Variably printed tape and system for printing and applying tape onto surfaces

摘要

An apparatus (10) for printing variable information on a tape (14) to form a tape segment, cutting the tape segment to form a tag (8), and applying the tag (8) onto an object includes a printer (18) for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller (20) controls the printer (18) in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape (14). The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. An adhesive tape (14) can have variable information printed on it and can be applied onto an object. The tape includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer on the first side of the backing layer. At least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer are colored to yield tape opacity of greater than 60. The tape (14) can have a scan rating of at least C when applied on a black background and an opacity of at least 65. The tape (14) can achieve specific scan ratings when adhered to surfaces that have color coordinates.