Label Thermal Printer

An Introduction to Many Benefits of Thermal Printers

Heat is the process that thermal printers use to create an image. Thermal printers consists of two types, thermal transfer (also known as thermal wax) and direct thermal (also known as thermal autochrome). Special paper that is chemically treated is used by direct thermal printers, and when heat is applied to the paper it changes colors.

The paper is pulled across a heating element within the printer through the use of rollers, and for the section that it is heated the paper changes color to form images or text. Conversely, thermal transfer printers hold the ink on a ribbon in place of on the paper itself which is then transferred to the paper when it is heated. Both designs utilize similar types of heating elements.

Various Uses of Thermal Printers

Thermal transfer printers are more likely to be utilized to create labels, mainly clothing tags, as well as barcodes because of it's durability and speed of the images it creates, particularly in preventing water damage. Various kinds of labels use numerous types of inks depending on the kind of material it is being printed on.

In the case of direct thermal printers, mostly they are utilized for industrial use predominantly because of their speed. The primary advantage for a direct thermal printer is that the only consumable is the paper that is used. Even though this type of paper may be expensive, there is no requirement to purchase or store ink, and it is the only item that requires replacing in order to keep the printer running smoothly.

Because of this, direct thermal printers are quite often utilized to print out receipts from various machines such as credit card machines and cash registers. Early technology such as older fax machines also often utilized direct thermal printing technology, however this type of method has mostly been phased out.

Thermal Printers -- Pros and Cons

Thermal printers are well known for their high printing speed, which make some very suitable for some business applications. They do not have a lot of moving parts, therefore they are extremely reliable. Additionally, they have images that are durable, particularly thermal transfer printers.

In the past, images generated from direct thermal printers were prone to distortion or fading when exposed to water, heat, light or friction, however recent technological advancements have made them readable for periods of up to 50 years or more. Another advantage of direct thermal printers is that they have no other supply needs except for paper.

However, unlike inkjet printers and laser printers thermal printers have lower printing quality than these other styles. Thermal transfer printers only need the same amount of ink ribbon for any page, regardless of how much material is actually printed on it.

Additionally, because direct thermal printers only have the ability to print just one or two colors, they are not ideal for more detailed print jobs. Also, direct thermal printers require special paper, which tends to be more expensive than normal paper.

About the Author

Listen to Corbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of electronics. If you would like to learn more go to Printer Reviews and at Epson Printers

Brother PT-80 Thermal Label Printer $39.99 Brother PT-80 Thermal Label Printer

Zebra / Zebra 105SL Thermal Label printer / 10500-3001-2070 $2529.53 Zebra - Zebra 105SL Thermal Label printer - 10500-3001-2070

Zebra / Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer / ZM400-2001-3100T $1495.27 Zebra - Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer - ZM400-2001-3100T

Zebra / Zebra 140Xi4 Thermal Label Printer / 140-801-00000 $3676.3 Zebra - Zebra 140Xi4 Thermal Label Printer - 140-801-00000

Zebra / Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer / ZM400-3001-1100T $2121.18 Zebra - Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer - ZM400-3001-1100T

Zebra / Zebra 105SL Thermal Label printer / 10500-2001-0071 $1889.84 Zebra - Zebra 105SL Thermal Label printer - 10500-2001-0071

Zebra / Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer / ZM400-2001-4100T $1636.04 Zebra - Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer - ZM400-2001-4100T

Zebra / Zebra 170Xi4 Thermal Label Printer / 170-801-00000 $4296.07 Zebra - Zebra 170Xi4 Thermal Label Printer - 170-801-00000

Zebra / Zebra 220Xi4 Thermal Label Printer / 220-801-00000 $5717.62 Zebra - Zebra 220Xi4 Thermal Label Printer - 220-801-00000

Zebra / Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer / ZM400-2001-0000A $1181.53 Zebra - Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer - ZM400-2001-0000A

Zebra / Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer / ZM400-6001-0000T $2271.12 Zebra - Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer - ZM400-6001-0000T

Zebra / Zebra ZM600 Thermal Label Printer / ZM600-2001-0000T $2051.31 Zebra - Zebra ZM600 Thermal Label Printer - ZM600-2001-0000T

Zebra / Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer / ZM400-3001-5000T $1784.25 Zebra - Zebra ZM400 Thermal Label Printer - ZM400-3001-5000T

Zebra / Zebra ZM600 Thermal Label Printer / ZM600-3001-5100T $3005.82 Zebra - Zebra ZM600 Thermal Label Printer - ZM600-3001-5100T

Zebra / Zebra ZM600 Thermal Label Printer / ZM600-3001-1100T $3208.4 Zebra - Zebra ZM600 Thermal Label Printer - ZM600-3001-1100T

Brother / PC LABEL PRINTER THERMAL USB / PT-1230PC $60.3 Brother - PC LABEL PRINTER THERMAL USB - PT-1230PC

Brother / Brother PT-7600 Thermal Label Printer / PT-7600 $145 Brother - Brother PT-7600 Thermal Label Printer - PT-7600

Brother / PC LABEL PRINTER THERMAL USB / PT-2430PC $86.67 Brother - PC LABEL PRINTER THERMAL USB - PT-2430PC

Intermec EasyCoder PF8T Thermal Label Printer PF8TA03100000 $365.89 Intermec EasyCoder PF8T Thermal Label Printer PF8TA03100000

Seiko SLP 450 Thermal Label Printer SLP450 $140.2 Seiko SLP 450 Thermal Label Printer SLP450

Intermec EasyCoder PC41 Thermal Label Printer PC41A001000 $496.38 Intermec EasyCoder PC41 Thermal Label Printer PC41A001000

Planon Printstik PS900 Thermal Label Printer DPENPS900 $204.07 Planon Printstik PS900 Thermal Label Printer DPENPS900

Zebra Thermal Label Printer $2286.64 Product Type: Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer. Recommended Use: Label Print. Maximum Mono Print Speed: 10 in/s. Maximum Print Resolution: 203 dpi. Maximum Print Width: 4.09 . Standard Memory: 16 MB. Interfaces/Ports: 1 x Serial. Network Technology: Fast Ethernet. Media Type: Continuous Form Diecut Label Tag Stock Black Mark Fanfold Notched Perforated Label. Label Width: 4.25 . Label Length: 39 . Input Voltage: 110 V AC 220 V AC. Dimensions: 13.30 Height x 10.90 Width x 18.70 Depth. Weight: 32.40 lb. Package Contents: ZM400 Label Printer Safety Guide User s Cd Power Cord with US plug. Platform Support: PC. Standard Warranty: 1 Year Limited

Smart Label Printer 450 - label printer - B/W - direct thermal $139.99 Seiko Smart Label Printer 450 - Label printer - B/W - direct thermal - 300 dpi x 300 dpi - Serial USB

Avery PLP Thermal Printer Label $10.99 0% 0.50" 0.50" Width x 1.75" Length 1.75" 380 760 / Pack 9177 High-quality Thermal Printer Labels for use only in the Avery Personal Label Printer. Permanent adhesive is perfect for archiving. Use for mailing, shipping, filing or identification. Avery Avery Dennison Direct Thermal No PLP Thermal Printer Label Permanent Rectangle Thermal Label White www.avery.com

Casio KL-60SR Thermal Label Printer $25.99 0.20" 1 Year 1.93" 1.93" Height x 6.61" Width x 4.49" Depth 160 dpi 4 4.49" 6 6.61" Auto Power Off Up to 63 characters memory Tape Width: 6, 9 and 12 mm Keyboard Layout: Typewriter (QWERTY) Casio's KL-60SR Label Printer makes it easy to print labels for home, school and office use. Easy to use QWERTY keyboards makes creating labels simple and fast. AA Alkaline Casio Casio Computer Co., Ltd KL-60SR Thermal Label Printer KL60SR-UST LCD Display Label Label Print Monochrome Not Applicable PC Thermal Transfer Printer www.casio.com

Brother QL-650TD Thermal Label Printer $163.99 1 Year Limited 2.44" 2.44" x Roll Paper 3.50 in/s 300 x 300 dpi 36" 5.70" 5.90" 5.90" Height x 5.70" Width x 7.60" Depth 7.60" QL-650TD Label Printer USB Cable 1 x Address Starter Label Roll 1 x 1" Circular Starter Label Roll P-touch Address Book Software P-touch Editor Label Design Software The Brother QL-650TD Label Printer prints a wide variety of pre-sized and continuous paper labels and continuous film labels. The QL-650TD combines fast and professional-quality output with ease of use and low maintenance requirements. Direct thermal printing means no ink, toner, or ribbons to replace, and the easy-to-load label rolls mean no more wasted label sheets. A unique feature of the QL-650TD is the ability to print stored Time & Date labels when the printer is disconnected from a computer. Users can select and print from any of 8 pre-set label designs or 10 custom label designs. This is great for medical labs, food services, manufacturing, inspection, and any industry that needs time and date validation. Address Label Auto Numbering Auto Template Automatic Black Brother Brother Industries, Ltd CD/DVD Label Codabar Code 128 Code 39 Continuous Form Data Matrix Die-cut Label Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer EAN 128 EAN/JAN-13 EAN/JAN-8 ESC/POS File Folder Label ISBN-2 ISBN-5 ITF ITF 2/5 Industrial 2 of 5 LCD Label Label Print Laser Bar Code Mac Mirror Printing Monochrome Multipurpose Label P-Touch P-Touch QL PC PDF-417 POSTNET QL QL-650TD QL-650TD Thermal Label Printer QR Code Repeat Printing Rotate Printing Shipping Label Snapper Function UPC-A UPC-E Vertical Printing www.brother-usa.com

Citizen CL-S700 Thermal Label Printer $2311.55 The CL-S700 label printer is built with durability and ease of access in mind.Featuring a large, programmable front LCD control panel and a revolutionary Cross-Emulation control board that allows the printer to switch from Datamax to Zebraemulations at the touch of a button, the CL-S700 is designed for years of service. Manufacturer: Citizen Micro HumanTech Manufacturer Part Number: CL-S700 Manufacturer Website Address: www.citizen-america.com Brand Name: Citizen Product Model: CL-S700 Product Name: CL-S700 Thermal Label Printer Product Type: Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer Technical Information: Recommended Use: Label Print Technical Information: Print Color: Monochrome Media Types & Handling: Media Type: Roll Paper Platform Supported: PC

Wasp WPL305 Thermal Label Printer $459.99 1 MB 1 Year Limited 1" 110 V AC 2 MB 203 dpi 220 V AC 3" 39" 4.25" 4.40" 5 in/s 5" 633808402013 7.40" 7.40" Height x 8.40" Width 8.40" CEFCCTUVUL Compact Design Easy Media Supplies loading Font Rotations: 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees Sensors: Label Gap Black Line Head Open Reflective (position adjustable) WPL305 is user-friendly, and reliable desktop barcode printer in its class. Its desktop design great for limited office and warehouse space. Easy installation & media loading will have you printing in minutes. Automatic Custom Size Cutter DRAM Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer EPL LED Label Label Print Monochrome PC Reflective Media Sensor WPL WPL305 Thermal Label Printer Wasp Wasp Barcode Technologies Yes ZPL www.waspbarcode.com

Casio KL-60 Thermal Label Printer $13.99 0.20" 1 Year Limited 1.93" 1.93" Height x 6.61" Width x 4.49" Depth 160 dpi 4.49" 6 6.61" Casio's KL-60 Label Printer makes it easy to print labels for home, school, and office use. Easy to use QWERTY keyboards makes creating labels simple and fast. Includes a 4-digit, 1 line, LCD display with one built-in font and 6 character sizes. AA Alkaline Casio Casio Computer Co., Ltd Custom Size Custom Size - 0.24" Custom Size - 0.35" Custom Size - 0.47" KL-60 Thermal Label Printer KL60L Label Label Print Monochrome Roll Paper Thermal Transfer Printer www.casio.com

LabelMANAGER 260P - label printer - direct thermal / thermal transfer $56.99 DYMO LabelMANAGER 260P - Label printer - direct thermal / thermal transfer - Roll (0.5 in)

170Xi4 - label printer - B/W - thermal transfer $4389.99 Zebra 170Xi4 - Label printer - B/W - thermal transfer - Roll (7.1 in) - 300 dpi - Parallel Serial USB 10/100Base-TX

SM-T300 - label printer - B/W - direct thermal $519.99 Star SM-T300 - Label printer - B/W - direct thermal - 203 dpi - Serial

Cognitive Cxi Thermal Label Printer $594.99 10.50" 110 V AC 12.50 ft 16 MB 2 Year Limited 220 V AC 300 dpi 4.25" 4.68" 6 in/s 6.90" 7.10" 7.10" Height x 6.90" Width x 10.50" Depth 7.63" 8 MB CXI Label Printer CD Real time clock Label Width: 2.4" (min) 4.63" (max) Label Length: 0.375" (min) 322" (max) CXI Label Printer is the next generation of highperformancethermal label printers, bridging the gap between mid-range and desktop models. CXI printers deliver exceptional value as high-performance printers with small footprints, competitively priced .It is Rugged and reliable all-metal printer mechanism that prints continuously, Die-cast metal user interface to withstand harsh environments. Black Bar Black Mark CXD4-1330-RX Codabar Code 128 Code 128-A Code 128-B Code 128-C Code 2 of 5 Code 39 Code 93 Cognitive Cognitive Solutions, Inc Continuous Form Custom Size Cxi Thermal Label Printer D2 of 5 Direct Thermal Label Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer EAN 128 EAN-13 EAN-8 Ethernet Fanfold Industrial 2 of 5 Label Print MSI1 Monochrome Notched PC POSTNET Plessey Receipt Reflective Media Sensor S2 of 5 SDRAM Tag Thermal Transfer Label Transmissive Media Sensor UPC-A UPC-E UPC-E1 Yes www.cognitive.com

Brother PT-1230PC Thermal Label Printer $53.99 0.39 in/s 0.50" 1 Year Limited 180 dpi 2.10" 4.40" 4.40" Height x 2.10" Width x 6.20" Depth 6 6.20" PT-1230PC Thermal Label Printer One 1/2" black on white TZ starter Tape USB interface cable Tape Sizes : 9/64", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" Horizontal Alignment : Left, Center, Right, Justified P-Touch 1230PC is a label printer designed for PCs. No software is required. Simply plug into your USB and label appears on your screen. Fill in information and print up to 10mm per second. Label printer prints on four different label widths of TZ tapes, up to 1/2" wide (laminated) and prints multiple lines of text and graphics with 180 dpi. PT-1230PC offers mirror and vertical printing, 200 copies of repeat printing, 694 symbols, unlimited number of print lines, and True type fonts/scalable Printer is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows, XP, and Windows Vista. Compact design includes built-in manual cutter and a USB cable. Printer uses six AAA batteries (sold separately) or Brother AD-24 adapter (sold separately). AAA Adhesive Tape Auto Template Brother Brother Industries, Ltd Cutter Flexible Tape Gray Iron-on Fabric Label Length Setting Label Print Laminated Tape Manual Mirror Printing Monochrome Non-Laminated Tape Not Applicable P-Touch PC PT-1230PC PT-1230PC Thermal Label Printer PT1230PC Thermal Transfer Printer Vertical Printing White Yes www.brother-usa.com

Brother PT-2430PC Thermal Label Printer $72.99 0.39 in/s 1 Year Limited 1" 180 dpi 2.60" 4.40" 4.40" Height x 2.60" Width x 7.40" Depth 6 7.40" PT-2430PC Thermal Label Printer One 1/2" black on white TZ starter Tape Driver and Software CD USB interface cable A/C adapter Tape Sizes : 9/64", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1" Horizontal Alignment : Left, Center, Right, Justified P-Touch 2430PC is a label printer designed for PCs. No software is required. Simply plug into your USB slot and a label appears on your screen. Fill in information and print up to 10mm per second. Label printer prints on four different label widths of TZ tapes up to 1" wide (laminated) and prints multiple lines of text and graphics with 180 dpi. PT-2430PC offers mirror and vertical printing, 200 copies of repeat printing, 694 symbols, unlimited number of print lines, True type fonts/scalable. Printer is compatible with Windows 2000, Windows, XP, and Windows Vista. Compact design includes built-in manual cutter and a USB cable. Printer uses six AA batteries (sold separately) or Brother AD-24ES adapter (sold separately). AA Adhesive Tape Auto Template Automatic Brother Brother Industries, Ltd Cutter Flexible Tape Gray Iron-on Fabric Label Length Setting Label Print Laminated Tape Mirror Printing Monochrome Non-Laminated Tape P-Touch PC PT-2430PC PT-2430PC Thermal Label Printer PT2430PC Thermal Transfer Printer White Yes www.brother-usa.com

Zebra GX420d Thermal Label Printer $358.99 1 Year 1.50" 110 V AC 203 dpi 220 V AC 39" 4 MB 4.09" 4.25" 5" 6 in/s 6" 6" Height x 6.75" Width x 8.25" Depth 6.75" 7.50 mil 8 MB 8.25" 32 bit RISC processor XML enabled printing Dual wall reinforced plastic construction Smallest footprint in a 4-inch thermal printer English/European/Latin America/Asian User Documentation OpenACCESS design for easy media loading GX420d Thermal Label Printer US Power Cord Software Media (Include: Label Design Doftware and Drivers) The GX420d thermal printer offers the widest range of features and fast print speed to meet all your low to medium volume printing requirements. The GX420d has a sleek and compact design, boasts the smallest footprint in a desktop printer and supports a variety of applications and industries. Aztec Code Black Bar Black Mark CODABLOCK Codabar Code 11 Code 128 Code 128-A Code 128-B Code 128-C Code 39 Code 49 Code 93 Continuous Form Continuous Receipt Data Matrix Desktop Die-cut Label Direct Thermal Printer Dispenser EAN With 2 or 5 Digit Extension EAN-13 EAN-13 With 2 or 5 Digit Extension EAN-14 EAN-8 EAN-8 With 2 or 5 Digit Extension EPL2 Fanfold G Series GK42-200111-000 GS1 DataBar GX420d Thermal Label Printer Gap German Post Code Industrial 2 of 5 Interleaved 2 of 5 LOGMARS Label Print MSI MSI-3 Macro PDF-417 Maxi Code Micro PDF-417 Monochrome Not Applicable Notched PC PDF-417 POSTNET Perforated Paper QR Code RSS Receipt Reflective Media Sensor Roll Fed SDRAM Standard 2 of 5 Tag Tag Stock Transmissive Media Sensor UCC/EAN 128 UPC 2 or 5 Digit Extension UPC-A UPC-A with 2 or 5 digit extension UPC-E UPC-E with 2 or 5 digit extension Yes ZPL II Zebra Zebra Technologies Corporation www.zebra.com

Zebra 170Xi4 Thermal Label Printer $4172.99 1 Year 1" 110 V AC 12 in/s 12 mil 12.50 ft 13.31" 15.50" 15.50" Height x 13.31" Width x 20.38" Depth 16 MB 170-801-00000 170Xi4 Thermal Label Printer 20.38" 3" 300 dpi 4" 7.10" 8 MB 8" 170Xi4 Thermal Label Printer North American Edition Power Cord Xi4 User's Guid ZebraNet Connectivity CD Auto calibration Unicode Compliant Intelligent printhead 300 unique darkness settings Improved head test for element out Construction: 12-gauge steel frame Single 32 bit 133 Mhz RISC processor Multi-level Element Energy Equalizer Clear Media Side Door and Media Hanger Automatic media/ribbon sensing capability Mirror feature allows user-defined printer configurations to be retrieved from the network The industrial-strength 170Xi4 Thermal Label Printer with 300-dpi (12 dots per mm) print resolution can print large volumes of labels, promoting greater productivity with fewer roll changes. With its all-metal construction, this printer is ideal for tough applications. Aztec Code Black Mark CODABLOCK Codabar Code 11 Code 128 Code 128 UCC Code 128-A Code 128-B Code 128-C Code 39 Code 49 Code 93 Continuous Form Data Matrix Die-cut Label Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer EAN With 2 or 5 Digit Extension EAN-13 EAN-8 Fanfold Fast Ethernet GS1 DataBar Industrial 2 of 5 Interleaved 2 of 5 LCD Display LOGMARS Label Print MSI Maxi Code Micro PDF Monochrome Not Applicable PC PDF-417 POSTNET Planet Code Plessey QR Code RSS Reflective Media Sensor Roll Fed SDRAM Standard 2 of 5 TLC 39 Transmissive Media Sensor UPC 2 or 5 Digit Extension UPC-A UPC-E XML Xi Yes ZPL II Zebra Zebra Technologies Corporation www.zebra.com

Zebra S4M Thermal Label printer $1238.99 1 Year Limited 1" 10 mil 10.70" 11.60" 11.60" Height x 10.70" Width x 18.80" Depth 110 V AC 18.80" 220 V AC 3" 300 dpi 39" 4 MB 4.09" 4.50" 6 in/s 8 MB 8" IEC 60950EN 55022 Class BEN55024EN 61000-3-2EN 61000-3-3 S4M Label Printer Power Cord with US plug Safety GuideUser's CD Unicode -Compliant Fixed Transmissive Sensor Adjustable Reflective Sensor 8 inch O.D on a 3 inch I.D. core 6 inch O.D. on a 1 inch I.D. core Element Energy Equalizer (E3) for superior print quality Operating temperature 32° F (0° C) to 104° F (40° C) Direct thermal Operating temperature 40° F (5° C) to 104° F (40° C) Thermal transfer Zebra's S4M Label Printer ease of use and metal construction, the S4M Label Printer has the features needed to support many applications at an affordable price. With easy controls and proven side-loading design, it's quick to learn, use, and load, so operators can focus on more productive tasks. Black Mark CODABLOCK Codabar Code 11 Code 128-A Code 128-B Code 128-C Code 39 Code 49 Code 93 Continuous Form DRAM Data Matrix Die-cut Label Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer Printer EAN-13 EAN-8 Fast Ethernet Industrial 2 of 5 Interleaved 2 of 5 LCD LOGMARS Label Print MSI Maxi Code Micro PDF-417 PC POSTNET Planet Code Plessey QR Code RSS Reflective Media Sensor S4M S4M Thermal Label printer S4M00-3001-0200T Standard 2 of 5 TLC 39 Tag Tear-off Transmissive Media Sensor UCC Case Codes UPC-A UPC-A with 2 or 5 digit extension UPC-E Yes ZPL ZPL II Zebra Zebra Technologies Corporation www.zebra.com

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