Barcode printing is key for accuracy in inventory, shipping, and sales. Even a single unscannable barcode can halt production lines or cause delays at checkout – imagine that multiplied thousands of times! Labels that fade, smudge, or fail create bottlenecks, raise costs, and kill efficiency. With barcodes vital in retail, logistics, and manufacturing, dependable printers are non-negotiable.
Below are common printing mistakes and how TSC printers help you avoid them.
Using Low-Quality Labels and Ribbons
Low-quality labels and ribbons cause faded prints, smudging, and scan errors. Poor adhesives can melt or leak under heat and pressure, leaving residue on the printhead and rollers. This disrupts thermal transfer and produces unreadable barcodes.
Cheap ribbons often have uneven surfaces or weak coatings, which damage the printhead and lower print quality. This results in more maintenance and downtime.
How TSC Helps: TSC printers have advanced printhead technology, precise temperature and speed control, and built-in diagnostics that help optimise printing even when the media isn’t perfect. In other words, TSC printers can adjust print parameters in real time to mitigate some negative effects, thereby reducing smudging or fading, and preventing printhead damage, thus lowering maintenance downtime. Still, for best results, high-quality labels and ribbons are recommended.
Incorrect Print Darkness and Speed Settings
Incorrect darkness or speed settings can make barcodes unreadable. These settings must be adjusted to preserve clarity and avoid read errors.
Higher speeds increase throughput but can reduce resolution, affecting small text and fine details. Slower speeds improve definition but may slow operations in high-volume settings.
How TSC Helps: TSC printers include calibration tools and adjustable speed and darkness settings to optimise print quality. TSC printers can print up to 18 IPS (457mm/s) and handle label widths up to 8 inches (~ 200 mm). The TSC Console makes it easy to manage settings and maintain output consistency.
Ignoring Label Alignment and Calibration
Misaligned labels result in off-centre barcodes and scan failures. Calibration ensures the printer detects media type, size, and layout accurately.
It aligns the printer with label length, gaps, notches, black marks, and ribbon presence. Without it, the printer may misread media, skip prints, or apply ink unevenly.
How TSC Helps: To handle misalignment, TSC printers come with auto-calibration features that accurately detect media type, size, and layout characteristics. Precise media handling mechanisms, along with reliable sensors designed to detect gaps or black marks, ensure consistent label positioning and significantly reduce print errors across various formats.
Not Considering Environmental Factors
Heat, moisture, chemicals, or cold can damage barcodes and lead to scan issues. In such conditions, unsuitable label or ribbon choices reduce durability and increase reprints.
Choosing the right materials and print method is essential to maintain performance.
How TSC Helps: TSC industrial-grade printers are specifically engineered for harsh conditions. They provide durable printing materials, such as specialized resin ribbons which are resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. This makes TSC solutions highly suitable for demanding applications within chemical manufacturing, healthcare, and the automotive industry.
Skipping Regular Maintenance
Lack of maintenance allows dust and adhesive buildup, which affects print quality and causes failures. Over time, this leads to smudging, missing elements, and downtime.
Routine cleaning protects the printhead and rollers from damage.
How TSC Helps: TSC printers are easy to maintain, with user-replaceable printheads and clear care instructions. Cleaning during media changes helps preserve output and extend equipment life. TSC also supplies cleaning tools to remove debris and adhesive from key components.
Conclusion
Preventing common barcode printing errors improves accuracy and reduces waste. TSC printers offer the tools, materials, and features needed for consistent output.
In retail, logistics, healthcare, or manufacturing, TSC helps maintain reliable workflows and readable barcodes.
Looking for a TSC printer that fits your business? Contact us to find the right solution. Visit PrimeTech Global to explore a range of TSC printers tailored for your business needs.