C6000 MAC OS Driver

With the launch of the C6000 series of label printers, Epson offered their first MAC OS driver. 

 

In their initial press release, Epson stated the following:

Seamless Integration – Compatible with ZPL II, major middleware, SAP, Windows^®, Mac^®, and Linux

Although MAC accounts for only 9.4% of the operating systems market, it does have a much higher share with graphic artists and production houses; key operators and influencers in the label business.

 

As a Windows only user, however, I learned quickly during a support call how different are the drivers between these two operating systems.  Let me explain some of the differences and how best to use the MAC driver for the C6000 printers.

 

Normally, I suggest customers set up the Printer Defaults and Preferences after loading the Windows driver.

C6000 Printing Defaults

And especially important to set the Media Definition prior to any printing:

C6000 Media Definition

Then when you print a document, the properties show the default or preferences settings:

 

C6500 Reader Dialog Box

With the MAC OS, however, it seems this strategy is not possible.  You need to go into the printing application to set the media definition first.

 

Working with Tony Molina, our resident Graphic Artist, we found the media definition settings from the properties box in the application (Adobe Reader in this case) only:

C6000 MAC Reader Dialog Box

By entering the “Advanced” dialog box, you can “Manage Custom Sizes” and set up a page size.

C6000 MAC Custom Sizes

And then you can select the correct size from the properties box.

C6000 MAC Size Setup

Although the page size is set, none of the other settings have been established.  According to Dennis Moore, Technical Sales Support Specialist for Epson, you can locate the C6000 series driver inside the System Preferences icon by selecting, "Printers & Scanners”.

 

C6000 MAC Printer Settings

Then, select the C6500 and go to "Options & Supplies" to configure the other settings."

C6000 MAC Printer Settings

Select the options to get to the “System Configuration” dialog box:

 

C6000 MAC Printer Settings

From this point, you can set the Media Type, Cut, etc.  Just as important, you can get to the Printing Setting Utility from the “Utility” tab:

 

C6000 MAC Printer Setting Utility

Which opens the Utility to select options inside the printer such as Media Setting and Positioning:

 

C6000 MAC Printer Setting Utility

C6000 MAC Media Setting

Where you can select internal/external, Gap/Blackmark, Coating Type and Print Quality.  Positioning adjustments are required when printing full-bleed labels.

 

Get the MAC OS Drivers for the C6000 series printers here:

And purchase the C6000 series printers here:

Don’t forget Spare in the Air (SITA) Extended Warranty:

As a neophyte MAC OS user, I needed Dennis’s and Tony’s support to figure out how to set up the MAC driver for the C6000 and C6500 printers. Hopefully this summary makes your effort to start printing labels with a MAC OS system easier to do.  Contact us if we can help with your label printing.

 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Axon Tube Labeling

Printing and applying labels with variable data to tubes is a key requirement for all companies selling prerolls.  Now we offer a less expensive option; the Axon 2.1:

Axon 2.1 Tube Printer/Applicator

“The Axon 2.1 is an update to the Axon 2, specifically designed for the cannabis market”, says Jeff Kennedy, National Sales Manager for Cab Technology, a leading in automated and high precision labeling.   Continuing, Jeff says, “the Axon 2.1 handles longer and wider tubes than the Axon 2; increasing the length from 105 mm to 120 mm and the diameter from 10-17 mm to 16-20 mm.”

 

Watch the Axon 2.1 apply labels to preroll tubes here:

“With a price of approximately $6,000, the Axon 2.1 should fit preroll manufacturers who want a simple system to print and apply labels to preroll tubes at an affordable price”, says Jeff. 

 

I’ve written about fully automatic preroll label applicators in the past:  

https://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2020/01/preroll-label-applicator.html 

These applicators work well for operators with large batches of preroll tubes.

 

As for labels for the Axon 2.1, we would provide you preprinted labels with your static brand logo and information.  Then you would print the variable data required for each label.  We can even provide you preprinted color labels for your various stain identification.  For this variable data printing, Jeff says, “you can run the Axon 2.1 as a stand-alone operation; printing without a PC.  You can enter the data via a keyboard or scan in the data from associated work orders.”

 

In my discussion with Jeff, I learned the Axon 2 has been a success in life science labs since it’s introduction in the fall of 2019.  In these labs, gloved operators find the Axon 2 a “pain-free” way to label tubes with blood and other types of samples for testing. Watch the Axon 2 in action here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL4jGJ62cE8 .  And learn more here:

https://www.cab.de/en/marking/print-apply/axon2/ 

If you need an affordable way to print and apply labels to preroll tubes, consider the Axon 2.1.  Contact us to purchase the Axon 2.1; or discuss how this until would fit into your operation.

 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

ICC Profiles

CBD Startup has approached the market with a new concept on an old idea. They don’t just want you to sell their products; rather they want you to create your own business & brand. Success stems from the passion you put behind your company. With cutting edge design, product templates, fulfillment and distribution, and sales, CBD Startup offers all you need to be successful.

CBD Startup purchased a C6500A from us during the White Label Expo in Las Vegas NV.   After getting started print, Colin Sevier, IT Manager and Jack-Of-All-Trades, decided that the colors were “truly amazing” on the gloss poly; just a few points away from a great color match and not worth the time to fix.  However, the color on the matte poly, especially the blacks, should be different.  According to Colin, “the blacks were more charcoal.  We wanted to see a more vivid black and colors in general.”

As Colin came from a background in printing, he has the knowhow and tools to improve the colors with the C6500A. His primary tool to create an ICC Profile and improve the colors is the Datacolor StudioKit.  

An ICC profile is a set of data that characterizes a color input or output device, or a color space, according to standards promulgated by the International Color Consortium (ICC). Learn more here.

Colin says, “With the Datacolor Studio Kit, I printed out a color map using the C6500A and the matte poly labels.  I made sure the printout was without any extra color, but with the Quality setting. 

Datacolor Map

Every setting would need a different color map and ICC profile.  On the color map, I scanned/measured the colors which inputted this information into the software.  Once all the colors were scanned, the software creates the profile.”

After getting the profile from Colin, I attempted to replicate the results.  First, I learned where to upload the profile to the computer.  All ICC color profiles go to this directory in Windows:  C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\color

Second, I had to set the driver settings to use the correct ICC profile. Normally, I would use this Quality setting for a matte poly.  Notice the “Vivid Color” selection.

C6500 Synthetic Quality Setting

To use the ICC profile, I selected the ICM color correction mode.   The Epson Engineering Manual says, ICM (Image Color Management) is a Windows color control function to match apparent color between different devices such as a monitor and a printer. Apparent color on the monitor and on the printout is matched based on ICC profiles. An ICC profile is a file that describes characteristics of the device such as a monitor and a printer according to ICC (International Color Consortium) standards.”

 

C6500 ICM Settings

Be sure to select “Show All Profiles” to see the correct selection.  And then select the ICC profile desired, such as the CW-6500Au MattePoly Quality Settings, that Colin created.

After these setting changes, I printed out a basic black/green artwork to see the color difference: and you can see a difference:

With/Without ICC Matte Poly Profile

The blacks are blacker and the greens seem more natural on the matte poly than using the standard Vivid Color profile.

Colin says, “Once I uploaded the ICC profile into the C6500, the colors were much better, even dead on.  The blacks were blacker and the colors were more vivid.  What’s great with the ICC profile is now the print output matches our calibrated monitors.  What we see, is what we get!”  During our conversation, I learned that Colin calibrates the monitors and televisions using the same Datacolor Studio Kit.

Creating ICC Color Profiles is another way to improve the performance of the C6500.  And for me, I can say it is a pleasure to learn about label printing from a smart customer like CBD Startup and printing professionals such as Colin.  It’s a real pleasure to work with these types of companies and people.

If you want to improve the performance of your color label printers, contact us.  We’d love to earn your business; and your support.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Antimicrobial Screen Protectors

Do you use touchscreen computers in your operations?  If so, you should consider the newest addition to our product line, General Data's Antimicrobial Screen Protectors.

Seal Shield Screen Protectors

These medical grade, antimicrobial, screen protectors work with any flat screen monitor or handheld device.  The screen protectors provide comparable antimicrobial results to hospital disinfectants and bleach solutions.  In addition, this patented product increases the strength of the screen itself protecting it from dings and scratches. 

General Data got into selling the Screen Protectors by working with our partner Seal Shield.  Founded in 2006, Seal Shield is a world leader in infection control technology. They offer a full range of technologies and patent-pending products that mitigate the risk of cross contamination in healthcare settings, communal environments, and in your home.

Seal Shield developed the technology for the healthcare markets; and General Data coats the screen protectors for them; a 6.0 mil clear thermoplastic polyurethane topcoated with specially formulated antimicrobial additive with a permanent acrylic adhesive and 90# release liner.  I’ve written about the General Data Coatings team prior.

Seal Shield Screen Protector

This product contains an antimicrobial, fungistatic agent which protects the product and keeps it cleaner, greener and fresher by inhibiting the growth of  microbial bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi on the product’s surface.

The Seal Shield Screen Protectors meet the JIS Z2801 standard which tests the ability of plastics, metals, ceramics and other antimicrobial surfaces to inhibit the growth of microorganisms or kill them.  Learn more here.

To order the screen protection, send us the width, height and corner radius of the device(s) you want to protect.

According to Aaron Heller, General Data Sales, “the Screen Protectors will fit any organization that uses touchscreen monitors and other devices who want to protect their employees and customers from viruses such as Covid-19.”  Retailers with kiosks and manufactures with computer monitors on the production line are perfect examples of where to use the Shield Shield Screen Protectors.

Seal Shield Keyboards

In addition to the Screen Protectors, Seal Shield offers dishwasher safe keyboards and mice.  Contact us to discuss the type of keyboards and mice you may require.

Seal Shield Mouse

If your organization uses touch screens or keyboards and want to protect your employees and customers, contact us to discuss how the technology from Seal Shield will improve your organization's safety.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Raster vs Vector

We receive low quality or bad artwork every week to print samples from prospects.  The expression “Garbage In, Garbage Out” rings true when it comes to label printing.

I’ve written about the issue of bad artwork before; especially around font print quality.

Recently, I received an excellent document from Afinia that lays out the differences between Vector and Raster graphics; and when to use each type in the creation of artwork.  Get it here:

Tony Molina, our Graphic Artist, gave me a simple definition of the two types of graphics:  “Raster are pixels and Vectors are lines.”  Wikipedia says Vector Graphics are defined by 2D points: 

Raster Graphics are defined by a rectangle grid of pixels: 

When asked why did Afinia decide to create this collateral piece, Mike Atkins, National Sales Manager for Afinia Label said, “The issue of art quality comes up all the time.  And we get asked about artwork creation; this piece gives ideas on how to create better label artwork.  Our goal is to show how Afinia printers produce high print quality; and it starts with good artwork.”

Raster Vs Vector Graphics

Continuing, Mike says, “Vector graphics are great for logos, text and curves.    They create smoother graphics and are scalable.  Raster images are pictures and are not scalable without looking pixelated.”

During our discussion, I realized that I wanted to be like Mike, when he said “I hate JPEG files”.  I agree with him that you can’t print JPEG files easily.  Mike says, “PDF files are just easier to print.  Anyone can open up in Adobe Reader if you don’t have to merge variable data.  If I receive a PROOF file with other stuff on it, I can open up in Illustrator and get rid of the die cut lines, etc. easily.”

In many or most files, you’ll use both types of graphics. 

Raster AND Vector Graphics

“In the above image, the background is a photo (pixel based) and the logo in the foreground is a vector-based design”, says Mike.  Continuing, “the combination is very common”.

“I create original artwork such as logos in Illustrator and adjust photos in Photoshop.  In Photoshop, I use a minimum of 300 DPI to make sure photos print OK. Then, I bring the two type of graphics together in InDesign or Quark before creating the final artwork as a PDF” says Tony.

Typical Label Artwork Setup

Artwork creation makes a big difference in the print quality of the printers we sell.  Remember the expression: “you can’t make a silk purse out of pig’s ear.”

  

Contact us if we can support your artwork creation or your label printing.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Thermal Labels From CLS?

ColorLabel Solutions is the premier provider of print on-demand color label systems.  But did you know we also manufacturer and sell thermal transfer and direct thermal labels as well?

Black Rhino Labels

Color Label Solutions became a manufacture of labels with the purchase of our company by General Data on March 1^st 2019.  Learn more here. 

General Data (GDC) is one of the largest and most diversified manufacturers and converters of thermal transfer and direct thermal labels.  Our expertise spans multiple industries and applications, including barcode labels for industrial applications, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, packaging, food and beverage, cold storage, and healthcare.  GDC produce labels that stand up to all sorts of harsh conditions, including abrasion, moisture, chemicals, solvents and temperature extremes.  GDC produces both standard and custom size thermal labels, and we can supply you these labels.

Many (or maybe most) of our customers use either thermal transfer or direct thermal labels somewhere in their operation.  But when should you use either technology? 

Choosing Between A Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Print Solutions

In simplest terms, thermal transfer printing utilizes a thermal ribbon and direct thermal printing does not.

Thermal transfer involves the thermal printhead elements (dots) heating the backside of a thermal transfer ribbon to melt and transfer the compounds on the front side of the ribbon to the label material, thus creating the printed image.

Direct Thermal Printing

Direct thermal printing requires a heat sensitive label material. The printhead elements come into direct contact with the heat sensitive material where the heat from the elements causes a color change in the material to create the printed image.

To learn more about the differences between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, watch this GDC video: 

Knowing the difference between thermal transfer printing and direct thermal printing is only the first step in evaluating the two alternative technologies for use in your label printing application.  The following considerations, while not an exhaustive list, account for the key areas to review when selecting which technology to use.

• THERMAL PRINTHEAD LIFE & COST
• PRINTER CONFIGURATION & COST
• MEDIA SELECTION & COST
• LABEL LIFE REQUIREMENTS

Learn more about when to use either direct thermal or thermal transfer labels in this article from Sato Corporation: 

Our team of print experts can help you identify the best printer and label for your specific application. Contact us today for more details.

Linerless Labels

For direct thermal labels, GDC produces linerless labels.  Linerless labels eliminate the need for liner, thus reducing waste and saving money.  Learn more about linerless labels here:

GDC proudly manufactures the Black Rhino™ brand of labels and tags. These high-quality barcode labels come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations, and are suitable for a number of different applications. Black Rhino provide outstanding performance and print quality in thermal labels, including printers from Zebra, Intermec, Honeywell, Sato, Datamax, and others. And we’ve got hundreds of SKU’s of Black Rhino brand labels in stock, ready for immediate shipment. If we don’t carry the label that you need in stock, we can make it for you.  General Data’s custom thermal label manufacturing expertise is unparalleled in the industry.

Grant Grooms

When asked why to purchase thermal labels from GDC, Grant Grooms, National Sales Manager, says “Unlike other companies who purchase label stock to convert, GDC makes our own thermal materials.  These components come from long-term partners, who provide us consistent raw materials.  By working with GDC, you have a One-Stop-Shop/One Throat to Choke Business that provides consistent, high-quality thermal labels.”

If you use direct or thermal transfer labels, contact us. We can save you money and make your label purchasing easier to do.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com