Types of Label Printers
Industrial Labeling > Types of Label Printers

Printers can be categorized based on their print method; by their physical characteristics; and by the types of supplies they have available.

Print Method: There are three types of print methods commonly used: dot matrix, direct thermal (DT) and thermal transfer printing (TTP). Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Physical Characteristics: Some machines are small and can be easily carried in one hand. Others are larger desktop models.

Supply Availability: A machine is only as good as the supplies it can use. Ensuring the supplies you'll need are available for the label printer you want to use is one of the most important points when evaluating the purchase of a new label printer.

This section covers print methods and physical characteristics. Supplies are covered on a separate page.

Print Method:

Dot Matrix:

Dot matrix label printers use a matrix of pins which impact against a ribbon to transfer the ink from the ribbon to the label. The most common label material is paper. Dot matrix printers are relatively low cost and are excellent for making temporary labels. The drawback of dot matrix printing is that it is not capable of providing fine detail printing.

Direct Thermal:

Direct thermal printing uses a heated print head to create an image on heat sensative paper. We fequently see this type of printing used for cash register receipts. Since it does not require a ribbon, direct thermal printing is very economical. Paper is used for most direct thermal labels, combined with the fact the printing will fade when exposed to heat or light, direct thermal labels are best used for temporary labeling. Direct thermal labels are often used to label work-in-progress, supplies and as shipping labels.

Thermal Transfer Printing:

Thermal transfer printers use the same type of print head as direct thermal printers. The heat from the printhead melts the ink on a ribbon, transfering the ink to the label material. This method of printing produces high quality, durable, detailed printing, that can be used with a variety of label materials. The costs of labels varies based on the type of label material, but in general thermal transfer labels--because of the need for a ribbon--wll cost more than either dot matrix or direct thermal labels.

Physical Characteristics:

How you plan to use your labeling machine, and the type of labels you need to print, will dictate the type of labeling machine. You'll need to take into consideration factors such as the volume of labels to be printed, the size of the labels, and how the labels will be used.

Label volume: machines are typically classified as low, medium or high volume machines. A low volume would would be up to about 100 labels per day. A medium volume would be in therange of 100 to 500 labels per day. A high volume would be over 500 labels per day.

Label size: label materials are available in widths from 1/4" wide up to 10" wide. However, there are no machines that can print labels over that range of widths. Label printers are available that will make labels in a variety of widths. Typically they can be divided by size into three groups.

• Printers that make labels from 1/4" to 1" in width
• Printers that make labels from 1/2" to 4" in width
• Printers that make labels from 4" to 10" in width

If you need to make labels with a wide range of widths, for example 1/2" and 6" wide labels, there are two options.

Option 1: You can get two labeling machines, one for the smaller labels and the other to make the larger labels.

Option 2: You can get one machine that has the ability to produce tiled labels. A machine that prints 1/2" to 3" wide labels would work fine. It could directly print the smaller labels. The larger labels would be printed in two strips which are joined together to make the 6" label.

The advantage of purchasing one machine is that the initial cost is lower. The disadvantage is that it takes more time to line up two labels that go together to make a single, larger label. If you need to make more than an occaissional large label, you may be better off purchasing two printers.

How the labels are used: If you will be doing a lot of labeling in multiple locations, having a portable machine will save a lot of time. For example, electricians and instrument technicians typically find a handheld labeler they can carry in their toolbox to be the most useful. There are also portable desktop machines that are not as easy to carry as a handheld, but which still can be moved from one location to another as needed.

The lager the size of label you need, the fewer the options. For example, if you need to make 6" and wider labels, you'll need to use a non-portable desktop machine.

How the labels will be used will also have a major influence on the print method that will be used (see above).

How the labels will be used also determines the type of label material. Label materials are covered on a separate page.

Important: The above are general guidelines to selecting a label printer. There are exceptions to all of the above. When selecting the right printer it is useful to speak with a knowledgeable representative from a dealer who carries a wide variety of labeling machine brands and models.

This labeling machine article by: Steve Hudgik