Label printers are printers that are specially designed for printing individual labels.

As a rule, label printers have an interface, which means that individual data, such as lot numbers, can be taken from ongoing production or from a database. The labels are then individually printed with this information.

In the industrial sector, direct thermal and thermal transfer printing are the two most extended processes used by label printers. However, label printers using inkjet printing technology are also common practice.

Label printers have standard functions that are not known from conventional desktop printers. A so-called numerator, for example, automatically counts a specific numerical value inside the printer with each printed label. The date offset feature, on the other hand, automatically determines and prints best-before dates, something quite helpful in the packaging industry.

Another interesting feature of label printers is field linking. This feature enables multiple data to be linked within the same label. For example, a barcode can be printed which is made up of different data stored on the label. This could include weight information, date of manufacture or any other alphanumeric characters.

Which label printer is the right one for you naturally depends on the planned application.

If you only wish to print labels and then apply them manually, a normal printer equipped with the right label software is usually enough. However, if you need a ruffed industrial printer, the CL4NX from SATO could be the right choice.

If, on the other hand, you want to combine label printing and application into one single effort, purchasing a label printer and dispenser would be the recommended solution. These labeling machines are able to print the labels and then apply them on the desired products. As a result, a lot of time is saved and products can be dispatched faster.