Label Design Guidelines - Lexmark 25C0010 - X 500n Color Laser Manual

The major adhesive-related printing problem is printer and cartridge contamination. The adhesives are semi-liquid
and may contain volatile components. If the sheet jams in the fuser, the adhesive can melt, thereby contaminating
parts of the printer or releasing fumes. To avoid exposing adhesive to the paper path guides, drive rollers, charge
roller, photoconductor drum, transfer roller, and detack fingers, use full label sheets.
Zone coating means placing the adhesive only where needed. Paper labels and integrated forms typically use zone
coating. In addition, a non-adhesive border of 1 mm (0.04 in.) around the outside edge of the label sheet generates
good results. Check with your adhesive manufacturer or forms supplier for more information about designing labels
for your printer.
A stripped edge matrix along the outer border of the stock, combined with adhesive that does not ooze, helps prevent
adhesive contamination. This design requires a stiffer backing material to prevent damage when the sheet is aligned
on the reference edge. Generally, vinyl and polyester labels are well-suited for this design. Paper and dual web designs
may require testing to determine which backing produces good results. (For more information on matrices, see
"Label design guidelines" on page 23.)
Make sure the release strength is adequate so labels stay attached to the liner and do not peel off in the printer.
Adhesives must be able to withstand pressures to 25 psi and fuser temperatures of 225°C (437°F) without
delaminating, creating hazardous fumes, or oozing around edges of labels, perforations, or die-cuts. Shear strength
should be strong enough to prevent adhesive stringers. Contact your forms supplier for additional information.
Face sheet (printable stock)
Paper, vinyl, and polyester are the most common materials used for printable stock. Your forms supplier can provide
information on whether the printable stock you want to use can withstand temperatures of 225°C (437°F)
[temperatures vary between printers; check the section for your specific printer] and pressures to 25 psi. Carefully
test the stock to ensure it functions satisfactorily with your printer.
Topcoats
Topcoats for non-paper labels may be either water based or solvent based. Avoid topcoats containing chemicals that
emit hazardous fumes when heated or exposed to pressure. Topcoats affect the print quality, feed reliability, and
adhesion of toner to the face sheet. Topcoats must be able to withstand temperatures up to 225°C (437°F)
[temperatures vary between printers; check the section for your specific printer] and pressures up to 25 psi for 100
milliseconds to prevent fuser damage.
Water-based topcoats tend to be more conductive than solvent-based topcoats and are more difficult to fuse. With
some water-based topcoats and heavy liners, the fuse grade may fall below acceptable levels. Solvent-based topcoats
tend to be lower in conductivity than water-based topcoats. With some solvent-based topcoats, fuse grade is within
acceptable levels when heavier liners are used.
Print quality may degrade when using topcoats on labels with heavier liners. Using a lighter liner may reduce the
appearance of splatter. Test forms carefully with your printer to be sure the topcoat used performs acceptably for
your application.

Label design guidelines

Labels with a stripped edge matrix have the area around the outer edge of the cut sheet removed. Labels with a total
strip matrix have the unneeded portion of the die-cut stock around the labels (including a portion between the labels)
removed to make it easier to peel the labels from the backing.
Butt cut labels are cut flush to one another, with no extra area between them. Avoid using butt cut labels without a
stripped edge matrix.
Labels
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