LINER-LESS LABEL PRE-FEED SYSTEM AND METHOD

A pre-feed system and method for a liner-less label printer includes a drive roller that is configured to peel liner-less labels from a reel and pass print stock comprising the labels to an in-line label printer at a consistent rate. An idler roller disposed in proximity to the drive roller creates a nip for pulling labels from the reel. Label stock is fed to one or more print heads while supported by a support plate comprising projections extending from a planar surface, contacting an adhesive side of the labels. The projections are aligned in rows substantially perpendicular to a travel direction of the moving print stock and in a plurality of columns substantially parallel to the travel direction of the moving print stock, with projections on alternate rows offset from projections on adjacent rows and projections on alternate columns offset from projections on adjacent columns.