Print Barcodes

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

Thermal transfer printers also use heat to print barcodes 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 are used to print barcodes quickly and efficiently.