A tag printing machine for clothing allows apparel manufacturers to print tagless labels directly onto garments instead of applying sewn-in tags or heat transfer labels. Tagless pad printing can lower material costs, improve production speed, and eliminate unnecessary label inventory. Here’s a breakdown of why tag printing machines are the best choice for clothes labels:
A tagless printing machine can help apparel manufacturers reduce costs, improve production efficiency, and simplify label production. Research from Inkcups on the average tagless printing cost savings for our customers found the following:
Tagless Printing Time savings:
A tag printing machine for clothes can print care labels, brand marks, size information, and other required garment label details directly onto fabric.
Common tagless printing applications include:
Usage examples:
Pad printed tags and heat transfer labels are both used for tagless apparel labeling, but they differ in cost, speed, flexibility, durability, and production requirements.
| Pad Printed Tagless Labels | Heat Transfer Labels | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Orders | No label order minimums | Minimum label orders often required |
| Inventory Logistics | Ink and supplies are compact for easy storage | Pre-printed label inventory requires storage space |
| Production Speed | Approximately 800 tags per hour | Approximately 400 labels per hour |
| Artwork Changes | New graphics can be ready in less than 30 minutes | Artwork changes may require 3 to 5 days |
| Durability | Tags can withstand up to 50 industrial washes | Only some high-durability labels withstand 50 industrial washes |
| Garment Comfort | Soft print that stretches with fabric | Labels may feel rough or separate when stretched |
| Fabric Appearance | No heat mark or fabric discoloration | Heat marks or discoloration may occur |
| Sustainability | Low air and electricity requirements | Higher electricity use from heat press equipment |
Pad printing and screen printing can both be used to print labels inside garments, but pad printing is often the more efficient labeling option.
| Pad Printed Tags | Screen Printed Tags | |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Usage | Uses a thin layer of ink only in the printed area | Uses more ink across the screen and print area |
| Labor Requirements | No added labor for drying | Additional labor may be needed for drying and handling |
| Sustainability | No drying equipment required | Drying equipment can increase energy use |
| Production Space | Compact machine footprint | Larger equipment footprint plus drying space |
| Print Feel | Soft-hand, comfortable print | Thicker print may feel rougher to the wearer |
Inkcups tagless t-shirt label printing machines are the best option for apparel manufacturers because they support fast changeovers, low supply costs, and durable soft-hand prints that can withstand repeated washing. In fact, the three largest t-shirt manufacturers in the world have made the tagless switch using t-shirt label printing machines from Inkcups.
Questions? Learn more about our tagless printers or contact Inkcups today.
Tagless Printers
Cylindrical Inkjet Printers
UV Flatbed Printers
Pad Printing Machines
Pretreatment Systems
Inkjet Printing Auxiliary
Laser Plate-Makers
Inkjet Printing Supplies
Pad Printing Supplies
Tagless Supplies
