Large Format Label Printer Buying Guide: Key Considerations

Distinguishing the Different Types of Large Format Label Printers

Although all shipping label printers do the same job, they differ in their mode of operation. Here are the different types available.

Thermal Label Printers 

Thermal shipping label printers represent the modest printing technology. Instead of using ink cartridges, these printers use heat to transfer texts and images onto labels. There are two types of thermal shipping label printers:

• Thermal transfer printers: These printers rely on a heated printhead, which heats a ribbon that then melts ink to create prints on your label.
• Direct thermal printers: As the name suggests, these printers print directly on the label paper without requiring a ribbon.

Unlike their counterparts, thermal shipping label printers aren’t multi-purpose. Their unique design specializes in printing labels only, making them more efficient in terms of speed—they can print a full batch of labels without a pause. In addition, they produce quality labels that resist fading. Lastly, these printers require little maintenance, thanks to their minimalist designs.

Laser Label Printers

Laser shipping label printers work similarly to traditional printers. They use cartridges to spread ink onto labels. Besides labels, you can also use them for other prints. Though the upfront cost of these printers is significantly lower compared to thermal shipping label printers, their long-term cost is higher as you have to replace cartridges frequently. Moreover, you can’t print in large batches because the ink can dry and cause the print quality to deteriorate. Lastly, the print quality is prone to smudges and fading.

What to Take Into Account When Choosing One

Whichever category of shipping label printers you choose to buy, you’ll find tons of models from different manufacturers. Not all printers are equal, however, so you’ll have to find one that will meet your unique business needs.

Printing Speed

The speed of your shipping label printer has a direct effect on your productivity. If you ship items in bulk, you want a printer with a printing speed of over 150mm/s or around 80 labels per minute without pause. This way, you’ll reduce delivery times, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.

In addition, a fast printer should also produce quality prints that are easily scannable and resistant to fading. The ideal print resolution is 203 DPI (Dot Per Inch) for a standard label and 300 DPI for smaller text and detailed graphics. In some cases, a high speed can produce poor-quality prints. So, it’s important to choose a shipping label printer with adjustable parameters to strike a balance between speed and quality.

Shipping Label Size

While the size of a label might seem like a minor issue, it can greatly affect your shipping process. Typically, most carrier services specify the size of the label to use for purposes of scanning, legibility, and compliance with regulations. If you fail to comply, your parcel might be returned or delayed.

When choosing your shipping label printer, it’s crucial to ensure it matches the specified size of the carrier you’ll be using. For a smooth experience, you can look for a printer that can print labels of different sizes.

Mode of Connection to Other Devices

Your shipping label printer should be compatible with other devices, whether via serial ports, USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. If you plan to share the printer with several computers, a wireless connection will be ideal because it can facilitate local printing.

Besides the mode of connection, you should also consider the drivers available in the printer. If the printer doesn’t have drivers compatible with your device, you’ll have to install separate programs.

Energy Efficiency

In a busy shipping environment, the shipping label printer can consume a significant amount of energy and increase your operation costs. Fortunately, manufacturers have introduced energy-saving features such as low-power standby modes and energy-saving LED screens in printers to reduce energy usage. Besides helping you save money, an energy-efficient shipping label printer is also environmentally friendly.

Reasons for Buying a Label Printer

Ordering labels from a print business can be a great inconvenience if items are shipped in bulk daily. The way to go is to have an in-house shipping label printer because it comes with tons of benefits.

Easy to Make Amendments

Printing mistakes are common. You might find an error in the label format or typeface. It would be unprofessional to use these labels If you’d already paid for them, and reprinting is a frustrating and costly process.

When you have an in-house shipping label printer, it’s easy to spot mistakes before printing. And even if a mistake happens, you don’t have to pay someone to rectify it. Top of Form

Printing on Demand

When outsourcing your shipping labels, you often have to order more labels than you need just in case there’s an increase in demand. In some situations, you may end up disposing of the leftover labels. Cumulatively, such wastage can add up to a significant sum that could’ve been channeled elsewhere in the business. With your in-house printer, you print the labels as and when you need them.

Improving Shipping Efficiency

With your shipping label printer, there’s zero wait time. Even if a client places a last-minute order, you can print the labels and ship their parcels in time. There’ll be no pending orders or complaints about late shipping. This will build a good business reputation for giving your customers a better experience.

Be Independent and Get Your  Label Printer

Nothing compares to the convenience of having a large format label printer for your business. You can print quality labels whenever needed and manage your production timelines efficiently. When shopping, evaluate different models to find one with features that meet your needs.

If your offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Yakima, Portland, Tri-Cities, Spokane, Bend, Salem, and Eugene need a large format label printer, the right place to start looking is Copiers Northwest. Contact us today to learn about all the available shipping label printers.