Daily print volume
The most important thing to consider when determining the right label printer is the quantity of labels you will be printing (on average) per day. The table below shows the recommended print volumes for each range. Be aware that exceeding these recommended volumes means you risk damaging your thermal print head (an expensive replacement part), reducing the quality of the printed image and diminishing the effective life of the printer, so choosing the right model up front will save you money in the end.
Printer Capacities
|
Printer Model Range |
Label Volume (per day) |
|
Economy (Desktop) Range |
500 |
|
Mid- Industrial Range |
3,000 |
|
Industrial Range |
7,000 |
|
High-Industrial Range |
10,000 |
Please Note: These suggested volumes are based on consistent printing over 8 hour work days, not all at one time
Footprint
A second aspect to consider is the available area where your label printer will live. If your workspace is limited you will need to keep the printer footprint small. The Economy range label printers are also known as Desktop label printers due to their smaller size and footprint. As you move up the range, the printer models increase in size, with the biggest size gap between Economy and Mid-Industrial ranges.
Label Size
It is also important to consider the width of the label to be printed. Label size varies with each model of printer, all Economy through Mid-Industrial printers only have the ability to print maximum width of 4 inches or 102 mm. For wider printing requirements you will need to consider buying an Industrial or High-Industrial model label printer which are available in 6" or 8" models. Though there are maximum label widths, the label length can vary as per your requirements.
If you need to print logistics labels for major freight carriers such as Toll or StarTrack, or for Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), the labels measure 4" wide x 6" long (102mm x 148mm) and all insignia thermal printers are capable of printing this size label.
What Type of Thermal Technology do I need?
Thermal Technology
Thermal Direct
Thermal Direct printing is a digital printing process which produces a printed image by selectively heating special thermal paper as it passes over the thermal print head. The coating turns black in the areas where it is heated, producing the intended text or image. Thermal direct technology is most appropriate when the label's life is short or the product is stored at low temperatures and away from direct sunlight, making it a popular choice in the freight and logistics industry.
Thermal Technology
Thermal Transfer
Thermal Transfer technology uses a heat-sensitive carbon ribbon, rather than heat-sensitive paper, but still utilizes a thermal print head. The ribbon is melted on to the label which forms the text or image on the surface. Thermal Transfer labels are often tougher in nature, making them less likely to scratch or fade. If the label is intended to last a longer length of time; be exposed to higher temperatures, direct sunlight or rougher conditions like rubbing or scuffing during transit; then Thermal Transfer technology is what you need.
What resolution should my label printer have?
How will I connect to the Label Printer?
Which brand is best?
Shop Scanners
What warranty options are available?
How do I design my Label or Tag? Do I need software?
What accessories are available for Label Printers?
There are some additional items available to make your label printing process more efficient. Below is a guide to the extras that you might like to consider.
| OPTION | WHAT IT DOES | WHY WOULD I USE IT? |
| Cutter unit | Enables labels to be cut directly after being printed, so each label is an individual sheet rather than on a roll. | Allows for easy distribution of labels |
| Peel & Present Kit, (must be fitted with internal rewinder) | After the label is printed, this unit automatically peels away the backing paper so the label is presented at the face of the printer, ready to be applied. The backing paper is then rewound inside the printer on the internal rewinder |
Reduces time and frustration associated with removing label backing paper and reduces mess as backing paper is wound neatly inside the printer. |
| Internal rewinder | Allows for labels to be rewound onto a new roll inside the printer. | If you wish to batch print small rolls of labels, to use at a later stage, and is ideal if space is limited as labels rewind inside the printer. |
| External rewinder | Allows for labels to be rewound onto a new roll outside the printer | Batch printing large rolls of labels to use or apply labels at a later stage. |
What about labels, tags or thermal ribbon?
insignia provides its customers with the complete labelling package. We ensure your labels are fit for purpose, backed by expertise in thermal paper stock, adhesive, thermal ribbon, barcodes, production environments and supply chain requirements.
Take your pick from custom-made labels for any application, or stock labels and thermal ribbons on the shelf and ready for dispatch. As one of Australia's largest manufacturer of blank labels, you can be confident your labels from insignia will do the job!
What accessories are available for Label Printers?
There are some additional items available to make your label printing process more efficient. Below is a guide to the extras that you might like to consider.
| OPTION | WHAT IT DOES | WHY WOULD I USE IT? |
| Cutter unit | Enables labels to be cut directly after being printed, so each label is an individual sheet rather than on a roll. | Allows for easy distribution of labels |
| Peel & Present Kit, (must be fitted with internal rewinder) | After the label is printed, this unit automatically peels away the backing paper so the label is presented at the face of the printer, ready to be applied. The backing paper is then rewound inside the printer on the internal rewinder |
Reduces time and frustration associated with removing label backing paper and reduces mess as backing paper is wound neatly inside the printer. |
| Internal rewinder | Allows for labels to be rewound onto a new roll inside the printer. | If you wish to batch print small rolls of labels, to use at a later stage, and is ideal if space is limited as labels rewind inside the printer. |
| External rewinder | Allows for labels to be rewound onto a new roll outside the printer | Batch printing large rolls of labels to use or apply labels at a later stage. |
On-going costs associated with operating a thermal printer?
Similar to replacing your car's tyres from time to time, there are some parts of a printer which will need to be replaced due to general wear and tear. The key consumable parts within any thermal printer are the platen roller (a plastic roller which ensures the label is being applied to the print head with pressure) and also the print head.
Prices on these parts are dependent on the printer make and model. insignia stocks a full range of replacement parts, these parts should be installed by a qualified service technician either on site or at the insignia national service centre.
For further information about general printer care, check out our Guide: Maximise the Life of Your Label Printer.
Thermal printing technology has become widespread across the globe for printing labels, tags, tickets, receipts, plastic cards and more. This popularity comes down to the three key benefits of thermal printing and these include the high speed and efficiency of output, low cost of operation and consumables and finally low maintenance.