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Choosing the Right Label Printer for Your Needs
Selecting the best label printer for your business or personal use depends on several factors. Taking the time to evaluate your specific labeling requirements and use cases will ensure you pick the right printer model for the job.
Label Materials
One of the most important considerations is the type of label materials you need to print on. Common options include:
- Paper
- Plastic (polyester)
- Vinyl
- Fabric
- Magnet
You'll also need to know the shapes and sizes of labels you need such as roll labels, sheet labels, round, rectangular, small or large. The printer must be able to accommodate the label materials you plan to use.
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Print Resolution
Higher print resolutions allow for sharper image and text quality. For basic text-only labels, 200-300 dpi resolution is usually fine. For labels with barcodes, logos or fine print, look for 600 dpi or higher.
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Connectivity
Options for connecting label printers include:
- USB - easiest plug-and-play option for desktop use
- WiFi - convenient for wireless networking
- Ethernet - for wired networks
- Bluetooth - pairs with mobile devices for on-the-go printing
Print Speed
Print speed is measured in pages per minute or labels per minute. Faster print speeds are better for high volume printing. For occasional use, 30-50 lpm is likely sufficient.
Software Compatibility
The label printer should work with your existing operating system and design software. Many printers include label design programs or can interface with common programs like Excel, Word or shipping platforms.
Ink Types
| Ink Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Laser | Crisp lines and text, higher upfront costs |
| Inkjet | Affordable, vibrate colors, slower speed |
| Direct Thermal | No ink required, fades over time |
| Thermal Transfer | Most versatile, requires transfer ribbon |
Consider ink costs, label durability needed, print quality and speed when choosing ink systems.
Final Recommendations
Focus on the labels you need to print most often. Seek out a printer that excels at printing your most common label sizes, materials and ink types. Go for a slightly higher print resolution and speed than the minimums required. And be sure to get a label printer model that interfaces easily with your existing software and platforms.
Taking the time upfront to fully evaluate your labeling needs will ensure you select the most suitable label printer for optimal performance.
Consider Label Materials, Sizes, and Shapes You Need to Print
When selecting a label printer, one of the most important factors to evaluate is the actual label materials you need to print on. The printer must be compatible with the label stocks and shapes required for your specific labeling projects.
Label Materials
Common label materials include:
- Paper - inexpensive but not very durable
- Polyester - waterproof and tear-resistant
- Vinyl - suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Fabric - flexible for applying to textiles
- Magnetic - adheres to metal surfaces
Many printers only print on paper and vinyl. Specialty label materials like fabric or magnetic may only work in certain models. Check that the printer is capable of handling the label stocks you need.
Label Adhesives
The adhesive is also an important aspect. Labels designed for shipping containers need a very strong permanent adhesive while barcode labels on retail shelves may use a removable adhesive for price changes and reuse of the label backing. Ensure the printer is compatible with standard adhesives and liners.
Label Shapes and Sizes
Typical label sizes include:
- Small - under 1 inch square/diameter
- Medium - 1 to 4 inches
- Large - over 4 inches
Common label shapes are:
- Rectangle - product and shipping labels
- Circle or oval - food, chemical, button labels
- Square - inventory and file folder labels
Consider a mix of label sizes and shapes you will need. For example, a clothing boutique may need 1-inch square woven garment tags, 2 x 4 inch rectangle hang tags, and 4 x 6 inch fabric labels for branding. Select a printer that can accommodate diverse label types.
Label Orientation
Another factor is print orientation. Label printers may feed labels in portrait, landscape or both directions. If printing long thin labels, make sure the printer can orient them appropriately.
Label Materials - Roll or Sheet
Labels come in roll or sheet format. Roll labels are more economical and are good for high volume printing. Sheet labels allow printing single or minimal labels quickly as needed. Some printers accept both roll and sheet media for maximum flexibility.
Test Potential Label Materials
When evaluating printers, request free sample materials based on labels you will commonly print. Test labels to verify print quality and performance. Checking durability, adhesion and water/smudge resistance on actual materials is advisable.
Get the Details Right
Taking time upfront to plan out your actual label materials, sizes, shapes and adhesive needs will ensure you select the best label printer for your work. Submitting physical samples of labels you need to print and asking detailed compatibility questions will prevent frustrations and returns later on.
With some thoughtful planning around your label requirements, you can find a label printer that perfectly fits your unique labeling needs and applications.
Compare Color vs. Black & White Label Printers
When purchasing a label printer, one decision is whether you need full color printing or if black and white output is sufficient. There are pros and cons to each option.
Color Label Printers
Color printers allow printing in full color using CYMK (cyan, yellow, magenta, black) inks. Benefits include:
- Vibrant, professional appearance for branding
- Can incorporate logos, images, graphics
- Ideal for prime product labels, packaging
- Useful for color coding information
Downsides to consider:
- Higher upfront printer cost
- Ink is more expensive than black toner
- Slower print speeds compared to monochrome
- Ink can smudge if not properly cured
Black & White Label Printers
Monochrome label printers use black ink or toner only. Benefits include:
- Lower upfront and operating costs
- Faster print speeds, often over 100 lpm
- Crisp black text and barcode printing
Potential downsides:
- No color ability for branding elements
- Less label visual appeal in retail/customer settings
Key Usage Considerations
Assess how color or black printing aligns with your labeling needs:
- Color - prime product labels, packaging, marketing materials
- Black & white - warehouse shelf labels, shipping labels, documents
Also factor in label volume. Color makes more sense for occasional, low-volume label runs whereas monochrome printers can be ideal for printing thousands of plain text labels per day.
Finding the Right Balance
For maximum flexibility, some label printers accommodate both color and black ink cartridges. This allows switching between full color and monochrome as needed for the application.
Considering how color or black-only output fits your specific labeling needs will guide you to selecting the best label printer.
Determine Necessary Print Resolution and Speed
Two key specs to evaluate when selecting a label printer are print resolution and speed. Determining how these factors fit your printing needs ensures optimal performance.
Print Resolution
Print resolution is measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher resolution produces sharper image quality. General guidelines:
- 150-300 DPI - Text-only labels
- 300-600 DPI - Barcodes, logos, fine print
- 600+ DPI - High quality graphics and photos
Make sure the printer resolution matches the content on your labels. Using too low resolution for detailed graphics yields poor quality.
Maximum Print Speed
Print speed is rated in labels per minute (LPM) or inches per second (IPS). Faster speeds are better for high volume printing. Consider your estimated label volume needs:
- Low - Under 500 labels per day: 30 LPM is likely sufficient
- Medium - 500-2000 labels per day: 60 LPM or more recommended
- High - Over 2000 labels per day: 100+ LPM ideal
A faster printer will provide flexibility to meet increasing label demands.
Print Quality vs. Speed
Higher resolutions mean each label takes longer to print. Print quality and speed often need balancing. For example:
- Draft mode - Lower resolution but faster speed for basic text labels
- High quality mode - Slow but maximizes resolution for graphics
Assess Your Key Priorities
Consider your typical label content, volume needs, and production timeframe. This will help determine:
- Minimum acceptable print resolution
- Ideal print speed for workflow
- If print quality or speed is higher priority
Clearly identifying print resolution and speed requirements will ensure you select the right label printer for your business needs.
Look at Connectivity Options Like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Modern label printers offer various connectivity methods to interface with computers and networks. Key options to consider are Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi enabled label printers can connect wirelessly to your office network and print from any computer on the network. Benefits of Wi-Fi printer connections:
- Allows printer placement anywhere within network range
- Easy to share label printing access with multiple users
- Convenient printing from mobile devices like laptops and tablets
If your office uses a Wi-Fi network, a label printer with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities can integrate seamlessly without cabling.
Ethernet
For wired networks, Ethernet label printers can connect directly to the router or network switch via cable. Ethernet benefits include:
- Very fast and reliable cabled connection speed
- Wired networks have greater security than wireless
- Avoid interference and signal drops associated with Wi-Fi
Ethernet label printers are a smart choice for busy production environments that need robust wired connectivity.
USB
The most basic printer connection uses a USB cable to plug directly into a single computer. Advantages of USB printer connections:
- Simple plug-and-play setup, no networking needed
- Low cost connectivity option
- Good for label printing from a single device
USB is suitable for home offices or small businesses that only print labels from one computer station.
Compare to Meet Your Needs
Evaluate your office setup, network, and label printing work flows. Choose the connection type that best fits your requirements and environment.
Evaluate Built-in vs. PC-connect Label Design Software
An important label printer consideration is whether to use built-in design software or PC-connected programs. Weighing the pros and cons of each will determine the best option.
Built-in Label Software
Many printers have internal firmware with integrated label design utilities. Benefits include:- Typically included at no extra cost
- Software tailored for that printer model
- Allows label design without a PC connection
Potential limitations:
- More basic functionality vs full programs
- May lack advanced features needed
- Upgrades usually not available
PC-Connected Label Software
Popular label design suites like Bartender, NiceLabel, and EasyLabel connect to the printer from a Windows PC or Mac. Key advantages:
- Robust features for complex label designs
- Support for barcodes, RFID, variable data
- Integration with databases and asset management systems
- Multi-user access and collaboration
Considerations:
- Added cost for software purchase/subscription
- Requires printer connectivity to computer
Choose the Right Option
Built-in label software works well for basic text and graphic printing. External programs offer more power and customization for advanced labeling projects.
Evaluate whether the printer's included software has all the tools you need or if the capabilities of a dedicated program justify the added cost.
How to Get an Amazon Prime Subscription for a Profit When Buying Label Printers
Amazon Prime can help you save money on label printer purchases if used strategically. Here are tips to leverage a Prime membership for profits when buying label printers on Amazon.
Take Advantage of Free Shipping
Prime members get free two-day shipping on most Amazon purchases. Label printers tend to be bulky and expensive to ship. Paying $5-10 for printer shipping can really add up.
With Prime, you get free expedited delivery on printers. This perk alone can outweigh the $139 annual membership fee if you order frequently.
Maximize Amazon Coupons and Discounts
Another Prime benefit is access to extra coupons and discounts. Amazon often offers special promotions exclusively for Prime members.
Watch for coupons like "$25 off $200 Label Printers Purchase" and clip them to your account. The savings can effectively discount your Prime membership cost.
Leverage Prime Day Deals
Each July, Amazon hosts their Prime Day sale with thousands of deeply discounted items. Many label printers see significant price drops for Prime members only.
Buying printers on Prime Day can net over $100 in savings versus non-sale prices. Factor these one-day deals into your timing if buying multiple label printers.
Take Advantage of 5% Back with the Prime Card
If you have the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, you get 5% back on all Amazon purchases as statement credit. This cash back effectively brings down the net label printer price.
Between this and the other Prime perks, the savings can quickly outweigh the membership fee when purchasing items like label printers frequently.
Consider Sharing a Prime Membership
You can share a Prime account with one other adult in your household. Splitting the $139 yearly fee makes the membership even more affordable.
By combining the Prime shipping, discounts, deals and rewards perks, you can profit on printer purchases beyond the membership cost.
Brother P-Touch Electrical Templates
Brother P-touch label printers offer a variety of templates for different labeling needs. Here are some resources for finding electrical templates:
- Brother Mobile Solutions offers free safety label templates for use with PT-P900 Series or PT-E800W printers using 36mm tape to help keep workers safe.
- Brother USA provides label templates to wrap around a cable or wire in P-touch Editor 5.x. Users can select a template from the Cables & Panel icon in the Select by Use tab.
- Brother P-touch label printers can download templates from the cloud. A video tutorial on how to download templates is available on YouTube.
- Brother's website provides information for developers on how to print from Brother Label Printers, Label Writers, and Mobile Printers using P-touch Template.
- Brother EU offers a Network Infrastructure and Cable Labelling Printer Kit that includes the Cable Label Tool app to quickly create labels from pre-defined templates. Brother P-touch Editor is also available as a fully featured label design program.
Brother Labels Sizes
Brother P-touch label printers offer a variety of label sizes to suit different labeling needs. Here are some resources that provide information on Brother label sizes:
- Brother provides a chart of label sizes for their DK rolls, which are compatible with their QL and P-touch label printers. The chart includes sizes for file folder labels, multi-purpose labels, address labels, shipping labels, barcode labels, and more.
- PtouchDirect provides a guide to Brother TZe tape widths, which come in seven sizes ranging from 3.5mm to 36mm. The guide also explains the composition of Brother's laminated tape technology and why it results in durable labels that can withstand harsh conditions.
- PtouchDirect also offers a TZE Tape Guide that contains information on the size, color, and compatibility of Brother TZe tapes. The guide includes standard and metric measurements for each tape size and a chart that organizes tape sizes with compatible Brother P-touch printers.
