Embossing tape

A label made with embossing tape

Embossing tape is a labelling medium usually of hard plastic. Embossing tape is used with embossing machines, often handheld.

Method

A Dymo brand tape embosser

Dymo brand tape coming out of the embosser

The machine features a wheel with raised characters, similar to a daisy wheel. The user turns the wheel to align the desired character with the tape and presses a trigger, forcing the character against the tape. Upon releasing the trigger a mechanism advances the tape to the next position. The embossed characters stand out from the tape and look white due to stretching of the plastic.

Advantages

Embossing tape and the embossing device itself is relatively inexpensive to buy, usually around $10 from stationery stores. Because of this, embossing tape has found popularity with children and adolescents. Unlike paper labels, embossing tape is very durable, doesn't fade over time, rarely leaves a sticky residue and doesn't break upon removal.

Disadvantages

Because of the method for embossing (see above), the characters can only be white in colour. Sometimes, the adhesive backing of the tape can weaken, especially if it is placed in liquid or dust. The tape is more rigid than most other labeling materials, and may come loose if the labeled object bends or under the force of its original curvature, if the label is not straightened after being printed.

See also

• Dymo, a company that produces such tape and machines
• Label