A label printer is a small, computerised device that prints labels. These labels are self-adhesive and used to provide information about a product. This includes expiration dates, ingredient lists, instructions, addresses, warnings and much more. It’s usually connected to a computer that matches the printer’s software. This device is used in so many industries such as retail, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, offices, small businesses etc. It’ll help you stay organised and not lose track of your supplies.
Types of Label Printers
Shipping
Shipping products is a big part of the e-commerce business that’s thriving. This convenient way of shopping allows you to buy anything without leaving the comfort of your own home. But before companies send their products, they need to label them. This is where the practical and precise Bluetooth shipping label printer comes into play.
These printers can be direct thermal and thermal transfer. The direct thermal ones use heat as their printing source and are good for short-term shipping needs. The thermal transfer ones combine heat and ink to do their job. They’re used for long-term shipping needs. You should make sure the printer is compatible with your devices and the shipping platform you use.
Check the DPI (dots per inch). This is the printer’s resolution. The higher the DPI the better the quality of the label. You’ll get a sharper image and a more readable text. It’s recommended that you get a printer with at least 300 DPI for your shipping labels. This will make the label easy to read and you’ll make a good impression on the customers.
The printer’s speed is also important. It’s measured by how many labels can one printer do in one minute. Some can do 30, and some can go to 1,000 in one minute. Choosing the printer’s speed depends on the work volume you’re dealing with. If you’re a small business that’s just starting, you don’t need a printer that can put out 1,000 labels in a minute. Start with something smaller.
Also, make sure the printer matches the size of the labels you need. Otherwise, you’ll end up with something too small or too big. Take note of the printer connection. It can connect in 3 ways, USB, ethernet and wireless. The USB method needs a cable, the ethernet is also physical and uses a cable and the wireless is mainly through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Desktop
These printers can also work both ways, with direct thermal or thermal transfer methods. Some of them are very fast and can print up to 150mm of labels in just one second. They have a nice resolution and good picture quality. One unique thing about them is that they have an option called intelligent leap-over. They’re able to recognise an empty label and go to the next one without your assistance.
The newer models are also energy-efficient. There’s a power-saving mode that turns on when you stop using the printer for a while. These printers can be used in healthcare, manufacturing, aviation, transportation, logistics and at the office. Some of them even have a cut-and-peel option inside that can fit up to 300m of ribbon.
Mobile
Just like the Bluetooth shipping label printer, mobile printers work on a Bluetooth connection. They’re made with an ergonomic design because the person who uses them usually spends 8 hours holding the device. So, having something comfortable in their hands is crucial to avoid soreness. This printer also has memory for fonts and graphics, which will make your work much easier and faster.
Some versions offer an auto-pairing option to add even more convenience. You have a USB port with a cable if you require an extra connection option in case the Bluetooth fails you. Most of these printers are compatible with the major operating systems such as Windows, Android and iOS. Mobile printers are lightweight, dust-resistant, have a good drop rate and are water-resistant.
Inkjet
Inkjet printers are very common. They’re always improving and made more efficient because manufacturers are finding new ways to make them better. They have new features and options with each following model. They’re great for colour printing and used in commercial-grade surroundings because of their precision.
They’re also budget-friendly and will print a clear picture at high speed. If you’re looking for a printer for a demanding, fast-paced environment, this is the one. It can print up to 27cm of label in one second. They can do a lot of work at once and are designed for high-volume labelling. Nothing will smear, fade, or smudge the labels that they print.
Wireless
The main advantage of wireless label printers is that they don’t need a physical connection to work. They’re portable and a great option for shipping label printers. You can take them anywhere as long as they’re connected to a wireless network. But in case this connection fails, you still have a USB option to keep the printer working.
These printers are ideal for warehouses, post offices, and management facilities because some of them can print up to 70 labels per minute. They’re fairly easy to work with and can be both direct thermal and thermal transfer. But if you need a coloured print, they’re not for you. They only print in black and white.
Industrial
Industrial label printing can be challenging at times. It’s very demanding and requires many labels to be printed in a short amount of time. If you choose a thermal transfer industrial printer, you’ll need a ribbon. These printers are durable and can have a speed of printing 28mm of labels in one second. They’re also budget-friendly and can print almost anything you need.
Industrial printers are made of sturdy and durable materials like aluminium. They have a double folding door system to save you some space in case there isn’t a lot of room in the office. The LCD screen they have gives you the opportunity to check the commands and adjust the settings as you need. Printers like these can print up to 1,000 high-quality labels in one day.
If you buy a newer model, you’ll most likely get the rewind and collect function. This is a very practical function because the printer will roll the labels up as soon as they’re printed. You won’t have to do it by hand and stand by the device all the time. Even though they’re pretty big, these printers are easy to clean and maintain and not hard to work with.
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