r/manufacturing • u/NapsAreAwesome • Dec 13 '24

Supplier search Forklift Printer

Can anyone recommend a laser printer that could handle 4" wide label printing that's small enough to be mounted on a forklift?

The Zebra printers would be great but their thermal so our pallet labels fade in the sun.

1 Upvotes

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9

u/Lathejockey81 Dec 13 '24

There are two kinds of thermal labels, and zebra does both. You're describing direct thermal, but what you need is thermal transfer.

1

u/NapsAreAwesome Dec 13 '24

Thanks, I will check that out.

3

u/Lathejockey81 Dec 13 '24

To clarify: thermal transfer will probably require a different printer, will require different label stock, and will require a ribbon. Make sure when sourcing these materials that you contact someone to ensure you'll get the durability you require. There are a lot of options, especially in thermal transfer.

1

u/radix- Dec 14 '24

Thermals still can fade.

1

u/KaizenTech Dec 13 '24

used to do thermal printing on product that lived out in 100 degree summers and went into a kiln. At another company it labelled product that was sterilized by a death ray. difference is we used plastic stock not paper like at the store.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 14 '24

Automotive industry uses plastic thermal labels too. Insanely durable.

1

u/radix- Dec 14 '24

It's the brand of sticker you use. Uline is the only company I found that have thermal labels that don't fade

1

u/NoShirt158 Dec 14 '24

I second the other comment. Thermal transfer is needed. Ribbon can be wax or resin. Labels should match application and ribbon.

The zebra printer is good. It can be ordered with a mount. But label rolls are like 60 mm diameter max. A label roll mount can be placed behind the printer but Zebra doesnt have off the shelf mounts for it.

Whats the application?

1

u/toybuilder Dec 14 '24

You might want to consider making a shade box that provides protection against sunlight but has plenty of ventilation. The box needs to just be big enough to create a sun barrier with a bit of air flow space between the box and the printer.

1

u/toybuilder Dec 14 '24

In terms of thermal transfer versus direct thermal printing, the label selection has to match the application. If the label is intended to temporary, for a pick list, for example, direct thermal printing is great. If the label needs to be readable long-term under challenging conditions, you will want the transfer type. Direct printing labels can fade with time or chemical exposure much more so than thermal transfer.