What is the Best Barcode Label Printer - Laser, Dot Matrix, Ink Jet Or Thermal?

There are many types of label printers available on theand dot matrix printer, only it uses heat to transfer the
market, each unique in their printing mechanisms,ink form the ribbon to the paper.
functionality, portability, advantages, and disadvantages.A more convenient type of printer is the direct thermal
Laser printers work pretty much like photocopiers andprinter. It basically works by burning the heat-sensitive
can print high-quality text and images quickly. Theypart of the thermo-paper, which creates the image on
work by projecting controlled streams of ions onto thethe label. The printer sends a current of electricity to
surface of a print drum, resulting in a charged image.the heating resistor on the thermal head. The thermal
The charged image attracts toner particles, usinghead then generates a specific pattern and the heat
pressure to transfer the image unto the paper. This isproduced activates the layer of the paper which
the type of printer often used for the printing ofcontains dyes that act as ink.
documents which contain barcodes because of itsAside from being able to print single labels, the thermal
speed and high resolution image-printing.printers also hold other advantages over other types
Dot matrix printers used to be popular because theyof printers. One of the most important thermal printer
were readily-accessible and inexpensive. However, theadvantages is its compatibility with most high-quality
ribbons used in dot matrix printers require a lot ofpoint of sale software. The barcode labels produced
maintenance and the printer is limited to the dot-size offrom POS software allow for easier and more
the matrix and, therefore, cannot print small labels.accurate inventory tracking.
When used in barcode printing, ink saturation also oftenAnother advantage of the thermal printer is its ability to
causes bleeding and distorts the image of barcodes.process a variety of data without compromising the
Another common printer found in most households isspeed of the printing. Also, thermal printers print with
the ink-jet printer. It is mostly used due to itshigh resolution and density to create high-quality images
multi-functionality. Ink-jet printers print very slowly. Theand text.
printer itself is not durable as it is sensitive to dust, dirt,Thermal printers can be easily operated. The printer
vibrations, and other external factors.itself may be somewhat more expensive than other
A common disadvantage of all three printers - laser,types of printers, but the very low supply cost makes
dot matrix and ink jet - is the inability to print single,up for it. The printer doesn't use ink cartridges, toners,
individual labels. These printers print by batch or byor ribbons; the only printing material that needs to be
sheet which often leads to a waste of extra labels.replenished is the special thermo-sensitive paper. In
For individual label printing, thermal printers are oftengeneral, thermal printers are cost-efficient, reliable, and
used. There are two types of thermal printers. One isvery convenient for any types of business venture.
the transfer thermal printer, which works like the ink-jet