A label printer is a device that prints barcodes and other text or graphic elements on special self-adhesive and conventional ribbons.

To choose the right printer, you need to pay attention to certain characteristics of the device.

The main questions you need to know the answers to before you start choosing a printer:

How many labels do you need to print per day?

What size label do you need?

In what conditions will it be used?

What exactly will be printed: text, logo, barcode, QR code?

When should I apply the label, immediately after printing or later?

Label type and printing method

Thermal transfer printing

Thermal labels are labels printed on thermal paper. Suitable for goods that do not require long-term storage. This type of label is subject to environmental influences (temperature, moisture). They are made using direct thermal printing.

The printer heats certain areas of the print head, which leaves a black mark on heat-sensitive paper.

This type of printing allows you to save on consumables – you only need to buy thermal ribbon.

If you need the most durable labels that are resistant to chemicals and mechanical damage, use polypropylene labels. Semi-gloss paper and polypropylene labels are printed on thermal transfer printers.

The drawing is applied by heating the coloring film – ribbon. It needs to be replaced regularly. However, even without a ribbon, the thermal transfer printer can print. In this case, it acts as a thermal printer and can only print labels on thermal paper.

Direct printing

This is the cheapest way to print labels. Therefore, the number of printing options is limited. Such printers print on materials suitable for goods with a short shelf life.

Label printer resource

Printers have their own production capacity indicators – the number of labels the device can print per day.

They differ in power:

Mobile (up to 2000 labels per day)

Small, lightweight, battery-powered printers that connect to a data collection terminal. Usually, a narrow ribbon is used, and the print speed is low. Suitable for use by warehouse workers and merchandisers for quick labeling.

Desktop (up to 5000 labels per day)

Compact stationary printers that work in conjunction with a computer or POS system. They are used in warehouses, offices, and small shops.

Commercial (up to 20,000 labels per day)

They have larger dimensions than desktop printers and print medium-label runs. They are suitable for labeling goods in wholesale warehouses, delivery companies, and chain stores with their warehouse.

Industrial (from 20,000 labels per day)

The most powerful label printers are designed for continuous operation, even in aggressive environmental conditions. It is usually used in large manufacturing enterprises.

Print width and resolution

Labels can vary in size, so you need to choose a printer with the right print width to fit all the information on the label. For standard tasks, such as barcode printing, a printer with a print width of up to 54 mm will suffice. If you need large labels, use printers with ribbons up to 108 mm.

In particular, the print resolution is responsible for the size and quality of the image on the label.

203 dpi

Print text in sizes from 6 fonts and larger, simple graphics, barcodes

300 dpi

Printing from 4-6 font sizes, logos, QR codes and barcodes. It is usually used when additional information about product or production characteristics is required on the label.

600 dpi

Designed for printing small labels with a font size of 2 or larger.

Here you can buy printers from various manufacturers. We provide a wide range of choices tailored to your needs.

If you need additional advice to make the right decision regarding the printer model you need, please call our managers or send an email to our email address.