Afinia L502 vs Outsourced Labels: A Cost and Control Comparison

Outsourcing label production has long been the default for many Canadian businesses. While it can work for large, predictable runs, it often creates delays, minimum order requirements, and limited flexibility.

Let’s find out how investing in an in-house solution like the Afinia L502 colour label printer changes that equation.

The Hidden Costs of Outsourced Labels

Outsourced labels typically come with minimum order quantities, setup fees, and long lead times. For businesses with frequent label updates, seasonal products, or short production runs, these costs add up quickly.

Any design change often requires a new order and another wait, slowing down product launches and inventory movement while increasing waste from unused inventory and excess storage requirements.

Why the Afinia L502 Fits Short-Run Production

The Afinia L502 colour label printer is designed for businesses producing between 2,500 and 20,000 labels per month. It delivers high-resolution colour output without requiring large commitments.

This makes it ideal for short runs, test batches, and limited editions where outsourcing simply is not practical or economical.

Quality Without Compromise

With print resolutions up to 4800 dpi, the Afinia L502 produces crisp text and vibrant colours suitable for product, coffee, candle, and jar labels. Dye inks deliver rich colour saturation, while optional pigment inks add durability for labels exposed to moisture, oils, or chemicals.

This flexibility allows businesses to match label performance to real-world conditions and regulatory needs.

Control Over Materials and Timelines

Printing labels in-house eliminates long approval cycles and shipping delays. The Afinia L502 colour label printer supports paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stocks, allowing immediate material changes without renegotiating supplier terms.

Businesses can print on demand, adjust quantities instantly, test new designs, and respond faster to market changes.

Cost Predictability and Scalability

Unlike outsourced printing, in-house production offers predictable per-label costs. The Afinia L502 features medium ink costs and fast print speeds up to 5.2 inches per second, supporting efficient workflows.

As volume grows, businesses scale output without renegotiating contracts, absorbing rush fees, or sacrificing brand consistency across products and packaging lines, even during seasonal demand spikes.

Bringing Label Production In-House

Choosing in-house printing over outsourcing gives businesses flexibility, speed, and control. DuraFast Label Company Ltd. supports Canadian businesses with the Afinia L502 colour label printer and a full range of solutions.

Alongside colour printers, we offer POS receipt printers for sale, portable label makers, affordable barcode scanners, and thermal label printers. From printer selection to supplies and expert advice, DuraFast helps businesses build reliable, cost-effective in-house printing systems. Our Canadian-based support team ensures fast shipping, knowledgeable guidance, and ongoing assistance, helping businesses confidently manage labelling, scanning, and receipt printing.

Reach out today to explore the Afinia L502 colour label printer and complete in-house printing solutions online.