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Cognitive Label and Tag "Substrates 101"
Before ordering media, choose the right substrate.
Stock Overview
The material being printed on is called a substrate. Substrates fall into one of two categories: unsupported and pressure sensitive. Unsupported substrate refers to any substrate which does not have a backing such as a lottery ticket or a baseball card. Pressure sensitive substrate refers to anything with a liner (or backing) such as a bumper sticker. Substrates are divided into three different classifications - paper, foil and plastic film. Each of these can be unsupported or pressure sensitive.Paper
Paper is the most common substrate.
Uncoated paper - no special coating, appears rather rough, fibers easily seen. (uncoated litho)
Coated paper - has a coating of clay, pigments or other materials to give it a smooth, bright white, or colored surface. Smooth coated paper receives a much sharper print and requires less ink than uncoated paper. (white hi-gloss)
Thermal transfer coated paper - has a special coating that allows for easy receptivity of a standard thermal transfer ribbon. (TT1C, C1S)
Direct thermal coated paper - has a special coating that allows a heated printhead to produce a clear black image. Also somewhat resists water and other chemicals (300HD, KL370)
Films
Films are becoming fairly common and more available. General categories of films are vinyls (120LCS), polyethylene (HDPE), polyproylene (KTT133, KPT3009J, Kimdura®, BOPP), and polyester (PET).
Vinyl - chemical resistant, waterproof.
Polyethylene - good tear strength, puncture resistant, easily stretched
Polypropylene - good clarity, stiffness, excellent barrier properties
Polyester - tear resistant, stable in heat and humidity, good moisture and/or oxygen barrier
Foils
Foils are a very thin metal, with and without adhesive.Back to Cognitive for Ribbons Available
Specifications subject to change without notice.
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