Thermal Labels Previous   Top   Next   

(This feature is available in BCSS Diamond and Virtual.)

Thermal Labels:

2-Part Labels | 2844 Setup | Bar Codes | Batch Enter Inventory | Discount Schedules | Labels to Use | How to Print


Support for the Zebra 2824 Thermal Printer has been added to accommodate the number of Consignpro users converting to BCSS. The 2824 prints on 2"-wide labels lengths of 1, 2, 3 or 4". Bar codes can be turned on/off (in Program Setup, Printers) for all lengths except 1". Also, the 'Tear-Off Font' adjustment in Program Setup doesn't apply to the 2824.

Otherwise, we recommend the Zebra 2844 with its 4"-wide capacity allowing much more label flexibility, including configurable price-label fonts.

Please note: BCSS is configured to print horizontal (not vertical) thermal labels.

About Thermal Price Labels

Direct thermal printers use a thermal printhead that applies heat to a chemically-treated paper, creating printed lines, text and graphics that make up the print on the label.

The new horizontal tags are cost and time efficient. There are 1300 labels on a roll of 1" x 4" tags costing about 1c per label. A black line across the back of non-adhesive labels (or the gap between sticky labels) forces the printer to print before moving forward, so there is no waste.

The printer isn't cheap but the cost per label is less than printing sheet labels in the long run because no ink or ribbon is required.

Laser printers are available for less than 1/4th the cost of a thermal printer, largely because ink suppliers figured out that by making the printers readily available, they would sell far more ink and these days, they don't put much ink in one cartridge, so if you're going to be doing a lot of labeling, thermal is the better way to go - less hassle - better-looking labels - more versatility - lower cost on volume printing.

The disadvantages are that direct thermal labels fade with age and will turn black if exposed to heat or strong sunlight - not typically concerns of consignment stores. Also, the printhead (~$100) must be replaced (albeit infrequently).

The following information pertains to the Zebra 2844 and labels used with that printer.

Zebra 2844 Thermal Printer Setup

Connect the printer to the computer and configure it as per the instructions included in the printer's documentation.

By default the 2844 is in 'page mode' which is correct for the new FoxPro version of BCSS. Please make sure the printer is not in 'line mode'.

Also, check the spelling of the printer name in Control Panel/Printers. The name of the Zebra listing must be exactly Zebra  LP2844 (with 2 spaces between 'Zebra' and 'LP') . If the CD provided with the printer is used for installation, this spelling should be correct.

Go to File, Program Setup and select Printers (not shown):

Select the Zebra 2844 or 2824 from the drop-down menu. For the 2824, select the 2" width and the preferred length (1"-4"). When printing price tags, just select 'Zebra Thermal Printer' for Label Style on the Inventory Labels Screen.

If the printer isn't listed, the printer or printer driver may not be installed on the PC. Use the CD that came with the printer to install the driver or download the driver from Zebra:
http://www.zebra.com/id/zebra/na/en/index/drivers_downloads/drivers.html?printerid=62.

     

For the 2844, check if 2-across labels will be printed. Bar codes can not be printed on these narrow labels. Bar codes can be printed on non-adhesive labels that are 2.75", 3" or 3.5" wide, and on adhesive labels 2-4" wide. (Each time a print job calls for a different label width, return to Program Setup and select the appropriate width.)

Check which size label will be used. If 2" or 4"-wide (sticky) labels are selected, the 2844 will detect the length of the label (1", 2", 3" or 4") based upon the distance between the separations between labels. It is only necessary, when printing 2" or 4"-wide (sticky) labels to select 2"-wide or 4"-wide.

Click OK to save changes and exit setup.

Print Thermal Price Labels with Diamond or Virtual

Inventory items may be batch entered but on the Batch-Enter Screen, there is no option to print thermal labels. (The options on the Batch-Enter Screen apply to sheets of labels.)

Please follow the instructions for printing labels and select 'Zebra Thermal Printer' as the label style (on the Labels Screen).



Print Thermal Price Labels with or without Bar Codes

Bar codes can only be printed on 1-across thermal labels having widths of 3" (non-adhesive), 3.5" (non-adhesive) or 4" (adhesive). Labels of smaller width are too narrow to accommodate the bar code. (Each time a print job calls for a different label width, return to Program Setup and select the appropriate width.)

Bar codes may be turned off for (not printed on) labels (In Program Setup, Printers, uncheck 'Check this box to include bar codes on appropriate price tag widths').

Print Thermal Price Labels with Batch-Inventory Entry

A Print Button has been added to the Batch-Enter Screen for Thermal Price Labels. Please see Batch Enter Inventory.

Print Thermal Price Labels with Discount Schedules

Discount Schedules may be printed on thermal labels. If the Discount Schedule is not printed, the Current Price will be printed.


2-Part Non-Adhesive Labels

As of version 5.1.3226 dated 8/16/09, the 2844 prints on 2-part labels (in sizes 2.75", 3" and 3.5") with configurable text size. (In Program Setup, Printers, set the font sizes for the 2 parts.).

Thermal Labels Used with BCSS Diamond and Virtual


Format Label W/L Labels/Roll Adhesive Bar Code Part # $/Roll Supplier
1-Across 2 x 1 1280 Yes No 1122100 $6.86 BCW
1-Across 2 x 2 735 Yes Yes 1122200 $6.86 BCW
1-Across 2 x 3 500 Yes Yes 1125200 $9.98 BCW
1-Across 2 x 4 377 Yes Yes 1127200 $11.86 BCW
1-Across 2.25 x 1.25 2000 No Yes
1-Across 2.75 x 1.5 1500 No Yes #27515P $21.00 MarkAT
1-Across 3 x 1.25 2000 No Yes #30122P $25.00 MarkAT
1-Across 3.5 x 1.5 1500 No Yes #3515P $24.50 MarkAT
1-Across 4 x 1 1310 Yes Yes 800540-105 $12.42 Zebra
1-Across 4 x 2 735 Yes Yes 800540-205 $13.56 Zebra
1-Across 4 x 3 500 Yes Yes 800540-305 $11.80 Zebra
1-Across 4 x 4 377 Yes Yes 800540-405 $11.80 Zebra
2-Across 2 x 1* 1310 Yes No 800540-105 $12.42 Zebra
2-Across 2 x 2* 735 Yes No 800540-205 $13.56 Zebra
2-Across 2 x 3* 500 Yes No 800540-305 $11.80 Zebra
2-Across 2 x 4* 377 Yes No 800540-405 $11.80 Zebra

*To print labels 2 across on 4"-wide paper, there can be no gap between the side-by-side labels. (The Zebra printer will read the gap as a break and not print the 2nd label.) BCSS has been adapted to print 2 price labels side by side on 4"-wide paper but doing so requires cutting the 4" paper in half (after printing) to separate the two 2" labels. Using this method, 2"-wide labels can be printed in lengths of 1, 2, 3 and 4", or 2" labels may be printed by using 2" wide labels (not 4"-wide labels) and choosing that size in program setup.

Where to Purchase

Barcode Warehouse, Margie Benton, mbenton@barcodewarehouse.biz, 888-422-9249, 678-391-3560, Fax: 678-391-3561

MarkAT CC, markatcc@att.net, Kathleen, 888-947-7734. BCSS is not compensated for recommending MarkAT. We recommend them because several of our customers are pleased with their prices and service and they are familiar with our software requirements.

Labels from Zebra: 1 866 230 9495
http://www.zebra.com/id/zebra/na/en/index/products/supplies/labels/direct_thermal/z_select_4000d.html

For other suppliers search Google using the label part #.

Related:

Assign Bar Codes
Labels on Sheets
Troubleshooting
Zebra Thermal Printers


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