Thanks for your interest. There is an updated version of this article: Color Label Printer Options for 2017
Laser technology seems to be falling out of favor fast. The heat involved, is typically too much for standard polypropylene films to handle. Why would someone spend several thousand dollars, then not have the opportunity to print on inexpensive polypropylene films? Why be limited to printing paper and some expensive vinyls? Since there is that additional cost of printing colors, why not print labels that have some durability, some decent water resistance, and offer some tear resistance?
Ink Jet “Nozzle” Technology
Ink-jet continues to replace laser, as well as some traditional forms of printing including flexographic and offset. The recent advancements of the 3D printing industry utilize ink-jet, or what I like to refer to as “nozzle-technology.” The only difference is that the nozzles are dispensing plastic polymers, which form layers and shapes, rather than dispensing inks. I’ve even read about how this nozzle technology, coupled with robotics, will soon be in use for construction projects. Large nozzles can dispense concrete and cement, copper wiring for the electrical systems, and probably more than we can imagine at this time. Considering the advancements made with ink-jet nozzle technology, it is easy to see that the printing industry is also going is this direction.
Color Printer Options for 2013
There are more and more color printer options available at this time than ever before. I’ve created a chart that outlines most of these color label printer options . Here I will whittle those options down to what I feel are the most viable options at this time (June 2013).
Epson
For outfits in a faced pace environment such as healthcare, and for those who require SOME color on their labels, Epson’s Colorworks C3500 is a solid choice. This printer is a good fit with industrial applications requiring some color coding, or perhaps hazardous chemical markings, required in color. It is not as good a fit for full color, high resolution labels, printed in high quantities. The price point is decent and the multi-color ink cartridges are a snap to change. The downside for some, depending on what they are printing, is the small capacity of the cartridges. Epson has several thousand of these printers in operation.
High Capacity Cartridges for Higher Output
If you are required to print full color high resolution roll labels in-house, then the Afinia L-801, powered by Memjet, is a good choice.
If you are more of a commercial printer or if your requirement is for larger volumes of full color labels, then the new MemJet technology is the only way to go. These printers, typically in the $5,000 to $10,000 range utilize separate, large 250ml cartridges, which translates to less cartridge changing. And the ink cost is more competitive. With a proper leasing option, this gives small businesses the opportunity to print full color labels in-house.
As ink-jet printing technology continues to evolve, look for prices to continue to fall, further advancements in ink durability, and more ink jet material options to utilize.
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