If you’re in the market for a label printer, you’ll want to take some time learning the pros and cons of a laser label printer versus an inkjet. While both printers will make high-quality labels that will make your products look professional and make mailing simpler, each type of printer has its benefits. Plus, how you’ll be using the printer will also impact which one is best for you.
So is a laser or inkjet printer better for labels? We’ll tell you everything you need to know and offer solutions for purchasing or renting your printer.
A Comparison of Inkjet vs. Laser Label Printers
You’ll find many differences between inkjet and laser label printers. It isn’t so much that one is good and one is bad. Instead, it’s about reviewing which option best fits your needs.
For example, one is better at printing many colors. Some printers are excellent for printing small text that’s still readable. Others specialize in printing waterproof labels. That’s because inkjet and laser printers work differently. Here’s a look at each and its pros and cons.
Laser Label Printer Pros and Cons
A laser label printer generates images using heat and electrically charged powder known as toner. The printer generates heat to bond the powder to the paper to generate the text and images for the material you’re printing.
When purchasing a laser printer, you can get black and white only options or full color. Or you might want a printer that prints white ink if you’ll be generating labels on a black background. Users find that laser printers are extremely efficient. Plus, the process of using powder and heat instead of wet ink leads to fewer snudges and a nice-looking final product.
Businesses seeking a solution for printing their own labels will like the way the laser printer works and the end product it produces. Learn more about this type of printer’s pros and cons before making your investment.
Pros
- Fast print production times
- Dry the moment the label comes off the printer so you don’t have to wait to use them until the ink dries
- You don’t have to replace the toner cartridges very often
- Can choose between single-color or multi-color toner options
- The printed text shows up clearly even when the font is small
- White toner available for printing on black backgrounds
- A good solution for high-volume printing
- Less expensive to operate than inkjet printers
Cons
- Images do not print as well on laser printers as they do on inkjet printers
- The higher upfront cost for the initial purchase
- Toner cartridges are fairly expensive
When to Use a Laser Printer for Labels
Laser label printers have many versatile use cases. Here’s a look at some of the ways to use these printers.
- Waterproof labels: Because inkjet printers spray ink, they aren’t ideal for waterproof labels. But you can get non-porous labels for laser printers. Then you won’t see any smudges even when your labels get wet.
- Shipping labels: e-commerce businesses find that laser printers are good for their operations because they can print high volumes of shipping labels at a lower cost. And the legibility of smaller fonts also helps with shipping labels.
- Barcodes: Thanks to the legibility of laser labels, they are also excellent for printing barcodes, which have many small details and are often printed fairly small.
- Metallic labels: For labels that stand out, you can purchase metallic labels, which are easy to print on with a laser printer.
- Clear labels: These can help your label disappear when placed on something so that your design or words show boldly. It creates a nice minimalist effect that many brands appreciate.
- Heat resistance: Since laser printers use heat to produce the appearance of your text or images, you’ll find that these labels can stand up to extreme heat exposure without issues.
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Inkjet Label Printer Pros and Cons
Unlike laser printers, inkjet printers use ink to print content onto a page. You can print using black ink or CMYK or even six colors if you purchase some rare printer models. However, you can’t use these printers with white ink.
Inkjet printers are notorious for their stunning colors and photo-quality images. Make sure you’re purchasing inkjet-compatible labels that are porous because inkjet labels will not work with a laser printer since the ink is wet.
Businesses seeking out a more affordable printer purchase price find inkjet printers attractive for their needs. Take some time to review the pros and cons of inkjet printers before deciding the lower purchase price is right for you because you want to ensure that the printer will work for your needs.
Pros
- Stunning, photo-like quality image printing
- Less expensive for the initial purchase
- Vivid color printing
- Some models are compatible with up to six colors
- Easy to use
- Options for glossy, semi, glossy or matte labels
Cons
- Ink cartridges for inkjet printers cost more and require replacement more frequently
- Operating these printers tends to cost more than laser printers
- The printing process takes longer than it does on laser label printers
- Wait to use your printed labels after they finish printing to avoid smudges
When to Use an Inkjet Printer for Labels
Inkjet printers are still great for businesses that want to print their own labels, especially when using color or images as part of their labels. These labels are often more eye-catching than laser printers are. Here’s a look at some common use cases for inkjet labels.
- Product labels: Product labels often include branding and company colors, which makes them ideal for printing using an inkjet printer.
- Heat-resistant labels: The heat resistance of inkjet printers is only mild so don’t expect your labels to stand up to extreme temperatures.
- Water-resistant labels: While you can’t print waterproof labels using an inkjet printer, you can print water-resistant ones. You’ll need to purchase special stock for this though. You might find that this is enough for mild moisture exposure.
Label Printer FAQ
With so many factors to consider, you might find you still have questions about whether you want a laser or inkjet label printer. Here are some answers to common questions to guide you.
Are Laser Printers Better for Labels?
It depends on the type of labels you’re working to print. Shipping labels and waterproof labels are best done with a laser printer. But labels with colors or images are best when printed on inkjet printers.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Label Printer?
Considerations for a label printer are many, but you’ll want to consider the print resolution, paper/label size, operational and upfront costs, printing speed, mobile printing options, and how you’ll use your labels.
Do Laser Printers Dry Out?
Because laser printers don’t use wet ink for printing, they can’t dry out, which is a great benefit. The cartridges are filled with powder instead of wet ink.
Whether you are looking to purchase a laser label printer or hope to rent one instead, DuraFast Label Company offers options to meet your needs. Learn more and explore your options online or contact us for advice and insights.
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