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Buyer's Guide for Barcode Printers
How do Barcode Printers Work? Barcode printers, when connected to a computer via network or local interface cable, print data formatted specifically for labeling. The data is interpreted through the printer's device driver and subsequently printed. Barcode printers have the ability to print barcodes on labels, tags, and tickets.Thermal Technologies:  Thermal Transfer vs. Direct Thermal If you answered Yes to these questions, see section below on Thermal Transfer printing methods. If you answered No, see section on direct thermal printing methods. Thermal Transfer Thermal transfer barcode printing produces high quality crisp barcodes with a long shelf life, i.e. over a year. Thermal transfer printers work by transferring carbon ribbon via heat to printing media. This means that printing media does not need to be heat sensitive, as does direct thermal media, and can withstand exposure to direct sunlight and heat. It also means that ribbons and print heads need to be replaced along with the correct media for the ribbon. While there are more supplies involved with thermal transfer printing, the labels and tags printed will be able to stand up against adverse conditions. Direct Thermal Direct thermal barcode printers work well for labeling that will be used in a temperature controlled areas for under a year. Direct thermal material is much more sensitive to its environment than thermal transfer material. The labels will darken if exposed to direct sunlight or heat because of the nature of the materials used in direct thermal printing. The media used is a heat sensitive thermal paper which darkens with exposure to heat. During printing, the print head is in direct contact with this paper, thereby using heat and pressure to mark the labels. These printer's print heads have longer durability and the overall cost of operation is lower due to lack of ribbon cost. The downfall, along with potential darkening, is that the printer's color is limited to black and and the barcodes are not as crisp as thermal transfer. Printer Supplies Print heads, Ink, Ribbons & Media When it comes to purchasing replacement print heads, printer ribbons, ink and media type, the type of printer you are using will dictate what supplies you will need .For direct thermal barcode label printers, print heads need to replaced periodically and labels and tags must be specifically purchased for direct thermal printing. For thermal transfer printing, all three components are needed. It is important to make sure that ribbon and media is compatible and compatible with the printer. For inkjet printing labels and ink are needed.
Software Requirements & Device Drivers
Label rewinders are an accessory to consider when purchasing you barcode
printer. This machine gives you the option of loading your labels onto
a new core to be used on another machine. It allows for controlled, passive
rewinding to ensure printed labels are not damaged between steps and can
easily be loaded onto another machine if needed.  Environment
& Functionality
When considering a barcode printer, there are a number of factors concerning
environment and functionality. Some questions to ask include: Barcode Printer Types:  Desktop
Barcode PrintersDesktop barcode printers are small user friendly barcode printers ideal for printing a low to medium volume of labels. Type of printer, thermal transfer, direct thermal, or both, size of labels and speed of printing are major factors when considering which desktop printer will work best. These printers work well in shipping & receiving, retail, and healthcare environments. Recommended Products: Zebra 2824 or Cognitive Advantage DLX.  Industrial
Barcode PrintersIndustrial barcode printers are the workhorse of barcode printers. With some printers having the capability to work around the clock, there's no job too big for these bar code printers. Options to consider when deciding on an industrial barcode printer are durability, memory capacity, and multifunctional printing ability. Recommended Products: Cognitive Ci & Cxi Series or Zebra S4M  Ink
Jet Barcode PrintersInkjet barcode printers are ideal for low volume high resolution label printing. These printers create an environment for color label printing that can be done in-house instead of sending out to a professional print shop. Recommended Models: Primera LX810 Color or Primera LX400 |
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Print
heads are used for both types of thermal printing, but be sure to reorder
correct print head for your printer model. 
Media
types, including labels, tags, and tickets, are purchased depending on
type of printer, inkjet, thermal transfer or direct thermal. Direct thermal
printing will not be successful if plain labels are loaded into the printer;
heat sensitive paper is necessary. 
Ribbon
is needed only thermal transfer printing and ribbons must be compatible
with model of printer being used. For inkjet printers, as with regular
desktop inkjet printers, ink cartridges that are compatible with model
are necessary.
Another
option is gap sensing vs. black mark sensing within the printer. With
gap sensing, which requires labels without color variation, a beam reflects
off the label. When there is a gap in the label the beam does not reflect,
and the printer knows it is at a new label. Black mark is essentially
the opposite, requiring labels with black stripes. The beam of light is
shot from inside the printer and when it hits the black is absorbed instead
of reflected, letting the printer know it has reached a new label. 
