Label printer: what it is, types, how to choose

A label printer is a device designed for printing labels, barcodes, price tags, and other marking products. This type of printing requires special equipment designed for thermal paper and self-adhesive paper. The print must not fade or wear off over time. Special printers can print on tape or rolls of labels of various sizes and shapes.

Types of label printers

Businesses often need to quickly produce large quantities of price tags, labels, and advertising stickers. All label printers of various types have high printing speeds for large volumes of materials. Barcodes and small text require high accuracy and clarity. Label printers provide high print resolution, which is important for correct barcode reading and easy reading of information by customers. They can be integrated with warehouse management systems, retail systems, and other software solutions.

Types of label printers:

• Thermal printers print on heat-sensitive paper that darkens when heated. These printers do not require ink or toner, but prints may fade over time. They only print black and white images.
• Thermal transfer printers print using a thermal transfer ribbon, which transfers dye to paper or film. These labels are more durable and resistant to external influences.
• Dot matrix printers apply ink to the ribbon with needles and then to the paper. They are suitable for printing on multi-layer materials such as receipts and invoices.

Laser and inkjet printers can also be used for label printing, but are more commonly used for larger jobs. Laser printers offer high print quality and speed, while inkjet models print color labels with high detail. However, the images are not as durable as those produced by specialized equipment.

How to choose a label printer

First, determine the purpose of the equipment. Thermal printers are suitable for small volumes of non-color printing. They are easy to use and do not require large expenditures on consumables. For large volumes of color label printing, thermal transfer printers are recommended, as they produce durable prints.

Other important considerations:

• What size labels do you need? Some models are designed for printing small labels, others for large ones. This information can be found in the technical specifications of the equipment.
• It is important to consider the printing speed of the printer, especially if you need large volumes of labels in a short time.
• The print resolution affects the clarity and detail of the prints. For standard labels, a resolution of 203 dpi is sufficient, but for small fonts and detailed images, 300 dpi or higher may be required.
• Check compatibility with label design and printing software. Some models come with their own software, while others can be integrated with existing systems.

Consider the operating conditions of the equipment. If the printer will be used in conditions of high humidity, dust, or outdoors, it is important to choose models with appropriate protective features. If the equipment will be installed indoors, standard protection against dust and moisture is sufficient.