Selecting the RIGHT Label Printer

By

SHEENA WHITE

Selecting the RIGHT label printer

Top Factors Influencing

Printer selection

Think you don’t need a label printer?

Think again…

Using your regular laser or inkjet printer for label printing can easily waste

8 1/2 hours per year

Why?????

Time to remove paper from inkjet or laser printer and replace it with labels = 1 min

Time to place paper back in printer = 1 min

2 min/day x 5 days per week = 10 min per week

10 min/week x 52 weeks per year = 520 min

520 min per year/60 =

8.67 hours!!!!

HOW DO YOU SELECT THE RIGHT PRINTER FOR YOUR NEEDS?

But with so many options available…

Important Factors to Consider

• Printing volume

• Barcoding requirements

• Ease of use

• Total cost of ownership

Direct Thermal Vs. Thermal Transfer

Direct thermal printing uses heat sensitive paper that darkens when exposed to heat from the print head.

– Eliminates cost of expensive print cartridges

– Shorter lifespan

– Black ink only

Direct Thermal Vs. Thermal Transfer

Thermal transfer printing uses heat to transfer ink from the ribbon directly onto the label.

– Color ink available

– Long lasting

– Can withstand exposure to heat and sunlight

– Requires the purchase of ink cartridges

LOW VOLUME LABEL PRINTERS FOR USE IN HOME OR OFFICE

Dymo LabelWriter or Seiko Smart Label Printers

Dymo LabelWriter Printer Benefits

• Includes all templates and software you will ever need

• Barcode printing capabilities although not designed for large volumes of barcodes

• High definition printing: 300 x 600 dots per inch (dpi)

• Easy to maintain – only require regular cleaning with cleaning card

• Can print labels up to 4.16 inches wide • Affordable

Dymo LabelWriter Printer Drawbacks

• The only replacement part is the spool – if there are any other problems with the printer it will need to be replaced

• Cannot use any size of label – can only use label sizes that are compatible with the LabelWriter printers

Seiko SLP Benefits

• Comes with its own software and specially designed templates

• Capable of printing barcodes in small volumes

• Less expensive than the Dymo LabelWriter printers

Seiko SLP Drawbacks

• Cannot print a label wider than 2-1/8 inches

• Fewer templates available with the Seiko software, as compared to the Dymo LabelWriter printer software

HIGH VOLUME LABEL PRINTERS FOR USE IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HOSPITALS, WAREHOUSES, RETAIL, MANUFACTURING, AND TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS

Zebra or Cognitive Printers

Zebra Desktop Printer Benefits

• Designed to withstand high volume printing and harsh work environments

• Available with direct thermal and thermal transfer printing functionality

• Flexible printing, with hybrid direct thermal/thermal transfer Zebra printers available

• Replacement print heads are available, increasing printer lifespan

• Option to upgrade to a print head with a higher resolution

Zebra Desktop Printer Drawbacks

• Has an outside wind which can cause longer labels, such as 4” x 6” shipping labels, to wrinkle when flattened (only occurs with Zebra models TLP 2824 and TLP 2844)

• Only provides basic software with limited fonts and barcoding selections

• Must purchase advanced software for enhanced functionality

Cognitive Printer Benefits

• Available with a hybrid of thermal transfer and direct thermal printing functionality for increased flexibility with label printing

• Cognitive labels use an inside wind, which eliminates the risk of wasting the last few errors on a roll (which can occur when using long labels on a Zebra TLP 2824 and TLP 2844)

• Option available to upgrade print head from 203dpi to 300dpi

• Option to replace parts, particularly print head, and increase lifespan of printer

Cognitive Printer Drawbacks

• Must purchase additional software separately to perform everyday functions like printing address labels and barcodes

• More expensive than the Zebra label printer

Conclusion

• Evaluate your needs

– Label printing volume

– Barcoding requirements

– Ease of use

– Total cost of ownership (maintenance, cleaning, ink cartridge requirements, etc.)

Still uncertain?

Contact a LabelValue.com customer service representative, who will be able to establish the best printer to meet your needs.

(800) 750-7764

service@labelvalue.com