How to Choose the Correct Labels for Your Shipping Label Printer?

With the wide variety of shipping labels available on Amazon and other online shops, it may seem like a straightforward task to choose the correct labels for your shipping label printer by matching your printer's size and picking the bestsellers. However, there is much more to consider to ensure optimal efficiency and customer satisfaction for your business.

This article will help you fully understand label types and specifications, as well as their compatibility with shipping label printers, so you can make informed choices.

Label Types

Thermal shipping labels mainly come in two formats, including

● Label Rolls: Perfect for high-speed printing, these labels come on a continuous roll with a variety of sizes and are cheaper. 

● Fan-fold Labels: These labels are stacked and folded like a fan. Fan-fold labels are ideal for businesses looking for easy storage solutions without sacrificing printing speed.

Not all printers are created equal, so the first thing to consider is the type of label printer you need. Make sure it's compatible with the labels you want to print. 

The HPRT N41 shipping label printer is a compact and space-saving solution for businesses of all sizes. It does not require a paper tray, ideal for small workspaces or mobile use. 

N41 can print folded express waybills, 2-part shipping labels, and neatly stacks them after printing for easy access. This shipping printer is a great fit for e-commerce platforms, foreign trade companies, and other scenarios requiring large-scale waybill printing.

Considering the diversified label printing needs of users, the N41 shipping label printer can be installed with a large-capacity shipping paper roll holder to easily print on label rolls.

Label Width

Label width is one of the most common specifications for shipping labels, and is typically available in 2-inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch sizes. It's important to match the label width with your printer's specifications to ensure optimal printing results.

For instance, the N41 thermal label printer accommodates media widths from 2 inches (50mm) to 4.65 inches (118mm), handling labels up to 118mm wide. 

It lets you adjust the guide rails to match the label width, so you can flexibly print small address labels, warehouse labels, shelf labels, and even standard 4x6 inch shipping labels used by major couriers and e-commerce platforms.

Internationally, large logistics companies like UPS, FedEx, and SF Express prefer the 4x6 inch (100mm x 150mm) label size, while common domestic sizes for couriers like Zhongtong, YTO, and STO are 76mm x 130mm.

Core Size of Label Rolls

What is the core diameter of a label roll? The core diameter of a label roll is the diameter of the central tube, with common sizes of 0.5 inches, 1 inch, and 1.5 inches. When purchasing, ensure the core diameter matches your printer's requirements. 

The roll diameter, or the overall diameter of the label roll, should also be considered to ensure it fits into your printer. 

For example, the HPRT high-capacity shipping label printer SL41 supports a roll diameter of 127mm, facilitating continuous high-volume printing. 

This thermal label printer features multiple paper detection sensors to deliver precise label alignment. Beyond regular shipping label printing, it can also assist businesses in creating circular, oval, and other irregularly shaped labels and packaging stickers.

Additional Practical Thoughts

Beyond size and type, some businesses may have specific quality requirements for shipping labels, especially for long-distance or international logistics where labels must resist abrasion. For fresh produce packages, labels need to be waterproof and oil-resistant. Therefore, when making a purchase, further selection based on actual needs is necessary to find the suitable label for label printer.

HPRT provides a wide range of shipping label printers to suit different requirements, from compact desktop models to high-volume industrial printers. 

For businesses looking to purchase shipping label printers in bulk or customize a shipping label printer kit, we offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact HPRT today to learn more about our products and services, and let us help you streamline your shipping operations.