Barcode is defined as a series of vertical bars of varying widths, where each digit from zero through nine are represented by a different pattern of bars which are read by a scanner. These barcodes are commonly found on consumer products and used for inventory control. The barcodes are printed on labels through a barcode printer.
It has become a major need for retailers and other industries to print barcode labels. A barcode label printer helps in allowing the companies to print their own labels, by utilizing the technology and computers for keeping track of different data fro book keeping purposes. Many such printers are available in the market that include Zebra printers, Wasp printers and so on.
Several technologies can be used for barcode printing. Thermal transfer and direct thermal printers are some of the printers most commonly used. The direct thermal printer is less costly and however the quality of the codes can be changed when they are exposed to intense heat, sunlight, and other chemicals. Thermal barcode label printers help in printing many symbologies. In thermal printing the image is directly created on the label material. In thermal transfer printing, a heated ribbon is used for producing durable, long-lasting images on a variety of materials.
Many materials such as tags, ticket stock, wristbands, polyester propylene, and other synthetic materials can be used for barcode printing.
Before printing labels, a label format has to be designed with software which supports barcoding. When the label is designed, it is to be made output on a printer that prints the exact symbology required. Many common interfaces are available for the printers. These interfaces help in facilitating simple integration with a variety of host systems.