6 Tips to Choose the Best Label Printer for Your Industry

A reliable and efficient labelling system is essential in today’s fast-paced and competitive business world. It plays a critical role in identifying and tracking products, whether you are in the food and beverage industry, manufacturing, or logistics. Therefore, choosing the right label printer for industrial purposes is essential. 

With multiple options available in the market, selecting the best label printer for your industry can be a daunting task. Therefore, we did the research, and here is a detailed blog to guide you through choosing the best label printer for industrial purposes.

Identify Your Labeling Needs

The first step in choosing the best label printer for industrial purposes is identifying your labelling needs. What type of labels do you need to print? Are you looking to print simple, text-based labels, or do you want to include images and graphics to make your labels stand out? You may need to print barcode labels to track your inventory.

Next, consider the volume of labels you need to produce. For example, if you seek commercial food label printers, consider your daily labelling requirements before choosing one. If you are just starting, you will need to print a few labels daily, whereas if your business is already huge, the daily labelling requirements may be in the hundreds or even thousands. It will help you determine the speed and capacity of the label printer you require.

Finally, consider the environment in which you will use the label printer. Will you print labels in a clean, climate-controlled room or work in a dusty warehouse or manufacturing facility? Different label printers suit different environments, so you must choose one that meets your requirements.

Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer Printing

There are two options available: direct thermal and thermal transfer printers. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and you must decide which industrial label printer to choose based on your requirements.

Direct thermal printers use heat to print labels. They use a heated printhead to create a chemical reaction on heat-sensitive paper, producing crisp and clear images. It’s like sunburn, but for your labels! These are great for producing labels with short shelf life, like shipping labels, receipts, and other temporary items. A direct thermal printer will serve the purpose even if you are searching for a commercial food label printer for food products with a short life span.

On the other hand, thermal transfer printers use a heated ribbon to transfer ink onto the label, creating a more durable and long-lasting image. It’s like wearing a warm coat that lasts through the harshest winters. Thermal transfer printers are ideal for producing labels that must withstand harsh environments, such as product labels, barcode labels, and asset tags.

Size and Format of Labels

Industrial label printers are available in different sizes and can print labels in various formats. Whether you need to print small labels for your jewellery store or large labels for your shipping boxes, a label printer can meet your needs. When choosing a label printer, it is vital to consider the size and format of labels you need to print.

If you need to print small labels, a label printer that can print in high resolution is your best bet. These printers can print labels with high precision and detail, making them ideal for businesses requiring small labels. Whether you need to print barcodes, product codes, or serial numbers, a high-resolution label printer can ensure that your labels are clear, legible, and accurate.

Additionally, if you need to print larger labels, you should choose a printer with a larger print width. These printers can handle larger labels and are ideal for businesses that label shipping boxes, pallets, or containers. With a larger print width, you can print labels that can be easily read from a distance, making it easier for your employees to identify and handle your products.

Speed and Capacity 

Another crucial factor to consider is the speed of the industrial label printer. With a high print speed, you’ll be able to crank out large volumes of labels in record time, which is perfect for a business like yours where time is of the essence. Imagine having a slow printer that takes forever to print each label. It would quickly become a bottleneck in your operation, causing frustration and lost time.

But speed isn’t the only factor to consider. You also need a printer with a large label roll capacity. If you’ve got a massive shipment to label, and you’re using a printer with a tiny roll capacity. You’ll swap label rolls every few minutes, which is tedious and time-consuming. With a large label roll capacity, you can print labels continuously without stopping and reloading the printer, making your operation more efficient and less stressful.

Additional Features

Label printers have added functionalities to make labelling easier and more efficient. Certain printers have an in-built cutting tool that automatically snips the labels after printing. Additionally, some printers offer wireless connectivity, allowing you to print labels from anywhere in the room. Considering these added features can also help find the best label printer for industrial purposes.

Consider the Cost

Industrial label printers are available at different prices, so choosing one that fits your budget becomes easy. However, it is essential to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the long-term maintenance and supplies costs, such as ink and labels.

Concluding Words

Choosing the best label printer for industrial purposes requires careful consideration of your labelling needs, the type and volume of labels you need to produce, the size and format of labels, the speed and capacity of the printer, additional features, and the cost. By evaluating these factors, you can select a label printer that meets your business requirements and enhances your labelling process.

If you want to have a deeper understanding of label printing and printers, it’s best to consult with industry experts to clarify any questions. You can contact the professionals at DAL-Dial A Label for further information on this topic.