Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Difference Between Label Makers & Label Printers


The Difference Between Label Makers & Label Printers

Today, there are so many different labeling solutions available that it can be difficult to figure out what you need.  Brands like Brother & Dymo manufacture both label makers and label printers.  Although the names are similar, these products are very different and are designed for different applications.  To help you decide what kind of labeling solution you need the key differences between ‘makers’ & ‘printers’ are listed below.


  • Handheld or desktop units
  • Uses label tape cassettes or cartridges
  • Labels types range in materials including plastic, vinyl, metalized, and more
  • Labels range in width from 3.5mm wide to 36mm wide
  • There are many available background colors/ text colors available
  • There are different label tapes for many labeling situations including; water resistant, heat resistant, indoor, outdoor, laminated, non-laminated, & more
What to consider when shopping for Label Makers 
What kind of labels do you want to make?
o   Different label maker models are compatible with different labels
o   Different brands offer different types of labels
How you are going to use your label maker?
o   Desktop label makers are designed for stationary use, while handheld label makers are portable for on the go labeling
What is your Operating Budget?
o   Different brands and models of label makers use different consumables, some of which are more expensive than others.  Check the price and availability of compatible label tapes to get an idea of how much you will be spending to operate you label maker

  • Computer connected printer
  • Prints on rolls of die cut or continuous length labels
  • Thermal printing means no messy & expensive ink or toner
  • Print shipping labels, file folder labels, CD/DVD labels, postage labels, continuous length labels, and more
What to consider when shopping for Label Printers


Computer compatibility
o   Check printer system requirements for Mac/PC, processor, and system compatibility
What size labels do you want to print?
o   Max label width (Die cut labels range in width, and you can’t use 4” wide labels on a label printer that has a max width of 2.5”)
What print speed (labels per minute) do I need
o   If you are planning on printing one label at a time the print speed isn’t really an issue, but if you are going to use your label printer for large print runs a faster print speed will increase your productivity

Check out OfficeReef.com for all of your Label Maker, Label Tape, Label Printer, & Die Cut Label needs.

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