Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printers and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printer technology and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printer technology and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.

Abstract: A system for providing end-users with, and with the ability to produce, customized, individually variable plastic tags for use in livestock management operations. The present system eliminates the need for factory production of customized ear tags (with the inherently required order lead time), reduces the likelihood of waste through over-ordering and the inconvenience of shortages, and provides near infinite flexibility in selecting the indicia which will appear on any given ear tag or batch of ear tags. The present method will provide end-users with greater flexibility, more useful end products, all at potential cost savings through resulting efficiencies.

Abstract: A system and method for producing individually customizable identification tags for feed lot operations involving livestock. The method involves printing adhesive strips with indicia through use of computer-controlled printing devices, applying the strips to plastic tag blanks, and heat-stabilizing the strips as against wear and other pernicious environmental factors. The system allows on-site production of almost infinitely variable tag indicia, and eliminates time delays and inflexibility for operators in having to pre-order printed tags from distant tag producers.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved hot stamp machine for custom imprinting plastic tag blanks with selectable indicia. The machine, because of its mechanical configuration, facilitates stamping operations which are virtually devoid of any risk of injury to the user. The hot stamp machine of the present invention is configured such that a plastic tag blank is inserted through a small aperture (not substantially larger than is necessary to admit the plastic tag blank there through), and with the tag blank fully in position for stamping, the stamping operation automatically occurs within the machine, with the dangerous stamping mechanism being safely out of reach of the user.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printer technology and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.