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How do I choose an electronic labeller to suit my needs?
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Finding the right electronic labeller will depend on your requirements. Use the questions below to identify exactly which model will suit your needs best.
1. Do you require laminated labels or non-laminated labels?
Laminated labels have an extra protective coating making them more durable and resistant to tearing, crumpling and fading. Only Brother P-touch labellers have a unique patent for lamination.
Laminated labels are:
Water resistant
Non-toxic
Abrasion resistant and super durable
Dielectric strength resistant
Heat and cold resistant
Chemical resistant
Fade resistant
Laminated labels are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use and the best option for situations requiring ongoing usage of the printed label. See P-touch Electronic Labellers for a full list of labellers.
If you are looking for a faster, cheaper and and non-laminated alternative to labelling for one-time usage , our QL PC Label Printers are ideal. The QL PC Label Printers print on a range of pre-cut label sizes as well as Continuous Length tape for added versatility. |
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2. Do you require a QWERTY keyboard?
A QWERTY keyboard enables the user faster and effortless use. The majority of P-touch labellers have a QWERTY keyboard, which makes using a P-touch as easy as using a conventional computer keyboard. We also have some models with ABC-123 keypads and SMS keypads to cater for different needs. |
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3. What width labels do you need?
Having a range of label widths available means a greater variety of uses, which range from labelling narrow items such as the spine of a CD case to larger items such as signs and notices.
Label widths available for the P-touch range are as follows:
3.5mm
6mm
9mm
12mm
18mm
24mm
36mm
Each electronic labeller has a different selection of sizes that it can print on (please check that the P-touch electronic labeller is compatible with the label width you require).
QL PC Label Printers have a wider label width of 62mm, enabling you to produce larger labels and signs. |
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4. Do you need a handheld, desktop or PC-connected
model?
Electronic labellers are generally available in the three categories below. Selecting the right labeller depends on how much you plan to use it, the range of functions you need, the degree to which you require portability, and the type of tape and width of tape you need.
P-touch electronic labellers are available in 3 ranges:
Handheld electronic labellers:
These are affordable, easy to use and portable. They are ideal for light usage. See Laminated Portable Electronic Labellers or Non-Laminated Portable Electronic Labellers
Desktop electronic labellers: These offer versatile usage, have a great range of functions and operate on batteries or an AC adaptor. Different models are available for light, medium and heavy usage. See Laminated Desktop Electronic Labellers
PC-connectable electronic labellers: These
come with software with pre-designed templates for unlimited applications. Different models are available for light to heavy usage. See Laminated - PC Connectable Electronic Labellers or PC Label Printers (non-laminated)
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5. Do you need barcodes?
If you are in the retail, medical or manufacturing industry or require barcodes in your workplace, having a barcode function in your labeller is indispensable. See Laminated - PC Connectable Electronic Labellers or PC Label Printers (non-laminated) |
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6. Do you need PC and MAC compatibility?
All P-touch PC-connectable electronic labellers are compatible with a PC and/or Mac environment, giving the user greater flexibility in any working environment. |
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7. How much variety do you need in print sizes, styles and fonts?
The majority of electronic labellers will have a standard variety of printing styles. P-touch labellers have a wide variety of sizes, styles and fonts to choose from. Features include characters and symbols, memory, frames, vertical and mirror printing, repeat printing, auto-numbering and auto-formats. |
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8. How many lines of printing are required?
An electronic labeller that can print multiple lines gives you the flexibility to use the labeller on a variety of items. All P-touch electronic labellers print on multiple lines, ranging from 2-8 lines on the handheld and desktop range, to any number of lines on PC-connectable models. |
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9. Do you need battery, adaptor or dual connection?
An electronic labeller should offer you a choice of battery and AC adaptor usage, if not both. The majority of P-touch labellers can use both batteries and an AC adaptor. |
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10. Do you require a USB interface cable or Serial connection?
With PC-connectable electronic labellers, having a choice of connection to your PC gives you the advantage of selecting the connection that suits you. Our range of PC Connectable labellers offer a range of both USB and Serial interface. |
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11. Do you require mirror and vertical printing?
Not all electronic labellers have these two special functions. All mid-high range P-touch labellers have these functions. |
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12. Do you require an automatic or manual cutter?
Generally, automatic cutters are found in more advanced electronic labellers. All P-touch electronic labellers come with a built-in cutter (not a tear-bar), and the majority of P-touch labellers come with the added, automatic built-in cutter giving you cleaner and faster results. |
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13. Do you require a variety of tapes, such as fabric tape, iron-on transfer tape, etc?
The ability of an electronic labeller to print on a variety of mediums increases its usability. In addition to laminated tapes, all P-touch laminated models can use the following tapes (depending on the width of tape used):
Fluorescent tape
Iron on Fabric tape
Iron on Transfer tape
Tamper Evident tape
Instant lettering tape
Flexible Identification tape
Strong Adhesive tape
Cleaning tape |
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14. Do you want to select an electronic labeller that offers affordable tapes?
Based on a cost-per-metre basis, Brother P-touch laminated tapes are the cheapest to use when compared to other similar models in the market. With P-touch tapes you will have the added advantage of the tapes being laminated to give extra durability and professional results, which no other brand can offer. |
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15. Do you require a range of colours for your labelling needs?
Having a range of colours in the tape selection at your disposal increases the range of uses and your ability to be creative while you organise your environment. The P-touch range offers you a wide choice of colours, in fluorescent and character-design tapes. Select from a variety of colour combinations of both character colour and base colour. |
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