We all recognize a barcode when we see one, but knowledge of the barcode or thermal printer behind that prints these barcodes is less common. Think of the last time you purchased cold cuts from a local delicatessen or supermarket and saw the barcode label sealing the package, this label was printed on a barcode / thermal printer.
Ever order something through the Internet and receive it in labeled box? These shipping labels were printed by a barcode or thermal printer as well.
In a nutshell, thermal barcode printers take blank or partially preprinted labels and print variable information on them which often includes a scannable barcode.
So what is a Thermal Transfer or Barcode Printer?
A Thermal Transfer printer is sometimes referred to as a barcode printer; which is a non-impact printer that uses heat to register an impression on paper or a thin film material. A thermal transfer printer has a print head containing many small resistive heating pins or cells that on contact, depending on the type of thermal transfer printer, melt wax-based ink onto ordinary paper or burn dots onto special coated paper.
A microprocessor determines which individual heating pins are heated to produce the printed image. The print head spans the entire width of the paper or medium to be printed on. Thermal transfer printers are popular for printing bar codes, labels, price tags, and other specialty print jobs. There are two types of thermal transfer printers: direct thermal and thermal transfer.
There are countless applications for thermal printing from healthcare to ticketing. We here at Apogee Industries service more of the B2B applications such as manufacturing, warehousing and shipping / distribution applications.
Apogee is an authorized distributor for SATO thermal printers. SATO is a Japanese brand printer that is recognized as one of the best in the world. They are considered as the “Toyota” of thermal printers, with a worldwide brand and outstanding value with unsurpassed dependability.
Apogee goes beyond providing thermal printers:
• Installation help: Apogee will install, set up and train you on your thermal printing needs working with you directly or with third party integrator.
• Service & Repair: Apogee not only sells parts, we are one of the few label companies to repair and refurbish your printer.
• Spares: If you are stuck and can’t afford downtime we will swap you a spare while we fix your old printer.
• Label Recommendation and Printing: Since Apogee is primarily a label printer we will help you make the best decision on your label or tag needs – we KNOW what works!!
With high quality products and considerate service, we will work together with you to enhance your business and improve the efficiency. Please don't hesitate to contact us to get more details of industrial barcode printer.