Five Things You Must Know About Thermal Label Printers

As a business owner, you want to find ways to make your operations more efficient and cost-effective. One of the options you may consider is a thermal printer. But thermal label printers are not made equal. They are available in various sizes, options, and print resolutions. Thankfully, here are some facts you should know about thermal label printers that can help you pick the right thermal printer for you and the TSC thermal printer supplies it needs. 

A Thermal Label Printer Does Not Use Ink

The best thing about using a thermal printer is that you can minimize your ongoing expenses. For a lot of businesses, printer ink can quickly become a substantial cost. Thankfully, a thermal label printer does not use ink. Because the labels contain the dye, the printer doesn’t require any ink, ribbon, or toner. Thermal labels are cheaper than printer ink, saving you money in the long run.

A Thermal Label Printer Can Print in Color

When it comes to thermal label printers, you choose between direct thermal printers and thermal transfer printers. Most label printers are monochrome printers that can only print black and white labels. But if you want to invest in a specialty printer for particular jobs, you must consider thermal printers that can print a single color or full-blow photography-grade prints that have a full-color range. 

Special Paper Maybe Needed

The kind of paper that a label printer requires depends on its brand and kind. Generally, you must use special paper for printing with a thermal printer. This printer activates thermal paper impregnated with a heat-responsive dye. Although this paper is cheap, some printer brands require the use of their own labels and thermal paper to keep the warranty valid. But if you want to save money, you can opt for generically branded options for a thermal printer. 

The Lifespan of Your Thermal Printer

Typically, a thermal printer’s lifespan depends on its print head. If the print head is cleaned regularly, it can create more than a million high-quality labels. Usually, when the print head fails, the print quality is reduced over time, leaving creases or gaps in the labels. 

A Thermal Printer Can be Cleaned

Cleaning a thermal printer does not need to be a tedious task. If you want your printer to maintain its shape and function, clean the print head after each roll of labels. Use a soft brush for removing dust and dirt from the print head. Then, remove any leftover dirt or oils with an alcohol wipe.