Industrial printers are large, durable Bar Code printers designed to handle a high volume labels or tags (up to 20,000 or more).

Office Bar Code printers are designed with a low to medium volume of labels or tags in mind (up to 1,000 or more). Office printers have a smaller footprint, to take up less desktop space than industrial printers, and are usually manufactured with less metal in the case.

Portable printers are lightweight, battery-powered Bar Code printers designed for a low to medium volume of labels or tags. They come with a variety of communication options, and both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing are available, depending on the printer model.

Symbologies Most printers can print nearly all of the commonly used symbologies. Many also offer the option of selecting the specific symbology you use.

What is a Bar Code? Click for a complete explanation of how Bar Codes work.

Ribbon Types Ribbons are used for thermal transfer printers and come in several types and sizes.

Labels Two main types of labels are used for Bar Code printers: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Thermal transfer labels are used in printers that use a ribbon. Direct thermal labels are specially treated to turn dark when heat is applied.