Zebra IQ Color Label Streamlines Operations, Reduces Errors and Printing Costs

Now operations managers can print color visual cues on demand using their existing Zebra thermal printer and Zebra’s new IQ Color Thermal Labels.   With IQ Color direct thermal ink technology, users can print color labels on demand. To create an IQ Color label, users can simply choose up to four colors from the eight colors offered including the size and shape.

During the label manufacturing process, invisible color inks are applied in up to four designated zones customized to the end-user’s needs and label format. To the naked eye, it appears there is no color on the label. The Zebra printer’s printhead then heat-activates the ink to make select colors visible based on the format sent to the printer. This allows for each individual label to be customized with color images, text, shapes, graphics and more at the point of printing.

 “Zebra’s IQ Color technology illustrates our dedication to providing our customers with innovative products that streamline their operations, and reduce errors and costs,” said Christine Weber, Product Marketing Manager for Zebra Technologies. “Eliminating the need for pre-printed color labels increases productivity, as it eliminates roll changes and there is less inventory to manage.

Enhancing Zebra’s robust product line, the IQ Color technology will be available on existing Zebra thermal printers and will benefit a variety of industries such as healthcare where IQ Color can be integrated in the lab and pharmacy for the identification and prioritization of orders.  The technology can also be used in transportation and logistics applications to reduce shipping and stocking errors during sortation by highlighting special order instructions. IQ Color also allows for real-time inventory management to insure FIFO and easily identify any misplaced items. In manufacturing, IQ Color can reduce the cost of using additional labels for sortation and quality control in critical product identification applications. And finally in retail applications when integrated into shelf labeling, IQ Color allows for easy identification of product attributes.