It is essential to select the right barcode printer for your business needs. Barcode printers are expensive so you must carefully assess and compare each type before you decide to purchase which is best for your company. You have to think about what your chosen equipment will bring to your business in the long run since this is considered an investment.
To start with, you must be familiar about the different types of barcode printers so you can evaluate them according to your company’s requirements. Check out their features below to be guided when choosing a barcode printer.
4 Basic Types of Barcode Printers
1. Inkjet Printers
This is a type of barcode printer utilized when barcodes are required to be produced and applied at fast speeds. They can print an entire sheet of labels unlike other types of barcode printers which require the sticking of the label to the completed product. Inkjet printers are widely used in high-production settings because of their ability to mark items rapidly.
However, there are some limitations when using inkjet printers. Its installation is expensive and complicated. It also needs regular supervision to avoid inkjet clogging and to maintain its good printing quality. You cannot just print barcode labels on any materials or items with dark backgrounds since the ink could bleed or become difficult to read. If you decide to purchase this among the other types of barcode printers, remember to select a scanning device that can read the barcodes properly.
2. Dot Matrix Printers
This printing technology is the oldest technique for producing barcodes. The barcode image consists of hundreds of dots in a matrix to create a series of lines and spaces which is usually referred to as a barcode. Dot matrix label printers are accessible and cost-effective for several distribution and manufacturing companies.
Keep in mind that dot matrix printers also have limitations like other types of barcode printers. The printed barcodes may not match up to your barcode standards since they are low-to-medium density. The barcode labels are frequently difficult to read. They can bleed on the paper which results to image distortion. If you select dot matrix over other existing types of barcode printer, expect that the labels are not durable and cannot withstand water or chemicals even if they can be printed on many types of materials.
3. Laser Printers
This barcode label printer is like a photocopier since it can efficiently print graphics and high-quality texts on paper documents and adhesive labels. Laser printers can also be used as document printers when they are not printing barcode labels. The barcodes can be read easily by any infrared scanner since the density and resolution are high. However, there are also some limitations similar to other available types of barcode printers. The printed barcode labels are not appropriate for industrial environments or small operations. In terms of durability, label printers cannot produce water or chemical-resistant barcode labels.
4. Thermal Printers
Thermal printers include Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer printers. Thermal printers are the most well-known types of barcode printers in manufacturing settings since their barcodes are more durable than others on the market.
- Direct Thermal printers – there is no ribbon, ink, or toner required with direct thermal printing. The printhead applies heat and pressure directly on the surface of the heat-sensitive thermal paper which reacts to the heat of the printhead. It blackens when heated and produces an image or text. Although maintenance costs are lower since they do not need ink, ribbon, or toner compared to other types of barcode printers, the printed items can fade over time because the thermal paper is sensitive to light and heat.
- Thermal Transfer printers – the printhead presses a wax-coated ink ribbon/s onto the surface of the printing material. When the wax melts, it uncovers the ink which transfers to the printing material and later dries. Unlike with direct thermal printers, the prints are less likely to fade over time. Long-term maintenance costs are higher since thermal transfer printers use a special, inked ribbon that needs to be replaced.
The Benefits of Using a Barcode Printer for Your Business
Flexibility
A barcode printer can meet specific business requirements. It is available in different varieties to effectively complete various tasks.
Cost-Savings
Get more prints at a lower cost with a barcode printer. Instead of outsourcing your printing needs, buy a barcode printer for business use to print as required while saving time and money.
Better Quality
A barcode printer’s resolution creates better quality than dot matrix or inkjet printers. It allows high-density barcode printing even for very small prints.
ALSO READ: 10 Key Applications of Thermal Transfer Printers in the Manufacturing Industry
Knowing the different types of barcode printers can help you compare and select the perfect one for your company. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind the essential information so you can carefully evaluate the features before making a purchase based on your business.
Elixir is a reputable supplier of industrial equipment that performs multiple functions at various points on the assembly line. Our One Stop Solutions are created to meet the operational requirements of businesses including, but not limited to, printing and packaging companies in the Philippines. Its Thermal Transfer Overprinters (TTO) are used for coding onto flexible packaging films and self-adhesive labels. TTO operates through a high-resolution thermal print head, which melts a wax and/or resin-based ink from a very thin thermal transfer ribbon onto the substrate to be printed. They are usually used in snack foods, confectionery, and fresh produce. Common uses include printing simple date codes, batch codes, however these thermal printers also have the capability to print logos, product descriptions, ingredients lists, nutritional panels and fully compliant barcodes. Are you in need of a barcode printer for your business? Elixir offers different types of TTO that you can choose from.