Buying a barcode label printer can be confusing, especially if you are unsure as to what exactly you need. There are many variables when choosing a printer. First you have to decide what kind of printer you need for your solution; there are many to choose from such as desktop, midrange, industrial etc, but that’s a different topic for a different blog.

This barcode label printer buying guide is to help consumers navigate different specifications available when purchasing label printers. So that when you are buying a new machine, it will be significantly less daunting.

Print Resolution

One of the first and most important things to determine is what print resolution you will need. Print resolution is measured in dots per inch or DPI. There are a range of options to choose from such as 203 and 300 dots per inch and even 400 and 600 dpi.

It is important to note that the price increases quite significantly as the resolution increases but it is imperative that you do not let cost effective your purchasing decision as it is a serious waste of time and money to purchase a lower resolution to save money when your solution needs a higher resolution.

To determine a print resolution it is necessary to assess the job that you need the printer to do. For example, if you need the printer solely for printing shipping labels, then a standard 203 dpi would be the perfect solution. As the labels get smaller or the text gets more integrate the resolution would need to increase.

Label size also helps determine print resolution. Before purchasing a printer, make sure you know the size of the label or the information that has to be printed on the label so resolution can be decided accordingly.

Connectivity Options

When choosing a barcode label printer, one of the options that you have to consider is how the printer connects to your computer. There are three main connectivity options to choose from when purchasing a barcode label printer.

1. Port Connection

The first is a port connection. Most printers will have three ports as standard; serial, USB and parallel. When going with this option you just determine which port you will go with and connect the printer with your computer, via the appropriate cable. This allows the printer and the computer to communicate. This option is both the cheapest and easiest to set up. We would recommend this connectivity option for smaller businesses.

2. Ethernet

The second connectivity option is Ethernet. This grants multiple users access to a printer by connecting it directly to the network. A wired network printer uses an Ethernet cable instead of a USB connection, and it connects directly to a router instead of an individual computer. These printers take more time to set up, between granting the device network access and installing software on each computer before it can print to the new machine. The benefit of this option is that multiple users can share the device and send jobs to print quickly and effectively. This solution is one we would recommend to mid-sized businesses.

3. Wireless

The third connectivity option is wireless. This is similar to a network printer but instead of using a cable to connect, the printer connects via Wi-Fi. In addition to the normal network setup, you will also have to allow the device access to your network by entering the Wi-Fi password. You also need to make sure that the network type and printer’s capabilities match, because trying to connect an 802.11b device to a faster 802.11g network can slow down data transfer. As with the network printer, a wireless printer will require you to install driver software on any computer you wish to have access to the printer. Wireless printers give you the benefits of a wired network printer along with the ability to place the device anywhere a solid Wi-Fi signal is present. This gives the most flexibility and is perfect for larger organisations.

Memory

All barcode label printers come with two types of memory: RAM and Flash. RAM is short term memory. This is the necessary memory that absorbs the label image from the PC and quickly downloads the label image from the computer. The larger the label that you are printing, the more RAM is necessary.

Flash is long term memory. Flash memory permanently stores information on the printer such as commonly used label formats and fonts. If you are using multiple label formats it is important to choose a printer with a high flash memory capacity.

Hopefully this Barcode Label Printer Buying Guide makes your purchase process a little bit easier but if you have any questions, please contact our dedicated sales engineers here.

ADC Barcode is involved in the supply of barcode scanners, barcode label printers, barcode verifiers and label applicators. We also provide custom software, EPOS systems & hardware, RFID and wireless networking technology amongst other professional services. Get in touch now and obtain more information.