We stock supplies for, and provide service and repair for discontinued labeling, sign printing and poster printer machines.

Print Method

Description

Advantages / Disadvantages

Dot Matrix Label Printers

Dot matrix printers use a mechanical system for printing in which pins impact on a ribbon to transfer the ink to a label.

Economical, lowest cost option for printing labels. A wider variety of label materials are available than for DTP labels.

Labels do not have the sharp quality of the thermal printer labels. Printing can smear or rub off. Labels do not have the durability of TTP labels.

Direct Thermal Printing (DTP)

A heated print head* directly activates the specialized coating on the label material to create the image. Thermal fax machines, that use special fax paper, are an example of DTP printing.

Economical - costs less than TTP. No ribbon is needed. Excellent for temporary or short-term labeling.

Not long lasting. Direct sunlight or heat will damage or fade the label.

A heated print head* causes "ink" on a ribbon to melt and be transferred to the label.

Produces a high quality, sharp image. Labels are long lasting. A wide variety of labeling materials are available, including materials for specialized applications.

Requires the use of a ribbon and thus costs more than DTP labels.