Compared to a laser or inkjet printer, thermal based barcode label printers are a much more economical option to create high quality labels and tags. These printers can create single labels instead of on whole sheets that are not really suitable for on-demand printing . In the long run, thermal barcode printers require less maintenance, have less expensive media, and print faster while maintaining excellent print quality.

Finding the right printer for your needs, however, can be challenge with all the available models and options.

The next 4 questions will help make the decision process easier and get you closer to best printer for your needs.

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Thermal label printers may only be able to print with a single color ribbon roll but this doesn’t mean you’re stuck with black only.  A variety of colored ribbons are available for almost every printer model in wax, wax/resin, or resin rolls.  However, when you start using lighter colors of ribbon (red, yellow, pink), the printer will sometimes have difficulty sensing that a ribbon is installed properly. Most printers just need a little calibration to get up and running.

Zebra printers are some of the most commonly used label printers today and the ZM400, ZM600, and S4M are a few of the more popular models.  Follow these steps from the front control panel on the printer to configure it to handle any color of ribbon with ease

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