Is It Worth Buying A Ribbon Label Maker?

There are some people who wonder if it is worthwhile to buy a ribbon label maker to streamline their businesses. People ask this question probably because they are not sure if buying a label maker for ribbon would be more cost-effective than having their ribbons printed by a label printing company or suppliers. Ultimately, the decision to purchase a ribbon label maker hinges on the extent of your business or personal needs.

 

Who Should Buy a Ribbon Label Maker, and Who Should Skip It?

 

Among label makers or printers, ribbon label makers boast the advantage of printing high-resolution, professional-looking ribbon labels, which are widely used in a host of industries, such as office, retail, packing, organizing, and more.

 

In addition, most ribbon labels are printed by thermal transfer printers that are characterized by being fade-resistant, anti-tearing, and long-lasting. They can withstand the harshness of weathering.

 

What’s more, many ribbon label printer brands supply a number of models with different fonts, sizes, and even barcode/QR code capabilities to meet the markets diversified demands. With some ribbon label makers and printer manufacturers who even offer custom solutions to accommodate personalized or customized order requirements for customers all over the world.

 

Lastly, operating a ribbon label maker doesn’t require professional techniques or expertise, and neither does the setting-up process.

 

Now you have a clue whether to buy a ribbon label maker or not, right? Still not sure? Let me make it more clear. A ribbon label maker is a must-have for business owners who use ribbon labels in large quantities or in moderate amounts with high frequency. For homeowners who use ribbon makers quite frequently, or in large quantities once in a while, its advised to buy a ribbon label maker to save more than paying a ribbon printing shop or company to have them printed and delivered.

Casual users shouldn’t buy a ribbon label printer, as it will go to waste, especially for those who are budget-conscious or have a very limited budget.

 

If you are interested in knowing how a ribbon label printer works, you can refer to this article, which provides comprehensive information in that regard.

 

Ok, suppose that you have decided to buy a ribbon label printer, but what type of ribbon label maker will suit your needs best? There are a number of factors to be taken into account.

1. Type of Labels Needed

There are mainly four types of ribbon labels classified by materials:

Plastic ribbon labels: they are waterproof, durable, good for outdoor and industrial use, and can be found in two main contexts: as decorative ribbons for wrapping gifts and crafts and as thermal transfer ribbons used in industrial printing for labels and barcodes.

Fabric ribbon labels: Needless to explain here, fabric ribbon labels are predominantly used for clothing or textile tags.

Heat-shrink tubes: it does a good job in wire/cable labeling.

Paper-based ribbon labels: they cost significantly less but are not that durable. Mainly used for decorating particular scenes and wrapping gifts.

 

Adhesive vs. non-adhesive ribbon labels:

Some tapes stick permanently; others are removable or non-sticky (for tagging).

1. Print Quality & Resolution

 

DPI, the acronym for dots per inch, is the term used in describing how clearly a ribbon label printer can print. DPI followed by numbers between 180 and 230 is regarded as low-resolution printing; in contrast, a DPI followed by the number 300 or so represents high-resolution printing.

 

 

There are some label printers that come with an embedded ribbon that enables them to print colorful ribbon labels.

Connectivity & Compatibility

 

Not just ribbon label makers, most other label printers support connection through USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or PC/mobile software. Think of which connection method will bring you the best convenience before buying.

 

The tape width of the label maker for ribbon varies, with these sizes—3.5 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm—being most common. Some printers support multiple widths; others are fixed.

 

 

With Cutter or without

 

Some printers are designed with an auto full or partial cutter, whereas there is one type that isn’t. In other words, you’ll need to cut the labels manually by yourself, which will be time-consuming.

 

If at no big cost, I’ll advise you to go with one that has a cutter.

 

 

1. Battery vs. AC Power

 

Mini label printers are usually powered by battery to compensate for their portability. This will require you to charge the ribbon label maker regularly. If you buy one that is connectable through USB, then it saves you the hassle of charging. A USB ribbon label printer works best for home organizers and small business owners.

 

 

2. Cost of Ownership

 

Ribbon label printer price: Choose a ribbon label printer in accordance with your budget. Always bear in mind that what suits you best is the best to have.

 

If you happen to be in search of a ribbon label maker with colors and multiple label sizes, we have these 2 that are worth considering, as they are popular among our customers worldwide.

 

1.Masung MS-1730 Thermal Transfer & Ribbon Label Printer with label in 35mm width

 

 

2. Masung MS-1740, Customizable Ribbon Label Maker Printer with Auto/Partial Cutter