Label guns are small hand held devices used primarily in retail and other industries. They enable operators to mark items quickly, simply and cheaply with specific information. The data imparted might include price, origin, date, batch or coding information. This range of data means that label guns can be used not only in retail applications but in a great many others as well. Each label gun takes a label from a roll, prints information to it and then presents it for application.

There are four principal parts or processes in the label gun; The label roller, labels, print head and ink roller.

The print head is an uncomplicated device comprising of flexible bands with brocaded reverse character sets not disimilar to an administrator's desk stamp. The embossed rubber bands can be rotated to make up any arrangement of characters. The variety of variations is limited only the mathematical restraints of the characters multiplied by the bands. It is alright to have block bands manufactured with specific words, codes or character sets. Appropriate times for this may be where a product is only supplied in a limited product range (e.g. black, blue, red, green, yellow colours)

Where consecutive numbering is necessary, consecutive numbering counters can be incorporated into the print head. The sequencing head provides a convenient solution to the numbering problem. Sequential numbering is significantly beneficial for batch operations.

A variety of inks can be used to add additional functionality to the label gun. Any range of environmental stresses can be solved with the right ink, whether it be water, heat or light resistance. Catering is a specific industry which can benefit from heat sensitive inks to indicate whether products have thawed since freezing for example. In sterilization processes, thermo-chromic ink can confirm that specific sterilization temperatures have been reached.

Whilst paper is the most common label base, alternative materials have uses in challenging environments. It is also common to use metalized, plasticized or chemically impregnated papers. Laminated papers with the correct adhesives will disintegrate upon removal; useful for providing security. Modern surety features including holographics, foil strips and other technologies can be incorporated to guarantee security.

Waterproof, permanent or removable adhesives are the final consideration. Depending on the situation, your adhesive choices may be limited. There are few circumstances that a suitable cement cannot be found.

It is fair to say that label guns and the associated technologies can surmount more challenges than your average Londis shop will throw at it.