Barcodes have become an indispensable element of modern enterprise operations and supply chain management, enabling companies to effectively track products, shipments, stock levels, and stock performance with barcodes.
Their use also enables efficient data capture via handheld scanning devices for easy processing of important statistics.
Assuming you need barcodes painted accurately, having a reliable barcode printer is of utmost importance. But with many models on the market available to choose from, how can you be certain which is suitable for your business’s needs?
In this text, we will examine key features and considerations when selecting one of these printers. Opting for the appropriate barcode printer is key to ensuring high-quality printing with minimum downtime and seamless integration.
Consider factors like print technology, pace, connectivity, durability, and media handling capacities when selecting an appropriate barcode printing solution.
Your business needs will determine which Barcode Printer Features are essential, enabling you to make an informed buying decision when comparing printers based on those standards that matter most for your use case.
Barcode Printer Features
1. Dot Size And Print Quality
One of the key characteristics of any barcode printer is its print quality.
Size refers to each dot printed that comprises a barcode. Smaller dot sizes (200 microns or below) tend to produce sharper barcodes that can be more easily scanned; larger dots may produce blurrier or blended images.
2. Printhead Innovation
Barcode printer printheads utilize two major technologies, direct thermal printing and thermal switch printing.
Direct thermal printers rely on heat to print directly onto thermally-sensitive media while thermal switch printers use a ribbon with wax or resin that melts onto it to print onto it.
Each approach offers its benefits; direct thermal printers tend to print faster but fade more rapidly while thermal switch printers have greater longevity, greater longevity, and slower fade times.
3. The Print Resolution And Speed
Print resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI). Most modern barcode printers feature resolutions of at least 203 DPI; higher DPI values such as 300 may produce crisper edges and more detailed prints; however, these might be overkill for basic barcode printing purposes.
Print speed is measured in inches per second (IPS), and industrial barcode printers typically operate with print speeds ranging from two to 12 IPS or even higher.
Faster print speeds may be beneficial when printing at high volumes is necessary – for instance in warehouses – yet speed should never come at the expense of quality prints.
Durability And Dependability Of Printers
Your barcode printer must withstand the demanding work environments and workloads typical of industrial settings while providing maximum reliability with minimum downtime.
Some key points:
1. Complete Printer Design And Printhead Life
Metal frames, cases, and housings withstand more abuse than plastic counterparts; additionally, their gears provide smooth performance under heavy workloads.
A printer chassis should also serve to keep out dust and particulates.
Measured in terms of hours in operation or prints produced, industrial barcode printers typically boast printhead lifespans ranging from 1000 km to 100 km prints; longer lifespans indicate extended use before replacement becomes necessary.
2. Service And Warranty Agreements
Seek at least a one to two-year manufacturer warranty, although extended plans or service plans with printhead replacement coverage would be ideal.
Managing The Media
The media handling capabilities of the printer should meet your needs as a business:
1. Compatibility Of Media Types And Media Roll Capacity
Industrial barcode printers are suitable for use with multiple media types (labels, tickets, tags, etc).
Increased media roll capacity helps minimize the need to replenish media supplies regularly. While standard printers typically accept 3-5 inch rolls, industrial models may accept up to 8″ rolls.
2. Simple Media Loading
Investigate side- or top-loading media rolls with easy feed paths for maximum efficiency. Automated features like internal rewrite capability can also significantly reduce media handling.
Linking And Combining
It is essential that your barcode printer can be integrated with the other software and systems in your business:
1. Types Of Connections
Common connectivity options for computers include USB, Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
USB offers simple plug-and-play connections while Ethernet and WiFi provide network capabilities and Bluetooth allows wireless communication with mobile devices.
2. The compatibility Of Operating Systems And Software
Barcode printers should easily integrate with operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, or Linux and provide drivers and software compatibility.
To maximize functionality, ensure the printer you purchase is compatible with all of your databases, inventory software packages, ERP platforms, and e-commerce systems.
3. Integration Of Accounting Software With Databases
Many modern barcode printers seamlessly connect with popular databases and accounting platforms for seamless barcode printing in ERP, CRM, e-commerce, and other systems.
Extra Elements
Additional elements that boost convenience and functionality include:
- LCD Displays and Control Panels: Control panels equipped with LCDs allow users to quickly navigate menus and make settings adjustments with ease, while their backlit displays increase visibility.
- RFID Encoding Features: Some industrial barcode printers feature RFID encoding modules, enabling simultaneous barcode printing and programming of RFID tags.
- Accessories: Attaching useful additions such as cutters, laminators and applicators allows for automated label finishing.
FAQs
Q.1 How quickly are barcodes printed by industrial printers?
Faster printing speeds above 6 IPS are often employed for high-volume production runs.
