What are Label Makers & Label Printers?
Label makers and label printers are devices designed to produce high-quality labels that can be used by organisations from a range of sectors, including, healthcare, retails and hospitality. A label printer with built-in keyboard and display for stand- alone use (not connected to a separate computer) is often called a label maker.
Uses of label printers
Label printers are designed to help everywhere from office to home. These small, simple devices are perfect for organising important files in document holders, folders and are also ideal for producing address labels. Most of the models are able to produce various fonts, frames, symbols and sizes in order to customise labels. These handy devices are fundamental to get an office or home environment organised. Some label printers come with a QWERTZ or QWERTY keyboard (UK), batteries or a plug can be wireless and have a connection port.
How to choose the right label printer?
Manufacturers such as Brother, Dymo or Rhino are leading companies in the industry. They produce high-quality equipment for home and an office use. Label printers can be handheld (compact and lightweight) or desktop. Thermal label printers are ideal for barcode printing as they produce accurate, high-quality images with great edge definition. By selecting the right printer, the labels created can withstand temperature extremes, ultraviolet exposures, chemicals and many more.
• Hand held devices are equipped with internal keyboard and screen so labels can be produced straight away. Ideal where there are no computers e.g. great for labelling on construction sites and production floors.
• Desktop devices usually work with a computer via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB but are able to print quicker and use larger labels. Designed for light to medium-duty use
How do they work?
Most of the printers use thermal printing technology (some use D1 tape rolls). Using a thermal print-head, the chemically treated labels blacken into the shape of the image or text on contact. This means that no ink, toner or ribbon is needed which drastically lowers the costs of usage. There are two thermal printing methods:
• Direct thermal – more sensitive to light, heat and abrasion which reduces the life of the printed article
• Thermal transfer – produces durable, long-lasting images on various materials