Frequently Asked Questions

Inventory Tags

• What's the difference between Carbon Copy Tags and NCR tags?

• I work in a wet environment. Do have a material that seals in the information I write on the tag?

• What is a "Dead Soft" tag?

• Can I add checkboxes to my inventory tag design?

• We need a special color to match our Inventory color-coding. Can you match it?

• Ties, wires or strings – what should we use?

• What are multi-part tags used for?

• What is Tyvek material? How is it different from other materials?

What's the difference between Carbon Copy Tags and NCR tags?

Our multi-part tags are increasingly made from NCR paper – although we make paper and carbon tags if requested. The NCR paper has a special coating that, when pressed with a pen or pencil images the sheet below. NCR tags are cleaner. There is no messy carbon paper to dispose of. Yet, many traditionalists prefer the crisper and more durable image that is produced on the tag or other paper copies when you use a carbon sheet.

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I work in a wet environment. Do have a material that seals in the information I write on the tag?

Ask for some samples of our self-laminating plastic tags. Self-laminating tags have become a mainstay for environmentally hostile conditions. The principle is very simple: a clear self-laminating flap seals in your writing and protects it against weather, abrasion and sunlight. Your tag becomes almost impossible to tear and is highly resistant to chemicals. Tags stored underwater have remained readable and strong for 7 years. One skeptical customer even put one of our tags in the tank of his toilet bowl. A year later, he suddenly remembered the tag. He is a believer now!

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What is a "Dead Soft" tag?

This is a debossable (imprintable) aluminum-clad tag. Debossable aluminum is mounted onto a tag board or a plastic core. This hefty 2 mils thick aluminum is heated to 1100° F and becomes annealed. Once annealed, the aluminum is soft and can be indented. The result is a tag that is durably printed. Even if the print is washed off, or painted over, the legend is still debossed into the surface.

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Can I add checkboxes to my inventory tag design?

Yes, just give us a note when you place the order. Some customers just show where they want a check box by typing two brackets (for example "[_]"). We offer free design service for your custom tag design, so you can always just fax us a sketch.

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We need a special color to match our Inventory color-coding. Can you match it?

Many of our customers ask for a specific color. Specify a PMS number or send us a color chip to match. For most materials, there is no extra charge for a special color match – but we will confirm this with you prior to printing.

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Ties, wires or strings – what should we use?

There are advantages and disadvantages to each method, and it primarily depends on the type of use and environment you're working in. In heavy-use environments, around machinery and moving parts, strings can be broken off and the tag removed easily. On the other hand, some wires need to be untwisted or cut to be removed. Ties are also rather permanent – yet easy to install. It's best to ask us for a few samples and test.

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What are multi-part tags used for?

Multi-part tags are a great way to tag items and keep a stub for your files, records, or customers. This helps eliminate human error (of copying down ID numbers, etc.) and provides an authentic copy of the data on your tag. It's a simple way to keep your records straight and organized.

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What is Tyvek material? How is it different from other materials?

When your inventory is stored around harsh weather and wear, a tough Tyvek tag is great for taking on even the worst elements. The tags feature a write-on surface that won't smudge or wear, and the fiber-like surface offers waterproof protection that lasts. If you need a durable tag that resists tearing and moisture, Tyvek is the way to go.

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