Barcodes are perhaps the least interesting part of label design, but they’re also one of the most important. Your barcode needs to be clear, allowing sales personnel to scan the product quickly with the fewest number of errors. Here are four factors to consider when selecting a barcode printer:
1. Print method
There are a lot of different types of printers out there, but there are three that are typically better suited for barcodes: direct thermal printing, thermal transfer printing and ink jet printing. Laser printers can also be used, but are inefficient in short runs and often have difficulty printing on synthetic media, which is sometimes a requirement, depending on the product type.
Direct thermal applies heat on a coated label, activating the ink on it and producing the desired image. It is a relatively inexpensive method, as there are no inks. Toners or ribbons require, but it is less durable that of other techniques. The special paper is highly sensitive to sunlight, heat and moisture and is susceptible to smudging and scratching. It is a good option for specific products. But not the best choice for those that may be subject to those kinds of conditions.
Thermal transfer applies heat to a ribbon coated with wax, resin or some combination of the two. The heat melts that coating onto the paper, producing the image. This is usually the most expensive option, but it is the most durable, producing a barcode that can withstand any conceivable sales environment. It also has more color variations than direct thermal, which is usually limit to just black or a second color.
Ink jet uses ink to produce a series of dots arranged in such a way to create an image. These dots are tiny, thinner than a human hair, so it takes a lot of them to form a single image, leading to the resolution standard of dots per inch, or dpi. These printers work well in some instances, but can be costly to maintain. Also, the ink tends to run on certain media, so it may not always be an effective choice for barcodes.
2. Print resolution
To talk about resolution, it is first important to understand how barcodes work. Barcode scanners shine a light at the barcode, which is then reflected back into the scanner. So that the computer can interpret the code. The spaces in between the bars, which are typically white, reflect the most light, and therefore are what the scanner actually reads.
Because of this, it is important that the black lines, the area which is typically print. reflect as little light as possible. The lower the resolution of the printer. the more the light from the black lines will be reflect. Back into the scanner, resulting in a misreading. While 200 dpi printers may work in some cases, a 300 dpi printer is safer minimum.
3. Label size
Have you ever seen a large ad on the street, looked at it up close and it doesn’t look the same? That’s because the ad was meant to be see from further away. Printing that ad so that it could hold up under closer scrutiny will needlessly increase printing costs.
A similar thing happens with label printing. If your label is design for a certain size, the printer needs to be able to accommodate that. Both in terms of physical size and resolution. Smaller labels require smaller printers with a higher dpi capacity, and vice versa.
4. Print volume
To be as cost efficient as possible, it is best to align your printer’s volume with your production volume. If you have a printer that can handle high volume amounts but your production is on a smaller scale, you’ll be spending too much on your printing costs, and vice versa. Understand your needs and then pick the printer to best suit them.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of taking your company’s food labeling strategy and design into your own hands. We sell color label printers and other necessities for implementing a strategy that gets people talking about your fantastic label designs.
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