Barcode Printers

Most modern printers are capable of printing barcodes. Barcodes are simply a representation of data in a machine-readable format, and printers are designed to reproduce various types of data, including barcodes.

There are different types of barcodes such as the widely used UPC (Universal Product Code) and EAN (European Article Number) barcodes, as well as QR codes and other 2D barcodes. Each barcode type has its own specifications and requirements, but many printers have the capability to print multiple barcode formats.

To print barcodes, specific barcode fonts or software are often used, which convert the encoded data into a visual representation. These fonts or software are typically installed on the computer connected to the printer. The printer then reproduces the barcode as an image or a series of lines and spaces.

It is worth noting that the print quality and resolution of the printer can impact the scannability of the barcode. If the barcode is printed poorly or with low resolution, it may not be readable by barcode scanners. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the printer used has sufficient print quality for clear and accurate barcode reproduction.

A barcode printer and a standard desktop printer have distinct differences in their functionality and purpose. While both are used for printing, they serve different requirements.

A “normal printer” is a general-purpose device primarily used for printing documents, images, and other visual content. It is designed to reproduce text and graphics with high resolution and colour accuracy. Normal printers typically connect to a computer or network and utilise inkjet, laser, or other printing technologies to produce high-quality output on various types and sizes of paper.

On the other hand, a barcode printer is specifically designed for printing barcodes and labels. It focuses on producing precise and accurate barcode images that can be easily read by barcode scanners. Barcode printers use thermal printing technology, either direct thermal or thermal transfer, to create durable and scannable barcodes on labels or tags.

Barcode printers often have additional features like specialised software for barcode creation, adjustable label printing options, and compatibility with different barcode types. They are commonly used in industries such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, where barcodes are essential for inventory management, tracking, and identification purposes.

When it comes to finding the best thermal printer for barcode labels, reliability, print quality, and flexibility are key. Whether you’re labelling inventory, managing shipping logistics, or handling retail stock, a high-performance thermal barcode printer can streamline your operations and reduce long-term costs.

BIXOLON offers a diverse range of thermal barcode printers that cater to both direct thermal and thermal transfer requirements. Direct thermal printers are excellent for fast, short-term label printing – ideal for shipping labels or receipts – because they don’t require ink or ribbons. For more durable, long-lasting labels that can withstand handling, light, and heat, thermal transfer printers are a better fit, using a wax or resin ribbon to produce crisp, long-lasting prints.

Among BIXOLON’s standout options, the XD3-40 Series strikes a solid balance between cost-effectiveness and everyday performance. It supports both print methods, features a compact desktop design, and is ideal for small-to-medium label printing needs. If you’re looking for something more robust, the XD5-40 Series offers faster print speeds, value added features, greater memory, and broader connectivity – including USB, Serial, Ethernet, and optional WLAN/Bluetooth, making it ideal for more complex workflows. Alternatively for high volume labelling applications, the XT5-40 Series is an industrial grade label printer with the capacity for a larger media roll, supporting high print resolutions of up to 600dpi and speeds of up to 14ips making it the perfect solution for high volume, mission critical labelling applications where precision printing for barcodes, QR codes and text is key.

BIXOLON printers are also compatible with major operating systems like Windows®, Android™, and iOS™, and support a wide range of programming languages, which makes them easy to integrate into your existing POS or warehouse management systems.

Ultimately, the best thermal printer for barcode labels will depend on your environment and application, but with BIXOLON’s versatile range, there’s a model to match nearly every industry need. Whether you’re labelling in a warehouse, pharmacy, retail stockroom or shipping bay, BIXOLON printers deliver the speed, quality, and reliability you need to keep things running smoothly.