Choose the right printer type for your labelling needs
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Why choose a thermal printing solution?
Thermal printing technology has become widespread for printing labels, tags, tickets, receipts, plastic cards and more. This popularity comes down to the three key benefits:
- Fast, efficient, reliable output
- Low running costs: minimal consumables
- Low maintenance: fewer moving parts
Technology comparison at a glance
Direct thermal vs. thermal transfer label printers:
- Direct thermal printers heat specially coated paper to create the image, with no ink or ribbon needed. They’re the ideal choice for short-life labels such as shipping and logistics, where labels aren’t exposed to heat or sunlight.
- Thermal transfer printers melt ink from a ribbon onto the label for a durable, long-lasting image. They’re the most reliable choice for labels that must survive heat, sunlight, moisture or handling, such as product, pallet and asset labels.
An easy rule of thumb to keep in mind: short-life labels, direct thermal. Labels that must last, thermal transfer.
Print resolution (DPI): DPI (dots per inch) measures how much detail a printer can produce.
- 203 DPI: Suits most shipping and warehouse labels.
- 300 DPI: Suits small labels, fine text and small barcodes
- 600 DPI: For very small, high-detail applications.
Connectivity:
- USB: One user at a single workstation
- Ethernet: Shared, high-volume printing
- Wi-Fi: Where running a cable isn’t practical
- Bluetooth: Mobile use with phones and tablets
How you connect to your printer will be one of the key considerations you need to make. If you’ve got a large site and need to print on the go, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the go-to options, with a wider area of connectivity with your systems and improved mobility. If you’re printing at a fixed location, USB or Ethernet offer extremely reliable connections, though Ethernet can be more difficult to find a connection point.
Common label and receipt applications
Thermal printing supports everyday business processes, from barcode, despatch and warehouse labels to SSCC pallet labels and point-of-sale or delivery receipts.
Download the buying guide
Our buying guide has been put together by experts who work closely with industry and gives you a checklist to help you choose the right printer for your business. It covers considerations such as:
- Daily print volume
- Available space
- Label size
- Direct thermal vs. thermal transfer
- Print resolution (DPI)
- Connectivity (USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
- Brand options
- Warranty and support options
The full guide covers each of these in more detail, including ribbon types, label sizes, and printer accessories to help you choose the right printing solution the first time.
Need help selecting the right solution?
Our product specialists can guide you to a solution that meets your needs now and grows with your business.
