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Endless labels
Continuous labels are label materials in the form of a continuous roll material without predefined cut edges.
They allow flexible adjustment of the label length by means of variable cutting during or after the printing process. In contrast to pre-cut labels, which have fixed dimensions, continuous labels offer an adaptable solution for applications where different label formats are required.
Properties of continuous labels
Continuous labels consist of a carrier material with an adhesive layer on one side, comparable to double-sided adhesive tape, but with only one adhesive surface. The material is usually processed in thermal printers or other industrial printing systems. An integrated or external cutting mechanism separates the printed sections individually as needed.
The most important technical features include:
- Variability of label length: Adaptation to various labelling requirements
- Print compatibility: Can be used with direct thermal, thermal transfer and inkjet printing systems
- Material variants: Paper-based, synthetic or special chemical and temperature-resistant substrates
- Adhesive properties: From easy to remove to highly permanent adhesion
Depending on the application, there may be different requirements for continuous labels
Areas of application for continuous labels
Due to their flexibility, continuous labels are used in a variety of industries:
1. logistics and supply chain management
The use of continuous labels in shipping and logistics enables efficient and dynamic labelling of products, packages and pallets. Varying shipping formats and different quantity requirements demand a high degree of adaptability, which is guaranteed by continuous printing.
2. Production and process labelling
In industrial production processes, continuous labels are used to mark components, semi-finished or finished products. This is particularly relevant in the automotive industry, in electronics manufacturing and in the mechanical engineering industry.
3. Scientific laboratories and medical technology
In the scientific field, endless labels are used for labelling samples, test tubes, laboratory containers and diagnostic materials. Synthetic endless labels with high resistance to chemicals and temperature fluctuations are of particular interest here.
4. Retail and product labelling
The use of continuous labels in retail allows for flexible design of price tags, product information and barcode labels. This is particularly advantageous in dynamic market environments with frequently changing prices or product lines.
5. Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)
The combination of continuous labels with coding technologies plays a central role in the automated data capture and traceability of goods, components or medical samples.
Material science aspects
The choice of material for continuous labels is based on specific requirements in terms of durability, weather resistance, acid resistance and adhesive strength. Common material classes are:
- Paper labels: Cost-effective, ideal for temporary applications
- Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) labels: highly flexible, moisture resistant
- Polyester (PET) labels: resistant to heat, chemicals and mechanical abrasion
- Special coated materials: for extreme environmental conditions (e.g. cryogenic labels for ultra-low temperatures in biotechnology)
We would be happy to advise you on the wide range of materials that can be used!
Conclusion
The use of continuous labels is an efficient and economical alternative to pre-cut labels. Their flexibility, variety of materials and adaptability make them an ideal solution for numerous industrial, scientific and commercial applications. With increasing demands for automation and customisation, the importance of variable label formats will continue to grow, especially in the context of Industry 4.0 and digital logistics processes.
