Label quality
Picking the right hardware for printing labels is no easy task. There are many such printers available on the market it’s difficult not to get lost in all the offers manufacturers present to us. Above all else, we need to find a printer suited to our business’ needs. It would be wise to consider factors such as label size or quality and quantity of printouts. Even the way we put the roll of labels in the printer is a factor.
What we care about is essential
We can print them thermally or via thermal transfer. Printheads have several possible widths, from 2 to 8 inches, which is why it is important we use a device that suits our needs. It’s the printheads that are responsible for the quality and readability of the label. The most popular resolutions are 203 and 300 dpi and in most applications, such resolutions are sufficient. However, for more precise tasks involving applying small 2D codes, 600 dpi printheads are the optimal solution. Brands such as GoDEX or Zebra Technologies offer such models. Whether it’s in high-volume projects or projects requiring high fidelity, the Godex ZX1600i industrial printer can handle that. Thanks to its’ 600 dpi printer head it can handle specialized labels. In addition, it’s highly durable and has no problems withstanding the hardships of harsh environments such as warehouses or manufacturing facilities. Meanwhile, the ZT600 series printers provide an incredibly simple configuration and exceptional efficiency. The ZT610 model offers three resolutions to choose from (203, 300, and 600 dpi), a maximum speed of 356mm/s and a print width of 104mm.
If we are searching for a device with a higher print width, it is worth considering the ZT620 model, which guarantees a whopping 168mm. Another important aspect which influences the flow of processes and task completion speed is how quickly labels can be generated. The Brother TJ-4520TN model allows the user to print with a speed of 305mm/s at a 300dpi resolution and represents an ideal solution to creating labels containing 1D or 2D codes. A durable build guarantees continuous operation, stopping only when it’s time to resupply it.
Bar codes or RFID tags?
RFID tags are growing in popularity nowadays, and they have become an alternative to standard bar codes. Thanks to them, product identification is done from a distance via a remote scan. Such a method certainly minimizes the risk of erroneous data registration and hastens the scanning process. The XD5-40tR allows for tag printing using UHF RFID technology and it also has coding functions. Other than that, the Bixolon brand device offers an all-in-one interface, meaning USB + USB Host + Serial + Ethernet and optionally Bluetooth and WLAN. Printing labels of the desired quality that is close to the original isn’t just a matter of picking the right printer, but also properly applying the label on the product. That is a task for the GoDEX AG4000T pneumatic applicator, which allows for real time labeling of assorted goods and packaging. It can print and apply labels in robotic systems automatically or semi automatically, adapting to the type of production line. In order to ensure labels are sturdy and can last a long time, it’s important to purchase the best quality label rolls that can withstand the rays of the sun, low temperature, or moisture.
Original article by Adrian Szczepanik, marketing specialist at Koncept-L
~źródło: Nowoczesny Magazyn nr 4 (142) Sierpień-Wrzesień 2022
Translated by Mateusz Rudnicki
