What is the basic printing principle of barcode printer?

The basic printing principle of barcode printers is mainly based on heat transfer technology, a process that involves the interaction of the print head, carbon strip (or thermal paper), and the printing medium (such as label paper). The following is a detailed description of the printing principle:

Heat transfer technology

Overview of the principle:

Thermal transfer technology uses a special carbon tape, similar to the working principle of a fax machine print head, the carbon tape's toner coating is heated and transferred to paper or other kinds of materials. Because the coating material on the carbon belt can be selected according to the needs, it can produce a strong adhesion, ensuring that the printed writing is not susceptible to external influences.

Specific steps:

1.Carbon strip preparation: The carbon strip typically consists of a substrate, binder, and a ribbon layer containing pigments or dyes that can be transferred to the printing medium.

2.Heating the print head: The print head of a barcode printer is heated to a specific temperature, which is high enough to melt or sublimate the coating on the carbon strip.

3.Printing process: The heated print head is in close contact with the carbon strip and the printing medium, and the coating of the carbon strip is transferred to the printing medium through pressure.

4.Cooling curing: The coating transferred to the printing medium solidifies after cooling to form a clear, long-lasting printing effect.

Heat-sensitive technology

Overview of the principle:

Thermal technology is a light-colored material (usually thermal paper) on a layer of transparent film, by heating the film in a specific position to produce a dark (usually black, but also blue) pattern or text.

Specific steps:

1.Thermal paper preparation: The surface of the thermal paper is coated with a temperature-sensitive chemical coating.

2.Heating the print head: The print head is heated at a specific position on the thermal paper according to the print data.

3.Chemical reaction: Heating causes the coating on the thermal paper to react chemically, creating a dark pattern or text.

4.Results: After cooling, the pattern or text on the thermal paper remains clear and durable.

Sum up

The basic printing principle of bar code printer mainly includes two technologies: thermal transfer printing and thermal sensitivity. Thermal transfer technology is suitable for printing tasks requiring high quality and long-term preservation, while thermal technology is widely used in temporary or low-cost printing needs with its fast and easy characteristics. When selecting a barcode printer, users should choose the appropriate printing technology and equipment according to the specific application scenarios and needs.