Specifying a Barcode Printer Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
In determining our list we gathered information from staff with over 100 years of field experience. These FAQ relate to the printer themselves and will aid you in selecting the right unit for your application. We recognise clients requiring a label printer may never have purchased this type of machinery before. This will help.
1. What type of printer do I need?
Saito have a checklist that we developed to aid our clients to determine which option suits best. Consideration is first given to volume required, purpose and functionality of the label and any budget considerations. Once these requirements are clearly identified the checklist will refine the search and provide a recommendation.
2. What software do I need to run this Printer?
The checklist process will identify which software is right for you. Consideration is given to the host application programs such as SAP, Great Plains, MYOB, Oracle and Citrix. Basically all windows application software can be used to run the printer by using a windows driver. The windows driver needs to be compatible to the host operating system. If the Printer is operating stand alone then a label software package can be specified taking account of label types and varieties required and if data base retrieval or management is required. All of our current printer range comes with a basic free “light” label design package. Saito ensures you get a correct match of software to link the label printer and your business systems and processes. Some early vintage operating systems (greater than 5 years old) may not support all the functionality available.
3. What interface do I need to run my label printer?
The answer to this question will become self evident when question one and two above are answered. Most printers come with USB, Ethernet and serial interfaces as standard. A Parallel interface is often an optional extra. The communication interface depends on the printer model which you can specify when ordering the printer. Lastly some printers can run stand alone without a host by using label templates stored in the printer itself.
4. What guarantees are there on the printers and the print-heads ?
All printers come with a standard 12 month manufacturer warranty which can be extended to 3 years under Saito extended warranty or rental options. Further Saito technical staff are trained authorised service personnel for all label printers we sell. Print-heads are considered a consumable item. Some manufacturers offer zero warranty on printer-heads however Saito offers six warranty pro rata for period used on all models sold. Non adherence to manufacturer and Saito cleaning processes can invalidate warranty. Misuse and abuse is warranty exclusion.
5. Can I install the label printer myself?
Yes, the manual with each printer provides the instructions. No special tools are required. A configuration disc comes with the printer and printer settings are accessed via the Printing Preferences in the windows driver.
6. Is training provided and available?
On site training is available and is often conducted at the same time as installation. This is a chargeable service.
7. Can a Thermal label printer print on both DT and TT media?
(Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer)
The answer is depends. Usually a Thermal transfer printer can print Direct Thermal as well. There will be some simple printer setting adjustments to be made but in all other regards the performance will be the same. Direct Thermal printers do not have ribbon handling facilities and cannot print Thermal Transfer. If the applications require both types of material specify a Thermal Transfer model.
8. Can any label printer produce a GS1 compliant barcode?
Yes, providing the software has the ability and the print-head is 200DPI or greater.
9. Will the label printer print 100% perfect quality barcodes?
Yes, providing settings are correct and media materials have been correctly specified. This includes paying attention to printer settings, ribbon quality, material quality and regular maintenance.
10. Do you have a label printer help desk?
Yes, we do, it is available during normal business hours. Some services are chargeable.
11. Our operation is very dusty (or wet) will this be ok for the printer?
A printer is an electronic and electrical machine and as such sensible operating conditions should be established. If your situation is particularly dusty extra cleaning should be conducted. Excessive dust causes excessive print-head wear through abrasion. Water causes electrical failure. In harsh operating conditions an external protective box and cage is recommended.
12. Does Saito support the Printers it sells?
Yes, Saito is old fashioned this way. Our technicians are trained on every model we sell and we keep spare parts even though a model may be discontinued.
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