These
printers are ideal for low volume printing. They are generally
available in resolutions of 203 DPI to 300 DPI. On the other
hand, they occupy very little desk space and offer a low-cost
entry-level solution. On the other hand, they use smaller
rolls of labels,and ribbons thus driving up the cost for the
consumables. Some examples of desktop
printers are Eltron's LP/TLP 2824/2844 and Congitive's Blaster
printers.
Commercial
and Industrial Printers
These
printers are rugged and reliable with mostly all-metal construction.
The resolution can be 203 DPI, 305 DPI, 406 DPI or 600 DPI.
They are meant for moderate to high volume printing for users
who demand reliability, productivity, consistent print quality,
network compatibility. The printers can have many options
like internal rewinders, peel & present modules, etc.
Some examples of these printers are Zebra's 105SL, 220XiIII
Plus, Sato's CL408e/CL412e, Datamax's I-4208, Intermec's 3400
and 4400 printers.
Dedicated
bar code printers come in two variations: Direct
Thermal and Thermal Transfer.
Direct
Thermal refers to the manner in which an image (bar
code) is printed on paper. This technology employs heat-sensitive
paper media to make images (much the same way as roll paper fax
machines). Direct Thermal labels are sensitive to heat and light.
They have a short useful life span, but in many cases that is all
you need. Additionally, if you keep the labels out of heat and light,
they will have an extended life span. Direct Thermal printing should
be considered when you have applications that only need temporary
labels. As an example, a lot of shipping labels employ this technology.
This is a less expensive way to go because: 1) The printers are
cheaper, and 2) you do not incur ribbon expenses as you would with
Thermal Transfer printing methods.
Thermal
Transfer printing, on the other hand requires a roll
of heat-sensitive ink ribbon. Because it utilizes a ribbon it does
not require heat-sensitive paper media. Heat transfers the appropriate
image from the ribbon onto the paper label. This technology is more
expensive, but is your only choice when you need permanent labels
on products or boxes (for warehousing and retail environments).
Please
visit Labels/Ribbons to get more information
on labels and ribbons. Alternatively, you may call if you have any
questions or need more clarification between the differences of
these two printing methods; we can recommend the appropriate choice
for your unique application.
