Selecting a Thermal Label Printer on Amazon.com

A thermal label printer, also known as a label maker or thermal printer, is a desktop-size printer that can print labels, postage tags, receipts, and other similarly sized media for shipping or packaging. Direct thermal and thermal transfer label printers use heat to print on coated thermal paper, which makes them suitable for accurate, high-precision printing of designs such as bar codes where tight tolerances are required. This type of printer is typically smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient than a dot-matrix printer that uses ink. Its compact size allows installation in areas with limited space, and most styles include an automatic cutter to create custom-size labels.

Thermal label printers may have a parallel, serial, or USB port that allows them to be connected to a computer. Some printers include an Ethernet port or wireless capabilities that enable them to be connected to a computer network for printing without being tethered to a computer. Manufacturer-designed software is usually included with the printer, and many printers are compatible with Windows-based programs. Some wireless printers are enabled to work with smartphones and can print via application download.

Thermal label printers have several specifications that define their performance capabilities, including resolution, memory, print speed, print width, print length, label width, maximum roll diameter, core diameter, compatible media types, media thickness, operating temperature, and voltage and frequency. Label printers can be used in a variety of commercial environments, including warehouses, laboratories, retail stores, health care facilities, and shipping and receiving facilities. Major manufacturers include Zebra and Brother.