Barcoding News
Data tracking news, product updates, tips, and more
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer
For those new to label printing, getting a handle on printing basics can be confusing especially with the new set of vocabulary you have to get familiar with. One of the biggest concerns when choosing the right kind of media and printer for your application is deciding between what type of printing, Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer, you’ll need.
Direct Thermal Media
Direct Thermal media uses a transparent heat-sensitive coating applied to its surface to image text and bar codes. When the heat from the printhead contacts the coating, it initiates a chemical reaction that turns the coating black. This method is ideal for temporary label uses like shipping labels, food packaging, or any other short term application. If your needs are are short term, Direct Thermal is the easiest and most cost effective solution.
Tips for Storing Thermal Receipt Paper
The switch over to thermal receipt paper has become commonplace across most retailers due to the cost savings and faster printing it offers. While these thermal paper receipts get us out of the store faster, there is a downside. Thermal paper receipts can fade, are sensitive to heat, and require proper storage to ensure you get the most of them.
To better understand the best way to handle thermal receipt paper it helps to know how exactly it works. Thermal paper has a special heat sensitive coating which purchase information is heat transferred onto as the paper runs through the receipt printer. The coatings can be affected by a variety of things; heat and exposure to direct sunlight being the primary problems.
ZXP Series 7 Wireless Option Now Available
Zebra’s fast and reliable ZXP Series 7 card printer now offers 802.11 b/g wireless connectivity. Using the latest in Zebra card-printing technology, the ZXP Series 7 provides professional, fast and reliable performance while offering users exceptional value by lowering the printer’s total cost of ownership. Now it’s the only product in its category to offer 802.11 b/g wireless connectivity.
Datalogic Installs 600 Mobile Computers with Automotive Safety Leader Autoliv
Datalogic has deployed more than 600 Datalogic mobile computers for automotive safety systems manufacturer, Autoliv, across its European plants.
As Autoliv has a critical requirement to combine the most advanced technologies with the highest level of quality to guarantee secure vehicles that substantially reduce traffic accidents and injuries, the company needed to optimize efficiency in production line and warehouse operations with state-of-the-art technology, fast operation, ease of use and robustness. In order to achieve this, Autoliv chose to deploy Datalogic Falcon X3, Skorpio X3 and Memor mobile computers to work with the new SAP system.
Motorola’s TC55 Now Supports Verizon and Google Mobile Services
Recognizing the needs of enterprise smartphone users to minimize user access and network interaction to only enterprise apps, Motorola has expanded its portfolio of Android-based, enterprise mobile computers with the availability of the TC55 touch computer—available for the Verizon network—along with new options for Google Mobile Services (GMS).
Designed for field service, field sales, merchandising, logistics and postal applications, the device is a complete business solution—featuring a thin design, without compromising the capabilities or durability expected from a mobile device.
Available now with three radio platforms (global HSPA+/GSM, Americas LTE/HSPA+, and Verizon LTE), the device provides global coverage to meet the 4G communication needs of businesses. By capturing bar codes, signatures, documents, photos and videos with the TC55’s suite of high-performance data capture features, mobile workers can better serve their customers and improve efficiency.
StarPRNT Utility Updated to V2.1
StarPRNT’s capabilities continue to expand with support now for Windows 8.1. The current v2.1 applies to the TSP650II, FVP-10, TSP700II, TSP800II, SP700, SP500, TUP500, and TUP900 printer lines.
StarPRNT is an all-in-one driver, configuration utility, and support package designed to make deploying your Star printers simple and easy. Preloaded with drivers and a large array of configuration setting options for the most popular Star Printers, StarPRNT provides a comfortable Graphical User Interface (GUI) to cut down installation and customization time even more. Installable in many different environments, StarPRNT offers full functionality for both 32- and 64-bit Operating Systems.
KoamTac’s New KDC20 Miniature Bluetooth Laser Barcode Scanner
KoamTac has announced the release of its new KDC20 miniature laser barcode scanner at CONNECT 2014, KoamTac’s annual partner conference. The KDC20 is the company’s most cost-efficient, stand-alone Bluetooth scanner. Equipped with a convenient swing-out USB connector, the scanner conserves consumer resources by eliminating cables and enabling the use of off-the-shelf multi-USB charging solutions.
Highly configurable, the new device includes four buttons: scan, up and down (for controlling Bluetooth connections and remotely activating soft keyboards), and a delete key. Customizable features available include, a vibrating option and an optional backup battery for the real time clock. The scanner is certified by Apple for use with iOS devices, as well as, compatible with Android, Blackberry, Mac, and Windows devices
APG Cash Drawers Product Overview Video
APG has been providing high quality cash drawers in POS systems worldwide for the past 35 years.
APG drawers offer a wide selection of options for size, interface, color, and integration options to fit into any application with any currency. Add to this their extreme durability and you have a cash drawer you can install and never worry about again.
For assistance finding the right APG cash drawer for your business, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
CAEN’s New qIDmini Keyfob Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader
CAEN RFID has announced the release of the new qIDmini, a keyfob sized Bluetooth UHF RFID reader of its easy2read family.
The qIDmini (Model R1170I) has an integrated antenna suited for short to medium range applications and, thanks to the Bluetooth communication interface, it is a perfect UHF RFID add-on for any Bluetooth enabled host such as a PC, a smartphone, a PDA or a tablet. The reader is compatible with Windows XP/7, Windows CE/Mobile, Android, iPhone and iPad.
It can operate both in wired mode, using a USB cable, or in wireless mode through the Bluetooth interface. The reader can also operate in “Batch Mode”, allowing to store EPC codes into the internal memory when the communication link (USB or Bluetooth) is not available.
Zebra’s New QLn Healthcare Series Portable Printers
Zebra has announced updates to its comprehensive healthcare portfolio, including its mobile specimen collection solution. The addition of the QLn Healthcare Solutions Series will expand the capabilities of the QLn220 and QLn320 mobile printers that ensure patient safety and lower the risk of mislabeling specimen samples. The QLn220 Healthcare and QLn320 Healthcare meet the specimen labeling standards of both the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) and the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI).
Misidentification of specimen samples leads to tens of thousands of adverse events annually throughout the healthcare system. To battle this alarming trend, Zebra developed the QLn Healthcare printer to enable clinicians to label samples at the patient’s bedside, reducing the chance of error. The QLn solution also utilizes colored labels to provide assurance that labels are easily identified and managed quickly and properly. The QLn devices meet comprehensive disinfectant standards and provide an enhanced user experience and connectivity capabilities that are needed in today’s healthcare industry.
