Need to knows: How to buy a label printer

Which label printer do I pick?

Choosing the right label printer for your business can be tough among a sea of options, but the right choice will yield you a rapid ROI. Here at WiZiX, we’re a certified dealer in sales, service, and supplies for label printing. With our free consultations, we will work directly with your business to recommend the most cost-effective options. We share our knowledge with you and explain what you need to know before making your big purchase!

The two types of Print Technology used for printing labels

Here are some definitions and uses cases for the two main methods of thermal printing.

1. Thermal Transfer
2. Thermal Direct

Both Thermal Transfer and Thermal Direct use heat to create printed information. But they do it in different ways, which we will break down below:

Thermal transfer

This style transfers ink from a ribbon to the paper using heat. Thermal transfer technology produces a crisp printed image that is very stable and long lasting. Because the image is made with ink, which is absorbed and effectively becomes part of the label stock, it can’t be rubbed off and won’t fade or smudge. Thermal transfer is, therefore, ideal for labels that need to last a long time, or labels that will undergo harsh conditions or processes. No matter what the application, at thermal transfer print will always outlast a direct thermal print; and globally, 80% of all label printing uses thermal transfer technology.

Direct thermal

This style does not use ink and, therefore has no ribbon. Instead, it uses thermal paper which has a leuco dye coating that changes color when heated. Direct thermal printers also produce a crisp image and, because they use no ribbon or ink, are lighter, less expensive, and easier to operate. Portable printers, for when label printing is needed in the field, all use direct thermal technology. But the printed image from direct thermal is less table than a thermal transfer image. Thermal paper remains sensitive to heat, so the image is prone to fading in bright light or darkening when exposed to heat. Direct thermal printing is very cost-effective for printing labels with a shorter life, and which will have relatively stable conditions. So, the type of print technology you choose will depend on w what you are labelling and why. Take into account how the labels will be used, specifically their expected shelf life and their treatment during their life, remember that the primary goal for a for a label is to remain, legible.

Printheads

Once you’ve decided the need for thermal transfer technology, the next consideration would be the type of printhead required for the job.

The two types of printheads used for thermal transfer:

1. Flathead
2. Near Edge

The names “flathead” and “near edge” refer to the angle of the printhead and the positioning of the heating element. This positioning determines how the printhead makes contact with the ribbon and the label surface.

As a result, the following three factors change:

1. Speed
2. Intensity
3. Ability to save wastage

Flathead

In flathead technology the printhead lies flat against the ribbon and the lable stock with the heating elemement in the center.

Near Edge

In near edge technology, or “hot peel” method, the printhead sits at an angle to the ribbon and paper, only making contact for a much shorter amount of time. The heating element is at the lower end, close the exit point.