Printing
full-bleed labels can be difficult; especially with a newly launched
printer. The LT5C is a LED/Laser
printer designed specifically for desktop label printing. It is capable of
printing full bleed labels by following some easy steps.
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| LT5C |
I’ve written about the LT5C/QL-300 in the past. This article features the key benefits of the LT5C, printing foils and other interesting label media; and printing using white.
And this post covering designing with white:
The most important aspect for full-bleed label printing, even with the
LT5C, starts with the artwork. You
need to create artwork slightly larger than the actual label. Generally, we
recommend using artwork that is .03” larger than the actual label. For example,
use a 3.03” x 4.03” artwork for a 3” x 4” label.
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| Full-Bleed Label Artwork |
With this type of design as a PDF, you can print at the actual size in
Adobe Reader.
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| QL-300 Full-Bleed PDF Printing |
Starting with the correct artwork makes full-bleed label printing
easier to do.
With the
LT5C, three other aspects are important for full-bleed printing; two are different
and one is similar to other printers.
First, the LT5C requires the matrix left-on the labels. Label matrix is the waste material that is
typically pulled off from die-cut labels. Here is the matrix surrounding the
label.
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| Matrix-On Label |
And the label partially removed to show just the remaining matrix:
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| Label Removed To Show Matrix |
Matrix On is required because the toner on the liner does not get fused
and may eventually cause problems in the fuser. Matrix On allows for
overprinting and keeps the fuser clean.
I’ve written about leaving the matrix on in the past.
Second, the LT5C requires an extra or larger gap between and around
labels. Most die cut labels have a .125”
gap between labels with a .0625” exposed liner on both sides. With the LT5C, the gap needs to be .375”
and approximately .1875” on both sides of the label. You can see this extra space/matrix in the
above picture. This extra space ensures the toner does not get into the paper
path, reducing print quality and potentially damaging the fuser/printer.
Third, the .125” blackmark needs to be placed halfway between the
labels; basically starting .125” after the previous label and ending .125”
before the next label. You can see the blackmark easily with this clear label
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| Blackmark Through Clear Film Label |
With the correctly designed artwork, matrix on and the larger gaps, you
can print beautiful full bleed labels with the LT5C.
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| Full-Bleed Printed Using Clear Film Label |
After printing, you may need to move the image around the template for
perfect placement on the label. For
full-bleed printing, expect you’ll need to adjust the “paper print adjustment”
to move image on the label. With the
LT5C driver, it’s easy to adjust the position of the printed image:
And changes in the position adjustment direction show up in the label
image to the right; which is a very helpful feature.
I’ve written about adjusting the printed image on the template for theL801 in the past.
With the matrix on, you may need to remove it prior to any automatic
label application. Applicators will not
work with the matrix on. To remove the
matrix, the LT5C has an accessory to pull this waste material off the liner.
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| LT5C Matrix Remover |
This matrix remover works similar to the accessory featured in this earlier post.
The LT5C produces beautiful labels on a large variety of materials;
and can print white. It’s a very unique
label printer and maybe perfect for your operation. Following these technics, you can print
full-bleed, producing great-looking labels.
Contact us if you have questions about the LT5C.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
