When choosing the right label printing solution for your application, it is important to consider the printing method you will be using. The choice of printer can greatly affect the durability of the labels and the types of applications they can be used for. There are a variety of label printing technologies to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Digital Printing
Digital printers include traditional laser printers and inkjet printers. Digital printers are common in most labs and workplaces, making them a quick and inexpensive option to start printing labels. You can use Microsoft Word templates to format data or add styles with colorful graphics and logos. You can print the entire label at once, or you can print a few and save the rest for later. However, passing the same sheet of paper through the printer multiple times is not recommended as you may experience jams. If you do choose a digital label printer, consider these facts about laser vs inkjet.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers can produce photo-quality graphics, logos and images.
Their printouts can withstand chemical sprays, especially alcohol sprays. And depending on the label material, they have the potential to resist direct chemical exposure.
Inkjet printers use a cartridge system of liquid ink, which can be relatively expensive in the long run and prone to smudging and smudging.
laser printer
Laser printers produce smudged and water-resistant printouts.
They are available in a variety of materials, offering more labeling options and greater versatility.
Laser printers provide durable printouts that are ideal for long-term use and will not fade when exposed to UV light.
Chemical exposure, either by spraying or wiping, using labels printed on laser printers is not recommended.
thermal printing
Thermal printers, including thermal transfer printers and thermal printers, use heat and pressure to produce crisp, high-quality printouts. Instead of paper, thermal printers use rolls of labels as their media, making them equally effective when printing one or hundreds of labels at a time. Thermal label printers can only print one color - usually black - which makes them unsuitable for printing graphics. The highlight of these printers is the printing of serialized information, including alphanumeric text, 1D and 2D barcodes. Thermal printers, including the popular DYMO printers, must use direct thermal paper coated with a layer of heat-activated ink that turns black when in contact with the print head. Instead, thermal transfer printers from popular brands like Zebra and cab print on labels using ribbons made from wax, resin, or a mixture of wax and resin. Both thermal technologies have their own advantages.
Direct heating
Thermal labels are ideal for general use or cryogenic sample storage and barcode and serial number identification.
The total cost of ownership of a thermal printing solution is lower than any other printing option because it does not require additional ink, toner or ribbon.
Thermal printer printouts are sensitive to UV light, heat and chemical exposure. This can cause printouts to fade over time or become black from heat or exposure to alcohol and solvents.
Thermal transfer
Thermal transfer printers provide clear, sharp printouts ideal for printing small labels as well as serialized information such as barcodes.
These printers use lower heat settings than most other variable label printing technologies. This allows for the widest selection of facestocks and adhesives, including paper, plastic, polyester, and more.
The variety of label materials and adhesives enables thermal transfer labels to provide more solutions for demanding label applications, including chemical resistance, extreme cold and heat temperatures, outdoor exposure, and more.
So, which label printer is right for your lab? If you need colors, graphics or logos on your labels, a digital printer may be a better choice. In this case, laser printers will provide long-term durability, while inkjet printers will provide higher quality graphics. On the other hand, thermal printers are the best choice for printing serialized information, including alphanumeric text, 1D and 2D barcodes, whether you are printing 1 label or hundreds of labels. Where cost is your primary concern, thermal printers offer a viable cost-effective option as long as your labels are not exposed to any harsh conditions. However, if you require your labels to withstand any type of extreme treatment, from chemical exposure to environmental elements, thermal transfer will provide the robust labels you need. Additionally, their versatility and durability make thermal transfer labels ideal for inventory management, asset tracking, long-term identification, and more.
