LINERLESS LABELLING
on cables. “Ruggedness is equally important,” he adds “Many linerless use cases exist in demanding settings, from hot, busy kitchens to fast moving loading bays, so customers want devices that can withstand drops, spills, vibration and constant movement. “Battery life is a priority for mobile teams such as drivers, pickers and floor staff. They need printers that last an entire shift without downtime or frequent recharging. “Ease of loading and minimal maintenance also matter. Customers want media changes to be quick and the device to remain clean and reliable, even with adhesive heavy linerless materials. Benoit notes that linerless label adhesive inevitably affects printing, causing sticking and residue. “This ultimately impacts printhead and print quality, so easy and safe cleaning and maintenance is important for customers,” he says. “TSC Auto ID’s linerless printers have great anti-adhesive design, reducing points of contact for labels along the printing path, thereby minimising residue and paper jams. Its swift cleaning kits also ensure the process is completed within five minutes. “Label compatibility is also crucial, customers need to know their linerless printers will work with different brands of linerless media across various applications. We’ve validated all the major linerless label brands to ensure our printers work well and provide hassle-free printing experiences.” Reseller conversations But to ensure that resellers make the most of the opportunities presented by linerless label printers, they must ensure they take the right pitch to customers. “Resellers need to move beyond product features and focus on the customer’s real workflow,” says Deyon. “That means understanding whether they need mobile durability, desktop throughput or multi purpose flexibility.
“Resellers should validate software compatibility, media requirements, connectivity expectations and environmental conditions long before recommending a specific model. “With Toshiba’s portfolio the rugged B FP2, the high speed BV420D GL02, and the versatile TRST L1N resellers can match customers to devices that align with their operational reality. When done well, this consultative approach ensures customers see immediate efficiency gains and long- term value from their move to linerless.” Benoit says that the environmental, economic and improved operational efficiency paybacks of linerless labels are well documented, so resellers should direct customers towards other wins that might benefit them. “Take hospital or healthcare staff collecting samples or prescribing medicines at point of care,” he says. “Traditional labels generate liner waste – also a contamination risk – which requires proper and safe disposal whereas linerless produces no such rubbish. And not having to peel off a label means careworkers work more efficiently. “Being able to produce labels of variable length will continue to appeal to industries like food and drink, retail and manufacturing as such versatility enables them to customise content according to such requirements as order lengths or regulatory needs. “Also, for customers in warehouse or logistics environments, linerless labels use direct thermal printing, which might not be as durable or able to withstand sunlight so it’s a limitation worth bearing in mind for goods potentially exposed for long periods to the sun.” n
Contributors
Deyon Antoine
toshibatec.co.uk
Stuart Colverd
bixoloneu.com
Benoit Charnallet
emea.tscprinters.com
printinthechannel.co.uk
31
Powered by FlippingBook