Aktion: 2 Jahre Wartung gratis sichern!
Mehr erfahren
Barcode printer
Label printers for printing barcodes on labels
A barcode printer is a specialised printing device used to print barcode labels.
These printers provide an efficient and accurate method of labelling products, packaging and other goods with machine-readable barcodes. Barcode printers are essential in a range of industries, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, retail and pharmaceuticals, where accurate and automated product tracking is required.
How barcode printers work
Barcode printers enable the customised creation of barcode labels. These printers work with different printing technologies, the most common of which are thermal printing and thermal transfer printing. The choice of printing method depends on the specific requirements of the label, the environment and the durability of the barcode.
Printing technologies in barcode printing
Thermal printers
Thermal printers are the most commonly used barcode printers and belong to the thermal printer category. They use heat to transfer the image to the label. The thermal printing process can be divided into two main types:
direct thermal printing
Direct thermal printing uses a specially coated label material that changes colour when it comes into contact with heat, thus creating the desired barcode. This method is particularly cost-effective and is well suited for printing labels that do not require long-term durability, as the printing ink can fade when exposed to direct sunlight or temperature changes.
Thermal transfer printing
Thermal transfer printing uses a thermal transfer ribbon that is transferred to the label by heat. This method is particularly durable and is suitable for labels that are exposed to extreme conditions such as chemicals, temperature fluctuations or mechanical stress. The colour remains even under heavy use and offers greater resistance compared to direct thermal printing.
Industrial applications of barcode printers
Barcode printers are used in a wide range of applications in industrial production and logistics. They enable the efficient identification, tracking and management of products and goods.
Thermal and thermal transfer processes in industry
In industry, barcode printers usually use thermal printing or thermal transfer technology. These printing methods ensure the high print speed and print quality required in high-throughput production environments.
Use of colour ribbons in thermal transfer printing
Ink ribbons play a crucial role in thermal transfer printing. These ink ribbons are available in different colours and materials to print different types of labels. They are inserted into the printer and transfer the colour to the label through the applied heat. This technology is particularly advantageous when barcodes need to be applied in outdoor environments or on hard materials such as metal or plastic.
Advanced barcode printer features
Some barcode printers come with advanced features that go beyond simply printing a barcode. These features are particularly useful for automated manufacturing and warehousing.
Numbering and date printing
Numbering features
Barcode printers are often equipped with a numbering function that automatically integrates serial numbers or batch numbers into the barcode. This function ensures that each label receives a unique identification number, which is very important in production processes, for traceability and for quality assurance.
Date printing and best-before date
In sectors such as the food industry or the pharmaceutical industry, it is important to display data such as the best-before date on the labels. Barcode printers are able to automatically determine the current date and calculate it using a specified offset function and print it on the label. This automation reduces the human effort involved and minimises sources of error.
Barcode printer applications
Warehouse logistics and inventory management
Barcode printers are used in warehouse logistics to label products and ensure efficient inventory management. The barcode enables fast identification and automated reconciliation of goods, minimising the manual effort involved in inventory and stock tracking.
Packaging industry
The use of barcode printers is also widespread in the packaging industry. Here, barcodes are applied to packaging to enable accurate tracking of production batches, expiration dates and product variants. By linking barcodes to production databases, companies can ensure accurate batch tracking and quality control.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, barcode printers are essential to ensure that each product is correctly identified and that all legal requirements for product labelling are met. The readability and durability of the barcodes are of the utmost importance to ensure error-free batch tracking and product distribution.
Leading barcode printer manufacturers
A well-known manufacturer of barcode printers is Zebra Technologies, a global leader in printing technology and labelling solutions. Zebra offers a wide range of barcode printers suitable for both industrial and smaller applications.
Bluhm Systeme GmbH is an authorised partner company of Zebra and offers comprehensive advice and services for barcode printers, including installation, maintenance and training. With this partnership, companies can access high-quality printing technology that is optimised for their specific requirements.
Conclusion
Barcode printers are an indispensable technology for efficiently labelling and managing products in various industries. With innovative printing technologies and advanced functionality, these printers provide a precise and durable solution for generating barcodes that are crucial for traceability, inventory control and quality assurance.
