Purchasing A Label Printer

If you already have a label printer that needs to be replaced, you probably have a good idea of what you need. You'll be familiar with the types of labels you use, your labeling volume, and your requirements for label printer features. Your decision involves finding the new machine that meets your current requirements.

For those who do not currently own a label printer, you'll need to start by collecting some information. (Online article about purchasing a label printer). First, how are you currently doing your labeling? How well is what you are doing working? What problems have you had with labeling in the past? For example, if you've used labels produced by an inkjet printer, and had the printing smear or wash off, then you'll need to consider a termal transfer printer instead of a dot matrix label printer.

Have your existing labels been durable? Do they stay stuck?

What needs to be labeled that has not been labeled? Under what environmental conditions will the labels be applied? What environmental conditions must the labels survive? Heat, cold, water, chemicals, abrasion, etc. What size labels do you need? Do your labels need to be color coded? If so, do you need just the tape (background) to be in various colors, or does the printing also need to be in various colors? What colors do you need?

These types of questions will help you determine the types of label materials you'll need and the best printing method to use. The greatest limiting factor for most label printers is the type of supplies available. By knowing what you need your labels to do, you can select a machine that has the supplies you'll need.

How many labels do you expect to need to print each day? A light duty machine can typically handle up to 100 labels a day. If you'll need to print more than 500 labels a day, then you'll need a heavy duty machine.

You also need to consider how quickly you need to print labels, and how frequently during the day labels will need to be printed. These are factors to take into consideration when looking at machine print speed, and when considering whether to purchase one or two machines.

In some cases you may not be able to get a single machine that can do everything you need. It is not uncommon to purchase a heavy-duty desktop printer that remains in one location and handles the bulk of the label printing, and a lightweight, specialized, handheld labeler that can be easily carried wherever it is needed in your facility.

Finally, what features do you need your label printer to have? Does it need to be able to print special symbols? Do you need to use it with a computer database? What type fonts do you need? What languages do you need to use? Does it need to be able to draw boxes and frames?

Once you've compiled all this information, start looking at label printers and supplies. Don't be surprised if you find additional criteria you want in your supplies or printer.

Some of the better brands of label printers to look at include: Brady, K-Sun and Kroy.