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Your guide to barcode printers

Written by Toshiba | Mar 16, 2023 5:02:17 AM

"Barcodes are a line of numbers and the pattern of parallel lines printed on the products we purchase. The use of barcodes is to encode product information into bars and alphanumeric characters; this makes it easier to ring up items at a store or to track Warehouse inventory."

The benefits of using barcodes are that they are very accurate, help with inventory control, and help with cost savings.

In this article, we will be talking about barcode printers. We will focus on what they are, how they work, and the best barcode printers on the market.

What is a Barcode Printer?

A barcode printer is a secondary computer used for printing barcode labels or tags that are often attached to or printed directly onto a physical object or product. Barcode printers are most commonly used to label cartons before shipment or for labeling retail items with UPC or EAN. The definition or explanation for what a barcode printer is and what it does is all in the name.

How do Barcode Printers work, and where are they used?

Barcode printers are straightforward to use. There are two types of barcode printers, namely, Direct thermal printers and Thermal transfer printers, and therefore two types of processes in which the printing of barcodes takes place. The first process uses Direct thermal techniques, and the second uses Thermal transfer techniques to apply ink onto the labels. Direct transfer printers use ribbons to apply the barcode directly onto the label, while Thermal transfer printers use heat to blacken the barcode onto the label.

Although these two methods work, there are some cons to each of them.

Cons of using a Direct thermal printer:

When you produce barcodes from a direct thermal printer, the disadvantage is that they tend to be unreadable if exposed to heat, sunlight, and chemicals. Therefore, they do not have the longevity of barcodes made or printed with thermal transfer.

Cons of using Thermal transfer printers:

Due to the long-lasting effects of barcodes produced by thermal transfer printers and their high-quality printing, they tend to be expensive. Thermal transfer printers cost more than Direct thermal printers.

Where are Barcode Printers often used?

Barcode printers are used by numerous sectors, from small businesses to industrial use, but they are most famous for shipping products.

Best Barcode Printers on the market today

When choosing a barcode printer that works for you, you must know the label quality and longevity you want and your budget limit. Toshiba has excellent Barcode printers such as;

The Wrap-Up

Remember that when choosing a barcode printer for your business, you must select one that aligns with your business size, productivity level, and current affordability. Toshiba offers a variety of barcode and label printers that fit every size enterprise and are high quality with excellent value for money. 

https://www.toshibabusinessmea.com/barcode-label-printers/