바코드 기재 가이드: 종이, 폴리에스터, 폴리프로필렌 등
Choosing the right label material for barcode printing — paper grades, synthetic films, adhesive types, and environmental resistance ratings.
Barcode Substrate Guide: Paper, Polyester, Polypropylene & More
The label material (substrate) determines whether a barcode survives its intended environment. A perfect barcode printed on the wrong substrate can become unreadable within days. This guide covers the major substrate options.
Paper Labels
| Type | Coating | Use Case | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-gloss paper | Clay-coated | General purpose, retail | -10 to +50C |
| Matte paper | Uncoated | Office labels, inventory | 0 to +50C |
| Thermal paper | Chemically treated | Direct thermal printing | -10 to +40C |
| Tag stock | Heavy uncoated | Hang tags, tickets | -10 to +50C |
Paper is the most economical substrate but is vulnerable to moisture, chemicals, and tearing.
Synthetic Labels
| Material | Durability | Key Properties | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene (PP) | High | Water-resistant, flexible | Product labels, food |
| Polyester (PET) | Very high | Chemical and heat resistant | Asset tags, electronics |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Moderate | Flexible, squeezable | Bottles, tubes |
| Vinyl (PVC) | High | Conformable, outdoor durable | Outdoor signs, vehicles |
| Tyvek | High | Tear-resistant, breathable | Wristbands, shipping |
Adhesive Types
The adhesive is as important as the face material:
| Adhesive Type | Bond Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent | Very strong | Product labels, asset tags |
| Removable | Moderate (peels cleanly) | Pricing labels, temporary ID |
| Freezer-grade | Strong at low temperatures | Cold chain products |
| High-tack | Immediate strong bond | Textured or curved surfaces |
| Repositionable | Low (allows adjustment) | Shelf labels, prototyping |
Environment-Based Selection
| Environment | Recommended Substrate | Adhesive | Print Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor ambient | Paper or polypropylene | Permanent | Any |
| Outdoor (UV exposure) | Polyester + UV laminate | Permanent | Thermal transfer (resin) |
| Refrigerated (2-8C) | Polypropylene | Freezer-grade | Thermal transfer |
| Frozen (-20 to -40C) | Polyester | Deep-freeze | Thermal transfer (resin) |
| Chemical exposure | Polyester | Chemical-resistant | Thermal transfer (resin) |
| High temperature (>80C) | Polyimide (Kapton) | High-temp | Thermal transfer (resin) |
| Wet/submerged | Polypropylene or polyester | Waterproof | Thermal transfer (resin) |
Substrate and Print Method Compatibility
| Substrate | Direct Thermal | TT Wax | TT Wax-Resin | TT Resin | Inkjet | Laser |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper (coated) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Polypropylene | No | No | Yes | Yes | Special | No |
| Polyester | No | No | No | Yes | Special | Special |
| Vinyl | No | No | Yes | Yes | Special | No |
Testing Protocol
Before committing to a substrate:
- Print sample barcodes
- Verify grade with a barcode verifier
- Expose to actual conditions (temperature, moisture, chemicals, UV) for the intended label life
- Re-verify barcode grade after exposure
- Test adhesion (does the label stay on the product?)
- Verify no substrate-ink interaction (bleeding, smearing)