Barcode Printing

Barcode printing involves the implementation of a specialist style of printer to produce barcodes for labels and tags to be attached to physical objects.  In barcode printing there are currently two common techniques used by barcode printers, namely direct thermal barcode printing and thermal transfer barcode printing. In direct thermal printers, the heated print head causes a chemical reaction in specially designed paper that turns it black.

Thermal transfer barcode printers also use heat but do not react directly with the paper. Instead, the heat melts a waxy substance on a ribbon running over the label or tag. The heat then transfers ink from the ribbon to the paper. Direct thermal barcode printing is cheap, but the resulting labels can become illegible if exposed to heat or chemical vapours.

Industrial barcode printing machines are often used in warehouses and factories. They have large paper capacities, operate faster and have a longer service life than their retail and office counterparts. In smaller premises desktop barcode printing equipment tends to be most commonly used.