Online Labels Forum

Thanks for your inquiry. At the volumes you're anticipating, you really can't go wrong with any of the different printer technologies you've mentioned in your post.

Primera printers are inkjet printers that utilize label rolls rather than sheets. There is greater cost associated with Primera printers compared to standard desktop inkjet printers, but they do provide print quality and durability that exceeds the output of the more basic models. The print quality is comparable to professionally printed labels and the print is essentially waterproof. Primera printers are also popular for the ability to print on-demand. Using rolls rather than sheets means that you always have the option to print the exact number of labels you need for the job at hand, which can reduce waste over time. One limiting factor of Primera printers is the available material types. We currently offer white matte, white gloss, weatherproof white matte and weatherproof white gloss materials for Primera printers. Unfortunately, we do not offer a brown kraft material for Primera printers at this time.

If you're happy to continue printing on sheets, I'd probably recommend sticking with a desktop inkjet or laser printer.

Inkjet printers tend to have a lower upfront cost, and they're definitely suitable for the volumes you described in your post. I've had a ton of success using the Canon PIXMA series of printers with our label materials. I've used both the Canon PIXMA TS9120 and the Canon PIXMA TS6420, and both have routinely provided excellent results.

Laser printers usually have a higher upfront cost, but they tend to do better with print economy. While toner cartridges are more expensive compared to ink cartridges, you'll be replacing ink cartridges in an inkjet printer much more frequently than you'd be changing toner cartridges in a laser printer. If you expect your volume to continue increasing then laser may be a good choice for you. My favorite laser printers recently have come from the HP Color LaserJet Pro series. They've always provided excellent print quality and durability across our range of label materials.

I hope this helps. If you need any additional information please just let us know.

So I followed the herd and bought an ecotank Epson this weekend and I literally HATE it. I'm returning it to Best Buy tomorrow, and am planning to purchase a Canon per the recommendations here. I want something that doesn't take forever to print, but I want true crisp vibrant color for my product labels. I currently have a Brother 3170CDW laser workhorse that I love, but it is finally giving up the ghost, and I don't want to repair it. (It's four years old)

Are any of the Pixma's faster at printing? The epson was like watching paint dry.... Should I go back to a laser? My biggest issue is that I ordered about $400 worth of gloss inkjet labels that will be here Tuesday and I know they are useless with a laser printer.... Doggone it, I'm never that impulsive. I wonder what my best option in the under $1000 range is? I like the sound of the Canon Pixma Pro-100 or Pro-200, but just not sure if it's necessary for Slime kit labels and 6x9 kids booklets that I can have printed locally for cheap.

Thoughts? I know I'm going to miss a laser... Just not sure what to do! Love the thought of 13x19 media.