood is blue, vegetarian/vegan is green.  Plus, Soli printed in large text the total calories, to make it easy for their customers to select the correct dish for them.  Color coded labels are a tool for customers to decide, on their own, which dish is best for them.

Second, on-demand, color-coded labels are flexible.  Prior to on-demand color, Soli purchased preprinted labels which are totally inflexible.  Soli needs to make changes on the fly; including developing new dishes.  With preprinted labels, Soli was constantly stuck with label stock, creating waste and obsolete inventory.
 
Third, on-demand, color-coded labels are affordable.  In the video, Brown says his preprinted labels were costing as much as $0.90 each in the small quantities need for each SKU.  Now Soli is paying only $0.19 each per printed label.


Foodie Fit Label
Foodie Fit Label

In November 2018, we published a post on our customer, Foodie Fit, who is using the exact same application.  Read it here:  


In the post, Andrew Kowal said, “As we rotate our menu every other week, it’s impossible to use preprinted labels.  Large minimum order quantities and obsolete labels make purchasing preprinted labels not feasible for us”.


What is interesting to me is Soli seems to be paying significantly more per label than our customer, Foodie Fit.  In the post, the estimated ink cost was only $0.013.  And Foodie Fit’s latest actual cost for either their 16.75” or 19” long labels from us is a small percentage of total mentioned by Brown in the video.  It seems we are saving Foodie Fit money compared to Soli. (FYI: I don’t know if Brown was including labor and overhead costs to determine label costs).

 

Brite-Lab Label
Brite Labs Label

Beside applications for food, we have written about many other color-coding applications.  One market where color seems important is cannabis.  In these posts, Brite-Labs uses color for strain identification, as did Georgetown Cannabis some time ago. We have several cannabis companies using print on-demand color labels for strain identification.

Rebar Tags
Brooklyn Rebar Tags


A completely different color-coded application is building products; with Brooklyn Rebar. “We use both solid colors and different color hash marks for each of the locations on a project.  For most projects, the solid colors are sufficient.  When we need more locations, we use different color hash marks.  We find the color coding helps our customers and us internally to reduce errors and increase our productivity”, said the Project Manager.
Read more here:



QuickScrews Labels
QuickScrews Labels


And another building products post on color-coding is our customer, Quickscrews.  In the post, Mark Buechler said, “And the colors and icons make it easy for our wholesalers and customer to select the correct fastener.”

Tyson Tools Labels
Tyson Tools Labels

Closely related to building products are tools. Here is a post from a million years ago on color-coding tool labels. 


Pleasant Mattress Tags
Pleasant Mattress Tags


Color-coding can benefit Manufacturers as well; especially on the shop floor.  Learn how Pleasant Mattress uses color codes in manufacturing and in their shipping.  In the post, Russell Raymond said, “the color codes prevent potential errors.  If a shipping error is made, the incorrect color sticks out.  The color-coding labels in our operation saves us time and potential costs.”

And one of the first posts I ever was a part in creating involved logistics; again from a million years ago.  Read how Tubelightuses color for staging and shipping.  In the post, Scott Moray said, “Because we can identify shipment materials for any particular day, we require less time to load and unload, allowing our internal personnel and drivers to be more productive.”
 


CES Tags
CES Event Tags


A market where color-coding and variable images are important is trade
show event badges.  In this post, our customer CompuSystems, adds pictures and attendee type color-code to badges during the largest tradeshow in the world. 

The video by ColorDyne is a good reminder of the benefits or color-coding labels; but many different industries, not just food, can benefit from this application of on-demand labels.  Contact us on how color-coding would benefit your operations and sales.
 
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

G-Band Wristbands

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Wristbands.  Some of my earliest efforts in printing involved print on-demand color wristbands.

G-Band Color Wristband
G-Band Color-Print On-Demand Color


For example, here is a post on wristbands for events from September 2011.

And here is an event in October 2012 that I printed wristbands for the organizers.

Now we have a great print quality, lower priced wristband available to sell; our G-Band Color.


G-Band Color Wristband
G-Band Color Wristband

According to Jacki Block, Product Manager, Healthcare Consumables and Wristbands, “our new wristbands are not only less expensive, but offer many benefits that other bands don’t.  First, our G-Band color are chemical resistant; especially resistant to alcohols which are very prevalent in healthcare situations.


G-Band Color
G-Band Color

Second, our G-Band Color are one-size fits all.  Most other bands are sized to fit adults or children.  With one-size fits all, you can reduce the amount of inventory of wristbands at each print station, making printing much simpler.
 
Third, you can adjust the adhesive fitting and closing tags easily to make for a very comfortable fit.
 
Fourth, at 1.25” x 11”, the G-Band Color offers lots of “real estate” to print images, color codes, barcodes and variable data for the user of the wristband.
 
But most important, our G-Band color are less expensive; even less than traditional direct thermal bands.  In addition, we do offer volume discounts.”
 
In my research, I found Zebra wristbands from many different vendors; all were much more expensive.  For example, I found similar Zebra Z-Bands at CDW for $242.99 for 6 rolls of 200; or $0.20 each. Our G-Bands are much less expensive.

G-Band Color Eliminates Color Bands
G-Band Color Eliminates Color Bands

In addition to saving money, on-demand color printing enables health care facilities to reduce the number of bands per person.  Jacki says, “with the capabilities of on-demand color, a healthcare operation can set color codes for allergies, latex allergies, DNR, etc. to eliminate the number of bands placed on an individual patient.  These color codes not only save money, but improve the comfort of the patients.”

According to Jacki, “The G-Band identification wristband is designed for comfort and ease of use. The unique adhesive fitting and closure system makes it easy to fit the G- Band to any wrist size.”


G-Band Color Instructions
G-Band Color Instructions
STEP 1: Before applying to patient’s wrist, first remove the backing from the small fitting tab (1) on the back of the G-Band.
STEP 2: Place the G-Band around the wrist, with the fitting tab (1) at the bottom, facing towards you.
STEP 3: Bring the bottom of the G-Band up around the wrist, and affix the
fitting tab to the underside of the G-Band at a location where the G-Band fits correctly and
comfortably around the wrist.
STEP 4: Remove the backing from the larger closure tab (2) on the back of the G-Band. 
STEP 5: Affix the closure tab (2). For user comfort, make sure the closure tab is centered on the surface of the G-Band with no exposed adhesive on either side.   Press on the closure tab to assure positive adhesion.
 
After the closure tab has been affixed, do not attempt to re-open it.  The closure tab is equipped with tamper-evident slits that are designed to tear if the wristband or closure has been opened or tampered with.
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In addition to healthcare, wristbands can work as Visitor ID badges; with color codes for negative tests for Covid-19 for example.  Further, color codes can be printed on wristbands for every type of visitor and days for access.  Color is an easy variable data option to make it easy for anyone to check quickly and easily.

Other unique ways to use wristbands include plant wraps, shipping ID’s such as suitcases, cleaning schedules for healthcare devices, and Product ID’s (instead of labels).  Wristbands would work in any application that requires a non-tear wrap around an item or person.
 
To print wristbands, we recommend the C3500 printer.  We’ve sold thousands.  Purchase a C3500 printer here.


For improved print quality, consider the C6000A.  I found the print quality using the G-Bands from the C6000A to be outstanding.  Plus the price is right!


G-Band Direct Thermal Wristband
G-Band Direct Thermal Wristband


In addition to the G-Band Color, we also have comfortable and affordable Direct Thermal bands called G-Bands; with a 1” x 11” size.  In addition, we offer a second type of Direct Thermal band, the G-Band Ultra as well.  Jacki says, “The G-Band Ultra is made using 3 ply versus 2 ply on the G-Band. In addition, the Ultra band is made with tapered ends that help prevent hair and skin from sticking to the band.  We created the Ultra band in conjunction with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.”


G-Band Ultra Direct Thermal Band
G-Band Ultra Direct Thermal Band


Contact us if you want to save money on your DT wristband purchases.  We can help reduce your wristband costs significantly.
 
At Color Label Solutions, we’re all about print on-demand color.  Consider moving your wristband printing to color; saving you money and time as well as improving end user comfort.
 
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

Printing Blacks

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 I’ve said many times in the past that black is the most difficult color to print.


 Some time ago, I wrote how gloss poly seemed to produce the best black colors:


And later, I showed how our new whiter matte poly was producing better blacks during one stop of a Northern California road trip:


What I have not discussed before, is how artwork and the creation of black in the art changes the color of the print output.

 

According to Tony Molina, the inhouse Graphic Artist for Color Label Solutions, “most artwork today is created in Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Quark and other software.  In this software, many people believe that 100% K (black) is the best way to produce this color.  However, 100% K is not really black and can be somewhat flat.”

 

According to Phil Forbes in this article in PackHelp:

 

“Turning all these percentages (C,M,Y,K) up to 100% will give you black that’s kind of dull, washed out and not very black at all.”

 

Rich Black


As an example of the differences in black color print output, we received recently artwork to test print.  When printed initially, the black was not very “rich”.

 

RGB Values Not Zero
RGB Values Not Zero


By opening this file up in Photoshop and using the Color Picker function, Tony found the RGB values 35, 31, and 32; and the K% was 74:

 

RGB Black
RGB Not Zero


According to Tony, “using RGB values that create at least a 90% K value will create rich black colors. Make the R, G, B values 0 will create a black color that meets the 90% K requirement.  In the above referenced article, the author, Phil, has the RGB settings at 60, 60, 60.    You can have any combinations you want as long as all 4 primary colors are used and the black is 90+.”

 

Here Tony changed the colors in the same artwork to get a better black produced.


RGB Zero Black
RGB Values Zero



And this color produced a much richer black.

 

RGB Zero Black
Richer Black


To check this myself, I opened up BarTender and created a simple black square.  Once I selected black, I found that this software creates this color following Tony’s recommendation: Zero for R, G, B.

 

RGB Values 0
RGB Values Zero



And when I printed on our matte poly, the black color print output looked great.

 

BarTender Zero Black
BarTender Color Picker Black


The color picker in BarTender does not offer a C,M,Y,K option.

 

The bottom line; how you create black color in artwork makes a big difference in your print output.  One caveat: different printers and label media also make a difference in print output.  For example, we’ve found the black from the Memjet-based Afinia L801 or L901 printers produce darker, richer black colors generally when compared to the Epson printers; regardless of the artwork.  The dye-based inks in the Afinia printers produce very nice blacks.  Although the pigment-based inks in the Epson printers can produce great looking black colors, artwork and labels are more important in getting the print output you desire.

 

If you need help with your label printing or even label artwork creation, contact us.  We’ll help you get the quality and look you want with your on-demand label printing.

 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Loading C6000

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With the launch of the C6000 series printers, the label business has added a great new, affordable printer. 


C6000
C6000 Series Label Printer

Outstanding print quality, reliable, durable and for the most part easy to use.  I’ve written about this printer a lot so far:

First Post:  Introduction.

Fourth Post:  Out of the Box Experience

Eighth Post:  No Streaking.


Plus the C6000 series offers some unique features:

 

Movable sensor for printing circles: 

ZPL: 

Winders: 

But we have received one consistent complaint; initially, customers can not get this printer to load the media correctly.  And frankly, I had the same experience initially myself.  This post is an attempt to eliminate the problems of loading the label media into the C6000 series printers; and preventing this issue from arising in the future.

 

Most important to remember: Only load the label media if the LED says, LOAD PAPER:

 

C6000 Load Paper
C6000 Load Paper


If you get the printer into an error state such as this warning (or any other warning):

 

C6000 Error Message
C6000 Error Message

Do NOT Attempt to load the paper at this point.  Open up the media cover, remove the label from the media path, close the media cover, select pause, hit the Home button, turn off/turn on the printer, etc.; get the printer back to a “Load Paper” screen.  You can not “go past go” until you have the load paper message.

 

Second, I recommend you configure the printer for the label media to use on the LED first prior to loading. To configure the printer, arrow right and select OK to go to the menu (hit OK to select any item on the menu):

 

C6000 LED
C6000 LED Screen

Media Setting is the first option; select OK:

 

C6000 Media Setting
C6000 Media Setting

In the Media setting, set or ensure Media Type, Media Detect, Media Source and Media Form is correct.

C6000 Media Detect
C6000 Media Detect

FYI: Media Detect seems to be the most important as gap, blackmark or continuous is an important aspect to make sure the printer does not error.

C6000 Media Detect

C6000 Media Detect

Third, make sure the spindle gears are on the left side as you face the rear of the printer and the label come off the top:

C6000 Loading Media
C6000 Loading Media

Fourth, close the media guides to hit each side of the label, and run the label under the chrome media lip on each side of the guide:

 

C6000 Loading Labels
C6000 Loading Labels

Fifth load the labels under the black guide at the front of the media path.  See it here:

 

C6000 Media Path Lip
C6000 Media Path Lip

The labels must go under this lip in order to feed correctly into the printer.  Once fed under this lip, the printer will grab the labels, pull them down the paper path and startup.  Watch how the printer grabs the paper and starts up here:

And the media path should look like this picture below.  Notice the black lip above the label media at the front:

 

C6000 Loaded Labels
C6000 Loaded Labels

Once loaded, the paper will find the gap or leading edge.  You’ll see when the printer has found the gap after it ejects a label:

C6000 Labels Loaded
C6000 Labels Loaded

Then you’ll see “PAUSE” on the printer. Hit pause again and the LED will read “READY” (or ink is low in my case. I never change the ink or maintenance box until the printer stops):

 

C6000 Ready To Print
C6000 Ready To Print

By learning to load labels into the C6000 series printers correctly, you’ll save time and frustration; and get to use this great new printer quickly.

 

Purchase a C6000 series printer here:

Contact us to discuss how one of these new printers would fit into your operation. If you already have one of these printers, contact us for labels and ink.

 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

 

C6000 MAC OS Driver

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With the launch of the C6000 series of label printers, Epson offered their first MAC OS driver. 

 


In their initial press release, Epson stated the following:

Seamless Integration – Compatible with ZPL II, major middleware, SAP, Windows®, Mac®, and Linux


Although MAC accounts for only 9.4% of the operating systems market, it does have a much higher share with graphic artists and production houses; key operators and influencers in the label business.

 

As a Windows only user, however, I learned quickly during a support call how different are the drivers between these two operating systems.  Let me explain some of the differences and how best to use the MAC driver for the C6000 printers.

 

Normally, I suggest customers set up the Printer Defaults and Preferences after loading the Windows driver.


C6000 Windows Driver-Printing Defaults
C6000 Printing Defaults

And especially important to set the Media Definition prior to any printing:


C6000 Media Definition
C6000 Media Definition

Then when you print a document, the properties show the default or preferences settings:

 

C6000 Reader Dialog Box
C6500 Reader Dialog Box

With the MAC OS, however, it seems this strategy is not possible.  You need to go into the printing application to set the media definition first.

 

Working with Tony Molina, our resident Graphic Artist, we found the media definition settings from the properties box in the application (Adobe Reader in this case) only:


C6000 Reader MAC
C6000 MAC Reader Dialog Box

By entering the “Advanced” dialog box, you can “Manage Custom Sizes” and set up a page size.
C6000 MAC Custom Sizes


And then you can select the correct size from the properties box.


C6000 MAC Driver Setup
C6000 MAC Size Setup

Although the page size is set, none of the other settings have been established.  According to Dennis Moore, Technical Sales Support Specialist for Epson, you can locate the C6000 series driver inside the System Preferences icon by selecting, “Printers & Scanners”.

 

C6000 MAC Printer Settings
C6000 MAC Printer Settings


Then, select the C6500 and go to “Options & Supplies” to configure the other settings.”


C6000 MAC Printer Settings
C6000 MAC Printer Settings


Select the options to get to the “System Configuration” dialog box:

 

C6000 MAC Printer Settings
C6000 MAC Printer Settings


From this point, you can set the Media Type, Cut, etc.  Just as important, you can get to the Printing Setting Utility from the “Utility” tab:

 

C6000 MAC Printer Setting Utility
C6000 MAC Printer Setting Utility


Which opens the Utility to select options inside the printer such as Media Setting and Positioning:

 

C6000 MAC Printer Setting Utility
C6000 MAC Printer Setting Utility


C6000 MAC Media Setting
C6000 MAC Media Setting


Where you can select internal/external, Gap/Blackmark, Coating Type and Print Quality.  Positioning adjustments are required when printing full-bleed labels.

 

Get the MAC OS Drivers for the C6000 series printers here:


And purchase the C6000 series printers here:


Don’t forget Spare in the Air (SITA) Extended Warranty:


As a neophyte MAC OS user, I needed Dennis’s and Tony’s support to figure out how to set up the MAC driver for the C6000 and C6500 printers. Hopefully this summary makes your effort to start printing labels with a MAC OS system easier to do.  Contact us if we can help with your label printing.

 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Axon Tube Labeling

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Printing and applying labels with variable data to tubes is a key requirement for all companies selling prerolls.  Now we offer a less expensive option; the Axon 2.1:


Axon 2.1 Tube Printer/Applicator

“The Axon 2.1 is an update to the Axon 2, specifically designed for the cannabis market”, says Jeff Kennedy, National Sales Manager for Cab Technology, a leading in automated and high precision labeling.   Continuing, Jeff says, “the Axon 2.1 handles longer and wider tubes than the Axon 2; increasing the length from 105 mm to 120 mm and the diameter from 10-17 mm to 16-20 mm.”

 

Watch the Axon 2.1 apply labels to preroll tubes here:



“With a price of approximately $6,000, the Axon 2.1 should fit preroll manufacturers who want a simple system to print and apply labels to preroll tubes at an affordable price”, says Jeff. 

 

I’ve written about fully automatic preroll label applicators in the past:  

https://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2020/01/preroll-label-applicator.html 

These applicators work well for operators with large batches of preroll tubes.

 

As for labels for the Axon 2.1, we would provide you preprinted labels with your static brand logo and information.  Then you would print the variable data required for each label.  We can even provide you preprinted color labels for your various stain identification.  For this variable data printing, Jeff says, “you can run the Axon 2.1 as a stand-alone operation; printing without a PC.  You can enter the data via a keyboard or scan in the data from associated work orders.”

 

In my discussion with Jeff, I learned the Axon 2 has been a success in life science labs since it’s introduction in the fall of 2019.  In these labs, gloved operators find the Axon 2 a “pain-free” way to label tubes with blood and other types of samples for testing. Watch the Axon 2 in action here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL4jGJ62cE8 .  And learn more here:

https://www.cab.de/en/marking/print-apply/axon2/ 

If you need an affordable way to print and apply labels to preroll tubes, consider the Axon 2.1.  Contact us to purchase the Axon 2.1; or discuss how this until would fit into your operation.

 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

ICC Profiles

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CBD Startup has approached the market with a new concept on an old idea. They don’t just want you to sell their products; rather they want you to create your own business & brand. Success stems from the passion you put behind your company. With cutting edge design, product templates, fulfillment and distribution, and sales, CBD Startup offers all you need to be successful.



CBD Startup purchased a C6500A from us during the White Label Expo in Las Vegas NV.   After getting started print, Colin Sevier, IT Manager and Jack-Of-All-Trades, decided that the colors were “truly amazing” on the gloss poly; just a few points away from a great color match and not worth the time to fix.  However, the color on the matte poly, especially the blacks, should be different.  According to Colin, “the blacks were more charcoal.  We wanted to see a more vivid black and colors in general.”

As Colin came from a background in printing, he has the knowhow and tools to improve the colors with the C6500A. His primary tool to create an ICC Profile and improve the colors is the Datacolor StudioKit.  


An ICC profile is a set of data that characterizes a color input or output device, or a color space, according to standards promulgated by the International Color Consortium (ICC). Learn more here.

Colin says, “With the Datacolor Studio Kit, I printed out a color map using the C6500A and the matte poly labels.  I made sure the printout was without any extra color, but with the Quality setting. 



Datacolor Map
Datacolor Map

Every setting would need a different color map and ICC profile.  On the color map, I scanned/measured the colors which inputted this information into the software.  Once all the colors were scanned, the software creates the profile.”
After getting the profile from Colin, I attempted to replicate the results.  First, I learned where to upload the profile to the computer.  All ICC color profiles go to this directory in Windows:  C:WindowsSystem32spooldriverscolor
Second, I had to set the driver settings to use the correct ICC profile. Normally, I would use this Quality setting for a matte poly.  Notice the “Vivid Color” selection.

C6500 Synthetic Quality Setting
C6500 Synthetic Quality Setting

To use the ICC profile, I selected the ICM color correction mode.   The Epson Engineering Manual says, ICM (Image Color Management) is a Windows color control function to match apparent color between different devices such as a monitor and a printer. Apparent color on the monitor and on the printout is matched based on ICC profiles. An ICC profile is a file that describes characteristics of the device such as a monitor and a printer according to ICC (International Color Consortium) standards.”
 

C6500 ICM Settings
C6500 ICM Settings

Be sure to select “Show All Profiles” to see the correct selection.  And then select the ICC profile desired, such as the CW-6500Au MattePoly Quality Settings, that Colin created.
After these setting changes, I printed out a basic black/green artwork to see the color difference: and you can see a difference:

With/Without ICC Matte Poly Profile
With/Without ICC Matte Poly Profile
The blacks are blacker and the greens seem more natural on the matte poly than using the standard Vivid Color profile.
Colin says, “Once I uploaded the ICC profile into the C6500, the colors were much better, even dead on.  The blacks were blacker and the colors were more vivid.  What’s great with the ICC profile is now the print output matches our calibrated monitors.  What we see, is what we get!”  During our conversation, I learned that Colin calibrates the monitors and televisions using the same Datacolor Studio Kit.
Creating ICC Color Profiles is another way to improve the performance of the C6500.  And for me, I can say it is a pleasure to learn about label printing from a smart customer like CBD Startup and printing professionals such as Colin.  It’s a real pleasure to work with these types of companies and people.
If you want to improve the performance of your color label printers, contact us.  We’d love to earn your business; and your support.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Antimicrobial Screen Protectors

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Do you use touchscreen computers in your operations?  If so, you should consider the newest addition to our product line, General Data’s Antimicrobial Screen Protectors.
GDC Screen Protectors
Seal Shield Screen Protectors
These medical grade, antimicrobial, screen protectors work with any flat screen monitor or handheld device.  The screen protectors provide comparable antimicrobial results to hospital disinfectants and bleach solutions.  In addition, this patented product increases the strength of the screen itself protecting it from dings and scratches. 


General Data got into selling the Screen Protectors by working with our partner Seal Shield.  Founded in 2006, Seal Shield is a world leader in infection control technology. They offer a full range of technologies and patent-pending products that mitigate the risk of cross contamination in healthcare settings, communal environments, and in your home.

Seal Shield developed the technology for the healthcare markets; and General Data coats the screen protectors for them; a 6.0 mil clear thermoplastic polyurethane topcoated with specially formulated antimicrobial additive with a permanent acrylic adhesive and 90# release liner.  I’ve written about the General Data Coatings team prior.


Seal Shield Screen Protector
Seal Shield Screen Protector

This product contains an antimicrobial, fungistatic agent which protects the product and keeps it cleaner, greener and fresher by inhibiting the growth of  microbial bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi on the product’s surface.

The Seal Shield Screen Protectors meet the JIS Z2801 standard which tests the ability of plastics, metals, ceramics and other antimicrobial surfaces to inhibit the growth of microorganisms or kill them.  Learn more here.

To order the screen protection, send us the width, height and corner radius of the device(s) you want to protect.

According to Aaron Heller, General Data Sales, “the Screen Protectors will fit any organization that uses touchscreen monitors and other devices who want to protect their employees and customers from viruses such as Covid-19.”  Retailers with kiosks and manufactures with computer monitors on the production line are perfect examples of where to use the Shield Shield Screen Protectors.

Seal Shield Keyboards
Seal Shield Keyboards
In addition to the Screen Protectors, Seal Shield offers dishwasher safe keyboards and mice.  Contact us to discuss the type of keyboards and mice you may require.
Seal Shield Mouse
Seal Shield Mouse
If your organization uses touch screens or keyboards and want to protect your employees and customers, contact us to discuss how the technology from Seal Shield will improve your organization’s safety.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Thermal Labels From CLS?

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ColorLabel Solutions is the premier provider of print on-demand color label systems.  But did you know we also manufacturer and sell thermal transfer and direct thermal labels as well?


Black Rhino Labels
Black Rhino Labels
Color Label Solutions became a manufacture of labels with the purchase of our company by General Data on March 1st 2019.  Learn more here. 


General Data (GDC) is one of the largest and most diversified manufacturers and converters of thermal transfer and direct thermal labels.  Our expertise spans multiple industries and applications, including barcode labels for industrial applications, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, packaging, food and beverage, cold storage, and healthcare.  GDC produce labels that stand up to all sorts of harsh conditions, including abrasion, moisture, chemicals, solvents and temperature extremes.  GDC produces both standard and custom size thermal labels, and we can supply you these labels.
Many (or maybe most) of our customers use either thermal transfer or direct thermal labels somewhere in their operation.  But when should you use either technology? 
Choosing Between A Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Print Solutions
In simplest terms, thermal transfer printing utilizes a thermal ribbon and direct thermal printing does not.


Thermal Transfer Printing

Thermal transfer involves the thermal printhead elements (dots) heating the backside of a thermal transfer ribbon to melt and transfer the compounds on the front side of the ribbon to the label material, thus creating the printed image.


Direct Thermal Printing
Direct Thermal Printing

Direct thermal printing requires a heat sensitive label material. The printhead elements come into direct contact with the heat sensitive material where the heat from the elements causes a color change in the material to create the printed image.

To learn more about the differences between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, watch this GDC video: 

Knowing the difference between thermal transfer printing and direct thermal printing is only the first step in evaluating the two alternative technologies for use in your label printing application.  The following considerations, while not an exhaustive list, account for the key areas to review when selecting which technology to use.
  • THERMAL PRINTHEAD LIFE & COST
  • PRINTER CONFIGURATION & COST
  • MEDIA SELECTION & COST
  • LABEL LIFE REQUIREMENTS
Learn more about when to use either direct thermal or thermal transfer labels in this article from Sato Corporation: 

Our team of print experts can help you identify the best printer and label for your specific application. Contact us today for more details.

Linerless Labels
Linerless Labels

For direct thermal labels, GDC produces linerless labels.  Linerless labels eliminate the need for liner, thus reducing waste and saving money.  Learn more about linerless labels here:

Black Rhino Labels


GDC proudly manufactures the Black Rhino™ brand of labels and tags. These high-quality barcode labels come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, and are suitable for a number of different applications. Black Rhino provide outstanding performance and print quality in thermal labels, including printers from Zebra, Intermec, Honeywell, Sato, Datamax, and others. And we’ve got hundreds of SKU’s of Black Rhino brand labels in stock, ready for immediate shipment. If we don’t carry the label that you need in stock, we can make it for you.  General Data’s custom thermal label manufacturing expertise is unparalleled in the industry.
Grant Grooms
Grant Grooms
When asked why to purchase thermal labels from GDC, Grant Grooms, National Sales Manager, says “Unlike other companies who purchase label stock to convert, GDC makes our own thermal materials.  These components come from long-term partners, who provide us consistent raw materials.  By working with GDC, you have a One-Stop-Shop/One Throat to Choke Business that provides consistent, high-quality thermal labels.”
If you use direct or thermal transfer labels, contact us. We can save you money and make your label purchasing easier to do.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 


Shrink Sleeve Labels

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AmeriGraphPackaging Group was founded in 1998 as a manufacturer of printed, pressure-sensitive prime labels, tags, and shrink sleeve packaging for both the food and consumer goods markets.  Over the past 20 years, AmeriGraph Packaging Group has received numerous accolades and awards for product packaging and labeling design innovations, as well as outstanding customer service.

AmeriGraph Packaging Group
AmeriGraph Packaging Group


In 2020 AmeriGraph Packaging Group became a part of General Data Company Inc. (GDC), the parent of Color Label Solutions.   GDC is a national supplier of labeling solutions for both industrial and consumer goods markets.  Learn more about the purchase of Color Label Solutions by GDC here:

One key aspect that AmeriGraph brings to GDC is the design and manufacture of shrink-sleeve labels.  Shrink Sleeve labels are 360-degree printed labels that utilize heat in the application process to conform the label to the shape of the product. These labels are printed on either plastic or polyester film material.   According to Paul Thompson, General Manager of AmeriGraph, “The main reason to use shrink-sleeves is the 360-degree real estate provide by this type of label.    With a shrink-sleeve label, you can print anything all around the container.  Brand designs, ingredients, and regulatory information can be position anywhere on the container.  Marketing can use the entire space for their messages.”


AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example
AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example

Continuing, Paul says, “In addition, shrink-sleeve labels make it easy for companies to maintain brand colors when using standard containers that are typically white or clear.  Using standard packaging saves money.”

AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example
AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example

In my conversation with Paul, I asked him what type of companies use shrink-sleeve labels on their packaging.  According to Paul, “Consumer good and food companies are large users of shrink-sleeves primarily for branding purposes.  And recently, we’ve had a large increase in business from sanitation companies; for cleaners, disinfectants and other type of products.  For AmeriGraph specifically, we produce a lot of shrink-sleeve labels for spirit companies. For example, Ole Smoky Moonshine, is a customer who uses both our labels and shrink sleeves.  Branding is very important to Ole Smoky, and the combination of both types of labels gives them flexibility in their messaging.”

AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example
AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example

In spirits, it seems most wines use labels to communicate their brand persona.  However, shrink-sleeve labels would fit when a unique brand proposition was desired.  With the growth of boutique brands in the spirits, shrink-sleeve labels would seem to fit well in this market.

AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example
AmeriGraph Shrink Sleeve Example
After learning more about shrink-sleeve labels, I asked Paul, why choose AmeriGraph?  Paul says, “shrink-sleeve labels are complicated to design and print; and AmeriGraph are experts in this area.  We take an art file, typically created in Adobe Illustrator, and print it on a grid material.  We shrink the material onto the package to calculate how much each area of the label has shrunk.  Based on the percentage shrink, we can redesign the artwork to fit the container.  We are really good at managing the amount of shrink of the label and the design required to work in this situation. Overall, our ability to manage the design and test the material prior to production is our key strength with shrink-sleeve labels.”
To put together a quote for a shrink sleeve label, AmeriGraph requires this information:

  • Graphic file, probably created in Illustrator.
  • Specification length and lay flat width.
  • 3-D design of the packaging from the manufacturer.

If you are interested in learning more about the options or getting a quote for shrink sleeve labels for your brands and company, contact us.  We’ll help you explore how shrink sleeve labels from AmeriGraph can work for you.


Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 


Tube Label Applicator

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Do you produce and label products that are sold in tubes?  Now, we offer a semi-automatic applicator to apply labels to tubes; The LabelMill LM1005 Table-Top Applicator System with Round Module and Mandrel.

LM1005 With Mandrel
LM1005 With Mandrel
“The LM1005 with a Mandrel is designed for cosmetic, food, cannabis/CBD, and related manufacturers who produce short runs of products sold in squeeze tubes; cosmetics, lotions, shampoos, etc.,” says Chris Wachter, Business Development, for LabelMill.  Continuing, Chris says, “more companies are producing shorter runs of more SKU’s, making labeling of tubes an important part of the manufacturing process.  Our customer, Merle Norman uses it for many different SKU’s.”
Watch the LM1005 run here:



When asked how did you get started making the Mandrel version of the label applicator, Chris says, “we were approached by a dog and cat shampoo manufacturer who need to label tubes.  We took our standard round label applicator and integrated the mandrel for tubes.  Using our base machine, you can go from a tamp application for flat packages to round module bottle application to mandrel tube application quickly.”
Watch how to quickly change the LM1005 from a tamp module to a round module here:



The capability to go from tamp to round to mandrel applicator is a unique feature of the LM1005.  I don’t know of any other semi-automatic applicator with this type of feature.
In addition to the quick-change capability, the LM1005 can be integrated with a printer; including the C6500A.  When you apply a label, the LM1005 control signals the printer to produce a label and keep the loose-loop going.  Watch a thermal label printer integrated with the LM1005 tamp version here:



When asked, “what is the best feature of the LM1005”, Chris says, “What I like best about the LM1005 is how easy it is to use.  The first time an operator adjusts the applicator for a new product, it may take a few minutes.  Very quickly, however, an operator can make the changes in seconds.  With the tube label applicator, the quick-change mandrel makes changing tube sizes very easy and quick to do.”
LM1005 Mandrel
LM1005 Mandrel

The Mandrel-based, semi-automatic, label applicator is a unique device; especially given the capability to change this machine into a round bottle or tamp applicator.  I don’t know of any other applicators with this type of setup.

Purchase the LM1005 Tube applicator here: 

If you label tubes, contact us to discuss how the LabelMill LM1005 could fit into your operation.  And if you need labels for your tubes, contact us as well.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

300x Replacement

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Do you have or considered a Neuralabel 300x color label printer?

300x Color Label Printer
300x Color Label Printer

For users of the 300x, we have now an inexpensive and reliable option to replace these difficult machines.  Let me tell you more about our experience with the 300x and our suggested option.
In October 2014, I saw the first print results from the 300x printer.  At the time, I thought the 300x printer would be a great option:  8+” wide, high resolution, durable pigment ink, permanent printhead, availability of HP on-site service and very fast print speeds; up to 20” per second.  During 2015, I spoke about this printer to many customers; and even published this post.

and I purchased a 300x demo printer and wrote more in the Spring of 2016:

After receiving my 300x demo printer, I sold the first one to a former Kiaro printer user/food customer who required using gloss paper labels in a freezer environment.  They did not like the requirement to purchase labels from Quick Label Systems to use in the Kiaro; and wanted a less restrictive option.  Given our customer prints labels up to 6” wide, I felt the best option was the 300x.


300x in Customer's Location
300x in Customer’s Location

However, we had many issues with the 300x printer.  First the gloss paper labels would jam inside the printer; and could not be removed.  The labels would “predispense” as they made their way around the 3 turns inside the printer. Over the course of the next few years, we went through 10 to 20 replacement printers because of this paper jam problem.  I learned that labels are not meant to go through 3, 180 degree turns in a printer.  This problem started us looking for an option.


300x Jammed Label
300x Jammed Label
Second, we had to use a specific gloss paper label as the ink would not immediately dry on many types of gloss.  Similar to the Epson C7500, the pigment ink in the 300x would not dry immediately, causing smears.  As a result of this issue, Epson launched the C7500G, specifically designed to work with gloss material.  Learn more here: (the most read post on our blog site)
In addition to smearing, Neuralabel recommended a “tight release liner/coating” material to reduce the likelihood the label would “predispense” inside the printer.  Neuralabel provides the following direction:
300x Tight Release Liner/Coating
300x Tight Release Liner/Coating
But the label cost for tight release coating is significantly more expensive.  This increased material cost along with the problems with the paper jams drove us to find an alternative.
Third, the 300x does not have a gap sensor; only a blackmark sensor requiring a unique que mark.  This specific requirement increased our label prices further.
Fourth, printing full bleed accurately was almost impossible.  The 300x requires a large, .25” gap between labels.  Learn more here:

Further, the 300x setup requires moving the printer between the winders for every label width.  This combination made it very difficult to get and keep the 300x set for full bleed.  It could be accomplished, but not for the faint of heart.

300x Winder Marked Position for Different Widths
300x Winder Marked Position for Different Widths
Overall, our and our customer’s experience with the 300x was not good. To keep our customer, we had to find a better option.
And in February 2020, we ship our first C6500A printer and DPR winders to the former 300x customer:

C6500A with Winders
C6500A with Winders

Read more about the C6500 and DPR winders here:


We felt our customer would find the C6500A printer not only more reliable and easier to use, but also much more affordable; with lower hardware and ink costs.  Further the C6500A enables lower gloss paper label costs.
The initial feedback from the customer, however, was not so positive.  The customer said, “it took all day to print the labels we needed in one batch.  The C6500A printer is just too slow.  Can you suggest settings other than gloss?”  Based on this feedback and discussions with Epson, we recommended different settings.  Learn more in this post.

These new settings increased our speed significantly while keeping the print quality acceptable.


 

C6500A Print Quality At “Speed” Setting

According to our customer, “at the new faster settings, the print quality is about the same as the 300x.  It’s still slower, but it is sufficient given our print volume.  We use the setting, “Speed” and it seems to work well.”
Continuing, the customer said, “Also, the printer is much easier to load media.  We no longer have to move the winders for every paper width.  Plus, we do like the fact that we can continue using our old Mac computer as we did with the 300x also.  Finally, we are tracking our ink consumption to compare ink costs.  But so far, the ink costs seem less.”


C6500A With Rewinder
C6500A With Rewinder
Based on our and our customer’s experience, you should consider moving from the 300x to the C6500A label printer immediately.  You’ll save money, time and frustration.  Purchase the C6500A here:

DPR winders For the C6500A here:

Spare in the Air (SITA) extended warranty for the C6500A here:

And C6500A ink/kit here:

Contact us to discuss how the C6500A can replaces your 300x color label printer.

Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com