Printhead

Learn what a printhead is, its purpose and how Weber Marking Systems can help you implement it!

A printhead is the component of a printer responsible for turning digital data into an actual, physical marking. More specifically, a printhead works by applying ink or heat onto a surface (e.g., paper, plastic, fabric) to form what we call a label printing or marking.

Printheads are usually grouped into one of the following categories:

• Inkjet printheads: these printheads are frequently seen in industrial environments; they have thousands of microscopic nozzles built in which, using electric pulses or localized heat, apply incredibly small liquid ink droplets onto a surface.

• Thermal printheads: these printheads are frequently used to print a wide variety of labels, including barcodes or shipping labels; they work by either melting off a resin or wax ribbon onto a surface (in which case we talk about thermal transfer printing) or using tiny heating elements to produce a reaction on a heat-sensitive surface (in which case we talk about direct thermal printing).

Industrial labeling faces challenges far beyond the obstacles encountered in small-scale printing. In large-scale industrial labeling, factors like labeling speed, printing quality or variable data printing play a very important role.

Fortunately, modern industrial printheads can help overcome these challenges. In particular, they can:

• Print variable data (meaning information that changes with every single product or item) in the blink of an eye.

• Ensure a fast production cycle. In the industrial world, printheads are part of larger label printers integrated into the production chain. There is no need to break the production cycle by moving products away from the manufacturing chain.

• They offer an astonishing print quality and can be used to print all sorts of elements (e.g., text, codes, images, logos).

Weber Marking Systems is a world-wide renown expert for all things related to labeling or marking. Our industrial labeling printers are powered by state-of-the-art printheads which will deliver the results that you are looking for. Just get in touch with us and let us find a solution that fits your needs!