Barcode Printers

Barcode printers are computer peripherals that are used to print barcode labels or tags. These may be added to physical objects, which may include cartons for shipment or retail items labelled with UPCs or EANs. There are many types which are designed for different markets. Industrial barcode printers are suited to large warehouses and manufacturing facilities. These have large paper capacities, operate faster and have a longer service life - they are designed to endure features of an industrial environment such as dirt and dust. For retail and office applications, the more usual choice is a desktop barcode printer.

There are two main printing technologies as explained on this website: the first is the direct thermal printers, which utilise a printhead that generates heat causing a chemical reaction in specially designed paper that turns the paper black. The second type of technology is the thermal transfer printers, which also make use of heat, but rather than reacting to the paper, the heat melts a waxy/resin substance on a ribbon, which in turn runs over the label or tag material. The heat transfers ink from the ribbon to the paper.

Direct thermal printers are generally less expensive, but they are considered older technology as they produce labels that can become illegible if exposed to heat, direct sunlight, or chemical vapours. Because of this, these only have a limited number of applications.