How To Choose A Barcode Printer

Barcode Printers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, with a diverse prices. Technically, general-purpose laserjet printers are unable to print barcodes automatically. Most of the time, they require an add-on module or component. A good example of this is Capella Technologies which provides barcode printing to the standard HP laserjet printers by using an accessory flash card. These printers are typically restricted in terms of the symbols they can use.

Thermal Barcode printers, on contrary, can support multiple symbologies straight out from the box.

There are two ways that barcode printers print barcodes. The primary method can be described as Thermal Transfer as well as the other technique can be described as Direct Thermal. Direct Thermal prints the barcode directly onto the label, whereas Thermal Transfer make use of an etching ribbon and a printhead. Ribbons are heated before the image is then etched by the printhead in an area that is pre-defined.

Thermal transfer permits you to print barcodes on a greater selection types of material than directly thermal. This means that the type of material that you plan use to create barcodes is an important aspect in deciding which barcode printer you should purchase.

Larger barcode printers typically are able to shift between direct thermal as well as thermal transfer. One drawback to thermal transfer is the fact that it has to be replaced regularly. If you’re using the barcode printer within a manufacturing area, it could result in lots of downtime. Direct thermal printers are more efficient and can be useful when speed is needed and you’re not printing lots of barcodes every day. One example is the hospital where every patient receiving treatment is provided with an identification barcode.

If you have to print a lot of barcode labels in a time. Consider buying any of these thermal printers offered by Zebra or symbol. I found them decent for efficiency and performance. I’d suggest you get the barcode printer with more print width and the capacity to print labels is greater.

Barcode Printing technology has improved significantly over the last few years. Recently, manufacturers of barcodes have added security measures to make sure the authenticity of their codes. Modern barcode printers can be used for printing labels that have RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Devices) tags on their labels. These security features are required in certain industries that are highly sensitive and offer a assurance of authenticity.