And we know there is a lot of it out there.  Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.  No one wants to purchase a printer, hoping to streamline your business, only to find out that there is an alternative that could have been better.  At Ideal Print Solutions, we just want to remind you to think of the following questions before deciding to purchase the right barcode printer.

Finding the correct barcode printer for your small business can be challenging because there are many available options.If you don’t know what to look for, the process can be overwhelming. Answering the following four questions before you start shopping will make the selection process smooth and free of  stress.

1. What will it need to print?

There are a variety of labels you could create, including: shipping barcode labels, product barcode labels, inventory labels, location labels, asset tag labels and compliance labels. An idea of your printing needs will guide your printer selection. Many barcode printers work for a range of industries and printing needs, but it’s always good to double-check.

2. In what environment will the printer be used?

If you are working in the manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, retail, or  healthcare industry, a barcode printer with an industrial design is ideal.  With an all-metal exterior housing and die-cast aluminum print mechanism, we can help you chose the right one.

On the contrary, if you are in a cramped workspace, a compact barcode printer is an excellent choice. A good printer with a smallest footprint is ideal and can easily fit just about anywhere. The small size doesn’t take away from the printing capabilities. In fact, there are several models that we can help you with.

3. How often will you print?

Before selecting a barcode printer, determine how much you will be printing and how quickly. If you are printing small volumes (fewer than 1,000 labels per week), a desktop barcode printer is the ideal solution. For larger volumes (a couple thousand labels per day), an industrial printer is a sturdy option. We recommend manufacturing and distribution centers use the industrial printer because all-day label printing is usual.

4. What type of connectivity do you need?

Barcode printers have to be connected to a computer of some type to receive print jobs. The most common connection is USB. Any PC or laptop will have USB connections. Additional connectivity options gaining popularity are Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Other options include serial or parallel connectivity. Multiple options allow easy and quick integration into any environment.

So, do your research, ask yourself these questions, and give us a call.  We are always here to point you in the right direction.  1 (949) 387-3223

Features & Benefits

• Resolution
  300, 600 or 1200 dpi on material axis (1200 dpi requires OMEGA 4.0 or later and EDGE FX firmware update)
  300 dpi on head axis
• True spot color printing - GerberColor Foils
  Save time and generate better quality graphics with dedicated spot colors
• SpectraTone™ Color Matching
  Lets you create over 3700 pure, vibrant colors
• Advanced Foil System
  Smart GerberGauge™ RFID technology tracks exact foil usage
• Process and specialty colors
  In addition to spot colors, Gerber process, metal and fluorescent foils allow you to create full color images
• Durable output
  3 to 5 years outdoors without lamination
• EDGE READY™ materials
  Fully compatible with Gerber OMEGA™ design software and a wide range of permanent, removable, semi-rigid substrates
• Complete Print and Cut System
  Once printed on the EDGE FX, graphics are contour cut on a 15" EDGE-compatible cutter, adding value to output and saving time
• Patented punch pattern
  Provides superior accuracy which reduces material shifting, cut time and waste due to cut errors. Enables long unattended runs of up to 50 yards without loss of accuracy
• Easy material loading
  Load material onto the sprocket wheels for quick, accurate and unattended material feed
• EDGE Ready™ materials
  Fully compatible with Gerber OMEGA™ design software and a wide range of permanent, removable, semi-rigid substrates
• Easy maintenance
  Unlike solvent printers, no “wake up” or “put to bed” routines are required. EDGE resin-based foils create no mess and are ready to go immediately
• Small footprint
  The EDGE FX print-to-cut system requires limited shop space allowing you to get started quickly and inexpensively
• Intuitive user interface
  Easy for your staff to learn and operate

According to the regulations of the Globally Harmonized System, GHS, standardized pictograms pointing to hazardous substances are required. The new Hermes+ XC6 is worldwide the first system for real-time printing and applying of individual two-color labels.