How to Choose the Right Thermal Barcode Label Printers

Posted by Armstrong Louis on January 2nd, 2018

A large variety of thermal barcode printers are available in the market and are specifically used to print the barcodes on the tags of various products. While you are going to buy thermal barcode label printers you may be overwhelmed due to the huge number of options. Before you invest your money in buying a thermal barcode label printer you must consider the factors given below: (Information Credit: http://www.labelales.co.za)

1. Methods of printing

Barcode label printers are available in three types:

• Direct thermal printers
• Thermal transfer printers
• Inkjet printer
  

i) Direct thermal printers

Direct thermal barcode printers work as a chemically treated stock that becomes black when the thermal print head heats the surface of the materials. It does not require a ribbon, ink or a toner to print. This type of printers has lower price comparatively.

ii) Thermal transfer printers

For long task labelling, thermal transfer printers are the best medium as they use a ribbon for printing. The print head applies heat to the ribbon, melting it onto the label surface. Thus, thermal labelling barcode printers are appropriate products for labelling, asset tracking and outdoor applications.

iii) Inkjet printers

Thermal inkjet barcode printers are very user-friendly for its simplicity and print resolution. It prints small dots to create the image.

Laser printers are not so efficient for printing barcodes on synthetic media that is often used. Thermal printing barcodes are widely used because of its efficiency in printing clear barcodes.

2. Resolution for Printer

Barcodes need precision and clarity in order to be scanned and read in the proper way. Barcodes are generally composed of series of bar of different widths. When you are going to buy thermal barcode label printers you should keep in mind certain factors like the print resolution must range from 203 dots per inch (dpi) to 300 dpi or even 600 dpi for special cases. If the barcodes are large enough then 203 dpi is normal. However, if you are going to use thermal barcode label printers to produce high-density barcodes or 2d barcodes, fine fonts or detailed graphics then you should consider choosing a high-resolution printer.

3. Volume of print

Some barcode printers are made in such a way that they are able to handle large volume label of output. Other barcodes are just made to handle for small runs.  So before going to buy thermal barcode level printers, you must keep an eye on this factor.

4. Label size of barcodes 

While you are going to buy thermal label barcode printers you must consider the fact that the different printers can handle different label sizes. Thermal barcode label printers can create wider labels of up to four inches in width.  A larger unit can increase the work efficiency.

5. Printers equipped with proper connectivity

No matter what printer you buy your printer must be capable of connecting your device to your current network.

In conclusion, it can be said that you should choose the thermal barcode label printer that is compatible with your plans and budget.