Types of Label Printers: Thermal, Inkjet & Laser (2024)

Thermal Transfer Label Printers

These label printers use a wax- or resin-coated ribbon to transfer ink onto labels when heated. The ribbon is sandwiched between the printhead and the label. When the printhead passes over the ribbon, it heats up the ribbon’s coating, transferring it to the label to create an image.

If you’re looking for unmatched printing quality and durability for long-term applications, thermal transfer printers are an excellent choice. They provide crisp, high-definition text, graphics and barcode printing that survives chemicals, UV light, abrasions, moisture and extreme temperatures.

Use this printing technology for labels that have to last, such as asset-tracking or barcode labels. Thermal transfer printed labels are also ideal for identifying wires and cables, where frequent upgrades and installations are needed to remain safe and compliant.

M210 Handheld Label Maker

Take on your toughest on-site labeling challenges with the M210 Label Printer. Create fast, reliable and pre-sized labels with a wide variety of material options.

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BBP37 Color and Cut Sign Label Printer

With multicolor print and shape cutting capabilities, this printer creates an impact with identification that fits your application and workspace needs.

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Direct Thermal Label Printers

These label printers use chemically treated labels that darken when heated. A heated printhead comes in direct contact with labels to produce an image. This printing method is simple and doesn’t require ink or a ribbon.

If you need labels to last 6 months or less, direct thermal printers are best. They are a great choice for one-time applications where sharp, printed images and text are read and scanned indoors.

Temporary labels are useful in a variety of applications. Popular examples include short-term tracking of products, visitor passes, inventory labels and patient wristbands. Basically, direct thermal printing is for ID that only needs to last a short time.

Inkjet Label Printers

Inkjet technology is simple, but precise. These label printers spray tiny drops of ink onto labels without the printhead actually touching the label material. The ink dots are 100 microns wide (a micron is one thousandth of a millimeter) and require precise positioning to achieve their high-quality images.

Use inkjet printing to custom-print signage and unique identification. These printers offer high-quality printing with little maintenance. Plus, they require very little time to set up and adjust.

Due to an inkjet printer’s color capabilities, it’s ideal for safety messages like arc flash and hazardous material labeling. It can also be used to mark facilities: pipe marking, directional signs and Lean/5S processes. And in labs, switching to color printing reduces errors and makes sample identification easier.

Laser Label Printers

These label printers melt toner powder onto labels to produce a print. They use an electrical charge to attract toner from its cartridge to a drum. Then, the toner particles are pressed onto labels while heat from a fuser fixes the image in place.

Laser printers work for high-speed printing. They produce a clean, professional look, especially for text-based printing. Known for efficiency and low operating costs, they are ideal for creating documents, tickets and reports.