Thermal label printers are a special type of printer used to create and print labels. Unlike ordinary paper-based printers these types of printers utilize a specially manufactured heat sensitive paper. The printing process occurs when this specially treated heat sensitive paper passes over the printer’s thermal head. They are designed to work without the need for a separate computer because they have their own built-in keyboard and display screen. There are two different types of thermal label printers, the “direct thermal printer” and “thermal transfer printer”.

The “direct thermal printer” produces a printed image by heating coated thermal paper as the paper passes over the thermal printer head. The coating turns black, thus producing the image. You can add a second color, usually red, by applying heat at a different temperature. The machine is comprised of two main components, the thermal head and the platen. The heating elements receive electrical currents which then activate the specially treated heat sensitive paper and form the printed image. These printers are typically used in ultrasound machines whereby pregnant women can get pictures of their unborn children.

The “thermal transfer printer” prints on paper and is used mostly for printing barcodes that are found on the majority of products sold in today’s market. It is also used to print clothing labels. These printers are very sophisticated and function by melting a coating of ribbon which is glued to the labeling material. The printer use a fixed thermal head, which presses onto a paper or plastic label and is then driven over a roller, also known as a platen. When used for printing barcodes, there are three different barcode sizes from which to choose; four inch, six inch and eight inch.

There are quite a few different brands of thermal label printers on the market today. The Citizen CLP-521 is a thermal transfer label printer and creates great images and printed labels. It is easy to operate and install and comes with a manual, software, white plain paper, phone cord, and support. The DYMO