Types of Printers for Barcode Labels

Your choice of printer depends on both the volume of labels that need printing as well as any environmental conditions in which they will be exposed.

Will they be exposed to chemicals (such as oil, grease or cleaning solvents) and/or UV light which could fade or wear away printed images?

Inkjet

Inkjet printers use ink to produce barcode labels. The type of ink used affects label longevity as well as which materials the labels can be printed onto. Resolution, or dots per inch (dpi), also matters; higher numbers produce crisper images.

Consideration should also be given to the working environment where a printer will be utilized as this can have an effect on installation, maintenance and strength/durability of its labels printed.

Direct thermal printers do not utilize ink, toner or ribbon and create images on heat-sensitive label materials that blacken when passing beneath a thermal printhead. These fast-reacting units make short-term labels such as shipping labels, address markers and price tags possible - ideal for shipping labels, address markers and price tags that must be printed quickly and reliably; however they can become unreadable through direct heat exposure or sunlight and are therefore less durable than industrial barcode printers.

Laser

Laser printers utilize a process in which positively charged carbon toner is transferred onto paper via heated rollers and fusers, producing images and barcodes on durable labels that last. Laser printing materials may vary greatly, depending on what materials can be thermal roll manufacturers accommodated - it is crucial that users select materials compatible with this printing technology for best results.

Laser-printed labels may not be ideal for industrial environments as their adhesives may not withstand chemicals or water, making them less durable than thermal-printed labels.

Thermal transfer printers (TT) offer an ideal solution for industrial barcode label printing, using heat to melt ink onto labels and create long-term durability. Selecting an appropriate ribbon type can greatly improve print quality and longevity - from wax, wax-resin, resin and more formulated ribbons offering various resolutions as well as color capabilities - to help ensure optimal print quality and longevity.

Thermal Transfer