# Labels, Tabs & Laminating Supplies: research notes

Date: 2026-10-25. Scope: the consumables in taxonomy leaf `supplies > stationery > labels`: printer sheet labels (inkjet and laser), label-maker tape cartridges, thermal label rolls (direct thermal and thermal transfer, including shipping labels), laminating pouches and film (hot and cold/self-seal), adhesive index tabs, page flags, tabbed index dividers and write-on labels. Not the machines: label makers, label printers and laminators sit in `machines/electronics` under the `office_machine` add-on (`item_type: label_maker, label_printer, laminator`) and are left there. Sibling overlaps: index dividers and tab dividers stay here, because `binders` excludes them by name and points to this leaf (binders/notes.md scope); all page flags stay here, because `notebooks` sends "page flags and tabs" to this leaf (notebooks/notes.md scope), while sticky notes stay with `notebooks`; gift tags belong to `gift-bags`; shipping boxes and mailers to `shipping-boxes`. Shipping labels stay here because they are label stock. Thermal transfer ribbons are not in this leaf: they are a printer consumable like toner and belong with machines/electronics `printer_accessory`, which has no ribbon value today (they would land in `other`; proposal: add `thermal_transfer_ribbon`). That add-on also has `accessory_type: label_roll`, an overlap with this leaf's thermal rolls; this register treats label rolls as label stock, as above.

Quote labels: **verbatim** = the sentence in quotation marks was in text I read myself (curl plus tag stripping into the scratchpad, `strip.py`); **fetched excerpt** = a fetch tool summarised or reworded the page; **search excerpt** = the claim came only from a search-engine summary. A search-excerpt-only number does not go in category.json. Every quote below is verbatim unless labelled otherwise; no WebFetch summary was used as a source.

Research constraint: the session's shared WebSearch budget ran out after four searches (200 of 200 used across parallel agents). The rest of the research used direct URLs: pages I knew, links harvested from fetched pages, and one Internet Archive snapshot. I did not work around the search limit. Retail listings were not fetched, so no facet is marked `listing`.

## Seed

Seed run, output verbatim (`seed.py --category labels`):

```
=== Example entry (from an unrelated category) ===
category: kitchen-knives
what this shows: a numeric spec that only makes sense as one side of a trade-off, and a visual grammar borrowed from the hobbyist community that puts the trade-off on one axis.
<example> { "id": "steel_hardness", "label": "Steel hardness", ... "unit": "HRC", "range": { "min": 52, "max": 66, ... }, "roles": ["annotation", "sort_key"], ... "visual": { "chartable": true, "grammar": "edge retention versus toughness scale", ... } } </example>
Trade-off entry it belongs to: { "optimise": "steel_hardness", "give_up": "toughness and ease of sharpening", ... "see_more_branch": "See more low-maintenance knives" }

=== Persona ===
An audio engineer, who thinks in measurable versus perceived quality and where marketing lives in the gap

Ask yourself two things and write the answers under 'Seed' in notes.md:
  1. What is the labels equivalent of the example above?
  2. What would this persona notice first about labels that a typical buyer would not?
Keep what survives the data check. Drop the rest.
```
(The example JSON body is abbreviated with "..." here; it is the stock kitchen-knives steel_hardness example from `examples/kitchen-knives-hardness.md`.)

1. **The labels equivalent of steel hardness is laminating pouch thickness.** One number (mil or micron), one trade-off (rigidity against machine fit and flexibility), and a natural one-axis scale from flexible (3 mil) to card-like (10 mil). **Kept** as `pouch_thickness_mil`, the "Pouch thickness scale" grammar and the thickness trade-off. Survived the data check: MyBinding and Office Tools Guide both give the feel per thickness and the entry-level machine limit (3 to 5 mil; 80 to 125 microns).
2. **The audio engineer notices where the box number and the measured thing part ways.** Three gaps survived: (a) pouch thickness is quoted per side by most guides but as a total by at least one retailer (judgement 4, sources disagree); (b) a direct thermal label and a thermal transfer label look the same on day one, and only one is readable after a year (`thermal_method`); (c) "water-resistant" and "waterproof" sound alike but Avery defines them differently (`rated_environment`). **Dropped**: adhesive peel strength (N/25 mm, the industrial FINAT-style measure) as a facet, because no consumer brand page I read publishes it; barcode print-quality grades, because they belong to the printer, not the supply.

## Sources and what each supports

### Regulators

**21 CFR 175.105 Adhesives (Cornell LII, curl)**
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/175.105
- verbatim: "(a) Adhesives may be safely used as components of articles intended for use in packaging, transporting, or holding food in accordance with the following prescribed conditions:"; "(2) The adhesive is either separated from the food by a functional barrier or used subject to the following additional limitations: (i) In dry foods . The quantity of adhesive that contacts packaged dry food shall not exceed the limits of good manufacturing practice. (ii) In fatty and aqueous foods . (a) The quantity of adhesive that contacts packaged fatty and aqueous foods shall not exceed the trace amount at seams and at the edge exposure between packaging laminates..."
- Supports: the food-contact judgement. Confidence high for what the rule says; how often consumer label listings state compliance was not checked.

**Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/2235, BPA in thermal paper (read via Internet Archive snapshot of EUR-Lex; the live EUR-Lex HTML endpoint returned an empty 202)**
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/2235/oj (snapshot: https://web.archive.org/web/2024/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/2235/oj)
- verbatim: "The Annex XV dossier indicated a risk for workers (primarily cashiers) and consumers exposed to bisphenol A (BPA) by handling thermal paper receipts and proposed a restriction on the placing on the market of BPA in thermal paper in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,02 % by weight. More precisely, the population at risk was the unborn children of pregnant workers and consumers exposed to BPA contained in the thermal paper they handle."
- verbatim: "Shall not be placed on the market in thermal paper in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,02 % by weight after 2 January 2020."
- verbatim (recital 13): "RAC noted that bisphenol S (BPS), the most likely substitute according to France, may have a toxicological profile similar to BPA and might cause similar adverse health effe[cts]".
- Supports: `phenol_free` and judgement 7. The 0.02% threshold and the 2 January 2020 date are single-source and stay here, not in the JSON.

### Manufacturer explainers and spec pages

**Zebra, What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing? (curl)**
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/resource-library/faq/difference-between-direct-thermal-and-thermal-transfer-printing.html
- verbatim: "Direct thermal printing uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive media that blackens when it passes under the thermal printhead, while thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials."
- verbatim: "If the label is overexposed to heat, light, or other catalysts, the material will darken and make the text or barcode unreadable. For these reasons, direct thermal printing is not used for lifetime identification applications."
- verbatim: "Direct thermal is ideal for applications requiring only a short shelf life ... Shipping labels and receipts are ideal applications, for instance, while product labels are not."
- verbatim: "Direct thermal paper remains chemically active after printing."
- verbatim: "When matched with suitable media, thermal transfer technology is not only impervious to heat and moisture, but the image cannot be rubbed off"; typical thermal transfer uses include "cold storage and freezers; and outdoor applications"; "Since thermal transfer printers require ribbon, supply costs are higher than direct thermal".
- Supports: mechanism, `thermal_method`, trade-off 1, judgement 2. Confidence high.

**Zebra, What are thermal labels? (curl)**
https://www.zebra.com/us/en/resource-library/faq/what-are-thermal-labels.html
- verbatim: "if the label only requires readability for six months and does not need to resist chemicals, moisture, and abrasion, a direct thermal paper label would best meet your needs. However, if the label will be subjected to moderate chemicals and be on an item that will in use for 10 years or be stored outside for over three years, a thermal transfer synthetic label would be required."
- verbatim: "There are two types of thermal facestocks: paper and synthetic."; "Paper is an economical material for indoor use and a shorter lifecycle."
- verbatim: "Polyolefin is flexible for curved and rough surfaces and an outdoor exposure of up to 6 months. Polypropylene is also flexible for curved surfaces and outdoor exposure of 1 to 2 years. Polyester is used for high temperatures up to 300°F (149°C) and outdoor exposure of up to 3 years."
- Supports: `face_material` (qualitative ranking only; the year figures are single-source and stay here), and the short-readability example (since the blind check no longer counted as a fade figure). Confidence high.

**Avery help, Direct thermal vs thermal transfer labels (curl)**
https://www.avery.com/help/article/direct-thermal-vs-thermal-transfer-labels
- verbatim: "Considerable shelf life, though overexposure to heat and light can cause the material to darken and make any text or bar code unreadable. These should be used for short-term purposes, including shipping labels, tickets, receipts"; thermal transfer: "great for long-term usage, including product/inventory identification & tracking, permanent identification, outdoor/cold/freezer applications".
- Supports: `thermal_method`, judgement 2, the freezer leg. Confidence high.

**Avery 5160 and 8160 product pages (curl)**
https://www.avery.com/products/labels/5160 and https://www.avery.com/products/labels/8160
- verbatim (5160): "Product # 5160 1" x 2-5/8" Rectangle Matte White 3000 Total Labels 30 per Sheet Paper Label Material Permanent-Adhesive Laser Template 5160"
- verbatim (8160): "Product # 8160 1" x 2-5/8" Rectangle Matte White 750 Total Labels 30 per Sheet Paper Label Material Permanent-Adhesive Inkjet Template 8160"
- Supports: `printer_ink_type` (same layout, different printer), `sheet_template`, and the field order a brand lists: size, shape, colour, count, per sheet, material, adhesive, printer, template. Confidence high.

**Avery blog, Label adhesive types: permanent vs removable (curl)**
https://www.avery.com/blog/label-adhesives-permanent-vs-removable-labels/
- verbatim: "Once you've applied these labels, they're here to stay. Removing them usually requires a little soaking, scraping, or another method of removal."
- verbatim: "removable labels tend to bond more strongly the longer they're left in place, so they may not come off as easily after sitting on a shelf for a long time."
- Supports: `adhesive_permanence`, trade-off 3, judgement 8. Confidence medium (one brand).

**Avery blog, Durable label materials guide (curl)**
https://www.avery.com/blog/durable-label-materials-guide/
- verbatim table: "Paper labels Film labels Vinyl labels Best for Dry, low-contact products Products that need durability Outdoor or heavy-duty use ... Oils & moisture No Yes Yes Outdoor / extreme use No Sometimes Yes Overall durability Lower High Highest".
- verbatim: "Waterproof labels can be fully submerged in water or exposed to humidity for long periods."; "Water-resistant labels can't be soaked or submerged, but splashes and light moisture won't hurt them."
- verbatim: "every label material is designed for a specific type of printer. Usually, they're designed for either inkjet or laser, but sometimes they're designed for both. Using the wrong combination can lead to smearing, poor print adhesion, or even damage to your labels."
- verbatim: "Vinyl labels are the most durable for outdoor use."; "standard paper labels can absorb moisture and start to peel, wrinkle, or smear."
- verbatim: GHS chemical labels "if they can survive in the ocean for 90 days" (this is the BS 5609 marine-immersion test; one source, not used in the JSON).
- Supports: `rated_environment`, `face_material`, `printer_ink_type`, the durability ladder grammar. Confidence high.

**Avery blog, Film, paper or vinyl labels (curl)**
https://www.avery.com/blog/should-you-use-film-or-paper-labels/
- verbatim: film labels are "designed to hold up better against moisture, oils, refrigeration, handling, and everyday wear".
- Supports: `face_material`. Confidence high.

**Avery blog, How heat and humidity affect labels (curl)**
https://www.avery.com/blog/how-heat-and-humidity-affect-labels/
- verbatim: "The ideal temperature range for storing and applying most labels is 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit."; "High temperatures can soften label adhesive".
- Considered for the freezer-adhesive point. Single source for the range, so not cited in the JSON.

### Distributors and trade primers

**Lowry Solutions, Thermal transfer vs direct thermal (curl)**
https://lowrysolutions.com/blog/thermal-transfer-vs-direct-thermal-label-printing/
- verbatim: "if your labels will be exposed to extreme temperatures, light, abrasion, or chemicals, or if you'll need them to last years or more, direct thermal is not a good option."
- verbatim: "Direct thermal materials generally perform well at application temperatures of at least 25°F and service temperatures of -65°F to 200°F. Labeling outside this range requires thermal transfer and usually a specialty adhesive."
- verbatim: "A thermal transfer synthetic material is optimal for outdoor conditions such as sun, rain, and snow."
- Supports: `thermal_method`, the freezer and outdoor legs. The 25°F figure is single-source and is not in the JSON. Confidence medium-high (Zebra reseller).

**AB&R, Do you need long-lasting labels? (curl)**
https://abr.com/2023/11/20/do-you-need-long-lasting-labels-understanding-the-advantages-of-thermal-transfer-printing/
- verbatim: "Any label used for more than a year should be created with a thermal transfer printer."
- Supports: the one-year line in `thermal_method` and judgement 2. Confidence medium-high.

**MyBinding knowledge base, pouch thickness (curl)**
https://www.mybinding.com/a/knowledge-base/laminating/are-there-different-thicknesses-available-for-laminating-pouches
- verbatim: "A 3 mil pouch has a film layer 0.003 inches thick on each side of the document. A 10 mil pouch has a 0.010 inch layer on each side. The finished total thickness is approximately double the stated mil rating. Laminating pouches are available in 3, 5, 7, and 10 mil standard thicknesses."
- verbatim: 3 mil "thin, flexible"; 5 mil "semi-rigid"; 10 mil "fully rigid finished document with the feel and body of a credit card".
- verbatim: "Most entry-level laminators are rated for 3 to 5 mil only. Mid-range machines typically handle 3 to 7 mil."; "High-volume filing environments are better served by 3 and 5 mil to limit bulk."
- verbatim: "All properly sealed laminating pouches provide equivalent waterproofing regardless of thickness."
- Supports: `pouch_thickness_mil`, its range, the thickness trade-off, the total-film metric. Confidence high.

**MyBinding, What should I know about laminating pouches? (curl)**
https://www.mybinding.com/a/knowledge-base/laminating/what-should-i-know-about-laminating-pouches
- verbatim: "The pouch size should be slightly larger than your document — enough to create a complete seal around all four edges with at least a 1/4 inch border."; "For standard letter documents (8.5 x 11 inches), use a letter-size pouch (9 x 11.5 inches)".
- Supports: `label_size` (qualitative only; the 1/4 in and 9 x 11.5 in figures are single-source and stay here).

**MyBinding, Why should I choose a cold laminator? (curl)**
https://www.mybinding.com/a/knowledge-base/laminating/why-should-i-choose-a-cold-laminator
- verbatim: "Heat-sensitive materials that cannot safely pass through a hot laminator include: thermal paper (receipts, some labels), dye-based inkjet prints (heat can cause color bleeding or smearing), pressure-sensitive labels with existing adhesive backing, thin plastic films".
- verbatim: "Can I use cold laminating film in a hot laminator? No."
- Supports: `lamination_process`, judgement 3. Confidence high.

**MyBinding, How do I choose between a hot or cold laminator? (curl)**
https://www.mybinding.com/a/knowledge-base/general-laminating/how-i-choose-between-a-hot-or-cold-laminator
- verbatim: "thermal receipts, inkjet prints with certain inks, thin synthetic materials, pressure-sensitive labels, and pre-assembled items with adhesive layers can warp, discolor, or release under heat."
- verbatim: "Hot laminators typically produce a cleaner, more optically clear finish than cold laminators".
- Supports: `lamination_process`, trade-off 4. Confidence high.

**MyBinding, Self-seal laminating sheets (curl)**
https://www.mybinding.com/a/knowledge-base/laminating/how-do-i-laminate-something-with-selfseal-laminating-sheets
- verbatim: "SelfSeal laminating sheets let you laminate things without a machine, without heat, and without electricity".
- Supports: `lamination_process` (cold needs no machine).

**Office Tools Guide, Laminator thickness microns explained (curl)**
https://officetoolsguide.com/laminator-thickness-microns-explained/
- verbatim: "Total Thickness is Double: The number on the box (e.g., 125 microns) is for one side; the total thickness is double that value."
- verbatim: "Most personal or home-use laminators are designed to handle a maximum thickness of 80 to 125 microns."
- verbatim: "80 microns (µm) is approximately equal to 3 mil . 125 microns (µm) is approximately equal to 5 mil . 175 microns (µm) is approximately equal to 7 mil . 250 microns (µm) is approximately equal to 10 mil."
- Supports: second source for per-side and the home-machine limit. Confidence medium: a content site with no named testing; it disagrees with MyBinding on the most common thickness (80 micron for home use versus 5 mil for offices), which is consistent with home versus office.

**Your Office Stop, What does mil weight mean for laminating pouches? (2013, curl)**
http://blog.yourofficestop.com/2013/08/what-does-mil-weight-mean-for.html
- verbatim: "most manufacturers are talking about the total mil weight of the hot laminating sheet. For instance, if a pouch is described as having a 10 mil weight, that means that each side of the pouch (flap) is 5 mils, for a total weight of 10 mils."
- Supports: the disagreement in judgement 4. Confidence low (old retailer post), kept because it is the disagreement.

**Office Tools Guide, Label maker tape types explained (curl)**
https://officetoolsguide.com/label-maker-tape-types-explained/
- verbatim: "label tape cartridges are not universally compatible. Each major brand, like Brother, Dymo, and Epson, has its own proprietary cartridge system designed to work only with its machines. Brother TZe/TZ Tapes: Fit P-touch label makers. Dymo D1 Tapes: Fit LabelManager and LabelWriter Duo machines. Dymo IND Tapes: Fit Rhino industrial label makers. Epson LK Tapes: Fit LabelWorks machines."
- verbatim: "Laminated Polyester (PET) Tapes: This is the most common type of durable label tape, famously used in Brother's TZe series."; paper tapes "are not water-resistant".
- verbatim: widths "typically ranging from 1/4 inch (6mm) up to 1.5 inches (36mm)" (single source; no range in the JSON).
- Supports: `tape_system`, `tape_width_mm`. Confidence medium (content site; Brother and DYMO pages returned 404 or 403).

### Encyclopaedic primers

**Wikipedia, Label printer (curl)**: verbatim "Direct thermal labels tend to fade over time (typically 6 to 12 months). Their life is shortened when exposed to heat, direct sunlight or chemical vapors."; label makers "print on special tapes, often thermal , which are usually expensive"; "an integrated cartridge containing the label material (and print ribbon, if used)". Supports judgement 2 and the tape cost metric.

**Wikipedia, Thermal paper (curl)**: verbatim "Most thermal papers' coatings turn black when heated"; "Some thermal papers are coated with BPA , a chemical considered to be an endocrine disruptor"; "BPA can transfer readily to the skin in small amounts"; "From about 2013 bisphenol S (BPS) ... has been used in thermal paper coatings." Supports judgement 3 and `phenol_free`.

**Wikipedia, Dymo Corporation (curl)**: verbatim "The LabelWriter 550 and 5XL has an RFID reader that reads RFID tags embedded in Dymo genuine label rolls to automatically detect the label type inside. However, this is also to prevent the use of third-party compatible label rolls". Supports `chip_locked_roll`.

**Wikipedia, Lamination (curl)**: verbatim "Standard home or office machines normally use 80–250 micrometre pouches, depending on the quality of the machine."; "The most common pouch thicknesses are 3, 5, 7 and 10 mil (76, 127, 178 and 254 μm)."; "Many pouch laminators require the use of a carrier." Supports the range and vocabulary. Note: Wikipedia's 80 to 250 for "standard home or office machines" is looser than MyBinding's and OTG's entry-level 3 to 5 mil; the two specialised guides agree, so the JSON uses theirs.

### Other

**Chris Knight (ghostwheel.com), Preserving thermal receipts (curl)**: verbatim "DO NOT use a heat laminating machine, as that will turn your receipt black." Supports judgement 3 as a user report.

**Whizz Tech, DYMO 550 lockout (curl)**: verbatim "Only work with authentic DYMO LabelWriter rolls with RFID designed for the 550/5XL family."; "Will lock out many third-party compatible labels or older non-RFID rolls." Supports `chip_locked_roll`.

**DymoOnline (Australian DYMO reseller), Genuine vs generic (curl)**: verbatim "The LabelWriter 550 and 5XL series utilise RFID technology to ensure only genuine dymo labels are used."; "These machines use NFC technology to communicate with the RFID chip embedded in every genuine roll."; "you can use D1 Standard Tapes in most Rhino industrial printers". Supports `chip_locked_roll`, trade-off 5. Confidence medium (seller interest).

### Added after the blind check (2026-10-25, curl plus `strip.py` into `fix-labels/`; WebSearch budget spent, so direct URLs only)

**Niimbot, D11-H product page (curl)**
https://www.niimbotlabel.com/products/niimbot-d11-label-maker
- verbatim: "Print Mode: ... Thermal line (Black) printing"; "Thermal Laminated Labels Print with ease using thermal laminated labels, eliminating the need for ink, carbon bands, or cartridges."
- verbatim (site menu): "Label Refill D11-H/D11 Labels D101 Labels D110 Labels B21 / B1 / B3S Labels B18 Labels N1 Labels"; models "B18 (15mm / 0.5", Non-Fading)" and "N1 (15mm / 0.5", Non-Fading)" are sold as non-fading, so not every phone label maker is direct thermal.
- Supports: `tape_system` (Niimbot value, refills per model), `thermal_method` on the label-maker leg. Confidence high for what the maker says about its own machine.

**Phomemo, D30 product page (curl)**
https://phomemo.com/products/d30-label-maker
- verbatim: "Inkless, Hassle-Free Printing: Thermal printing delivers crisp labels without ink cartridges."; "Label Tape Roll × 3".
- verbatim (site menu): "Phomemo 12x40mm White Label for D30/D35/Q30/Q30S"; "Phomemo 12mmx5m Pastel Blue&White&Red Ribbon Label Tapes for P15/A30"; "Phomemo 40×30mm White Thermal Label for M110/M120/M150/M200/..."; "Phomemo 4"x6" Fan-Fold Thermal Direct Labels for Shipping Label Printer"; "Phomemo 53mm White Sticker 10-Year-Lasting Thermal Paper for T02/M02X/M832".
- Supports: `tape_system` (Phomemo value), `thermal_method` (inkless label maker; long-life direct thermal stock exists, a maker claim not used as a number), `roll_system` (rolls named by printer model). Confidence high for product facts; the "10-Year" figure is a single maker claim and stays here.

**Betckey, shipping labels collection (curl)**
https://betckey.com/collections/shipping-labels
- verbatim: "4" x 6" Direct Thermal Shipping Labels"; "Dymo 1744907 Compatible Shipping Labels 4" x 6""; "Brother DK-1241 Compatible Shipping Labels 4" x 6""; menus "By Printer Model ... Brother QL-500 ... DYMO LabelWriter 450 ... DYMO LabelWriter 4XL ... Zebra - GC420D ... Zebra - ZD421".
- Supports: `roll_system` (one size sold separately per printer family; rolls listed by printer model). The 4 x 6 in size appears on Betckey and Phomemo, so it is used as an example in the JSON. Confidence medium (a compatible-roll seller).

**MyBinding, search results for "sticky back laminating pouches" (curl)**
https://www.mybinding.com/search?q=sticky+back+laminating+pouches
- verbatim: "5mil Letter Size Sticky Back Laminating Pouches - 50PK ... 9" x 11-1/2" pouch laminate 5mil thick laminate (10mil total pouch thickness) Adhesive lamination finish"; "3mil Letter Size Sticky Back Laminating Pouches - 100/Box ... Convenient sticky back design for effortless application and secure placement on various surfaces."
- Supports: `adhesive_permanence` on pouches. The listing also quotes thickness per side with the total in brackets, which agrees with MyBinding's guide. Confidence high that the product exists; whether the glue is permanent or repositionable is not stated.

**Avery blog, How heat and humidity affect labels (curl; the old URL redirects to /blog/heat-humidity-label-storage/)**
- verbatim: "The ideal temperature range for storing and applying most labels is 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit." No freezer or cold text on the page.
- Supports: `adhesive_permanence` (labels are made to be applied near room temperature), with Lowry's "usually a specialty adhesive". The range stays here (single source).

**Re-read for the fixes (already cited)**
- MyBinding pouch thickness, verbatim: "all standard laminating film is subject to UV degradation - documents laminated and then stored in sunlit environments will yellow over time regardless of pouch thickness ... pair appropriate thickness with a UV-resistant film formulation"; "UV-protective pouches for documents displayed in sunlight". Supports `uv_resistant_film`.
- MyBinding cold laminator, verbatim: "Desktop electric cold laminators use motor-driven rollers ... Hand-crank cold laminators are manually operated"; "UV-resistant cold films block ultraviolet light that causes ink fading over time - essential for documents or signage displayed in direct sunlight"; "For outdoor or display applications, UV-resistant film provides significantly longer-lasting color preservation." Supports `uv_resistant_film` and the cold-laminator wording. Both UV pages are MyBinding, so the UV claim has one publisher on two pages; it is qualitative.
- Office Tools Guide microns, verbatim: "If the item will be used outdoors, in a kitchen, or in a workshop, a thicker, more protective pouch of at least 125-175 microns is necessary to guard against moisture and dirt."; "Max Thickness: 125 Mic / 5 Mil". The 125 to 175 figure is single-source and stays here. It disagrees in part with MyBinding ("equivalent waterproofing regardless of thickness"; UV yellowing "regardless of pouch thickness"); the JSON says thickness adds stiffness, not sun resistance, and notes that one guide still advises thicker pouches outdoors.
- Zebra DT vs TT, verbatim: "The readability of direct thermal labels, wristbands, and receipt papers varies greatly, depending on the usage conditions"; "thermal labels, tags or ticket stock are often top coated to resist UV light exposure, chemicals, and abrasion."
- Wikipedia Label printer, verbatim: "Some thermal transfer printers are also capable of direct thermal printing." Supports the thermal_method answer mapping.
- DymoOnline, verbatim: D1 tapes "use thermal transfer technology, where a ribbon is pressed into the tape"; "For long-term archiving beyond two years, we recommend using thermal transfer D1 tapes instead of direct thermal paper rolls." The two-year line is looser than ABR's one year; single source, not in the JSON.
- Avery durable guide, verbatim table: "Water-resistant labels Waterproof labels Handles Splashes, condensation Soaking, submersion Good for Light moisture during use Ice, coolers, heavy exposure Typical use Bathroom products, light refrigeration Shower products, beverages, outdoor or extreme use".
- Avery 5160, verbatim: "Effortlessly create customized labels using Avery Design & Print Online and our free templates and design tools". Supports the sheet_template definition.
- Avery tabs category page (https://www.avery.com/products/tabs), verbatim: "Use them to label key sections in notebooks, planners, and binders"; "They're easy to apply, reposition, and remove". One marketing page; not cited in the JSON (see the corrections log). Post-it Flags page: 403.

### Could not reach

- OnlineLabels articles (403), Smith Corona, InkStation and amzsupply thermal pages (403 or connection failure), labelvalue.com DYMO 550 blog (empty), Brother USA and Brother UK TZe pages (404), DYMO D1 page (403 by curl and WebFetch), Internet Archive CDX (offline). Search excerpts from the first four searches (for example "six to eight months", "up to two years" for thermal transfer) were not used.

## Data points used for derived metrics

No price or pack-size data points were gathered; the three metrics are formulas only.

| Pouch | Stated per side | Total film (x2) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mil / 80 micron | 3 mil (76 µm) | 6 mil | MyBinding, OTG, Wikipedia |
| 5 mil / 125 micron | 5 mil (127 µm) | 10 mil | same |
| 7 mil / 175 micron | 7 mil (178 µm) | 14 mil | same |
| 10 mil / 250 micron | 10 mil (254 µm) | 20 mil | same |

Conversion: 1 mil = 25.4 µm (definition; Wikipedia's 76/127/178/254 µm list matches it).

## Numbers in category.json and how many sources stand behind each

| Number | Where | Sources (fetched) |
|---|---|---|
| Direct thermal typically fades within a year; anything past about a year needs thermal transfer | thermal_method, summary, judgement 2, trade-off 1 | Wikipedia Label printer ("typically 6 to 12 months") and ABR ("more than a year") (2). Corrected after the blind check: only Wikipedia states a fade period, and Zebra's six months is a worked example, not a fade figure, so Zebra is not counted. The 6 to 12 month range itself is single-source and has been taken out of the JSON. |
| Entry-level laminators 3 to 5 mil / 80 to 125 microns | pouch_thickness_mil, trade-off 2 | MyBinding, OTG (2) |
| Pouch range 3 to 10 mil | pouch_thickness_mil range | MyBinding, Wikipedia (2) |
| Total film about double the stated figure | total_film_thickness | MyBinding, OTG (2); disputed by Your Office Stop |
| 25.4 microns per mil | vocabulary, backfill note | Wikipedia list, OTG ("technically ... 127 microns") (2) |
| 5160 / 8160: 1 x 2-5/8 in, 30 per sheet | printer_ink_type, sheet_template | two Avery product pages (2, same brand) |
| 4 x 6 in shipping label (example) | roll_system | Betckey, Phomemo listings (2) |
| 3 and 5 mil sticky-back pouches | mybinding_sticky supports line | MyBinding listing; thicknesses already sourced by MyBinding guide, OTG |
| 21 CFR 175.105, EU 2016/2235 | judgements, references | regulation identifiers |

## Against the existing add-on schema

Add-on read: `supplies/stationery/add-ons/label.jsonc` (`adhesive_type`, `printer_compatibility[]`, `label_maker_compatibility_raw`, `laminating.thickness_micron`, `sizing.label_size_raw`, `sizing.tape_width_raw`), composed with `stationery-standard.jsonc` (empty) and `supplies-standard.jsonc` (`high_signal_markdown`, `sizing.size_stated`, `pack_count`, `pieces_included_text`, `dimensions`, `capacity`, `weight`, `measurements_text`). Kinds follow AGENTS.md rule 4: vertical anchor, quality currency, hard filter, sizing, or high_signal_markdown.

| Facet in this doc | In add-on today | Proposed kind under AGENTS.md | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| format | partly, inside `printer_compatibility` | hard filter (vertical anchor for this leaf) | Proposal: a single-value enum `format` [printer_sheet, label_maker_tape, thermal_roll, laminating_pouch_or_film, write_on_or_tab]. Today the format has to be inferred from a multi-select that mixes printer type with format. |
| printer_ink_type | yes, `printer_compatibility` (inkjet, laser) | hard filter | Keep inkjet and laser in `printer_compatibility`. |
| thermal_method | yes, `printer_compatibility` (thermal, direct_thermal, thermal_transfer) | hard filter | Drop the bare `thermal` value: it hides the one distinction that matters (fade versus last). |
| tape_system | partly, `label_maker_compatibility_raw` | hard filter | Proposal: enum `tape_system` [brother_tze, dymo_d1, dymo_letratag, dymo_rhino_ind, epson_lk, niimbot, phomemo, other] with the raw string kept for models. Buyers filter by series literally. |
| chip_locked_roll | no | hard filter (boolean) | Proposal: `requires_or_has_dymo_rfid` boolean. Text fact on the listing ("for 550"), not a photo fact. |
| tape_width_mm | yes, `sizing.tape_width_raw` | sizing | Proposal: normalise to `sizing.tape_width_mm` number; width is bought by number and can vary by variant. |
| adhesive_permanence | yes, `adhesive_type` | hard filter | Matches. The `// invisible` comment on the field should be removed if it means "not shown": permanent versus removable is a filter buyers use. |
| rated_environment | no | hard filter | Proposal: enum `rated_environment` [dry_indoor, water_resistant, waterproof, freezer, outdoor]. Text claims, not photo-answerable. Keeps water-resistant and waterproof apart. Since the blind check the JSON uses the same five values. |
| roll_system | partly, `printer_compatibility` | hard filter | Proposal: enum `thermal_roll_fit` [dymo_labelwriter, brother_dk, zebra_desktop, other] with the raw printer string kept. |
| uv_resistant_film | no | hard filter (boolean) | Proposal: `laminating.uv_resistant` boolean; a text claim ("UV"). |
| face_material | no | high_signal_markdown, or hard filter if cheap | Paper versus film is often in the title; specific films (BOPP, polyester, vinyl) are brand-page facts. Start in markdown; promote if rated_environment proves too sparse. |
| pouch_thickness_mil | yes, `laminating.thickness_micron` | quality currency | The comparable number for pouches. Store per side, in microns; record "2 x 125" as 125. Flag in the comment that some sellers quote the total. |
| lamination_process | no | hard filter | Proposal: enum `lamination_process` [hot, cold]. Heat ruins thermal paper; hot film and cold film are not interchangeable. |
| sheet_template | no (would land in `sizing.label_size_raw`) | hard filter inside sizing | Proposal: `sizing.template_code` string. It is the literal value buyers and software match on. |
| label_size | yes, `sizing.label_size_raw` | sizing | Keep. Labels per sheet or per roll also belong in sizing (`pack_count` covers total count only). |
| phenol_free | no | high_signal_markdown | Health claim, rarely stated; not worth a column. |
| food-contact adhesive (judgement only) | no | high_signal_markdown | 21 CFR 175.105 claims belong in the markdown line. |

Add-on fields this register considers noise for this leaf: `adhesive_type: none` and `not_applicable` both exist where one value would do; `printer_compatibility: handwrite` and `not_applicable` mix format into a printer list (moved into the proposed `format`); `supplies-standard.sizing.capacity` and `weight` mean nothing for labels and pouches.

## Branches

The three split questions offer answers that map to the facet values by a rule stated in each split rationale. Split 1: desk printer to `printer sheet labels`, label maker to `label-maker tape or roll`, thermal printer to `thermal label roll`, laminating (hot, cold or self-seal) to `laminating pouch or film`, by hand to `write-on labels and tabs`. Split 2: dry indoors to `dry indoors`, splashes or fridge to `water-resistant`, soaking or ice to `waterproof`, freezer and outdoors to themselves. Split 3: stays for good maps to permanent, or freezer-grade when split 2 is freezer; peels off clean maps to removable or repositionable. Split 3 has no branches: no answer changes what to ask next.

Cross-split precedence (now stated in split 2's rationale, "Legs never revive facets split 1 dropped"): a split 2 leg that names a facet split 1 made irrelevant does not bring it back. So split 2's `thermal_method` legs apply only on the thermal roll and label-maker branches, `uv_resistant_film` only on the laminating branch, and `face_material` everywhere except laminating.

**Split 1, format ("Desk printer, label maker, thermal printer, laminating, or by hand?")**

The `makes_irrelevant` lists on every leg follow from one register sentence, "Supplies in this leaf are not interchangeable across machines" (format, why experts care), together with the family each facet belongs to (each facet's definition names its family). Since the blind check the lists are complete: every facet that belongs only to another family is listed, not just the other families' main questions. Family-only facets: sheets (printer_ink_type, sheet_template), label makers (tape_system, tape_width_mm), thermal rolls (roll_system, chip_locked_roll), pouches (pouch_thickness_mil, lamination_process, uv_resistant_film), direct thermal stock on rolls or label makers (thermal_method, phenol_free), labels of any kind but not pouches (face_material). rated_environment, adhesive_permanence and label_size cross families and are never dropped by split 1.

- when `printer sheet labels`: then_ask printer_ink_type, sheet_template; makes_irrelevant tape_system, tape_width_mm, roll_system, thermal_method, chip_locked_roll, phenol_free, pouch_thickness_mil, lamination_process, uv_resistant_film.
  - printer_ink_type: "the wrong pairing smears, prints poorly or damages the labels" (printer_ink_type, why experts care; Avery durable guide, verbatim above).
  - sheet_template: "The code carries the label size, count per sheet and layout, so it lines up a print from a template and doubles as the size filter for sheets" (sheet_template, why experts care); Avery 5160 page verbatim: "Effortlessly create customized labels using Avery Design & Print Online and our free templates"; the spec strip "1" x 2-5/8" ... 30 per Sheet ... Template 5160". The earlier unsourced reason ("software and generic sheets refer to Avery codes") is gone.
- when `label-maker tape or roll`: then_ask tape_system, tape_width_mm, thermal_method; makes_irrelevant printer_ink_type, sheet_template, roll_system, chip_locked_roll, pouch_thickness_mil, lamination_process, uv_resistant_film.
  - tape_system: "Cartridges and rolls are proprietary: a DYMO cartridge will not fit a Brother P-touch, and phone label makers sell refills named for each model" (tape_system, why experts care; OTG tapes, Niimbot "D11-H/D11 Labels, D101 Labels ...", Phomemo "12x40mm White Label for D30/D35/Q30/Q30S").
  - tape_width_mm: "A machine prints only up to its maximum width, so a wider tape in the right series still will not fit" (tape_width_mm, why experts care).
  - thermal_method (changed: was makes_irrelevant): "Label makers vary: some print inkless on direct thermal rolls" (thermal_method, why experts care). Niimbot D11-H verbatim: "Thermal line (Black) printing"; "Print with ease using thermal laminated labels, eliminating the need for ink, carbon bands, or cartridges." Phomemo D30 verbatim: "Inkless, Hassle-Free Printing: Thermal printing delivers crisp labels without ink cartridges." DymoOnline verbatim: D1 tapes "use thermal transfer technology, where a ribbon is pressed into the tape". So the fade trade-off applies inside this format. It is mostly answered by tape_system (backfill note), so on this leg it is shown rather than asked.
- when `thermal label roll`: then_ask roll_system, thermal_method, chip_locked_roll, label_size; makes_irrelevant printer_ink_type, sheet_template, tape_system, tape_width_mm, pouch_thickness_mil, lamination_process, uv_resistant_film.
  - roll_system (new): "Rolls are sold by printer family, not just by size" (roll_system, why experts care). Betckey verbatim: "Dymo 1744907 Compatible Shipping Labels 4" x 6"", "Brother DK-1241 Compatible Shipping Labels 4" x 6"", with "By Printer Model" menus for DYMO LabelWriter, Brother QL and Zebra models. Phomemo verbatim: "Phomemo 40×30mm White Thermal Label for M110/M120/M150/...".
  - thermal_method: "Direct thermal ... fade[s] ... Thermal transfer needs a ribbon and a printer that takes one" (thermal_method, why experts care).
  - chip_locked_roll: "The 550 and 5XL lock out many rolls without a genuine DYMO chip" (chip_locked_roll, why experts care).
  - label_size (new on this leg): "shipping software prints to a fixed label size" (label_size, why experts care); the blind check found rolls of one method still mixed sizes.
- when `laminating pouch or film`: then_ask lamination_process, pouch_thickness_mil, label_size; makes_irrelevant printer_ink_type, sheet_template, tape_system, tape_width_mm, roll_system, thermal_method, chip_locked_roll, phenol_free, face_material.
  - lamination_process: "Heat ruins some items ... cold film cannot go through a hot laminator" (lamination_process, why experts care).
  - pouch_thickness_mil: "entry-level laminators are rated for 3 to 5 mil (80 to 125 microns) only" (pouch_thickness_mil, why experts care).
  - label_size (new on this leg): "a pouch must be a little larger than the document so it seals on all four edges" (label_size, why experts care; MyBinding pouches).
  - face_material irrelevant (new): its definition is the printable top layer of a label; a pouch has none.
  - adhesive_permanence is no longer irrelevant. MyBinding retail search, verbatim: "5mil Letter Size Sticky Back Laminating Pouches - 50PK", "3mil Letter Size Sticky Back Laminating Pouches - 100/Box", "Convenient sticky back design for effortless application and secure placement on various surfaces." No adhesive versus an adhesive back is a live pouch filter. It is not asked on this leg (split 3's wording is about labels), but it stays filterable.
  - rated_environment is no longer irrelevant. MyBinding pouch thickness verbatim: "all standard laminating film is subject to UV degradation - documents laminated and then stored in sunlit environments will yellow over time regardless of pouch thickness"; MyBinding cold verbatim: "For outdoor or display applications, UV-resistant film provides significantly longer-lasting color preservation." The outdoors leg of split 2 now asks uv_resistant_film. The water answers still change nothing for pouches ("All properly sealed laminating pouches provide equivalent waterproofing regardless of thickness", MyBinding).
- when `write-on labels and tabs`: makes_irrelevant printer_ink_type, sheet_template, tape_system, tape_width_mm, roll_system, thermal_method, chip_locked_roll, phenol_free, pouch_thickness_mil, lamination_process, uv_resistant_film. No then_ask: nothing sourced separates tabs, flags, dividers and blank labels yet (see the corrections log).

**Split 2, rated_environment ("Dry indoors, splashes or fridge, soaking or ice, freezer, or outdoors?")**

- when `water-resistant` or `waterproof`: then_ask face_material. "Paper labels absorb moisture and peel, wrinkle or smear in fridges and coolers, so wet, oily, frozen or outdoor use needs plastic film" (rated_environment, why experts care; Avery durable guide verbatim "standard paper labels can absorb moisture and start to peel, wrinkle, or smear"). The split into two values follows Avery's table, verbatim: "Water-resistant labels Waterproof labels Handles Splashes, condensation Soaking, submersion Good for Light moisture during use Ice, coolers, heavy exposure Typical use Bathroom products, light refrigeration Shower products, beverages, outdoor or extreme use". Both values take the same leg; the split matters for filtering and backfill, not for what to ask next.
- when `freezer`: then_ask face_material, adhesive_permanence, thermal_method.
  - face_material (new on this leg): the same "paper ... frozen ... needs plastic film" sentence; the split rationale already said so.
  - adhesive_permanence: "Most label glue is made to be applied near room temperature, so labelling cold surfaces needs freezer-grade or specialty adhesive" (adhesive_permanence, why experts care). Avery heat page verbatim: "The ideal temperature range for storing and applying most labels is 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit" (range single-source, not in the JSON); Lowry verbatim: "Labeling outside this range requires thermal transfer and usually a specialty adhesive." Avery heat is now cited in the JSON.
  - thermal_method: reason corrected. Lowry gives direct thermal "service temperatures of -65°F to 200°F", so direct thermal stock can live in a freezer; the limit is application temperature ("application temperatures of at least 25°F", Lowry, single source). Avery help lists thermal transfer for "outdoor/cold/freezer applications" and Zebra lists "cold storage and freezers". The facet text now says thermal transfer "is the usual pick for ... freezer ... labels", not that direct thermal fails there. Applies only on the thermal roll and label-maker branches (precedence above).
- when `outdoors`: then_ask face_material, thermal_method, uv_resistant_film.
  - face_material: "Zebra gives polyester a longer outdoor rating than polypropylene ... so the film name matters for anything left in the sun" (face_material, why experts care).
  - thermal_method: Lowry verbatim "A thermal transfer synthetic material is optimal for outdoor conditions"; Zebra "stored outside for over three years, a thermal transfer synthetic label would be required".
  - uv_resistant_film (new): the two MyBinding quotes above. Applies only on the laminating branch.
- No branch for `dry indoors`: paper and film both qualify, so nothing downstream changes.

Dropped leg: `dry indoors` → makes_irrelevant face_material. Avery's table puts paper as fine for dry low-contact use, but handled indoor labels (jars, products) still benefit from film in the same guide, so the leg was weak.

## Dropped

- A `tab_style` facet for index tabs (size, writable, printable, film versus paper): no tab source was read before the search budget ran out. Tabs are covered by format, face_material and adhesive_permanence.
- A `finish` facet (matte or gloss pouches and labels): photo-answerable under AGENTS.md rule 1, and no source tied it to a buyer decision beyond glare.
- BS 5609 marine-immersion rating for GHS chemical drum labels: one source (Avery, indirect); industrial, rarely in this consumer leaf. Worth a markdown line if the catalog carries GHS labels.
- Search-excerpt figures for direct thermal life ("six to eight months") and thermal transfer ("up to two-years"): never fetched.

## Trimmed detail

- **splits[0].rationale**: cut from 41 to 39 words ("this one answer" to "one answer"); no fact cut.
- **splits[1].rationale**: an earlier draft said dry-indoors answers "roughly halve what is left"; that was an invented proportion and was removed, not trimmed.
- **label_size**: the 1/4 in border and the 9 x 11.5 in letter pouch (MyBinding, one source) moved here.
- **face_material**: Zebra's outdoor figures (polypropylene 1 to 2 years, polyester up to 3 years, polyester up to 300°F) moved here; single source.
- **phenol_free / judgement 7**: the EU threshold (0.02% by weight) and the date (2 January 2020) moved here; Wikipedia's "from about 2013" for BPS moved here.
- **lowry_dt_tt.supports**: the 25°F application floor moved here; single source.

## Corrections

1. `vertical` is `other`, not `supplies`. The brief asks for `supplies`, but schema.json's enum is [formulations, machines, fashion, furnishing, other] and the validator rejects `supplies` ("'supplies' is not one of [...]"). Earlier registers mapped the catalog vertical onto the enum (catalog `furnishings` became `furnishing`); with no supplies value, `other` is the only valid choice. Change it back once the schema gains `supplies`. Not a script bug; a schema gap.
2. Split 1's branch `makes_irrelevant` lists were cut to the other families' main questions after the first viewer build showed the decision tree unreadable with nine skipped facets per leg. Reversed after the blind check (see below): the lists are complete again.
3. Removed before finishing: "Generic sheets advertise 'compatible with 5160'" (not seen on a fetched page); "4 x 6 in" shipping size (no fetched source); "roughly halves" in split 2.

Viewer: `tests/viewer-browser.py` (pyenv 3.11, Playwright) on a scratchpad copy passed 6 of 6 (1380, 768 and 390 px, light and dark). The 1380 light first screen was read by the author: tree labels at full size, map chips legible.

## Corrections after the blind check (2026-10-25)

Report: `check.md`. Numbers are the checker's required fixes.

1. Fix 1: laminating leg no longer makes `rated_environment` irrelevant (MyBinding: standard film yellows in sunlight; UV-resistant film for outdoor or display use). Added facet `uv_resistant_film` and put it on split 2's outdoors leg. Did not add the checker's "125 to 175 µm or more": OTG is the only source for that range, and MyBinding says thickness does not change UV or water resistance; recorded as a disagreement under Sources.
2. Fix 1: laminating leg no longer makes `adhesive_permanence` irrelevant (MyBinding sells 3 and 5 mil sticky-back pouches); new reference `mybinding_sticky`; the facet's why notes sticky-back pouches.
3. Fix 2: label-maker leg no longer makes `thermal_method` irrelevant; it is now shown on that leg (Niimbot D11-H and Phomemo D30 print inkless on thermal rolls; D1 is thermal transfer). Format value renamed `label-maker tape` → `label-maker tape or roll`; split 1 rationale no longer says "label maker to tape" one to one; `tape_system` gains `Niimbot` and `Phomemo` and now covers rolls; mechanism and family text mention phone label makers; new references `niimbot_d11`, `phomemo_d30`; new vocabulary term "Phone label maker".
4. Fix 3: `rated_environment` now has five values; `wet or chilled` split into `water-resistant` (splashes, condensation, fridge) and `waterproof` (soaking, ice), following Avery's table. Split question now "Dry indoors, splashes or fridge, soaking or ice, freezer, or outdoors?" (11 words); rationale states the mapping. Backfill note keeps the two apart and no longer defaults a film label with no claim. Vocabulary entry updated.
5. Fix 3: `face_material` added to the freezer leg, matching the rationale.
6. Fix 4: scope resolved from this side. Index and tab dividers and all page flags now belong here, because `binders` and `notebooks` both send them to `labels`; sticky notes stay with `notebooks`. Thermal transfer ribbons placed with machines/electronics `printer_accessory` (no ribbon value there yet; proposal logged in scope), and that add-on's `label_roll` overlap is noted. No sibling file was edited. Gap: no divider-specific facet exists yet.
7. Fix 5: `total_film_thickness` why now says laminator ratings are per side ("Max Thickness: 125 Mic / 5 Mil"), so check the per-side figure against the rating; the total is for binder bulk.
8. Fix 6: summary hedged to "typically fade within a year" (Wikipedia, ABR). I did not use the checker's "6 to 12 months" wording, because that range has one source. Removed the range from judgement 2's note and from the `wiki_label_printer` supports line, and Zebra's six months from `zebra_thermal_labels` supports. Judgement 2's note now says readability varies with conditions and top-coated and long-life stocks exist (Zebra; Phomemo's long-life thermal paper). `thermal_method` why says the same. The numbers table above is corrected: two sources, not three.
9. Fix 7: cross-split precedence is now in split 2's rationale ("Legs never revive facets split 1 dropped"). Freezer → thermal_method reason corrected in Branches: direct thermal can live in a freezer (Lowry service range); the limit is cold application. `thermal_method` why changed from "lasts years ... in freezers" to "the usual pick for outdoor, freezer and chemical-exposed labels".
10. Fix 7 / C28: `adhesive_permanence` why reworded to "made to be applied near room temperature, so labelling cold surfaces needs freezer-grade or specialty adhesive", and now cites `avery_heat` (added as a reference) with Lowry.
11. Fix 8a: split 1 question now "Desk printer, label maker, thermal printer, laminating, or by hand?"; "laminating" covers hot, cold and self-seal buyers. Format definition names example machines (P-touch, LetraTag, Niimbot; DYMO LabelWriter, Zebra) to separate label makers from thermal printers.
12. Fix 8b: `lamination_process` question now "Heat laminator, cold laminator, or self-seal sheets?" with the mapping in its backfill note. Definition, why, format why, trade-off 4, judgement 3 and the vocabulary entry now say cold film runs through a cold laminator (electric or hand-crank) and only self-seal sheets need no machine. Dropped "harder" from "clearer, harder finish": MyBinding says only clearer.
13. Fix 8c: `thermal_method` backfill note maps no ribbon to direct thermal and a ribbon to either method (Wikipedia: some thermal transfer printers also print direct thermal). The label-maker case is covered by inferring from `tape_system`.
14. Fix 8d: `pouch_thickness_mil` answer mapping capped at the owned laminator's rating.
15. Fix 8e: split 3 question now "Label stays for good, or peels off clean later?"; `label_size` question now "How big is the label, or the document to laminate?".
16. Fix 9: removed "software and generic sheets refer to Avery codes" from `sheet_template` why, and "other brands may name the Avery code they match" from its listing hint. The definition now cites Avery's own templates and design software (Avery 5160 page).
17. Fix 10: split 1 `makes_irrelevant` lists restored to every family-only facet (Corrections 2 above reversed). The laminating leg also drops `face_material`.
18. Fix 11: added facet `roll_system` (DYMO LabelWriter, Brother DK, Zebra desktop, other; Betckey and Phomemo listings; new reference `betckey_ship`) and put it first on the thermal roll leg; `label_size` added to the thermal roll and laminating legs. Not fixed: the write-on leg still has nothing to separate tabs, flags, dividers and blank labels. The only tab source I could read today is one Avery marketing page, Post-it returned 403, and the WebSearch budget is spent, so a write-on type facet would rest on one source. Left open, as the original `tab_style` drop was.
19. Fix 12: `face_material` backfill cost raised to medium for the film name. Dropped the unsourced "DYMO, Rollo and desktop Zebra are almost always direct thermal" rule. `cost_per_metre_tape` depends_on now names tape length as a listing field. `cost_per_label` why drops the unsourced "chipped roll costs far more" and now cites the Avery 5160 and 8160 pages for pack counts varying on one layout.
20. Fix 13: judgement 5 and `chip_locked_roll` softened to "many third-party rolls are locked out" (Whizz Tech "many"); trade-off 5 likewise. `pouch_thickness_mil` why mentions Wikipedia's wider home-and-office range without the single-source 250 figure. `phenol_free` why says the EU rule names thermal paper and so does not reach synthetic direct thermal labels; `eu_reach_bpa` supports line added.
21. Not a checker fix, house rule: removed prose that ordered questions outside `branches` ("Start with" in the summary, "before any other question" in the format why, "asking anything else before it wastes a question" in judgement 1, "before size or method matter" in roll_system, "Once the format is fixed" in the mechanism).
22. Not changed: Part D's point that several `researched` facets with low backfill cost assume the value is in titles. Only one retailer (MyBinding) was readable for pouches, and it carried thickness in its titles; that observation is added to the `pouch_thickness_mil` hint, but no facet is promoted to `listing` on one retailer.