Crown Labels

In-House Label Printing vs. Outsourcing: Which is Right for Your Business?

awmedia.admin — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:02:34 +0000

If you need to print labels for the first time, you might wonder if you should buy your own equipment or outsource production to a professional label printer. In this blog post, we’ll explain what you need for each option along with the pros and cons. Every situation is different, so it’s important to think about what works best for you.

Printing Your Own Labels

What you need:

Printer and Supplies (eg. ink)

Plain Labels

Label Printing Software

Artwork or Designs

Desktop printers can typically cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand, with the quality and durability typically increasing the more you spend. One popular choice is inkjet machines such as Memjet or Epson Colorworks printers.

These machines print at a reasonable speed and are great for printing images or other designs which don’t involve large blocks of solid colours. They can also print onto a range of materials including glossy papers and waterproof materials like polypropylene (similar to vinyl).

Another option is laser printers which use toner to print onto rolls or pre-cut A4 label sheets. These machines can have a high DPI and can also print onto a range of papers and other materials. Be careful to make sure you are buying the correct sheets for these printers as sheets which are suitable for inkjet printers might not be suitable for laser machines.

Printers from well-known brands like Epson typically come with software to help you print your labels. If you need special features, like unique barcodes or changing batch numbers, make sure the software can support this.

It’s also important to think about not just the cost of the printer but also the cost of ink and the plain labels themselves. It all adds up !

Pros of Inhouse Printing:

Fast and flexible—great if you need labels quickly or have a lot of different artworks with unexpected and varying demand for each.
Cheaper for very small print jobs because you avoid minimum order charges.
You can easily customize labels with things like batch numbers or dates.

Cons of Inhouse Printing:

High upfront cost to purchase the printer.
Quality inferior to professional printers and may not be suitable for durable labels.
No option for embellishments or protective finishes such as varnish or lamination.
Higher cost per label for medium to long run jobs.
Printing can be a time consuming process both processing artwork, troubleshooting and printing the labels themselves.
A lot of printers will struggle with colour consistency and demonstrate banding problems.

Outsourcing to a Professional Label Printer

What you need:

If you wish to outsource your label printing you will need to invest in the following:

1. Professional artwork (usually in PDF format)

2. New cutters or print plates may be required for some print processes – (although digital printing may avoid the need for this however.

Professional label printers offer many ways to print labels, like digital or flexographic printing. They also offer special finishes like foiling and lamination.

From receipt of your enquiry the printer will select the right print process and materials to suit your requirements. They will then typically send you a quote with a range of different quantities to show how the unit cost per label will vary depending on quantity ordered. Generally the more you order the less you will pay per label as the setup charges are spread over a greater volume of labels.

You will need artwork in a format like PDF, but many printers have designers who can help if needed. After you place your order, you can expect your labels in about 5-6 working days. Reputable label printers will also keep production samples to ensure colour matching for future orders.

How To Print Your Own Address Labels

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:57:51 +0000

1. Buy A Desktop Label Printer

For printing small to medium address labels a small desktop label printer is perfectly suited to this task. This is what we use at Crown Labels for all our parcel and letter dispatches. These printers are easy to install, don’t take up much desk space and are inexpensive to purchase. Prices vary typically from between £200 to £400 (exc. VAT) depending on the make and model you go for. Popular models include the Zebra GK-420T printer and the Godex RT series. Both are reliable, come with free to use software and are straight forward to install. These label printers are installed in a similar manner to a normal A4 sheet printers, they need a driver to be installed and a single USB connection.

Top Tip: For address labels we would always recommend purchasing a thermal transfer printer (which uses a print ribbon) rather than a direct thermal printer. Although these are slightly more expensive and need a print ribbon, the print on the label print will last for longer which will help in more challenging transit conditions.

2. Purchase Labels Compatible with Your Printer

The next step is to purchase labels which are compatible with your recently purchased printer. The labels will need to be supplied on rolls and meet a few bits of criteria, the key things to check on your printer specification/data sheet are:

1. Maximum outer diameter size of the roll (so it can fit in your printer ok – typically around 120mm for the small Zebra models)

2. Inner diameter of the core (the hollow cylindrical piece of cardboard which the labels are wound round – typically 25mm for small Zebra printers)

3. Length of the core (in some cases this will need to stretch the full width of the label roll).

4. Are you using a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer (direct thermal printers will need direct thermal labels which react to heat similar to till receipts).

5. Would you like a plain or pre-printed label (eg. with your logo printed in colour or just a plain white label so you can print the address in black ).

If you are in any doubt about the label specification you need you should always contact a label company to make sure all bases are covered in regards to the variables above. Please contact us if you need any further advice or guidance.

3. Purchase Ribbons Compatible with Your Printer

In a similar manner to how the labels need to suit your printer, the key things to check before purchasing your printer ribbons are:

1. Maximum label width you are printing onto (so this can be exceeded by your ribbon to cover the full width of the label)

2. Ribbon core diameter (and whether it needs to be notched)

3. Material of your labels (for address labels this will generally be a paper label so a wax ribbon will be adequate for your application).

4. Whether the ribbons needs to be inkside in or inkside out (see printer spec. sheet).

Again – if you are in any doubt about the label specification you need you should always contact a label company who will be able to make sure they supply you with the correct labels and ribbons to suit your setup.

4. Last Step – Print Your Labels!

The next step is to print your labels – as the video below demonstrates it is as easy and straight forward as printing an A4 document ! Simply save your customer delivery addresses within the label printing software as and when you type them in to build up a database which can be easily accessed for future dispatches.

For any further advice please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our team who will be able to help you with your enquiry.

How to Design Custom Ice Cream Labels

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:57:01 +0000

After carefully sourcing super fresh milk, developing a range of tasty flavours, and finalising your distribution channels, it’s time to label your brand new ice cream. You could rush straight to selling, but your ice cream label design is vital for ensuring that consumers actually want to buy your product – they might not always have the opportunity to taste it! Keep reading to find out our top tips for designing custom ice cream labels, and discover new ideas for materials and print processes.

Pick Freezer Adhesive

Before you get to the fun part of creating your custom ice cream label design, you first need to select a material and adhesive. We recommend semi-gloss with a freezer adhesive as this is a cost effective material which is designed for deep freeze applications. This adhesive even has a service temperature down to minus 40 degrees Celsius! Not only is this paper from sustainable origins, but it is fully compatible with all of our print processes, meaning you’re able to have total flexibility with your design. There’s are also other materials which can complement your packaging, such as clear polypropylene.

Pick Freezer Adhesive

Ice cream containers come in all different shapes and sizes, so unfortunately there’s not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. That said, there are many common placements for labels – such as in the recessed part of the container lid, or on the base. This will depend on your budget; a cost effective choice is for one label on the lid, but if you’ve got more to spend then you may wish to split different parts (such as the ingredients) onto a separate base or side label.

You may want to get a container pre-printed with a basic design, and then use stickers to customise for different flavours. This is a great option as stickers are much easier to update or change, plus can be a lot cheaper across many quantity breaks.

Save Space for important information

As with any consumer food product, you need to ensure that ingredients and allergens are suitably identified so as to meet legal requirements for your ice cream stickers. For dairy products, Milk is a key allergen, but other ingredients may also contain additional allergens. Ensure you use a legible font for allergy and ingredient information, so that even on small labels it is easy to read.

Does your ice cream have a special feature such as being vegetarian, dairy free or free from nuts? With consumers more conscious than ever of ingredients and allergens in their food, promoting this feature could help appeal to new markets.

Another legal requirement is a best before or use by date, which needs to be somewhere on the ice cream packaging and easily readable. This date could be included in your actual label design, as on the picture above, but there’s also other options if you need more flexibility. For example, you could pick matt paper to be your material if you want to write on the label by hand. Alternatively, you could thermal transfer print the date onto your labels for a more professional look.

Make sure to also include your ‘Product of Animal Origin’ (POAO) oval symbol. This is part of EU food safety regulation to track food processing establishments, so as to help with food safety and customs inspections. Rules regarding this symbol will change depending on how the UK leaves the European Union, so make sure to subscribe to our updates for news about any changes in labelling requirements.

Differentiate Your Flavours

You’ve spent time carefully developing amazing new flavours, so make sure you’ve got amazing labels to match! Our digital label capabilities mean we can print a whole range of varieties, even incorporating variable data, so as to print customised labels for each of your flavours.

We recommend using colours or patterns (or both!) to create a mini ‘sub brand’ for each flavour. This means it’s easy for your customers to quickly find their favourite flavour, while also enticing people to try new flavours and combinations, which may otherwise have gone unnoticed without a distinct label design.

Lots of brands use a colour related to the ice cream flavour, such as red for strawberry or brown for chocolate. Our digital press can print across an extended colour gamut, meaning that your chosen colours will look vibrant and eye-catching and help stand out from competitors.

Conclusion

While designing a brand new label from scratch can feel daunting, it doesn’t need to be! At Crown Labels, we’ve got lots of experience supporting ice cream and dairy customers to create their perfect label. From ensuring the best materials, to developing a design which makes use of our full range of production capabilities, our team are here to help.

What is the best label material to write on?

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:55:47 +0000

Labels are the perfect way to add extra information to something, particularly service labels, PAT testing stickers, or when a date needs to be added to something. Unfortunately not all labels are created equal when it comes to writing information on them, as different finishing options and materials used to achieve certain properties can have a negative impact on how print-receptive they are. Use this guide to find out more about the range of different label materials to write onto, and what may work best for your application.

Labels compatible with Pencils and Crayons

Matt paper is a standard option for labels that need to be written on

The best label material for writing on with pencils and crayons is definitely matt paper. As with standard paper sheets, uncoated paper is very print-receptive and works with anything from pencils to pens and markers.

One thing to watch out for paper labels is whether the label has a varnish or not, as a flood varnish coating (whether it’s gloss or matt) will cover the entire label with a layer between the actual paper and where you’re trying to write. This can be particularly problematic when using pencils. Coated papers can also be tricky to write on for the same reason.

Labels compatible with Ballpoint Pens and Biros

Ballpoint ink pens can often be more successful for writing onto labels than pencils, but still encounter similar issues with a flood coat varnish – the main difference is that with additional pressure, some ink can still be seen scratched onto the surface. Like with pencils, a matt label is much better than a gloss label.

Gloss synthetic materials such as gloss polypropylene is definitely a material to avoid with ballpoint pens. This material is not receptive to ink, with it smudging off and hardly leaving any remnants of written text.

Matt Polyethylene is a great option for maintenance labels

However, matt synthetics such as matt polypropylene or matt polyethylene are great options for durable labels, as they have all the benefits of synthetic labels while still being compatible with ballpoint pens. This is because the matt texture is able to hold ink much more successfully than a gloss synthetic surface. We think that matt polyethylene in particular is an excellent print receptive material thanks to its smooth and soft surface.

Labels compatible with Permanent Markers

Permanent markers have the ability to write onto a range of non-synthetic labels and synthetic labels (both base materials and laminates). As permanent markers have a much thicker tip than biros or pencils, the ink is able to be transferred much more successfully.

Electrical PAT Test Labels need a durable label that can be written on

Some laminates can provide issues with marker pens due to how they are manufactured, resulting in ink being unable to dry to the surface and wiping off easily. However, this disadvantage could turn into a big advantage if you’re looking for a dry-wipe label that needs to have information frequently changed or updated.

Durable Write-On Labels

Write and Seal Labels are a popular option

Just because a label needs to be written onto, doesn’t mean that it can’t be durable. A very popular option for adding extra durability to a label, particularly in a way which protects writing, is by using a write and seal laminate. This is a specialist option in which a plastic layer is only part stuck to the base material, enabling you to write onto the label material, such as paper. Then a backing paper can be removed and the rest of the laminate adhered to the label, creating a highly durable seal.

What is the best label to write on?

So what is the best label material to write onto? There are a range of options for any application and use-case, with some providing a more bespoke solution, but typically we recommend one of two options.

If your label needs to be durable, we would suggest a write and seal matt synthetic label. This label combines the durability of synthetic materials with the ability to use regular pens, but even more durability is added through the ability to further protect the print with a part lamination. This is a great label option for electrical and mechanical testing, or even just for labelling items which could be subject to friction and rubbing.

If your label isn’t being exposed to any sort of harsh conditions, and is just being applied to a normal surface such as a box or paper sheet, then a standard matt paper is likely to meet your needs well. These labels can cope with typical office use, and are quick, easy and cost effective.

How to Choose a Font for Print

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:55:07 +0000

Selecting the right font can often be a difficult task given the huge variety of options available, but more difficult still is picking a font for print. Not only must the font be consistent with your existing branding, but it also needs to remain clear in your specific application and print format. We’ve put together 5 top tips for how to choose a font to help you make your decision.

1: Size Matters

Ultimately one of the most important factors to consider is the size of the final printed text, whether it’s the tiniest details on a product label, or a giant printed banner.

If the text is very small, it is essential to use a font which is has clear and distinct shapes and few decorative elements. Be on the look out for fonts which have a large amount of space between characters (‘kerning’) to further aid legibility. We recommend fonts such as Helvetica or Open Sans. These are both ‘sans serif’ fonts, ones which lack the extra flicks and details seen in others such as Times New Roman. This helps prevent text looking as if it is merging together when printed at small sizes.

Open Sans is growing in popularity and comes in various versions

2: How vital is the text?

Printed text can range from the trivial to the life saving, so it’s therefore important to consider how important it is for people to quickly and easily understand what is being communicated.

Health and safety information, such as warnings, are normally in fonts such as Helvetica or Arial. While this choice may not be the most creative, their clear and bold design ensures that the text is easy to read, and their bold and black variants help signify their importance.

Use simple fonts to communicate essential information

In contrast, fun labels such as school reward stickers would be nowhere near as exciting or engaging with a plain font! There’s hundreds of fun script, paintbrush-style and decorative fonts available online – just check before downloading whether you need to get a license for their use in print. If you’ve got an Adobe subscription, then you can access all Adobe Fonts for free!

Visit Adobe Fonts

3: Location, Location, Location

It’s all very well using a decorative font for a large format print, but what if it’s actually being read from a considerable distance, or even off-angle? If so, it’s probably best to consider a more restrained font. Luckily, there’s still scope to pick a font which has some personality, such as Futura or Baskerville.

Futura is available in many forms and variants, from ‘Light Condensed’ to ‘Heavy Oblique’

Similar considerations need to be made if you anticipate the lighting being poor, in which case a font which is overly stylised or contains lots of thin strokes is likely to be difficult to read.

4: Match Your Branding

One of the most important considerations is how the text integrates into your existing branding. If you have internal brand guidelines, these should state in which cases each font can be used and normally account for size and legibility requirements.

If you don’t have a set of guidelines for your brand, it’s best to consider what fonts you have been using already, and if any that are used in your logo can be used. For example, if your shop sign uses a modern sans serif font, continue using something similar rather than introducing something which clashes. If you’re in doubt, essentials such as Arial or Univers (or Caslon or Palatino if you’re looking for serif fonts) are typically safe options to go with.

5: Print and Production

A common issue is a font choice which doesn’t work well with a print process. This is really important to consider for any form of printed materials, not just labels. For example, Times New Roman was specifically developed to ensure optimal print quality for production of The Times Newspaper in the 1930s.

Typically, serif fonts that have even shapes and strong lines print best across most processes, whereas calligraphy styles are best suited to high quality digital printing. We’re happy to discuss the best options for each of our different production methods and how you can achieve a great label design.

Times New Roman is a classic serif font

Our Top Fonts

There’s a reason designers despair at the use of the infamous Comic Sans – there’s thousands of alternative fonts which are nearly always more suitable! If you’re stuck for ideas, here’s a list of some popular favourites that are flexible for a wide variety of uses (all available at Adobe Fonts):

Proxima Nova
Ivy Journal
Museo Sans
Eurostile
Baskerville
Monterserrat

Are Stickers and Labels Recyclable?

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:54:00 +0000

With more focus than ever on sustainable products and packaging, many customers are wondering if stickers and labels are recyclable. Unfortunately the answer is a bit more complicated than just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as it depends on a variety of factors and the specifics of a particular label. Keep reading to find out more about what stickers are recyclable, based on the information provided to us by our raw material suppliers.

Can all stickers and labels be recycled?

Unfortunately not all stickers and labels can be recycled. A big reason for this is that different recycling facilities have different capabilities, and some labels and materials may require more specialist equipment and sorting techniques than others. You should always check with your local facility for their specific capabilities.

In addition, some materials have properties that only facilitate one-time use, or the combination of materials makes it impractical to recycle the label – for example, tamper evident security labels which break up when removed. In addition, parts of the label such as ink and the adhesive may not be able to be reclaimed due to the small quantities used.

With all label materials, the label itself can’t make up too much of the overall proportion of the packaging it is stuck to as it could interfere with the recycling process. This also means that a sticker on its own could struggle to be recycled due to the adhesive layer.

Are paper stickers and label materials recyclable?

If a paper label is stuck onto a cardboard or corrugated package (or a material made of paper/cardboard), the paper is typically deemed to be recyclable. Parts such as ink and adhesive would be contaminants (along with similar materials from the package itself) and be removed from the process.

Are plastic and synthetic stickers and label materials recyclable?

If a plastic label is applied to a package or bottle made with the same type of plastic, the plastic is normally seen as recyclable (providing the type of plastic is recyclable, such as polypropylene). For example, a polypropylene label applied to a polypropylene bottle is likely to be recyclable. As with other types of labels, the ink and adhesive would be removed from the overall recycling stream as a contaminant.

Are PET stickers and label materials recyclable?

PET stickers can be recycled when applied to a PET product to reclaim the PET material, however the inclusion with the overall mix of the material could result in reduced quality of the recycled product (particularly with contaminants such as ink and adhesive). As such, the density of the label needs to be less than 1g per cubic centimetre.

Using a wash-off adhesive is particularly important for ensuring that PET products are recyclable, as this means that the label and adhesive can be removed easily and not disrupt the recycling process.

Are laminated labels recyclable?

If the laminate for the label matches the overall material, such as a polypropylene base material and polypropylene laminate, then the label should be able to be recycled (if applied to a matching package or container, as detailed above). If different materials are used, such as a paper base material and plastic laminate, this is unlikely to be able to be recycled. Parts such as the adhesive and ink would still be separated as a contaminant.

Is label release liner recyclable?

The majority of label release liners are silicone based (to ensure the labels can be removed easily), but this significantly reduces the ability to recycle the material. Some waste management companies provide services to recycle the liner, but it is not normally able to be recycled at typical recycling centres.

Is the adhesive on stickers and labels recyclable?

The adhesive on a label makes up a very small amount of the overall label, and we’re not aware of any recycling process which is able to extract the adhesive for re-use. In addition, adhesives can change over time once they are adhered to a surface.

Peel, low-tack and removable adhesives are available with a range of materials if you need to remove stickers and labels to re-use elsewhere.

Is the ink used to print labels recyclable?

As with printed cardboard and paper, printed labels can enter the recycling stream, however we are not aware of ink being able to be recycled at the moment. Materials such as ink would typically be contaminants in the recycling process of the main label material, such as paper or plastic.

As you can see, the huge variety of customisation options available can make it challenging to recycle a sticker or label. Our top suggestion is to match the materials of the label with that of your product or packaging, to give the label the best chance of being recycled.

We also recommend using labels which have a wash-off recycling adhesive, as this helps ensure material separation during the recycling process.

Every label, piece of packaging and item is different, so use this guide as a general overview only. We recommend conducting your own research into the recyclability of your specific labels and items.

Zebra GK420d vs GK420t – What thermal printer should you choose?

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:52:50 +0000

What are the differences between a Zebra GK420d and Zebra GK420t printer? It may not be obvious on first look, but there’s a reason why one is more expensive than the other. In this blog post, we’ll explain what the key differences are between these two popular printer models, plus the pros and cons of each, to help you find the most suitable model for your needs. Keep reading on to find out more…

What are Zebra GK420 printers, and are they suitable for my needs?

Zebra GK420 printers are short-run label printing machines, perfect for printing basic black text or barcodes onto small and medium sized labels. This means they’re great for anything from overprinting food labels with batch numbers or printing address labels for logistical purposes.

The printers have been popular for a number of years due to their small footprint, making them well suited to offices, production rooms, or other locations in which space comes at a premium. The printers are sturdy and well made, so with the correct care they should also be able to cope in busy warehouse or shop floor environments.

There are lots of resources on the internet to help you troubleshoot practically any issue with these printers. We’re also expert providers of labels suitable for thermal transfer printers for a wide variety of models so please contact us if you need any advice.

What is the difference between GK420d and GK420t?

Zebra GK420t Ribbon Holder

GK420d = direct thermal (no printer ribbon facility), requires labels to be made from a direct thermal material in order to create print.

GK420t = thermal transfer (option of a printer ribbon), takes labels made from normal stocks but they can also print onto direct thermal materials too.

The Zebra GK420t has the facility to hold a printer ribbon, and can use this to print onto the labels which feed through it. This is a thermal transfer printer. Thermal transfer gives you more flexibility as you can print onto a wider range of materials, you aren’t limited by direct thermal materials which are predominantly matt paper materials (synthetics are available but they are very expensive).

The Zebra GK420d however is direct thermal printer, which uses a thermal printhead to apply heat directly onto the surface of the label. Not all labels will work with this printer – they must be made from a special heat coated thermochromic material also known as direct thermal material.

Be aware that the Zebra GK420t printer also has the ability to print onto direct thermal materials like the GK420d. This is why the GK420t is more expensive, as you’re getting the functionality of the GK420d and the ability to use a thermal transfer ribbon.

Should I choose a Zebra GK420d or GK420t?

If you are looking to print paper labels which only need to last for a few days or less, then the GK420D should be adequate for your needs. This is a great option for uses including:

Custom printed address labels
Takeaway delivery labels
Best before labels for food and drink
Food ingredient and allergen labels

It’s also typically cheaper to print onto direct thermal labels rather than use thermal transfer labels as there is the added expense of print ribbons for thermal transfer.

However, if you need the print to be more durable on the labels, or you need to print onto synthetic labels, we would recommend the GK420T. The print is also more stable and durable (providing you select the correct ribbon), and overall this is a great printer for a whole host of long term applications, such as serial numbers and barcode overprinting. This makes it well suited to uses such as:

Cosmetics labels (or other consumer products that require batch numbering)
Premium food and drink labels
Industrial labels
Healthcare labels

This is the best way to add batch codes and numbers to custom hand sanitiser labels. Thermal transfer printers like this one are capable of printing onto a variety of substrates, even matt silver polyester and vinyl.

Where can I get labels for a Zebra GK420d or GK420t?

Look no further than Crown Labels! We’re expert providers of thermal transfer compatible labels and direct thermal compatible labels, having supplied many industries for over 30 years! We can also produce high quality overprint compatible labels, or integrate variable data and batch numbers into your labels to remove the need for overprinting.

Can Label Printing – Custom Can Labels

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:50:33 +0000

While many drinks cans feature pre-printed designs that are produced directly onto the aluminium material, there are a variety of situations in which labelling a can with a pre-printed custom label can be a cost effective solution.

Sandy laminate for beer can labels helps to provide extra grip to slippery and damp cans

What are can labels made from?

Custom can labels are typically made from polypropylene (PP). This is because this durable synthetic material is suitable for use on items which may be exposed to liquids and condensation. Paper labels can be suitable for cans but they could go soggy and damp when put into a fridge or used in varying temperatures.

In some situations, plastic labels such as polypropylene can become slippery. One way to avoid this potential problem is by using a laminate such as matt laminate or sandy sandpaper-like laminate, with the latter in particular providing lots of additional grip thanks to its rough texture.

What is the normal size for a drinks can label?

The exact size of a label for a can will vary a bit depending on the actual can being used, but a common size for 330ml cans is 85mm x 205mm. This typically ensures that the label does not overlap itself, or the tapered edges of the can. However, it’s always best to double check your specific can by measuring the dimensions and using a piece of paper to test.

Bright colours help your custom drinks can labels to stand out

Are custom printed can labels cheaper than custom printed cans?

The most cost effective packaging solution will depend on your exact requirements and use-case, but you’ll typically find that printing labels is a quicker and lower cost option compared to sourcing customised pre-printed cans. This is because setting up pre-printed physical packaging, whether its cans or boxes, often has more expensive tooling and print plates, which in turn take time to source. In addition, minimum order quantities often result in excess supply of cans for lower selling product lines. In contrast, you could get custom printed can labels in only a few days, and have much greater flexibility on order quantities and design splits.

One hybrid solution is for a standardised pre-printed design that is the same for all of your products to be printed directly onto the can, and then the product-specific name and information is over-labelled on top.

How are can labels applied?

Due to their length, it’s best to stick custom drinks can labels onto the can using a label applicator. These are designed to apply the label evenly to the surface, avoiding bubbles and creases. The labels will need to be supplied narrow edge leading, and will need to be rolled onto a specific core size as stipulated by the applicator. The exact specification, including the maximum outer diameter, will depend on the specific applicator. We’re able to match your label presentation to the exact specification your applicator requires.

How should a drinks can label be designed?

There are a range of common elements which you’ll probably want to include on your label design. These include the can capacity, product ingredients, a barcode (if applicable), any health warnings – essential for alcoholic drinks, plus contact details for your company.

There’s also the obvious elements to include, such as the flavour, and your branding!

Labels enable you to get creative with your custom can label designs

Where can I get custom printed can labels?

We’re here to help with your custom can label requirements. Crown Labels are expert providers of a wide variety of custom self-adhesive labels, including custom printed can labels that are supplied either for hand application or automatic application.

Zebra Printer Won’t Print! – Our Top Troubleshoot Tips

awmedia.admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:34:29 +0000

Is there anything more frustrating than your label printer going down at a time when you are under pressure to get a job out? As a label printing company we are too familiar with the stress and frustration this causes.

In this blog article we thought we’d share our top tips to rectify the most common faults and issues experienced with zebra label printers. This includes the smaller desktop models such as the Zebra GK420D or Zebra GK420t.

1. Poor Print Quality – the ink smudges or only prints faintly

This is a simple fix but the most common issue we get asked over the phone. The first thing to check is which ribbon and label materials you are using. There are three types of print ribbons: wax, wax-resin and resin. In short, wax ribbons are the cheapest and are only suitable for paper labels whereas resin ribbons are suitable for synthetics (eg. polypropylene or vinyl.)

A wax-resin ribbon is suitable for paper labels or printing onto synthetics when the print doesn’t need to be resistant to chemical attack or harsh environments. It is quite common in the workplace for members of staff to inherit printers and not realise the difference between print ribbons available on the market.

If you are using the correct ribbon then the next thing to try is reducing the speed or increasing the temperature of the print head to see if this improves print quality. If the coating of the label material you are printing onto has changed then it could mean the print settings need adjusting to suit. This can generally be changed in the settings window when you click to print.

Ideally you should set the temperature of the printer to the lowest it can achieve satisfactory print quality for your application.

If you aren’t sure which printer you have (near edge of flat head) or which ribbons you need to buy to get the best result simply give Crown a call for advice on which type and grade will suit your application and printer.

2. Error Connecting to the Printer

This is a common issue faced when you are setting up a new computer. You may have downloaded the correct label software and hooked up all the cables as you did previously, but the correct printer driver hasn’t been downloaded and installed for your Windows operating system.

The manufacturer of the printer should have these driver files available on their website ready for download and installation. Simply google the relevant manufacturer and model number along with ‘printer driver’ to get hold of the critical files so your PC can communicate with your printer.

3. The Ribbon isn’t Transferring onto the Label

Check which way the printer ribbon has been presented – these can be either wound inkside in or inkside out. The configuration depends on the model you are using and how it’s wound onto the printer. It is quite possible you’ve been trying to print using the wrong side of the ribbon!

4. The Labels Won’t Feed Through the Printer Correctly

This is potentially an issue with the sensor that detects the gaps between labels or a registration mark. This might be because the sensor is obstructed or it might just be that it’s become quite dirty. A quick clean using a cotton bud or printer wipe should be able to rectify this problem.

Extra Tip: Check the printer driver settings match the label software installed.

5. There is a Grinding Noise when I Print…

This could be a mechanical fault with the machine, part of the machine has become loose or some labels have become stuck underneath the print head. The problem is likely to get worse with time so try to prevent any further printing. We may be able to help you remotely over the phone if it is something straight forward. Failing this we can arrange for a third party engineer to visit your site. Remember – it’s always better to seek advice rather than ignoring the problem!

How To Avoid The Problems Above ?!

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING! It’s true what they say and prevention is cheaper (and easier) than the cure. The first thing we would always recommend is regular cleaning of the printer and keeping it free of adhesive. This will help prevent a range of issues including label jams and breakdowns. You may also wish to consider a maintenance contract with a printer support company.

We hope the tips above help and we would always stress good house keeping is the key to preventing most of the issues we come across! Please get in touch though if you are looking for label or ribbon supply to suit these types of printers.