Labeling Equipment Continued…

Electronic Label Makers

The next step up is electronic label makers and they are for the person who may want to have a choice of font style, font size, label size and even color of label. Using a typewriter-style keyboard, you type your label on an LCD screen. Higher-end electronic label makers offer not only the usual alphabet and numbers but also have fun symbols on their keyboards. Just like word processing on a computer, most electronic label makers offer Italics or bold print.

Tape sizes can range from ¼ to ¾-inches and are of a laminated tape that can be wiped clean when needed. The higher end electronic label makers allow for horizontal and vertical printout, framed words; mirrored text as well as 2 lined labels or cloth labels. Once your label is printed, the label maker can effortlessly cut your label with the auto tape cutter. Batteries are required for electronic label makers, but some can use an AC adapter as well. Prices are in the $25 to the $80 range.

Printer Label Makers

Printer label makers can become a new facet of your computer, creating not only basic labels but also product bar codes. Using your computer's USB or serial port, these label makers integrate with programs like Word and Outlook and are compatible with both PCs and Macs. Some of the more high-end printer label makers can create name badges, banners, as well as bar codes. For the person who doesn't want to run out to buy stamps, some printer label makers are capable of downloading postage purchased from the internet and printing it out. You just peel and stick the label to your package and viola! The prices on printer label makers start at about $120.

By Sarah Castle