There are many types of label printers available on the market, each unique in their printing mechanisms, functionality, portability, advantages, and disadvantages.

Laser printers work pretty much like photocopiers and can print high-quality text and images quickly. They work by projecting controlled streams of ions onto the surface of a print drum, resulting in a charged image. The charged image attracts toner particles, using pressure to transfer the image unto the paper. This is the type of printer often used for the printing of documents which contain barcodes because of its speed and high resolution image-printing.

Dot matrix printers used to be popular because they were readily-accessible and inexpensive. However, the ribbons used in dot matrix printers require a lot of maintenance and the printer is limited to the dot-size of the matrix and, therefore, cannot print small labels. When used in barcode printing, ink saturation also often causes bleeding and distorts the image of barcodes.

Another common printer found in most households is the ink-jet printer. It is mostly used due to its multi-functionality. Ink-jet printers print very slowly. The printer itself is not durable as it is sensitive to dust, dirt, vibrations, and other external factors.

A common disadvantage of all three printers – laser, dot matrix and ink jet – is the inability to print single, individual labels. These printers print by batch or by sheet which often leads to a waste of extra labels.

For individual label printing, thermal printers are often used. There are two types of thermal printers. One is the transfer thermal printer, which works like the ink-jet and dot matrix printer, only it uses heat to transfer the ink form the ribbon to the paper.

A more convenient type of printer is the direct thermal printer. It basically works by burning the heat-sensitive part of the thermo-paper, which creates the image on the label. The printer sends a current of electricity to the heating resistor on the thermal head. The thermal head then generates a specific pattern and the heat produced activates the layer of the paper which contains dyes that act as ink.

Aside from being able to print single labels, the thermal printers also hold other advantages over other types of printers. One of the most important thermal printer advantages is its compatibility with most high-quality point of sale software. The barcode labels produced from POS software allow for easier and more accurate inventory tracking.

Another advantage of the thermal printer is its ability to process a variety of data without compromising the speed of the printing. Also, thermal printers print with high resolution and density to create high-quality images and text.

Thermal printers can be easily operated. The printer itself may be somewhat more expensive than other types of printers, but the very low supply cost makes up for it. The printer doesn’t use ink cartridges, toners, or ribbons; the only printing material that needs to be replenished is the special thermo-sensitive paper. In general, thermal printers are cost-efficient, reliable, and very convenient for any types of business venture.

One of the most popular thermal barcode label printers on the market is the Zebra Eltron 2844. If you’d like more information on this printer, please visit http://www.amberpos.com/point-of-sale-hardware/zebra-eltron-2844/.