There are a number of factors to take into consideration when looking to purchase the best thermal printer for your needs. Bixolon offers two types: direct thermal and thermal transfer printers. Each method uses thermal print heads that apply the head to the surface being marked.
We explain the difference between the thermal printer types.
Thermal transfer label printers use a digital thermal printing method that produces durable, long-lasting printed images on a wide variety of media by applying heat & melting a coating of thermal transfer ribbon onto the printed material.
With the ability to accept a wide range of heat sensitive media including paper, polyester, and polypropylene materials, these devices can print durable wristbands, asset tags, specialised labels, barcodes, tickets, and more. This thermal transfer technology process, method or technique is used for all long life/long-term markings like asset tags, inventory labels, thermal shipping label printer applications, outdoor, freezer applications, and more.
The XQ-840II is a two-in-one stand-alone labelling solution, featuring an 8-inch Android tablet embedded onto a 4-inch (118mm) Direct Thermal desktop label printer. Supporting a
Direct thermal label printing is where the inked ribbon is removed from the process so media is more light sensitive, heat sensitive and sensitive to abrasions thus reducing its life expectancy of the printed product. This is mainly used where the low shelf life is not a disadvantage and it is especially important to print at low cost. Typical areas of application are tickets, cash register receipts, luggage tags, event tickets, thermal label printer solutions for shipping labels, pic labels, name tags, and visitor passes in hospitality and many different industries.
BIXOLON’s range of 2” and 4” desktop label printers offer either thermal transfer label printer functionality or direct thermal label printer printing to produce labels of high-quality for printed tickets, wristbands, and more.
Our range of POS printers, Label printers and Mobile print devices allow high-quality printing of tickets and receipts. Producing high-quality text and graphics including logos, barcodes, QR codes and more in up to 203dpi print resolution. A number of our range of printers include Bluetooth and wireless thermal label printer options with Wi-Fi connectivity.
To find the best thermal label printer for your organisation, simply browse below or call our European team on +49 211 68 78 54 0. You can learn more by contacting us online.
BIXOLON Printer Brand Range of Thermal Printers: both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printers
The lifespan of a thermal printer depends on factors such as usage, maintenance, and operating environment. On average, a well-maintained thermal printer can last between 5 to 10 years. BIXOLON’S thermal printers are designed for durability and high performance, with regular maintenance helping to extend their operational life. For specific product details, you can explore our thermal printers range above.
Yes, thermal printers are widely considered a smart choice for many businesses across the UK and Europe, particularly those involved in retail, hospitality, logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare. Their popularity stems from a combination of reliability, low running costs, and excellent print speeds. Unlike inkjet or laser printers, thermal printers don’t rely on ink or toner. Instead, they use heat to create text or images on specialist paper or other media, which means there’s no need to worry about changing cartridges or dealing with messy refills. This not only reduces maintenance but also helps lower the total cost of ownership over time.
Thermal printers are especially useful for high – volume label and receipt printing, where speed and consistency are critical. They operate quickly and quietly, which makes them ideal for point – of – sale environments or back – office operations where noise levels and turnaround times matter. Direct thermal models are often used for shipping labels and receipts, while thermal transfer versions are better suited to tasks that demand durability and resistance to fading, such as barcode labels or asset tags.
It’s worth noting, though, that direct thermal printing has some limitations. Because it relies on heat – sensitive paper, the printed output can fade when exposed to light, heat, or chemicals. For applications that require a longer lifespan, like outdoor labelling or archiving, a thermal transfer printer is generally the better choice. Overall, thermal printers are an excellent investment for organisations looking for fast, fuss – free printing with minimal upkeep.
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