Types of Printers for Barcode Labels
Do you require printing on various materials, with labels designed to withstand chemicals, light exposure and abrasion?
Selecting an ideal printer for barcode label printing is key to creating an efficient labeling process. Read on to understand more about various types of barcode label printers and which features you should look out for when purchasing one.
Dot Matrix
Dot matrix printers are ideal for heavy duty printing where keeping costs to a minimum is essential. Plus, these printers are the only ones capable of producing carbon copies of documents, which makes them the perfect solution for companies needing multiple copies of invoices or labels printed simultaneously in multiple locations.
Dot matrix printers utilise an array of pins to print onto paper, producing a very high volume of text and graphics. Their print quality depends on their pin count ranging from 9-pin devices up to 24-pin devices; in terms of visual quality (near letter quality or NLQ output) their overlap allows for visually superior output while speed may suffer as a result.
Laser and inkjet printers are generally less suitable for hostile environments due to extreme temperature variations and dust levels, however. Laser printers do not utilize continuous fanfold paper with tractor holes which makes them easy to use in busy workplaces. Furthermore, their ribbons offer longer storage and idle lives and do not dry quickly making laser printing less costly overall than its alternatives.
Inkjet
Inkjet printers use nozzles to eject tiny droplets of ink onto paper. As resolution increases, more ink droplets per inch will be printed for a sharper image.
Inkjet printers also boast excellent archival durability – depending on the quality of printing and paper used, inkjet prints may last as long as typewritten or handwritten documents. This is important given that many businesses need to store documents for extended periods.
Inkjet printers are relatively economical alternatives to laser printers and can make everyday printing much simpler and more versatile than lasers. Many inkjet models feature features to print text and graphics simultaneously, making them even more versatile than lasers. While some inkjet models are designed for desktop use only, larger industrial-grade inkjets operate 24/7 while remaining compatible with both porous and non-porous materials. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers have become one of the most sought-after marking technologies because of their fast printing speeds, 24/7 operation, diverse ink options, software solutions that improve data management, supply chain efficiency metrics metric and OEE metrics.
Laser
Laser printers use thermal printheads to generate high-resolution text, graphics and human-readable barcodes on specialty label materials. This printer’s label produce is durable enough to withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, moisture levels and chemicals while still offering scanner-readability for scanning purposes.
laser printers produce labels at reduced long-term maintenance costs and environmental friendliness compared with dot matrix or inkjet models, offering greater printing speed at lessened long-term maintenance expenses. You can choose between industrial desktop, mobile printer and handheld units depending on your label size requirements and printing speed needs.
Before selecting the ideal printer model for your business, take into account both its environment and label printing needs. For instance, if your label printing will occur in an industrial setting exposed to dust and wear-and-tear conditions such as dust storms and vibration, an industrial printer would provide better value than desktop versions in terms of preventing costly repairs, material waste and downtime.
Thermal Transfer
When your labels require high accuracy and durability, or will be exposed to tough environments, thermal printers may be your ideal printing solution. Not requiring ink cartridges for operation, thermal printers use more durable printing technology that can withstand chemicals, temperatures extremes, UV lights, abrasions and moisture exposure without losing accuracy or durability.
Thermal transfer printers use heat to transfer images from a ribbon onto labels passing through thermal roll manufacturers saudi arabia their print head. As the ribbon heats, its color darkens and creates images on labels passing by the print head.
This printing method delivers improved image quality, but for optimal results the ribbon and label material must be carefully coordinated to achieve optimal results. In addition, a liner must be placed around the label as protection during printing; after completion of printing this liner can be removed.