Thermal label printers

[mikhirs]

Good morning, folks.  I'm thinking about getting a thermal printer for labels since my inkjet printer has started blotting on labels.  (Just sheets of paper I cut and tape on the package).  Even after cleaning the printer, I sometimes have to print a label 3 or 4 times til a blot doesn't appear on the bar code. 

After looking at many different thermal printers, I still don't know which one to get.  I use the computer (with windows 7) to print the labels.  Sometimes I wonder whether it's possible to find a thermal printer that can use both usb connection & wifi in case something happened to my computer.  Don't know if any such printer is being made.

Does anyone have a recomendation about which thermal printer is best?

Thanks, 

Mike

[simba6 · Accepted solution]

A black and white laser printer is also a good choice. They don't dry out or smear as the ink is powder. And, the print is water proof too.    Most laser printers have both USB and wireless ports too.

[santamonicajeweler]

I would buy a new regular printer

A label printer will cost you 7-12 Cents per print/label. That's all a label printer would do, print labels. But a regular printer seems to be a better option for you. You could use a regular printer to print other printing projects as well

[divwido]

I don't know if I'd jump to thermal, but do your research.  I once found a great printer at a great price that was supposed to be good.  But the ink sat in a tray and the tray would get damaged and have to be replaced.  Wish I'd known that.  The first replacment was only $ 10.  The second one was $ 80.   I spent the $ 80 on a new HP printer that gives me almost no trouble.   I wish I had really read about that $ 200 printer.

[a_c_green]

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@mikhirs wrote:

Good morning, folks.  I'm thinking about getting a thermal printer for labels since my inkjet printer has started blotting on labels.  (Just sheets of paper I cut and tape on the package).  Even after cleaning the printer, I sometimes have to print a label 3 or 4 times til a blot doesn't appear on the bar code. 

After looking at many different thermal printers, I still don't know which one to get.  I use the computer (with windows 7) to print the labels.  Sometimes I wonder whether it's possible to find a thermal printer that can use both usb connection & wifi in case something happened to my computer.  Don't know if any such printer is being made.

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As above... a thermal printer for labels is a bit limiting, if you've been fine up to now with an inkjet on plain paper. If your sales are high enough to justify a laser printer, then one toner cartridge will do a ton of labels that are, as noted, water-resistant so you don't need to tape over them for protection.

That said, it sounds like you just need a new ink cartridge. The cartridge is also its own print head, so in other words, you're replacing everything in the print operation at once when changing cartridges. Don't use refilled budget cartridges, as their quality is iffy and unpredictable, and some printers don't get along with aftermarket refills for whatever reason. Slap in a new OEM ink cartridge and everything should be back to normal.

[rfmtm]

A label printer can be economical and practical for even a low volume seller.  They are reliable, labels look professional, and keeps your regular printer free for other document printing.  Plus they print all kinds of other labels as well.

For USPS only the small narrow width low cost printers like the Dymo 450, is all you need.  For USPS, UPS, FedEx, you need a larger printer than does 4"x6" labels like the Dymo 4XL.  Plus this size can be used for Packing Slips as well.  They also make WiFi ones, but those can get expensive.

Besides the Dymo, there are options offered by Zebra, Rollo, Seiko, and others, but I prefer the Dymo for the cost and range of labels available.  You can buy low cost labels right here on ebay, just look for an approved compatible from a USA seller.  Cheap imports can be problematic.

One word of caution, do not buy the new Dymo 500 series, 550, or 5XL.  They are not compatible with many  label types.

[mikhirs]

Thanks for all your helpful advice.  The laser printer sounds like the best fit for me.

[roste8176]

many inkjet and laserjet printers (i have not much experience with thermals) will also have an Ethernet connection port. if you plug the printer into your wifi router, you will have a wifi printer

[anjofak]

We use a (bluetooth) thermo love it, can rip out 98 labels in a minute, hardly a noticeable defect rate just everyonce in a bit need to re-run 1 or 2. Best feature No ink! 

[glgenterprise]

I know this is old - but I have a Zebra ZP 450 thermal printer for labels only - picked it up used for less that $50 off of FB marketplace. It is the BEST thing I ever did for label printing. Mine is USB. It saves soooo much time once I got the settings correct, and there is no running out of toner.

I ship enough on my Fedex/UPS accounts that they actually provide me with the labels for free and the USPS label prints just fine on it.  Even if you have to buy the thermal rolls - there are sellers here with it available for less than 0.02 a label.

[powell-memorabilia]

I love my Zebra.  You can buy them refurbished on eBay - really good deal.  And, yes, labels are exceedingly inexpensive.  A thermal printer pays for itself in no time - no more expensive ink, no more paper, no more tape.  

the best part is the time that it saves you.  

[wcesl]

THANK YOU!   I have scoured the feeds looking for this exact answer - insightful with do's and don'ts  and not assuming I dont already have a laser printer 😉        

If I could give you 6 thumbs up I would 

[joepe5106]

If the heat settings are too low, the opposite will happen and you will have a faded image with your thermal label printer. Having the correct heat settings will make sure that your label is printed correctly, and remove potential problems in scanning and reading barcodes.

[monster-deals]

Wireless Rollo.

Worth way more than you will pay

[mial_2319]

The link between thermal label printers and thermal paper rolls is based on a direct thermal printing process that relies on their compatible interaction:

Thermal Label Printers:

• Contain a thermal printhead that heats up to specific temperatures (typically 65-85°C)
• Use precisely controlled heating elements to create images
• Don't require ink, toner, or ribbons
• Include a platen roller that provides necessary pressure

Thermal Paper Rolls:

• Feature a specialized heat-sensitive chemical coating
• React to heat by changing color (usually turning black or blue)
• Designed with specific heat activation thresholds
• Come in various sizes and thicknesses for different applications

Their Connection:

1. Chemical-Physical Interaction: When the printer's heated printhead contacts the paper's thermal coating, it triggers a chemical reaction that produces the printed image.
   
   
2. Compatibility Requirements:

• The paper's heat sensitivity must match the printer's temperature range
• Roll dimensions must fit the printer's specifications
• Paper thickness must be appropriate for the printer's feed mechanism

1. Quality Interdependence:

• Print quality depends on both proper printer function and paper quality
• Poor quality paper can damage the printhead
• Incorrect printer temperature settings can result in faint prints or paper damage