Label Lettering Equipment Key Terms

Learn the terminology so you'll invest in the right label lettering equipment

By Yvette Pryce, Freelance Writer

If your business often needs to print signs or labels, investing in label lettering equipment is a wise choice. With this equipment, you can create effective and professional labels, signs and lettering just when you need it. To buy the right equipment, though, you need to know the differences between a vinyl cutter, a sign maker and a label printer. You'll also need to understand such options as contour cutting. With a basic knowledge of the key terms, you'll be able to make an informed investment for your business.

Vinyl cutter or cutting plotter

A vinyl cutter, sometimes called a cutting plotter, is a machine that looks akin to a desktop printer. Instead of simply printing a document, it prints your lettering and designs on vinyl and then cuts out the designs as the vinyl comes through the feed.
Try: US Cutter features a selection of vinyl cutters, including models that come with stands, such as the Creation PCUT.

Contour cutting

To cut any size shape smoothly and professionally, you'll need a vinyl cutter with contour cutting capacities. Contour cutting makes cuts around curves and intricate shapes, making your lettering especially professional.
Try: See the VersaCAMM vinyl cutter with contour cutting capacity at Beacon Graphics.

Sign printer

In contrast to a vinyl cutter, a sign printer prints your lettering or design on vinyl or another material but doesn't cut it. Sign printers have the capacity to print large signs for indoor or outdoor use, and many specialize in accurately printing oversize font.
Try: Graphic Products carries the DuraLabel 9000, an extra-wide format sign printer.

Label printer

Label printers are devices the size of a desktop printer or smaller, and come in both desktop and handheld models. Many of the desktop models will work with your office's existing computers.
Try: See the Zeo! label printer, an affordable printer designed for small business use, at QuickLabel Systems.

Industrial label maker

An industrial label maker is a higher-performance version of a label printer. These machines offer a wider range of options, such as an industrial-grade cutter and thermal transfer technology. The labels they produce are longer lasting than those made with a regular label printer.
Try: See a range of GlobalMark industrial label makers at Brady and review their features.

Oracal

For the best lettering, you will need to print on high-quality vinyl. Oracal is a popular and affordable option for all types of applications.
Try: Browse for your lettering application on the official Oracal website.