Barcode printers are specialized devices used to print barcode labels for a variety of applications, such as inventory control, product labeling, and shipping. These printers come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small, portable models to large, industrial-grade printers. Barcode printers are also available in different printing adhesives, such as thermal transfer, direct thermal, and inkjet.
The most common type of barcode printer is the thermal transfer printer, which uses heat to transfer ink from a ribbon to the label material. These printers are durable, reliable, and can print on a wide variety of label materials, including paper, synthetic, and metallic.
Thermal transfer printed labels are easily identified by the crisp, often glossy, printed surface. The clarity is achieved by using a thin ribbon roll that when heated by the printhead melts onto the label to form the image. The ink is absorbed so that the image becomes part of the media. When matched with suitable media, thermal transfer technology is not only impervious to heat and moisture but the image cannot be rubbed off, making the printed labels the most durable available. An additional benefit of this technology is the continuity of the printed image. Because the color and density of the printed image are determined by the ribbon and the resolution of the printer, thermal transfer printing produces consistent, reliable printing on every label. This technique provides image quality and durability that is unmatched by other on-demand printing technologies.
The other commonly used printer is a direct thermal printer which, uses heat-sensitive paper to produce barcode labels. Because they print without a ribbon, direct thermal printers are noted for their simplicity. Direct thermal printed labels typically have a considerable shelf life but are not well suited for environments that expose them to heat, long periods of direct sunlight, or abrasion. Direct thermal printers have no ink, toner, or ribbon.
If the label is overexposed to heat, light, or other catalysts, the material will darken and make the text or barcode unreadable. For these reasons, direct thermal printing is not used for lifetime identification applications. The readability of direct thermal labels, wristbands, and receipt papers varies greatly, depending on the usage conditions, but the technology provides ample lifespan for many common barcode printing applications including shipping labels, patient and visitor identification, receipts, and ticket printing.
Inkjet printers use inkjet technology to print barcode labels and are typically used for printing high-quality, full-color labels. They spray microscopic droplets of ink onto paper and are generally cheaper, smaller, and can be used to print both text documents and high-quality colored images, especially photos.
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