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Intermec Printers – Barcode printers and how they work.
Graham Gallagher
Computer Security & Solutions
We are all aware of the need for printers, even manufacturers need specialised printers. For example food manufacturers need special printers that can produce a barcode on the label so that it can be traced back to the factory and through each step of production.
The problem they have is how to create a readable label that works in sub zero temperatures. Intermec (probably) the world's leading manufacture of industrial printers, have a range of printers that are ideally suited for this application.
How do they work? Well, the most common barcode printers use one of two printing technologies.
Direct thermal printers - these produce a printed image by, selectively heating the coated thermal paper, this then passes over a heated printer head. The coating turns black where it was heated producing an image.
Or thermal transfer printers, but instead of heating the paper as in direct thermal printers, a waxy resin substance on the ribbon is melted and produces the desired label, as the ink is transferred to the paper. Direct thermal printers are less expensive, however the labels become illegible when exposed to direct sunlight for a long period.
As well as the barcode printers, a scanner may also be required; these are known as RFID units, (Radio frequency Identification) and integrate with the associated printers.
Article submitted Thursday, June 12, 2008
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