Whether you are working from an office or home, you may find yourself in need of barcode and label printers at some point. Dedicated printers create high-quality wristbands, receipts and labels. For easy maintenance and fast printing, go for a thermal-based printer. You'll want to consider your needs, the print materials, the environment and your anticipated frequency of use.
When it comes to printing labels, opting for a barcode and label printer can provide added efficiency. They feature thermal transfer printing capabilities that use heat-sensitive media, enabling you to print labels at high speed. Desktop thermal transfer printers feature low heat settings, so you can use a wide selection of face stock and adhesive options, like papers, polyester and plastics. This means you can choose the best option for a variety of situations, such as outdoor exposure, oil-resistance printing and long-distance scanning.
With a direct thermal label printer, you get prints for short-term use. Consider a model with disinfectant-ready plastics, a healthcare-compliant power supply and a sealed button interface to support printing activities in the healthcare sector. These printers feature advanced industrial printing quality, delivering the print speed, quality and manageability you need to boost productivity, quality of care and accuracy. Whether you need a PC connectable label maker or a Bluetooth® model, you'll find a range of devices with multiple connectivity options. Some direct thermal printers can switch back and forth between thermal transfer and direct thermals printing for even more versatility and convenience.
Laser and inkjet labels are standard choices for on-demand printing. They feature laser sheets that use dry toner in black or a full color, giving you the flexibility to add color coding and graphics. These feature plenty of print durability for use in a wide range of settings.
Mobile printers are similar to direct thermal label printers, plus they provide freedom from cable connections when you choose the right printer and scanner supplies to complement them. Some of these printers feature integrated printing systems with portable thermal printers and mobile computers, providing a reliable mobile unit. Most mobile printers feature a sleek design, and are easy to carry and charge. Their re-chargeable systems will typically charge both the printer and the handheld portion of the device, eliminating the need for AC adapters. In some cases, an integral Bluetooth option enables you to communicate with the printer wirelessly when you disconnect the handheld device.
While laser printers can create wristbands, dedicated wristband printers offer several advantages. They feature cartridges that drop into place easily, keeping up the printing process and reducing downtime. Some of them come with high print resolutions for the accurate printing of logos or images.
For more intensive needs, consider 3D printers that integrate CAD programs to print and monitor projects in three dimensions. These dedicated printers feature Wi-Fi® connectivity, smart sensors and onboard streaming cameras, enabling modern automation.