Barcode Printer

A barcode printer (or bar code printer) is a computer peripheral for printing barcode labels or tags that can be fond of to physical objects. Barcode printers are normally used to label cartons before shipment, or to label retail items with UPCs or EANs.

The most regular barcode printers employ one of two different printing technologies. Direct thermal printers use a printhead to produce heat that causes a chemical reaction in specially designed paper that turns the paper black. Thermal transfer printers also use heat, but instead of reacting the paper, the heat melts a waxy or resin material on a ribbon that runs over the label or tag material. The heat transfers ink starting the ribbon to the paper. Direct thermal printers are normally less expensive, but they produce labels that can become illegible if exposed to heat, direct sunlight, or chemical vapors.

Barcode printers are designed for various markets. Industrial barcode printers are used in big warehouses and manufacturing facilities. They have big paper capacities, operate faster and have a longer service life. For retail and office environments, desktop barcode printers are most regular.