1. The working principle of the barcode printer

Barcode printers can be divided into two printing methods: direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing. 

(1) Direct thermal printing

It refers to the heat generated when the print head is heated, which is transferred to the thermal paper to discolor it, thus printing text and images. 

Features: light machine, clear printing, cheap consumables, poor handwriting preservation, easy to change color in the sun.

(2) Thermal transfer printing

Heat is generated by the current in the resistor of the print head and is heated to transfer the toner coating on the carbon tape to paper or other materials.

Features: Due to the choice of carbon materials, labels printed with different materials can stand the test of time and will not be deformed for a long time. The text can be stored for a long time, not easy to wear and tear, not easy to deform and change color, etc., which is very convenient for users to use.

2. The classification of the barcode printer 

(1) Mobile barcode printer

Using a mobile printer, you can generate labels, receipts, and simple reports on a lightweight, durable printer. Mobile printers reduce time waste, improve accuracy and can be used anywhere.

(2) Desktop barcode printer

Desktop barcode printers are generally plastic sleeve printers. They can print labels as wide as 110mm or 118mm. If you don’t need to print more than 2,500 labels per day, they are ideal for low-volume labels and confined Spaces.

(3) Industrial barcode printer

If you need a barcode printer to work in a dirty warehouse or workshop, you need to consider an industrial barcode printer. Printing speed, high resolution, can work in harsh conditions, strong adaptability, printing head than ordinary commercial machines durable, long service life, quality is relatively stable, so according to these advantages of the printer, if the printing volume is large, should be given priority to.

How to choose a barcode printer you like:

1. The number of printing

If you need to print about 1000 labels every day, it is recommended that you buy ordinary desktop barcode printer, desktop machine paper capacity and carbon belt capacity is small, the product shape is small, very suitable for office.

2. Label width

Print width refers to the maximum width range that the barcode printer can print. A large width can print a small label, but a small width is definitely not able to print a large label. The standard barcode printers have a 4 inch print range, as well as 5 inch, 6 inch and 8 inch widths. The general choice of 4 inch printer is enough to use.

WINPAL currently has 5 kinds of 4 inch printers: WP300E, WP300D, WPB200, WP-T3A, WP300A.

3. Printing speed

The printing speed of the general barcode printer is 2-6 inches per second, and the printer with higher speed can print 8-12 inches per second. If you need to print a large number of labels in a short time, the printer with high speed is more suitable. WINPAL printer can print at speeds ranging from 2 inch to 12 inch.

4. Printing quality

The printing resolution of the barcode machine is generally divided into 203 DPI, 300 DPI and 600 DPI. High-resolution printers mean the sharper the labels you print out, the better the display.

WINPAL barcode printers support 203 DPI or 300 DPI resolutions, which completely meet your needs.

5. Printing commands

Printers have their own machine language, the vast majority of barcode printers on the market can only use one printing language, can only use their own printing commands.

WINPAL barcode printer support a variety of printing commands, such as TSPL, EPL, ZPL, DPL etc.

6. Printing interface

The interface of barcode printer generally have  PARALLEL port, SERIAL port, USB port and LAN port. But most printers have only one of these interfaces. If you print through a specified interface, use a printer with that interface.

WINPAL barcode printer also supports Bluetooth and WiFi interfaces, making print easier.