18 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media
Adhesive labels
Labels are multiple-layer media typically consisting of a face sheet
(the printable surface), pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a liner (a
carrier sheet coated with a release agent). Labels used in your HP
LaserJet printer must be specifically designed for laser printers. If
labels other than those compatible with laser printers are used, there
is a significant risk of labels peeling or adhesive contamination that
can severely damage your printer. All materials in laser label stock
must be compatible with the heat and pressure of the fusing process,
and must not melt or release undesirable emissions when heated to
205° C (401° F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color LaserJet
printers).
CAUTION Not all HP Color LaserJet printers support printing on labels. Refer to
your user guide to determine if your printer supports labels.
Consider the information in this section when choosing label stock.
Face sheet
The face sheet is the printable surface on a sheet of adhesive labels
and can be made from different materials including paper, polyester,
and vinyl. It is common for a face sheet to be die-cut so that
individual shapes can be removed after printing. Polyester and vinyl
labels require a topcoat to provide the proper electrical and toner
adhesion properties. It is important to purchase labels from a
knowledgeable converter who familiar with these processes and laser
printing.
Adhesives
Different adhesives can provide removable, permanent, or semi-
permanent fixturing of the face sheet onto the item being labeled.
Generally, acrylic-based adhesives are preferred for laser printing
because they can be applied in very thin layers to prevent oozing and
contamination, and can be made compatible with the heat and
pressure of fusing. Improved processes are being developed to
minimize adhesive contamination such as zone coating or stripped
matrix. Zone coating recesses the adhesive around the border of a
die-cut, and stripped matrix prevents adhesive from oozing between
the die-cut labels. The adhesive and liner must provide adequate
release strength so that labels will not peel during printing.
