Barcode Printing Competitors: The Big Three

                Every industry inspires competition, and as new manufacturers enter a market the competition consistently breeds innovation, lest a company rest on its laurels and fall behind its competition. This holds true in every industry, and the consumer greatly benefits from this competition, which affects product quality and keeps the market value consistent. Business technologies, specifically the thermal barcode printer, are products which have seen a variety of manufacturers rise to take their share of the market. In the world of barcode printing, the three leading manufacturers are Zebra, Intermec, and Datamax. If you’re currently looking into finding a thermal barcode printer for your business, chances are you will come across these three manufacturers’ products more than any other. Each offers a variety of entry level printers. Not sure which one is best for you? Check out an entry-level spotlight from each manufacturer below to see highlights of their respective product lines.

The Zebra 2824

Zebra is currently the market leader in barcode printer sales. With a reputation for top quality thermal printing solutions, Zebra offers a great variety ranging from desktop models toward ultra high-volume industrial models. The Zebra 2824 is one of the most successful desktop models offered by Zebra, winning over several for its affordable price tag of $300. The Zebra 2824 uses thermal transfer printing as opposed to direct thermal. The 203 dpi resolution (dots per inch) is sufficient for barcode applications. With a 3.5 inch per second print speed, the Zebra 2824 can keep up with any and all entry level printing needs.

The Datamax E-4205A

Datamax is a major competitor of Zebra, but where Zebra focuses on straight forward ease of use and accessibility, Datamax printers focus on a great range of versatility. The Datamax E-4205A is an excellent small business implement, boasting an oversized roll capacity and a maximum print speed of five inches per second. The resolution remains at a 203 DPI, but the added features of USB, Serial, Parallel, and Ethernet interface justifies the extra cost. Whereas the Zebra costs a mere $300, this Datamax model comes in at an average $450. If you’re aiming for speedy, quality performance, the Datamax E-4205A is an ideal option.

The Intermec PC43T

Intermec keeps pace with the competition, and the Intermec PC43t is an excellent performance entry level barcode printer. The Intermec PC43t is a step between the Zebra and Datamax, offering a good middle ground. With a four inch print width and an LCD display, the Intermec PC43t is an easily accessible, straightforward thermal printer. The print speed, coming in at eight inches per second, is exceedingly quick, an excellent feature if you require a higher volume of barcode labels. While these three printers are excellent offerings by their respective manufacturers, personally I preferred a refurbished Datamaxprinter for its additional cost saving advantage. Just remember that these three manufacturers have a wide selection. Check them out before making your decision!

The Top Three Zebra Industrial Barcode Printers

               What do you do when your current desktop barcode printer is no longer keeping up with your printing demands? Certainly, it has served its purpose well enough over the years, but now it’s starting to lag just a little bit behind, slowing you and your employees down as you wait for your labels to print. The resulting slowdowns in your logistical operations decrease the efficiency of your business. Despite printing at its fastest speed, that desktop model just doesn’t cut it. You could simply get another desktop unit, but with rates of expansion you’re merely putting off the inevitable day when you run headlong into the exact same problem. If your printing needs have exceeded the capacity of the desktop class, then the solution is obvious: transition to the industrial class.

                Industrial barcode printers are heavy-duty versions of your favorite desktop unit. They are manufactured with a sturdy design. While they may not have the aesthetic appeal of some desktop units, industrial barcode printers are workhorses designed for continuous use throughout the day. Far surpassing the functionality and output capacity of desktop models, industrial barcode printers have a wide range of printing options including higher resolutions and much faster print speeds. If that sounds like the right thing for your business, then you’ll want to consider five of the best industrial class barcode printers on the market today. Here they are!

The Zebra 140Xi4

The Zebra 140Xi4 opens up the list of the top five thermal printers, showcasing a strong configuration. With a print resolution of 203 dpi, a five inch maximum print width, and sixteen megabytes of SDRAM, the Zebra is optimized for continuous operation even in the most demanding business settings. This Zebra also has multiple interface options, including Ethernet, USB, Serial, and Parallel interfaces. The Zebra 140Xi4 comes in just under $4,000 dollars, making it an investment, but a worthwhile one.

The Zebra S4M

The S4M is a much more affordable option compared to the 140Xi4, coming in at an average price just over eight hundred dollars. The S4M features multiple print resolution options, easy side-loading for media, and a durable metal case. With a print speed of six inches per second, the S4M is more than capable of keeping up with most midrange industrial printing needs.

The Zebra 105SL

Settling inbetween the two prior Zebra printers, the 105SL is an excellent midrange to top-range barcode printer. With 203 or 300 dpi print resolutions, a four inch print width, and a great array of interfaces, the 105SL is the budget-minded 140Xi4 with higher performance than the S4M. The 10500-3001-0000 has a print speed of eight inches per second, outpacing the S4M. The 105SL comes in just over $2,250, making it a cost-effective business implement.