Barcode Printer

A barcode printer is a specialised type of printer that is able to produce barcodes with can then be read by a barcode scanner. A barcode printer is a commonly used item in shops and in factories which manufacture packaging.

There are two types of barcode printer that are commonly used in the retail industry, direct thermal printers and thermal transfer printers. Both types of barcode printer used heat to produce their results. Direct thermal barcode printers will have specialised printer heads that will cause a chemically treated paper to turn black, however this method is generally yields a lower quality result, although they are cheaper. A thermal transfer barcode print also makes use of heat, but instead it will use heat to melt a specialised resin which is then transferred to the paper.

The technology used in barcode printers and scanners is now very commonplace and as a result the cost of it has reduced significantly since it first became available. A barcode printed can now be purchased for as little as one hundred and fifty pounds, which is ideal for small businesses and shops that need to print their own barcodes. Also, small manufacturing companies who wish to barcode their products would be able to make effective use of an inexpensive barcode printer.

A barcode printer can be bought from a number of retailers. Office supply shops such as the chain Staples will be able to provide their customers with a barcode printer. They will also be available from a number of online retailers.