5 best printers for logistics labels
The GS1 logistic label is a standard for identifying a logistics unit. It’s legible to all participants in the supply chain. By using a large enough A5 or A4 label format, the identification and reading process can be carried out without unnecessary delay. How to choose the right logistics label printer that will meet our needs? Here’s an overview of the best 6-inch or 8-inch-wide printers on the market.
1. Citizen CL-S6621
Citizen CL-S6621 is the only desktop logistics label printer available on the market. The durable and precise printing mechanism makes it possible to print labels up to 178 mm wide. The compact housing fits even where space is limited. The Hi-Open™ housing provides the user with free access to the media, while significantly speeding up media exchange. The 203 dpi print head guarantees legible printing of bar codes and basic descriptions.
| Printing technology | Thermal / thermal transfer |
| Resolution | 203 dpi |
| Max. print width | 168 mm |
| Max. print speed | 150 mm/s |
| Ribbon length | 360 m |
| Outer diameter of label roll | 125 mm |
| Max. material width | 178 mm |
2. Printronix T8000 ODV
The Printronix T8000 series is undoubtedly one of the most advanced label printers on the market. A wide range of configurations and possibility of equipping the printer further with a bar code verifier make it a device that has no competitors in its class. The T82X6 or T83X6 model (203 or 300 dpi respectively) allows a medium with a maximum width of 172.70 mm to be used. The laser bar code verifier eliminates the risk of using a label that is illegible for scanners, thus guaranteeing its functionality throughout the entire logistic process. The robust metal housing and a durable printing mechanism ensure uninterrupted operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
| PRINTRONIX T82X6 | PRINTRONIX T83X6 | |
| Printing technology | Thermal / thermal transfer | Thermal / thermal transfer |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Max. print width | 168 mm | 168 mm |
| Max. print speed | 304.8 mm/s | 254 mm/s |
| Ribbon length | 625 m | 625 m |
| Outer diameter of label roll | 209 mm | 209 mm |
| Max. material width | 172.70 mm | 172.70 mm |
3. TSC MH261
The MH261 series printer is a new device in the offer of the Taiwanese producer. It has the best price-performance ratio on the market. This industrial printer allows you to use the media with the maximum width of 172.70 mm (6,8’’). The classic design of the printing module and the self-diagnosis mechanism of the TPH Care ensure excellent print quality. The colour touch screen and large function keys make the operator’s work easy and intuitive. Optionally available standard of reinforced cutter becomes useful for printing non-adhesive labels on pallets.
| MH261T | MH361T | |
| Printing technology | Thermal / thermal transfer | Thermal / thermal transfer |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Max. print width | 168 mm | 168 mm |
| Max. print speed | 305 mm/s | 254 mm/s |
| Ribbon length | 450 m | 450 m |
| Outer diameter of label roll | 208.3 mm | 208.3 mm |
| Max. material width | 172.7 mm | 172.7 mm |
4. Zebra ZT620 RFID
The ZT600 series is a successor to the legendary Xi4 series printers. The ZT620 is a printer which allows labels with the maximum width of 178 mm to be used. The RFID encoder is an option available for the most demanding users using RFID logistics labels. A wide range of interfaces (USB 2.0, serial port, RS232, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11ac) provides an easy way to integrate the device in any working environment.
| ZT620 | ZT620 | |
| Printing technology | Thermal / thermal transfer | Thermal / thermal transfer |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Max. print width | 168 mm | 168 mm |
| Max. print speed | 305 mm/s | 305 mm/s |
| Ribbon length | 450 m | 450 m |
| Outer diameter of label roll | 203 mm | 203 mm |
| Max. material width | 178 mm | 178 mm |
5. Zebra ZE500
Zebra ZE500 is the most popular printing module on the market intended for automatic label application systems. The application of the most advanced printing mechanisms guarantees uninterrupted operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The ZE500-6 makes it possible to use the media with a maximum width of 180 mm. The print speed up to 305 mm per second (using a 203 dpi print head).
| ZE500-6 | ZE500-6 | |
| Print technology | Thermal / thermal transfer | Thermal / thermal transfer |
| Resolution | 203 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Max. print width | 168 mm | 168 mm |
| Max. print speed | 305 mm/s | 254 mm/s |
| Ribbon length | 600 m | 600 m |
| Outer diameter of label roll | – | – |
| Max. material width | 180 mm | 180 mm |
If you are interested in the above solutions, you need advice in choosing the right label printer or logistics label – contact us.