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Chapter 2
About Labels
DYMO LabelWriter printers use advanced thermal printing technology to print on specially
treated, heat-sensitive labels. This means you will never have to replace toner, ink cartridges, or a
ribbon to print labels.
Note DYMO’s warranty does not cover malfunction or damage that may be caused by the use of
labels other than DYMO-branded labels. Because DYMO LabelWriter printers use thermal printing
technology, you must use specially designed and manufactured labels. The thermal coatings used
on labels other than DYMO-branded labels may not be compatible, and may provide unsatisfactory
printing or cause the printer to malfunction.
How long your labels will last depends on how the labels are used. Thermal paper labels, such as
those printed by the LabelWriter printer, are susceptible to fading in two ways:
• Exposure to direct sunlight, to fluorescent light for an extended period of time, or to extreme
heat will cause fading.
• Contact with plasticizers (for example, labels placed on plastic ring binders) will cause fading.
In the original packaging, the shelf life for LabelWriter labels is 18 months. When labels are used
for short-term applications (envelopes, packages, and so on), fading is not a problem. When labels
are used to label files in a file cabinet, fading is very gradual over many years. Labels applied to the
edge of a notebook that is then placed on a shelf in the sun will show signs of fading within a few
months.
To prolong label life when labels are not in use, store the labels in a cool, dry place and in the black
bag in which they were originally packaged.