Printing Bar Codes

 

There are two main considerations in bar code printing for small businesses, first the printers the software works with and secondly the print quality. Most software can send print commands to Windows based printers, including ink jet, laser and dot matrix. Of course they are also compatible with popular thermal printers. But what is the difference? And what works the best?

Inkjet
Inkjet printers are cheap and adequate for some uses, but not bar code printing. Scanners require a high level of quality and these types of printers cannot provide consistent quality.

Laser
Laser printers can work for bar code printing, however may not be suitable for mass production. Generally, laser printers print bar codes on common sticker types like Avery, which can be purchased anywhere. So this is a good choice for a small company that only needs a limited number of stickers or it is a good choice to use as a back up, like for printing replacement stickers.

Dot Matrix
Dot matrix printers are impact type printers and are still used for things like forms with multiple copies. But they can also be used for jobs that do not require color and do not require high quality. In some rare cases they are used to print receipts that have bar codes on them, but the quality is not dependable.

Thermal Printers
Thermal transfer or label specific printers, use a thermal printhead that applies to marked heat surfaces and they are fast. Thermal printers are the best choice for high-quality label printing. Thermal printers can produce exact bar widths, which bar code scanners require.

Keep in mind that it is much easier, in most cases, to replace a printer than an enterprise version of bar code and label software. So it is a good idea to choose your printer based on your software preference to ensure compatibility.

Pamela Stevens

Pamela Stevens writes for TopTenREVIEWS.com, a review site that publishes technology and entertainment reviews.