What Is a Label Printer?
A label printer, known in English as a “Label Printer,” is a printer designed to print information such as text and QR codes on labels.
Label printers are capable of high-precision printing. They accurately display characters and barcodes, eliminating errors and unclear handwritten information. These printers can quickly produce large volumes of labels, thereby enhancing business processes.
Additionally, the design and content of the labels can be customized, offering flexibility for different products and purposes. In recent years, affordable label printers, costing tens of thousands of yen, have become widely available.
However, they may require regular maintenance. To maintain print quality, it is necessary to routinely clean the printer head and replace consumables like label rolls.
Uses of Label Printers
Here are some examples of how label printers are used:
1. Product Labels
A primary use in the retail industry is printing product labels. These labels display information such as price, manufacture date, or expiration date, and are used for in-store display and sales, functioning as price tags and for scanning at checkout.
Using barcodes allows for quick and accurate scanning at the register. Additionally, sales histories can often be automatically recorded in sales databases, aiding in sales tracking.
2. Logistics
In the logistics industry, label printers are used for shipping and inventory management. Shipping labels, affixed to packages, often include information like the destination address and tracking number, ensuring accurate delivery.
Labels for inventory management are affixed to items in warehouses or distribution centers and are used for efficient stocking and retrieval. Using barcodes on these labels allows for precise inventory control.
3. Manufacturing
In manufacturing, labels are commonly affixed to products. They display information like model numbers or batch numbers, aiding in product identification and quality control. In case of complaints, this also allows for quick and easy tracking of the specific product.
Principles of Label Printers
Label printers operate on various principles, with thermal and inkjet printers being commonly used.
1. Thermal Printer
A thermal printer uses thermal paper for label printing. The printing area on the thermal paper is heated by a thermal head, causing the ink to melt and transfer characters or images onto the label. They can print quickly and with high quality, producing water-resistant and durable labels.
2. Inkjet Printer
An inkjet printer prints labels by spraying tiny droplets of liquid ink. Multiple nozzles in the printer head eject ink to form characters or images. They enable colorful printing and are highly customizable.
Choosing a Label Printer
When selecting a label printer, consider the following elements:
1. Interface
The interface of a label printer refers to how it connects to computers or other devices. Common connections include USB, Ethernet, and wireless.
USB is the most common, compatible with most computers. Ethernet is advantageous when accessing from multiple computers via a network. Wireless connections like WiFi or Bluetooth allow for control of the label printer without cables.
2. Label Size
The sizes of labels that a printer can accommodate are important. Printers can produce a variety of label sizes, which should be selected based on the information and design to be printed. Label types include roll-form and sheet-form, and the printer should be chosen accordingly.
3. Color or Monochrome
Label printers are available for both color and monochrome printing. Color printing is suitable for product labels or marketing purposes, often using inkjet or laser printers. Monochrome printing is generally less expensive and is suitable for printing text and barcodes.
4. Printing Speed
The printing speed of a label printer indicates the number of labels it can print within a certain period. It is usually measured in inches per second or millimeters per second, varying based on label width and print quality.