A barcode printer is a type of printer that is used for printing tags to be attached on objects for tracking purposes. The printer is connected to your computer through a USB drive. Nowadays the most common Shopify barcode printers use the thermal printing technology, which doesn’t require the use of cartridges or toners and therefore makes them very economical. Just like when purchasing any other hardware, there are a few things that you should put into consideration when buying a barcode printer. In this article, you are going to learn eight important tips that you should consider before you venture in to your shopping date.
1. Your printing workload.
One of the most important questions that you should ask yourself before purchasing a barcode printer is; what is the volume of your printing work? There are different types and sizes of barcode printers in the market are all made to ensure that all your needs are met. For instance, for someone with a heavy print volume only once a year, then the best barcode printer is the one that can handle approximately 100 copies a day. For someone in a medium sized business; this is a bit busier than the one with low orders, and then the best printer that can handle at most 500 tags per day will be suitable. Understanding your needs will help you choose the most favorable barcode printer for your job.
2. Understand the use of your prints.
Barcode printers can be used for printing different types of tags depending on your customers’ needs or else your organizations needs. Barcode printers can either be used to track products, patients, in the military or schools, among many other uses. Knowing what the tags will be used for will help you pick the right printer to produce the best and durable tags. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, “It’s about making the city playful and easier to navigate, and it incentivizes people to explore,” says Dennis Crowley.
3. Your required print resolution
This is another important thing that you should put into consideration when purchasing a barcode printer. To come up with a very clear barcode, you will require a high-resolution printer. One that can make at least 203 dots per inch will preferably give you clear results. In case you want a printout with very high density, then you might consider a printer that makes more dots per inch for best results.
4. Print method
There are usually three print methods that you can choose from depending on your required quality. There is the ink jet, direct thermal and thermal transfer. The ink jet uses ink as the name suggests, and works by creating dots at very thin intervals. It has the disadvantage that it can cause ink ‘bleeding’ on some printing media and therefore not the best type of barcode printer method. Direct thermal applies heat direct to the printing barcode label, which is very sensitive towards ultra violet light, very high or very low temperatures. This kind of printer requires no cartridge or toner, as it uses no ink at all. The bar codes from these printers are also not very durable. Thermal transfer barcode printer on the other hand uses heat but unlike the direct thermal, the heat is transferred via wax-coated ribbon. When the wax is heated it melts on the paper producing clear and highly durable codes as seen here.
5. The size of your labels
Different sizes of printers produce different label sizes. It is upon you to determine what size labels you will require. It is then that you will be able to settle on the most suitable barcode printer for your labels.
6. Printer compatibility to your computer
This is another important factor that you should not forget when buying a barcode printer. There are different models in the market and it is your duty and responsibility to know which model is most compatible with your computer make and the operating system you are running. You do not want to get yourself in a situation whereby you have a very good barcode printer and a computer that is not compatible. In such a case you might want to do away with one and replace it with a compatible one.
7. Printer connectivity
Just like compatibility, it is good to ensure that you buy a printer that will not give you a hard time fitting in your machines network. A good bar code printer is the one that will connect easily without giving you extra networking issues.
8. Barcode printer price
This is a factor that you should always consider before making any purchases. There are many dealers providing barcode printers and you might be confused which one you should buy from and especially because different dealers have different price tags. At shopify, you get all your barcode printers quizzes answered and more than that, you will get the printer of your choice at a very competitive price. According to Entrepreneur, these are the best printers to purchase.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.
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