Label printers

Label printers - how do you choose the best one for your needs?

Choosing the right label printer is one of those decisions that can make a real difference to your business, whatever its size. A well-chosen device not only means faster labelling, but also better warehouse organisation, professional-looking products and time savings. Feeling lost in a jungle of models and technologies? Rest assured, you are in the right place. We have prepared a comprehensive guide to help you understand the key differences and make an informed choice. As experts with years of experience, we are happy to share our knowledge and provide support at every stage.

We have the knowledge and experience of Zebra, Sato, Honeywell, Godex, TSC, Brother printers to advise you as best we can.

How do you choose a label printer? Key criteria

Before you start looking at specific models, answer some basic questions. This will help narrow down your search to the devices that will best meet your needs.

Application: Where will the printer work? In a quiet office, at the back of a shop, or perhaps in a noisy and dusty warehouse? This will determine, among other things, the required durability of the housing.
Volume and productivity: How many labels do you plan to print per day? A few dozen, a few hundred or maybe a few thousand? Desktop models are great for smaller volumes, while semi-industrial and industrial printers are built for continuous heavy-duty use.
Type and durability of labels: Do you need labels that will last a few days (e.g. courier labels) or perhaps a few years, being resistant to moisture, sun and abrasion (e.g. product markings, nameplates)? The answer to this question is crucial to the choice of printing technology.
Connectivity and integration: How do you want to connect the printer? Is standard USB sufficient, or do you need the flexibility of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or integration into your corporate network via an Ethernet port?

Thermal or thermal transfer printers - what's the difference?

This is the most important technological decision you will face. Both technologies use heat but the choice of a particular type then determines the applicability of each specific type of label, which in turn influences its durability and use.

Thermal printers

These work by directly heating a special heat-sensitive raw material. This is usually paper, but we also offer synthetic or foil thermal labels, which are resistant to moisture. This can be compared to the operation of a fiscal receipt - where the head touches the paper, a black print appears.

Advantages: Simple operation (no additional consumables other than labels), lower running costs, quiet operation.
Disadvantages: Prints are sensitive to UV light and heat (fades over time), limited resistance to abrasion, printing only on special thermal paper.
Ideal for: Courier labels, tickets, short life cycle signage.

Thermal transfer printers

They use a colour ribbon (carbon paper) which transfers colour to the surface of the label when exposed to heat from the print head. This is the technology that provides the ultimate in durability.

Advantages: Highly durable and resistant to abrasion, UV radiation and chemicals, possibility of printing on various materials (paper, foil, polyester), printing in various colours (using coloured ribbons).
Disadvantages: Higher running cost (need to purchase colour ribbons), slightly more complex replacement of materials.
Ideal for: Product marking, fixed assets, nameplates, stock labels and anywhere where long-term legibility is important.

Feature	Thermal printer	Thermal transfer printer
Print durability	Low (fades over time)	Very high (resistant to conditions)
Consumables	Thermal labels only	Labels + ribbons (ribbons)
Operating cost	Lower	Higher
Resistance	Low (light, heat)	High (abrasion, chemical, UV)
Examples of applications	Courier labels, receipts	Product labels, nameplates

Inkjet printers

Similar to thermal transfer and thermal transfer printers, these printers allow white labels to be printed on a roll. However, the printing itself takes place in a completely different way. It does not use a high-temperature print head, but rather a print head that feeds ink of the appropriate colour from cartridges, as is the case with typical desktop printers. With such a printer, your white labels can be transformed into full-colour printed labels, according to your current needs, design or order. Our white ink labels are suitable for Epson Colorworks, Primera Afinia, Kiaro, Memjet and other printers.

Advantages - full flexibility in printing colour labels on a roll, even for a few pieces

Disadvantages - relatively more expensive printing compared to carbon paper printing

Operating costs and ease of use

Remember that the purchase price of a printer is only the beginning. When analysing costs, consider the price of the labels and, in the case of thermal transfer printing, the ribbons. Modern printers from brands such as Zebra, Brother and Godex are designed with simplicity in mind. Intuitive label design software, easy change of materials and hassle-free calibration mean that anyone can handle them, even without specialist training.

Why choose a label printer from the etyfol.pl offer?

Choosing a printer is an investment, so it's worth betting on a proven partner. At etyfol.pl, we don't just sell equipment - we provide complete solutions.

Expert advice: Not sure which model is best for you? Our specialists will analyse your needs and recommend the ideal equipment for your business.
Wide range: We offer printers from the world's leading manufacturers, such as Zebra, Brother and Citizen, in every segment - from compact desktop models to powerful industrial printers.
Comprehensive supply: You'll find everything you need to print with us - a wide selection of labels and dedicated thermal transfer ribbons of the highest quality.
Post-purchase support: We provide technical support and service to keep your printer running reliably for years to come.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Which printer should I choose for my small online shop?

For printing waybills and parcel marking, a thermal printer such as the Zebra ZD420 or Brother QL-1110NWBc is ideal. It offers speed and low running costs.

2. Which label printing technology should I choose?

I want to label products that will be kept in stock for a year. Which technology will be better? Definitely thermal transfer. It will ensure that the labels are durable and legible throughout the entire storage period, even in difficult conditions.

3. Is it complicated to install a label printer?

Most modern printers offer a plug-and-play installation process. Drivers and basic software are included. If you have any problems, our technicians are available to help.

4. What are the differences between the ribbons (carbon ribbons)?

The ribbons are mainly divided into wax ribbons (for paper labels), wax-resin ribbons (more versatile, higher resistance) and resin ribbons (for printing on films, provide the highest durability). We can help you choose the right type for your labels.