1. What is thermal printing?
This method of printing involves the transfer of heat from the thermal head to the thermal paper coated with a suitable chemical. When heating elements form text or graphics, a thermochemical reaction occurs, thanks to which the shapes become visible on the label. The head consists of many miniature heating elements. Their task is to touch the thermal paper, on which, under the influence of heat, the mapping takes place, i.e. printing.
With this printing method, the only cost of operation is the thermal label. There is no need to buy expensive toner or ink. The only color that can be obtained with thermal printing is black. Thermal printing is the cheapest printing method. The Brother company offers printers with the QL marking, which are thermal printers.
Printers work with PCs and MACs. The included USB cable is used for the connection, some models can work without a computer. The included program allows you to easily and quickly create your own label and content feeds. It also allows you to edit, import and export barcodes. It cooperates with address programs and databases.
2. What is a thermal transfer printer?
Thermal transfer printing is carried out in a similar way to thermal printing. In addition, several layers are used, including the so-called carbon paper. Under the influence of temperature and pressure of the printer head, a dye is applied to the label. The dye and primer can be in different colors, as well as additionally protected with laminate. Thanks to this, thermal transfer printing is more durable than thermal printing, the label can be used in more demanding conditions.
Brother thermal transfer printers are designated PT. They are available in portable and desktop versions. The only required consumable is TZe belts (formerly TZ, TC and TX)
3. What is a barcode and what are the types?
Barcode – graphic presentation of information through a combination of dark and light elements, determined according to the symbolism (rules describing the structure of the code, e.g. its dimensions, set of coded characters, algorithm for calculating the check digit and others). The barcode is intended for for electronic readers. It is designed to enable automatic reading of information. The main application of the barcode is the automatic identification of products in broadly understood logistics. At the moment, many types of codes are used, including bar, 2D, RFID.
4. What consumables are required for thermal printers?
The only consumable for thermal printers is thermal paper in the form of labels, continuous tapes, self-adhesive or without glue. Thermal printers do not require other materials such as ink, ink, etc.
5. What consumables are required for thermal transfer printers?
These types of printers, in addition to paper or thermal transfer labels, will require cripples. These are, m.in, wax-resin, resin and textile. Black and colored.
Wax labels are intended only for printing paper labels and cardboard tags. A characteristic feature is low cost, high print quality and good abrasion resistance. They are used in general purpose labels, e.g. logistic, address.
Wax-resin carbon papers are designed for printing all types of labels and tags. Used on paper, they are characterized by excellent print quality and high abrasion resistance. On foil labels there is slightly less abrasion resistance.
Resin resin type are intended only for printing foil labels and synthetic tags. They are characterized by high resistance to chemicals, which is why they are used in aggressive and extreme environments. Most often used on labels used in the automotive, electromechanical, metallurgical and pharmaceutical industries, because they provide the highest abrasion resistance and durability of the print.
Textile resins are designed for printing textile inserts, such as: nylon taffeta, polyester taffeta, polyester satin, acetate silk, tyvek. The print made of tracing paper is resistant to detergents, dry cleaning, ironing, etc. This method is mainly used on materials used as markings for clothing and textile products.
6. What is the difference between a diode reader and a laser reader?
Initially, code scanners used LEDs as a light source. The disadvantage of this solution was the need to bring the scanner closer to a very short distance from the code. Currently produced scanners use a laser, which allows - depending on the model - to read even from several meters. Modern scanners can read not only one-dimensional (strip) codes, but also 2D codes - two-dimensional. Also, almost every new phone with a camera can be equipped with a suitable application for reading barcodes.
7. How do I choose the right label printer for you?
To choose the right label printer, we should answer a number of questions, the most important of which are:
- what we will mean
- in what quantity per day, monthly, year
- to what conditions the label must be resistant
- whether the printer is to be portable or stationary
- whether we have a database of labels on the computer, whether the printout is to be repeatable or individual
8. How long is the manufacturer's warranty for label printers?
Usually, the devices are covered by a 2 or 3 year manufacturer's warranty.
9. What is the largest and smallest thermal and laminated label I can print?
The smallest thermal labels are from 20 x 20 mm, and the largest are A4 format or 150 x 1000 mm ribbon .
- thermal transfer laminated labels have a size from 6 x 10 mm to 36 x 1000 mm.