As you read on, we will show you how to choose between the 4 basic label printer types available. We will also share tips on the major factors that should influence your choice of a label printer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Depositphotos_1723586_s-2019.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat Types of Printers Can Print Labels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are four most common label printer types<\/a>. These include inkjet printers, laser printers, thermal transfer printers, and direct thermal printers. If you are looking for a label printer, one of these four types should meet your needs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You need a laser printer if you intend to use the label printer for business purposes. It has a high output speed, meaning that it can print lots of labels within a short time. It is a very effective option for those who will be handling large printing orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser printers produce graphics and texts with high quality using laser beams to give the image a high definition and create a fine, clear print (including a vast array of colors). These printers use heat to fix the print to the label paper permanently. So if you are looking for high quality, durability, and fast printing of bulk orders, laser printing is the right choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need an inkjet printer<\/a> if you only print labels occasionally in your small office or at home. They are more popular than laser printers because they are cheaper and still produce high-quality prints, including diverse colors on clear labels<\/a>. But they are not fit for bulk orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you print every day or print in bulk, you will spend heavily on the replacement of ink cartridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inkjet printers propel ink droplets (of various colors) from the cartridge through their printhead nozzle to create images. Since they use liquid ink, you must wait for the ink to dry properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct thermal should be your go-to choice if you would be printing short-term labels. These include POS and retail receipts, as well as labels that don\u2019t require archiving. Most thermal printers can only print in one (black) or two (red and black) colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct thermal labels<\/a> can\u2019t withstand direct sunshine and other sources of light and high temperatures. These printers are, however, easy to use because they don\u2019t require much supply. They don\u2019t use ribbons, toners, or ink cartridges. Direct thermal will only print on thermal papers<\/a> (paper labels with special heat-sensitive ink pigments).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to obtain a long-lasting label that can resist scratch, thermal transfer printers<\/a> will be a perfect choice. They also allow you to print on waterproof plastic media. But you must load ribbons (of your preferred color) into the printer before you can print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer labels are more durable and have a higher quality than direct thermal labels. The printing mechanism uses ribbons that melt under the hot thermal printhead onto the label paper<\/a> and absorbs itself into it to create a long-lasting imprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already own a printer, you can know the type by reading the user’s manual or searching on the internet. You can also try touching and smearing the label to check how warm it is and to see if will bleed or swell. Fresh inkjet prints will smear and fresh thermal prints will be warm. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how to determine your printer type so that you\u2019ll know if it\u2019s ideal or your needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the fastest and easiest way to know your printer type. Check for the name, SKU number, and model of your printer. Then input the details on an online search engine. You would find everything you need to know about your printer, including its type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The user\u2019s manual will contain the printer\u2019s data specs and model information. Check these details if you can find your user\u2019s manual. You should see your printer type there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rubbing the print immediately it comes out of the printer may be a good way to know the type of label printer you have. Inkjet labels, fresh out of the printer, will bleed or swell because they are yet to dry. Meanwhile, thermal and laser printers use heat, so the labels are often warm to the touch when they come out of the printer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there is no ink slot in your printer, then it\u2019s a thermal printer<\/a>. If the thermal printer uses ribbons<\/a>, it is a thermal transfer printer. But if it doesn\u2019t use ribbons, it\u2019s a direct thermal printer. More so, inkjet printers typically have only a few cartridges of ink while lasers use bulky toners.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen Do You Need A Laser Printer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When Do You Need An Inkjet Printer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When Do You Need A Direct Thermal Printer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When Do You Need A Thermal Transfer Printer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Would You Know What Type Of Printer You Have?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check The Internet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Read The User\u2019s Manual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Try Touching And Smearing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Check The Ink<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Major Factors for Choosing a Label Printer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n