What Are the Different Sensor Options On a Label Printer?

Have you ever wondered how a label printer knows where to start and stop printing on each label? It all comes down to the sensors inside the printer. These sensors detect gaps, notches, marks, or black lines on the label roll to accurately track the position of each label. The key is using the right sensor method that matches both your printer and label type. Let’s dive into how each of these methods works!"

GAP SENSING:
This is the most common method, and involves using a sensor to identify the gap between the die cut labels. Die cutting is a finishing process that involves cutting labels to size and shape on their backing paper and stripping away the waste to leave perfectly spaced labels on a roll.  The resulting gaps between each label allows space for a printer to sense the beginning and end of a label. To do this it casts a light through the label and backing paper, and detects the opacity difference between a label and gap. The sensor within your printer must be correctly calibrated to each different label material you use to identify these gaps.

NOTCH SENSING:
This method is commonly used for non-adhesive labels or tags.  Cut out holes are notched into the area between labels, to allow a printer to sense the beginning and end of a label area. To do this the sensor casts a light through the label, and detects the location of notch cut outs. The size, shape, and location of the notches created is dependent on your model of printer, and the sensor within your printer must be correctly aligned to perceive these notches.

SCANNER MARK SENSING:
Also referred to as black mark sensing, this involves black bars or lines being printed in a specific area for the printer to sense a start and stop point. This can be on the labels themselves or on the backing paper, and is either between or on each label. To do this, a printer sensor looks for a reflection, after being calibrated to perceive two different 'intensities of reflection - what is a black line or bar, and what isn't. This method is particularly useful for labels or tags that are separated only by a perforation or face cut, and are therefore lacking any gap to be detected by a sensor.

CONTINUOUS:
Continuous labels have no gaps, face cuts, or perforations - The entire surface is a continuous adhesive label. In this case the print driver or software is typically used to manually control gap settings, however the gap sensor within the printer may still be used to alert you when you run out of labels.

It's important to discuss your requirements with your label manufacturer to make sure your method of gap sensing will be compatible with your printer and labels. If you're unsure of what is required or have any questions about using your labels with your printer, ensure you ask them prior to beginning production - An experienced label manufacturer will be able to work with you to make sure everything goes smoothly!

Cohesion Labels is an Australian label manufacturer with a passion for Making Labels Easy. We believe it should be easier for Aussie businesses to do business, and to do our part we've set up our entire operation to make labels easy. By de-risking the process and guaranteeing you get the product you want when you need it, we're the strongest link in your supply chain.

Get in touch with us for a quote - We'd love to see how we could make labelling easy for you!