A barcode label printer is a specialised printer unit which produces labels for use on products and packaging. All of the label printers which we stock are thermal based - that is the printed image is written to the label using a heated print head. This makes the label printers very quiet and fast.

Different types of print method

There are two types of thermal print method - Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer. Direct Thermal printers work by printing directly to the label. Thermal Transfer printers work by using a ribbon to print to the label (by applying heat to the ribbon).

Direct Thermal printers are cheaper, and don't require a ribbon. However, the print quality has a shorter shelf life (less than six months) and is more succeptable to wear. Direct Thermal printers are ideal for producing address labels or stock with a comparitively short shelf life.

Thermal Transfer printers are more expensive and require a consumable ribbon, which will need to be replaced from time to time. The print on the labels they produce lasts longer, however. This makes this type of printer ideal for producing labels for use in harsh environments or with long shelf lives.

Software

Of course, owning a label printer is no use unless you have the software to drive it. Some printers (such as the Intermec EasyCoder C4) come with software 'in the box', whereas others require you to purchase label printing software separately. In the case of the latter we can help you choose the package to suit your needs.