Guide to Product Label Types and Printers
Product barcodes and labels are integral to identifying, tracking, and managing products across various sectors, from retail to logistics. In industries that demand high accuracy and traceability, well-designed barcode labels support inventory control, streamline checkout processes, and enhance supply chain visibility. So, what types of product barcode labels exist, and how are they printed? Let's break it down.
Types of Product Barcode and Labels
1. Retail Product Labels
Product barcode labels are primarily used at retail points of sale (POS) for product identification and checkout.
Commonly seen on cosmetics, apparel, food packaging, and more, these labels contain essential details such as product name, specifications, price, and barcode. With a quick scan, cashiers can efficiently process sales, simplifying the checkout experience.
The UPC and EAN are the two most common barcode standards, enabling global recognition for seamless product distribution and management.
Many retailers use custom internal barcodes like Code 128 and Code 39 for pre-packaged fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other fresh products. These product barcode labels can include additional details such as production date, expiration date, and supplier information, enhancing product traceability.
2. Barcode Serial Number and Tracking Barcodes
Every product requires a unique identifier for full tracking from production to consumption, especially for critical items like food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
For instance, high-end fresh produce might have QR codes for food traceability. Consumers can scan these codes to access detailed product information, such as origin, farm details, and cultivation methods.
This transparency meets growing consumer demands for food safety and quality. To ensure durability in cold or humid storage conditions, these labels are typically made from water-resistant synthetic materials.
Electronic products and automotive parts generally use SN barcodes for identification. These barcodes usually consist of letters and numbers, containing essential information like production dates and batch numbers, often encoded in Code 128 or Code 39.
SN barcode labels are mainly used in electronics (like phones and computers), automotive parts, industrial equipment, and medical devices, facilitating after-sales service and quality tracking.
In addition to serial number barcodes, products like electronic components and computer hardware also use P/N codes, or part numbers, for identification. P/N codes are unique identifiers that include model and specification details, essential for accurate part replacement during after-sales service.
As shown below, this is the packaging label of an electronic product. It includes an EAN barcode, SN number barcode, country of origin barcode, and part number barcode. These labels are often printed on durable materials like PET or synthetic paper for long-lasting performance.
3. Carton and Logistics Labels
Outer packaging labels are commonly found on shipping cartons and pallets, in logistics and warehousing. They contain information like product name, model, quantity, shipping date, destination, manufacturer details, and carton barcodes.
Logistics labels for export products may also include compliance marks, such as CE and FCC certifications.
Printing Product Barcode Labels
1. Choosing the Right Product Label Printer
Product barcode printing typically relies on direct thermal or thermal transfer label printers. Selecting the right printer depends on the usage environment and label material.
For labels requiring durability in refrigerated or humid conditions, or those resistant to wear and tear, such as food labels and electrical serial number barcodes, a thermal transfer printer is recommended. These thermal ribbon printers can handle various materials, including PET, PVC, coated paper, and synthetic paper.
For short-term or temporary labels, like logistics tags and barcodes for fast-moving products, a direct thermal printer is a cost-effective choice. While less durable, these printers are ideal for quick-use and short-term applications.
Factories printing large volumes of product barcode labels typically opt for industrial barcode printers with label peelers, allowing for manual application.
For higher automation needs, an automatic labeling machine may be used. For moderate volume printing (less than 1,000 labels daily), a desktop product label printer is advisable.
When selecting a label printer for products, consider the label size and clarity requirements:
● 203 dpi label printer: Suitable for larger labels with lower printing precision, such as logistics and shipping labels.
● 300 dpi label printer: Offers higher precision for smaller fonts and detailed images, ideal for assets, food, and jewelry labels.
● 600 dpi label printer: Provides the highest printing precision for tiny fonts and high-density barcodes, mainly used in electronics, precision instruments, and medical devices.
With years of expertise in the research, development, and manufacturing of barcode and label printers, HPRT provides a wide range of reliable printing solutions. Our advanced barcode label printers are trusted for use in production, warehouse management, logistics, and retail, and are widely exported to global markets.
Contact us today to start your new printing experience!
