It is recommended not to use inkjet labels in laser printers. The material of the label may not be suitable for the laser printing process.
Your printout is likely not to meet your expectations. Moreover, your printer may suffer damage.
Choosing the right label printer and materials is essential for commercial purposes. Let’s explore the nuances of label types and compatible printers in today’s blog.
A Look at the Laser and Inkjet Printing Process
You can buy several types of printers to print your labels. The two most popular are laser and inkjet printers.
Laser Printers
A laser printer uses heat to print materials. It relies on a toner powder deposited on the top of laser labels.
The printer uses heat to melt and adhere the toner to the surface of the material.
As a result, laser labels are more resistant to heat. They also have a dense surface and coating that allows the toner to melt and settle.
Laser printing is more durable and water resistant. You can rely on laser printing to print labels for your packages and shipping.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are available in most homes and offices. These printers use the traditional method of depositing ink on the label surface.
The label material absorbs the ink, which dries to create bright and clear prints.
Inkjet labels have a porous surface for the ink to pass. They do not come with a coating like laser labels.
Moreover, they do not withstand heat as well as laser label materials.
The Complications of Mixing Inkjet Labels and Laser Labels
You cannot expect stellar results when you mix label types. Let’s take a look at some possible scenarios when you use the wrong label in your printer.
Inkjet Labels in a Laser Printer
Inkjet labels are not meant for laser printers. Printing on inkjet label surfaces will ruin the quality of the printout.
Your graphics or fonts can turn out smudged or unclear. The toner powder will not melt properly as the label surface is not coated.
Additionally, the label may warp or get damaged due to heat during the printing process. As a result, your whole purpose of printing labels is defeated.
Worst, your printer may suffer damage if you use the wrong label type. The heat will melt the adhesive on the labels, which can mess up your printer.
The overheating may also cause the fuser unit to malfunction.
Printing large batches can result in further damage due to heating. You may have to send your printer for repair or buy a new one.
What Happens When You Use Laser Labels in Inkjet Printers?
You can get away with messy prints when you use laser labels in an inkjet printer. It is likely to suffer similar quality issues like smudging and uneven printouts.
The ink will not stick to the surface of the laser label due to its coating. Your graphics or fonts will lose their accuracy and placement.
However, your printer is safe, as there is no heating involved. You will just waste money buying laser labels that don’t serve any purpose.
Can You Get Away With Using Inkjet Labels in Laser Printers?
A few sources on the internet claim you can use inkjet labels in a laser printer. This may be true if you are taking only one or two printouts.
Your possible complications will likely include smudged and unclear prints. Additionally, the melted glue may cause an issue.
However, that is the maximum limit. You may print only one or two labels before your printer runs into problems.
Therefore, you cannot expect to print a batch of inkjet labels in a laser printer. It will surely jam and damage your printer within a short time.
Assess Your Printer and Needs Before Printing
It is imperative to buy the right materials to ensure optimal outcomes. You can also ensure the longevity of your printer and cost-effectiveness.
Check if your printer is laser or inkjet. You can purchase your labels based on your printer type.
Look at the packaging to select the correct label type. It will be marked whether the label is for laser or inkjet printing.
Moreover, ensure the dimensions of the labels match your printer.
Last Updated on by kalidaspandian