DuraLabel Label Printer & DuraLabel Supplies

Getting the backing off a label is easy, if you take the right approach.

There have been times when I've wrinkled two or three corners trying to peel the backing off a label. The secret is to not peel the back from the label, but to peel the label from the backing.

No, that isn't saying the same thing two different ways.

When you attempt to peel the backing off a label, you are trying to bend and peel off a heavier, thicker material (the backing) from a thinner material (the label). Instead of the backing peeling off, the label tends to conform to whatever shape the backing takes and remains stuck on the backing material.

However, if you peel the thinner label material off the stiffer backing material, the label is much easier to get off of the backing. Try it. It works great.

Labels: Labeling - Tech. Support, visual communication

A new instructional video has just been made available on the DuraLabel web site. This video provides step-by-step instructions for making labels from scratch (without using a template) using Microsoft Word. The above link brings you to the instructional video page. The video that shows how to create labels is the fourth one down on the page.

The DuraLabel comes with over 500 Word and Excel templates that provide many of the commonly used labels. The templates can be used as they are, or modified to create custom labels and signs. However, if there is not a template available for the type of label or sign you need to make, you can create a new label in Microsoft Word.

Labels: Labeling - Tech. Support

DuraLabel has teamed with Enna, a provider of 5S training, to create a complete 5S Solution Package.

The 5S Solution Package includes everything you need to implement or sustain a strong 5S program. A few of the items it includes are:

5S: Facilitator Guide - a comprehensive guide for training employees in 5S and how to implement 5s.

5S: Preparation Guide – Describes a systematic approach for holding successful 5S workshops.

5S: Facilitator Digital Media CD – Uses the latest Flash presentation technology to support your classes and workshops.

5S: Participant Workbook – Combines information, illustrations, key questions, and space for note taking. Includes a self assessment form to test understanding of principles communicated during the workshop.

5S: Red Tag Register – Forms used to identify items that ave been red tagging

The 5S training can then be put into action using the DuraLabel 5S package. It includes everything needed to support the labeling and signage requirements of your 5S program.

DuraLabel and Enna together help you create a successful 5S program.

Labels: Labeling - Special Offers, Labeling - Tech. Support

A test utility is included as a part of the software that comes with the DuraLabel 4TTP label printer. If you install either the RTK software, or the arc flash software, the Software Control Panel, along with the test utility, will be installed.

To run the test utility, go to the Software Control Panel; click on the Help Menu; then select the "Print Test Labels" option.

This utility gives you the ability to print a test label. Once you've printed or attempted to print a test label, the utility will display a list of options. Pick the one that best describes what happened and you'll be taken to a series of screens that will help you diagnose and solve the problem.

Labels: Labeling - Tech. Support

A new version of the DuraLabel software is available. Existing DuraLabel users may download an upgrade from: http://www.duralabels.com/help/software_updates.html

This upgrade provides a new installation that is compatible with the new Microsoft Vista operating system. The Vista operating system incorporates security changes that affect how software is installed. For example, when software is installed you may be required to enter an administrative password. The upgrade for the DuraLabel software incorporates changes allowing it to be correctly installed on Vista systems.

Microsoft does not plan to release the Vista operating system until later this year, possibly in December. However, the DuraLabel upgrade can be installed on computers running Windows 2000 or Windows XP, with no problems. When you purchase new computers that have the Vista operating system, you can be assured that the DuraLabel software is upgraded and ready to go on the new operating system.

Labels: DuraLabel Software, Labeling - Tech. Support

A new DuraLabel software update is available for downloading. You can download it from the DuraLabel update page. This update requires that you have a previous version of the DuraLabel software installed.

This update provides two major additions:

1) New 2" x 2" Color Bar RTK software is include. This software will read your existing DuraLabel RTK chemical database and print the small size 2" x 2" RTK labels using color bars instead of the NFPA Diamond.

2) This update includes the new DuraLabel printer test utility. It is now integrated with the DuraLabel Control panel and can be accessed through the HELP Menu on the DuraLabel Control Panel.

This update package includes all of the previous updates. No matter which version of the DuraLabel software you have installed on your computer, this one update will bring all of your DuraLabel software up to the current version.

Labels: DuraLabel Software, Labeling - Tech. Support

A new frequently asked questions section has been added to the duralabel.com web site. It provides answers to questions that are often asked about the DuraLabel 4TTP printer. The table of contents is at: http://www.duralabel.com/support/duralabel-faqs.php

The FAQ section provides answers to problems such as labels not being cut, poor quality printing, labels being partially printed and what to do when the label backing sticks to the cutter and peels off as the label comes out of the printer.

This section of FAQs is in addition to the existing section of software FAQs -- covering the DuraLabel RTK and Arc Flash software. The software FAQs mostly deal with questions about the chemical database that is included with the RTK software.

Labels: Labeling - Tech. Support

People wonder why their labels don't stay stuck, and then blame it on the @#%&* label printer. It's not the label printer's fault.

If you want labels that stay stuck, you need to select the right labeling material for the job. This, of course, also means you need to have a label printer that has the right label materials available.

A new article, on the Graphic Products' web site, discusses how to select the right labeling material.

Labels: Labeling - Tech. Support

If the first label you print with your DuraLabel printer -- or any other thermal transfer printer for that matter -- has a black bar or smudge on it, here's what is happening.

Thermal transfer printers work by using a heated print head to melt ink from a ribbon and transfer that ink to the label. After you have printed a few labels, the print head remains hot. When you stop using the printer, leaving the print head in contact with the ribbon/tape, although the print head is not hot enough to immediately transfer ink to the tape, over a short period of time sufficient heat is available to cause a line of ribbon ink to be transferred to the tape.

To prevent the hot print heat from making a mark on what will become your first label the next time you use the DuraLabel printer, open the cover of the DuraLabel printer and release the print head so that it is no longer in contact with the label material. This will save your DuraLabel supplies from being marked by the hot print head.

(This tip works with any thermal transfer printer.)

Labels: Labeling - Tech. Support

Here's a tip that makes using the DuraLabel with die cut labels a little easier.

Once die cut labels have been installed, and the gap sensor calibrated, the next step is to have the DuraLabel printer detect the gap. This involves a setup procedure that may run as many as 4 to 8 labels through the printer--wasting those labels. Instead of following the setup procedure, just print your first label. That label will not print correctly, but the DuraLabel will automatically detect where the next label begins. This results in the gap being detected using just one label (two at the most), significantly reducing the number of wasted DuraLabel supplies.

Labels: Labeling - Tech. Support