Understanding your customer and getting the product to its destination on time has never been more important. Those odd bars on package labels called, strangely enough, bar codes are increasingly the answer to information and shipping needs. Deciding on which barcode printers to use in generating those barcodes is not quite as easy an answer. Depending upon what you are trying to accomplish, with your barcode labels, there are different types of barcode printers that may be used.

What is the need?

There are so many different ways to use barcode printers today. Depending upon your need different printers will be the best barcode printer for you. If a temporary label is needed it can be generated more quickly and with a bit less clarity. Zebra barcode printers like the Z4M Plus serve this application well. Speeds with this unit can reach 10? per second. Repetitive label making needs to be quick and this unit can meet the task.

Lasts longer

If the barcode needs to be a bit more resistant to weather, or just last a bit longer without degrading the print job, it will likely cost a bit more for the right thermal barcode printer. Producing a wax or resin coating by applying heat, the Primera LX 810 does a spectacular job and produces labels with 480dpi. As with any printer you need to think about the environment that the printer will be working in. Wear will be a factor so keeping this in mind when using thermal coated labels.

On the shop floor

The whole concept of barcode printers is to keep the product moving. Loosing information that needs to be attached to that product is not an option. Having a barcode printer that can be on the shop floor or on a moving forklift fills this need. The Zebra QL320 does a great job in this instance. Optional LCD and smart battery use make this unit a good choice for keeping product moving. If there is more of a need for a central label hub, wireless barcode printers may be an option. These printers vary by distance served but the Zebra S4M is a good option. Perhaps a serial barcode printer is a choice if just getting going with barcodes. Try the 203 DPI at 8? per/sec. Datamax 4208. This unit will show you the advantages of barcoding and move you to the next level.