Want to streamline your labeling needs at home or business? Brother offers DK labels for a variety of applications that you can potentially maximize for many of your needs. Save up to 80% OFF or More on Brother DK Labels! At enKo Products, we not only manufacture crisp and inexpensive Brother compatible DK labels but also ensure you’re using them right. In this post, we’ll discuss in-depth the properties of each DK variety and where to use them best. CONTENT Interpreting Brother’s Extensive Label DK Test DK Label Features to Look At DK Label and Tapes Available Today Where to Use Brother DK Compatible Labels Interpreting Brother’s Extensive Label DK Test Let’s start off by examining Brother’s technical data for DK rolls. In this document officially released by the company, extensive tests were performed for each DK label type to know exactly what forces of nature it can withstand. The tests also analyzed up to what extent the labels can withstand heat, cold, rain, and indoor and outdoor conditions. 1. Temperature Resistance Test 2. Test of Abrasion 3. Fade Resistance Outdoors 4. Fade Resistance Indoors 5. Water and Chemical Submersion Test 6. Test Against Water and Chemical Abrasion 7. Adhesive Test 8. Curved Surfaces Tolerance 1. Temperature Resistance Test Image Source: Freepik In this test, we’ve determined how Brother DK labels can withstand extremely high and low temperatures from -80°C to +80°C. We’ve gathered data from three types of DK labels: Film, Paper, and 2-color paper. Summary: Temperature Range Hours DK Film DK Paper Label DK 2-Color Paper Label -80°C 240 No visible deterioration No visible deterioration – +60°C 240 No visible deterioration No visible deterioration A little discoloration but insignificant +80°C 240 No visible deterioration A little discoloration but insignificant Faded red color (a) DK Film Brother DK Films is one of the most robust DK label types withstanding the highest temperature ranges and sunlight exposures. It can hold out against -80°C to +80°C without fading. (b) Brother DK Paper Labels It was found in this test that Brother DK tapes can withstand temperatures from -80°C to +80°C. Paper labels in particular are able to endure from -80°C to +60°C but will show minor fading in its black text at a high temperature of +80°C. (c) DK 2-Color Paper Labels For two-color paper labels, they are able to remain blemish-free from -80°C to +25°C. It will only start to show discoloration when it reaches a temperature of +60°C. (d) Best Applications DK films are best for extreme temperature (cold or hot) labeling applications. These include temporary labeling of metal surfaces, glass, and many more. DK Paper labels are used for a variety of multipurpose applications depending on their size. DK 2-Color paper labels are the most vulnerable to hot and cold temperatures. Therefore, you can use them for labeling files, moving boxes, and general-purpose labeling applications that don’t get exposed to extreme temperatures or prolonged temperatures beyond +25°C. 2. Test of Abrasion Abrasion resistance measures the extent up to which the label surface can withstand wear, tear and friction. Learn More: Browse different sizes of Brother DK Labels available at enKo Products! Can’t find what you are looking for? Explore all of our Direct Thermal Labels in standard sizes. View all available sizes for fanfold labels in our store. Learn how to create and print personalized shipping labels on Microsoft Word. Shop now at enKo Products and start printing your labels from excel spreadsheet. A 1-kilogram sanding device passed over the film, paper and 2-color paper labels show that labels were not affected by abrasive components. Thus concluding that DK labels are resistant to abrasion. Test DK Film DK Paper Label DK 2-Color Paper Label Passed on a 1-kg sanding device No signs of indentation Shows slight indentation on the surface Shows slight indentation on the surface (a) DK Film It was found that DK films can tolerate moderate abrasion. (b) DK Paper & 2-Color Paper Label DK paper labels have a protective coating on their surface that shields them against scratches and marks. However, the results also show that at high degrees of abrasion, slight appearances of scratches are formed on the surface without compromising its quality. (c) Best Applications Although they are not designed for abrasive applications, DK films are proven to be the best choice among the three when it comes to labeling applications that may be induced to abrasion. Examples include document and file labeling in machine shop offices, manufacturing industries, and many more. 3. Fade Resistance Outdoors We did point out before that DK labels aren’t the number 1 choice for prolonged outdoor applications. However, tests found out that yellow DK films are most suitable for harsh weather conditions compared with the other DK materials. We’ll tell you exactly how we come up with this conclusion. On a series of tests where DK films were placed outdoors for a month, results show the following. Test DK White Film DK Yellow Film 1 month placed outdoors Shows more faded text Shows slight fading of text (a) Best Applications DK Yellow film labels stand better outdoors than their white film counterpart. Hence, yellow film labels are more applicable in labeling applications which require items to be placed or shipped outside. 4. Fade Resistance Indoors The indoor resistance test, perfectly shows that Brother DK labels are suitable for prolonged indoor usage, resisting fading, heat, cold, and other forces of the indoor environment. The test is carried out in 2 ways: with the Brother DK labels attached to metal surfaces and contained within a fade-induced chamber. The temperature was controlled to +24±°C with 60% humidity. The test was conducted for 52 hours. With DK labels exposed to the variable office condition for a year. Results show the following: Indoor Condition Hrs DK Film DK Paper Label DK 2-Color Paper Label Stored Metal kept at +24±°C with a 60% humidity 52 No visible deterioration Extremely slight fading Slight fading in color Office Environment 8,760 – – – (a) Best Applications This shows that DK films, paper, and 2-color paper labels are all ideals for indoor use, but prolonged exposure can fade paper labels in due time compared with film labels. 5. Water and Chemical Submersion Test Brother DK film labels are more resistant to chemicals and water immersion than paper labels. Do take note however that they shouldn’t be generally used for labeling objects submerged in liquids. These tests are only conducted just so you know that they are indeed durable enough to withstand certain liquids when it’s spilled accidentally on them. In this test, Brother DK labels (film, paper, and 2-color paper labels) were stuck with glass plates and submerged in water and chemicals for 2 hours. Results show the following: Liquid Type Hours DK Film DK Paper Label DK 2-Color Paper Label Water 2 No visible deterioration No visible deterioration No visible deterioration Hexane 2 No visible deterioration No visible deterioration No visible deterioration Mineral Spirit 2 No visible deterioration No visible deterioration Faded Color 0.1 N Sodium Hydroxide 2 No visible deterioration A little discoloration but insignificant Faded Color 0.1 B Hydrochloric Acid 2 Slight discoloration A little discoloration but insignificant Faded Color Toluene 2 Slight discoloration A little discoloration but insignificant Faded Color Ethanol 2 Slight discoloration Illegible Illegible Acetone 2 Illegible Illegible Illegible Ethyl Acetate 2 Illegible Illegible Illegible (a) Best Applications This clearly shows that DK 2-color papers may not be meant for laboratories or applications requiring more intensive resistance to water and chemicals. The best DK labels for medical use are DK films or black on white paper labels. 6. Test Against Water and Chemical Abrasion In this test, labels were stuck with glass plates with a 500g weight. Different chemicals infused in cloth were then wiped across the label surfaces 40 times. The results show that DK films can withstand abrasion with different chemicals. Liquid Type DK Film DK Paper Label DK 2-Color Paper Label Water Hexane Mineral Spirit 0.1 N Sodium Hydroxide 0.1 B Hydrochloric Acid Toluene Ethanol Acetone Ethyl Acetate No visible deterioration Illegible No visible deterioration No visible deterioration Illegible Illegible No visible deterioration No visible deterioration Slight deterioration Slight deterioration Faded Color No visible deterioration No visible deterioration Faded Color Faded Color No visible deterioration Faded Color No visible deterioration No visible deterioration 7. Adhesive Test Both Brother DK paper and film labels come with strong adhesives which provides excellent adhesion to various surfaces. The test consists of affixing different DK labels onto different surfaces for 30 minutes. Then, each label was peeled off from the surface through the JIS Z0237 standard, a Japanese test standard for adhesive tapes. The adhesive strength was measured in Newtons or the amount of force required to peel off the label from the surface. The greater the number, the better are its adhesion properties. Surface Adhesive Strength in Newtons Stainless Steel PVC Glass Polyester Coated Wood Acrylic Polypropylene 12.1 12.7 11.2 11 11 10 (a) Best Applications It clearly shows that all types of DK labels have strong and durable adhesives for many types of surfaces – glass, metal, plastic, or paper. Hence you can use them for signages, envelopes, barcodes, postages, and many more. 8. Curved Surfaces Tolerance The curved surface test is essential for laboratory and healthcare facility labeling. In this test, it was proven that Brother DK film labels can be able to stick durably with cylindrical surfaces used in the medical industry. The test consists of sticking different label types with a variety of test tube sizes for 30 minutes. Each label was then observed if they can be able remain secure on each curved surface. Here are the results: Type of Curved Surface DK Film DK Paper Ø 10.6 mm Polystyrene Ø 14.6 mm Polystyrene Ø 17.7 mm Polystyrene Ø 11.8 mm Glass Ø 11.8 mm Polypropylene ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 5-10mm springs back 5-10mm springs back ✔ ✘ (a) Best Applications Another great example of DK films being the best label type for laboratory purposes is their ability to stay firmly attached to curved surfaces. Most laboratories and medical centers have curved glasses and surfaces that require constant labeling to sort blood samples, urine samples, and many more. DK Label Features to Look At So, now that you know the extremities of DK label tapes, we list down its features to help you in your buying decisions. These features are somewhat unique to the Brother DK label types compared with other models and brands. 1 Wide Assortment of Label Sizes Compared to Other Brands Sizes range from 12mm to 103mm, so we can find a variety of options here. 2 They are Long-lasting Brother DK label rolls are manufactured using classic, tried and tested label paper and durable plastic film available in clear transparent, white, and yellow. 3 They are Heat-Resistant Ability to endure temperatures ranging from -80ºC to +60ºC. 4 Continuous and Die-cut Brother DK label rolls are available in set-sized die-cut versions as well as continuous label rolls. 5 Choice of Strong-adhesive and Non-adhesive Labels Non-adhesive labels are best used for name badges while self-adhesive rolls are typically suitable for labels that need to be repositioned such as in the case of file folders and signages. 6 High-Quality Products at Affordable Prices DK Label and Tapes Available Today Color, Material DK Compatible Labels Size White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Film White, Paper Whiter, Paper Clear, Film White, Paper White, Paper White, Film White, Film White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper White, Paper Yellow, Film White, Paper Yellow, Paper, Removable White, Paper DK-1201 DK-1208 DK-1209 DK-1202 DK-1247 DK-1240 DK-1203 DK-1204 DK-1221 DK-1207 DK-1219 DK-1218 DK-2113 DK-2205 DK-2210 DK-2211 DK-2212 DK-2214 DK-2223 DK-2225 DK-2243 DK-2606 DK-4205 DK-4605 DK-N5224 1.14″ x 3.5″ (29 x 90 mm) 1.5” x 3.5” (38 x 90 mm) 2.43″ x 1.14″ (62 x 29 mm) 2.43″ x 4″ (62 x 100 mm) 4” x 6.5” (103 x 164 mm) 4” x 2” (102 x 51 mm) 2/3″ x 3.4″ (17 x 87 mm) 2/3″ x 2.125″ (17 x 54 mm) 1” x 1” (23 x 23 mm) 2.28” or 58mm diameter 0.5” or 12mm diameter 1” or 24mm diameter 2.4 in x 50 ft (62 mm x 15.2 m) 2.4 in x 100 ft (62mm x 30.4m) 1.1 in x 100 ft (29mm x 30.4m) 1.1 in x 50 ft (29mm x 15.2 m) 2.4 in x 50 ft (62 mm x 15.2 m) 0.47 in x 100 ft (12mm x 30.4m) 1.9 in x 100 ft (50mm x 30.4m) 1.5 in x 100 ft (38mm x 30.4m) 4 in x 100 ft (101mm x 30.4m) 2.4 in x 50 ft (62 mm x 15.2 m) 2.4 in x 100 ft. (62mm x 30.4m) 2.4 in x 100 ft (62mm x 30.4m) 2.1 in x 100ft (54mm x 30.4m) Where to Use Brother DK Compatible Labels Finally, with the features summarized above, we can now determine which DK models are perfect for your applications. Labeling File Folders Shipping Packages & Postages Labeling Storage Boxes Envelope Identifiers Name Badges Stamping Barcodes 1. Labeling File Folders Narrow label sizes, such as the Brother DK-1204, are typically required for file folders. Its dimensions are only 2/3″ x 2.125″, making it a perfect fit for the labeling folder flap. 10% OFF Limited Time Offer! Compatible Brother DK-1204 Labels2/3″ x 2-1/8″ SHOP NOW Compatible Brother DK-1241 Labels4”x 6” SHOP NOW 2. Shipping Packages & Postages If you’re in the shipping industry, the ideal labels are ones that come in standard sizes. These labels are specifically made to match packing requirements. USPS mailing labels, for instance, must have black lettering on a white background. The font should be San Serif and the content should be in uppercase. Font sizes such as Arial Veranda, Helvetica, Avant-Garde, Century Gothic, and Geneva are also recommended. The nation, postal code, tracking number, package amount, date, origin address, weight, validation, and shipping address are all important pieces of information to provide. As a result, you must pick label types that complement the digital printing and codes so that product information and source may be easily accessed. The following are some Brother DK labels that may be used as shipping labels: Brother DK1241 (4” x 6”) for FNSKU or UPC Labels. 3. Labeling Storage Boxes One of the clever ways to practice home and workplace management is to label storage boxes using Brother DK labels. When selecting the DK model for this application, keep the following in mind: Permanent label adhesives, such as the DK-1202 or DK-1204, can be used to ensure that the labels stay there and don’t fall off. If you wish to create customized storage box labels, you can use continuous label rolls like DK-2205 (2.5 in width). Color-coded labels are available for more efficient organization of your possessions. Yellow labels (DK-2606) and white labels (DK-4205) can be used for this purpose. When moving, color-coded box labels with pre-printed tags are also a convenient way to mark boxes for easy unpacking. 10% OFF Limited Time Offer! Compatible Brother DK-2205 Labels2-3/7″ x 100 ft SHOP NOW Compatible Brother DK-1209 Labels1-1/7″ x 2-3/7″ SHOP NOW 4. Envelope Identifiers For envelope labeling, we suggest that you use paper labeling tapes with permanent adhesives for strong sticking qualities. The DK-1204 is most appropriate for envelopes with narrower labels. For large mailing labels that can accommodate complete addresses and more pertinent information, the DK-1209 is highly recommended. 5. Name Badges The peel-and-stick kind with no permanent adhesives is the most preferred label type for name cards and name badges. The purpose is to protect the delicate garments on which the name card will be adhered to. The DK-4205, which is a detachable, continuous white paper label, best serves this kind of purpose. Die-cut labels, such as DK-1202 or DK-1234, can also be used for size consistency. These feature sticky back panels, making them ideal for white paper name badges. If you prefer non-adhesive name cards, you can use DK-N5224 continuous labels. 6. Stamping Barcodes Barcode labels are required for product tracking and inventory management throughout the supply chain. There are several barcode layouts and orientations available, as well as a large range of barcode labels available from the Brother DK series. You may use the DK-1209 for Amazon barcodes. The DK-1240 may be used to create large barcode labels. Wrapping Up Brother DK labels are definitely one of the best choices for selecting different label types used in the home, office, or business. In this article, we’ve discussed the extensive label tests performed to verify and know the maximum capabilities of DK labels for various situations. Next is we determined the distinctive features of DK rolls that make them stand out in the market today. The third is we listed the available paper and film label product models. From here, we guided you on where can best use each model for specific applications such as postages, shipping, office organization, and many more. Related Articles Brother DK Labels & Your Specific Needs (Home & Office) How to Find the Right DK Roll for Your Brother QL Label Printer? How to Print Labels on a Brother Printer? How to Get Printer to Print Wirelessly? How to Install or Change the Label Roll on My Brother DK PS: Quality and inexpensiveness don’t always go together. But at enKo Products we provide an all-in-one solution for business owners, entrepreneurs, and homemakers to get all shipping and organization tools they need for packaging. Whether you need high-quality Brother, Dymo, Zebra labels, sheet labels, or bubble cushion wraps, stretch films, or glass bottles, we all have it here at enKo Products! Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Like & follow our social media pages to see more updates and promotions ! Tags: Brother DK Labels Melodie
