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Rank: New User
Posts: 1  Location: Snowhio
Ordered 100 sheets of OL177lP Poly labels around this time last year (Online Labels via Amazon, if memory serves. Can't find the order under my account at Online). Ran 20 sheets for prototype weatherproof labels on 5" x 6" vacuum packs of gelled soaps.
Almost 100% ink coverage per label. They looked superb, even somewhat semi-gloss. Was impressed. Ran 100 labels (20 sheets) then buttoned everything up until this week.
Running the exact same art and using the exact same settings, on the exact same printer (Brother MFC-9340CDW) with OEM toner (as has always been used), the labels come out flat, having no semi-gloss look. Worse yet, the label borders flake off with little to no abrasion.
Had three leftover printed sheets of the labels from last year, and try as I might, I can't get them to flake no matter how hard I scratch with a fingernail.
So the question is, are these labels made with a poly resin that dries out in "short order" - receptive to laser print when on the front end of the timeline, but not so much after an unspecific point? Not thinking innumerable years here, as no plastic or polymer retains its original properties forever. But does the OL177 series of polyester labels have a shelf life? If so, what is it? Or what can be reasonably expected between the mill dock and the end user?
Lot # is 2399503-42021080. Bar Code # is 24778744, with Jen ELC44 following thereafter.
Here the expectation was to knock out labels for 10 flavors to get through a few festivals and put product in a few stores, with receipts going towards a bulk print run to get costs / labor down considerably. Not going to happen. Toner still flecks after a clear coat is sprayed on.
Sure..., I could go back to paper adhesive labels (OL175Wx series) and huff a few cans of clear spray finish. But that's going backwards, is pretty Mickey Mouse, isn't terribly durable, doesn't bar code well and the additional holes in me brain are really unnecessary...
Not a good day at Black Rock...
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Rank: Administration
Posts: 182 Location: Sanford
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I’m sorry to hear about the toner flaking. The labels have an estimated shelf life of 1 to 3 years, which mainly pertains to the adhesive's performance. This should not affect how well the toner bonds to the material. However, keep in mind that the fusing units in laser printers do wear out over time, and they may need maintenance or replacement.
Before performing any maintenance, you can try adjusting the printer's paper type setting to "Thick," "Thicker," "Labels," or "Glossy." These heavier settings slow down the printer feed and allow additional heat to be applied to the toner, which can help it bond better to the material and prevent flaking.
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