Thermal-Transfer Labels
Labels designed to be printed with a thermal-transfer ribbon when greater image durability or material flexibility is required.
Configured around your printer and application
Custom Blank Labels for On-Demand Printing
Minnesota Label produces custom blank labels on rolls for barcode printing, product identification, inventory control, shipping, warehousing and other on-demand printing applications.
We help define the label size, material, adhesive, core, roll diameter and winding direction required for your printer, applicator and workflow.
- Thermal-transfer and direct-thermal constructions
- Custom sizes, materials, adhesives and roll configurations
- Blank or partially printed labels for changing information
Blank Label Options
The appropriate construction depends on how the labels will be printed, applied, handled and used.
Direct-Thermal Labels
Heat-sensitive labels printed without a ribbon for applications where the expected service life and environment are appropriate.
Partially Printed Labels
Combine fixed branding or instructions with blank areas reserved for barcodes, dates, lot numbers and changing information.
Common Blank Label Applications
Barcode Printing
Print product, inventory and identification barcodes as they are created or assigned.
Inventory Identification
Identify products, components, assets and supplies throughout receiving, storage and fulfillment.
Warehouse Operations
Support rack, shelf, bin, pallet, shipping and warehouse-location workflows.
Product Identification
Add product names, item numbers, dates, lots and other changing information during production.
Shipping and Distribution
Produce labels for packages, cartons, containers and other distribution requirements.
Garment and Retail Workflows
Print changing product, size, inventory, pricing and barcode information for apparel applications.
Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal?
Choose Thermal Transfer When
- Longer image life is required
- Labels will encounter frequent handling
- Film or specialty materials are needed
- Greater resistance to abrasion is important
Choose Direct Thermal When
- The application has a shorter expected service life
- Printing without a ribbon is preferred
- Labels will be used in a controlled environment
- Shipping, receiving or temporary identification is needed
Not Sure Which Construction Fits?
Tell us about your printer, application and operating environment. We will help identify a practical option.
Discuss your applicationMaterials and Adhesives for Blank Labels
Blank-label performance depends on more than printer compatibility. The facestock and adhesive must also work with the application surface, operating temperature and expected service conditions.
Paper Labels
A practical option for many indoor, shipping, inventory and general-purpose identification applications.
Film Labels
Consider film when the application requires additional resistance to moisture, tearing or demanding handling.
Application-Specific Adhesives
Adhesives can be selected around surface energy, texture, temperature, moisture and required service life.
Blank Label Roll Specifications
Correct roll construction helps labels feed, sense, print and dispense properly through the intended equipment.
| Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Label size | Must fit the printed information, application area and printer. |
| Facestock | Affects print compatibility, appearance, flexibility and durability. |
| Adhesive | Must match the surface, temperature and service environment. |
| Core size | Must fit the printer, dispenser or applicator. |
| Maximum roll diameter | Determines whether the finished roll fits the equipment. |
| Winding direction | Controls label orientation as the material unwinds. |
| Gap or sensing method | Helps the printer detect individual labels correctly. |
| Perforations | Allow labels or groups of labels to be separated when required. |
What We Need to Quote Your Blank Labels
Provide as much of the following information as possible. An existing label sample or specification sheet can also help.
- Finished label width and height
- Estimated quantity or annual usage
- Printer make and model
- Thermal-transfer or direct-thermal printing method
- Application surface or container
- Application and service temperatures
- Exposure to moisture, abrasion, chemicals or outdoor conditions
- Core size and maximum roll diameter
- Winding direction and labels per roll
- Any fixed printing required before delivery
Blank Label FAQs
What are blank labels used for?
Blank labels allow businesses to print barcodes, shipping information, product details, dates, lot numbers and other changing information when needed.
What is the difference between thermal-transfer and direct-thermal labels?
Thermal-transfer labels use a ribbon to place an image on the label. Direct-thermal labels use heat-sensitive material and do not require a ribbon. The right option depends on the printer, required durability and service environment.
Can Minnesota Label produce partially printed labels?
Yes. Partially printed labels can include fixed branding, instructions or other static information while leaving designated areas open for on-demand printing.
Can blank labels be made with different adhesives?
Yes. Adhesive selection can account for the application surface, surface texture, application temperature, service temperature, moisture and required service life.
What information is needed for a blank label quote?
Useful information includes label dimensions, quantity, printer make and model, material preference, application surface, environmental conditions, core size, maximum roll diameter and winding direction.
Start with Your Printer and Application
Tell us what you will print, which printer you use, where the label will be applied and what conditions it must withstand. Minnesota Label will help define a practical blank-label construction.