Overview 
Label printers are very popular in veterinary offices and our users typically ask us what kind of label printer to use.  There are many different makes and models of printers on the market today.  Because of the unique environment which they will be used, we have chosen to stock and support the following label printers.  These printers are typically used for:
- Pharmacy Labels
- Cage Cards
- File Folders
- Patient Information labels
- Envelope labels

Answers to common questions?  click HERE
 

Zebra TLP2742-PSA resolution: 203dpi width: 4.09" (104mm) speed: 2" (51mm) per second  Product Brochure Need Labels?	Specifications: Print method: Thermal Transfer or Direct thermal Print head density: 203 DPI. Maximum print speed: 2" per second. Maximum print width: 4.09" Maximum media width: 4.65" Maximum media length: 11" Maximum media thickness: .007" Memory: 512KB Flash; 128KB SRAM Standard interface:  -Serial:  RS232 (DB9) 9.6Kbps, range 1.2-38.4Kbps, software selectable -Parallel: (centronics) -LAN/Ethernet (requires optional Print Server) Dimensions: 7.9" x 6.75" x 9.75"(WHD). Weight: 4 lbs. Approvals: FCC Class A and CE requirements; built to UL, CUL, VCCI, C-TICK, TUV requirements. Power requirements: switcher 115/230VAC, 60/50 Hz Included with printer: Power cord, CD-ROM with manual and sample demo programs. Competitive product warranty: 12 month labor&parts and 6 month printhead warranty
DYMO LabelWriter 330 resolution: 300 dpi  width: 2.3" (58.4mm)  speed: 16 labels per minute Product Brochure Need Labels?	Specifications: Print method: Direct thermal. Print head density: 300 DPI. Maximum print speed: 16 labels per minute. Maximum print width: 2.30"  Maximum media width: 2.44" (62mm). Maximum media length: User definable.  Maximum media thickness: .006" card stock. Maximum paper handling: 1200" of labels. 300’ of thermal paper. Memory: 4K data input buffer, 30K RAM for graphics mode. Standard interface: USB or Serial RS-232C, selectable 1200–115,200 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. Supports XON/XOFF and Hardware flow control handshaking. Supplied with serial cable with DB9 and DB25 connectors. Parallel option: Can connect to a parallel (LPT) port with DYMO Parallel to Serial Converter cable. Dimensions: 5" x 5.25" x 7.25"(WHD). Weight: 1.5 lbs. Approvals: CE, FCC, TUV, CSA and NRTL approved. Power requirements: 100-240V 47-63Hz. Included with printer: Printer, power cable, serial cable, USB cable, roll of labels, Windows/Mac software on CD, printed Quick Start Guide  Print head life, expected: 2,000,000 lineal inches. Limited warranty: 1 year.
DYMO SE300 (DOS) resolution: 203 dpi  width: 2.2" (56mm)  speed: 2" (51mm) per second Product Brochure Need Labels?	Specifications: Print method: Direct thermal. Print head density: 203 DPI. Maximum print speed: 2" per second. Maximum print width: 2.20" (56mm). Maximum media width: 2.44" (62mm). Maximum media length: User definable.  Maximum media thickness: .006" card stock. Maximum paper handling: 1200" of labels. 300’ of thermal paper. Memory: 4K data input buffer, 30K RAM for graphics mode. Standard interface: Serial RS-232C, selectable 1200–115,200 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. Supports XON/XOFF and Hardware flow control handshaking. Supplied with serial cable with DB9 and DB25 connectors. Parallel option: Can connect to a parallel (LPT) port with DYMO Parallel to Serial Converter cable. Dimensions: 4-7/8" x 5-3/4" x 7-1/4"(WHD). Weight: 1-1/4 lbs. Approvals: CE, TUV, CSA, NRTL Power requirements: 100-240V 47-63Hz. Included with printer: Power cord, serial cable, Quick Start Guide, CD-ROM with manual and sample demo programs. Print head life, expected: 2,000,000 lineal inches. Limited warranty: 1 year.
	To download a free copy
	Labels & Ribbons: 3" x 2" Prescription & Address labels 7 rolls of 3" x 2" Thermal Transfer Labels (5145 labels - 735/Roll) 3 rolls of 3.3" Resin Ribbons 1.25" x 2.25" Allergy Vials (small) 7 rolls of 1.25" x 2.25" Thermal Transfer Labels (5145 labels - 735/Roll) 3 rolls of 3.3" Resin Ribbons 4" x 2" Cage Cards 7 rolls of 4" x 2" Thermal Transfer Labels (5145 labels - 735/Roll) 3 rolls of 4.3" Resin Ribbons
	Labels: 1.8" x 3.1" (Video Top) Prescription &  Address labels 20 rolls of 1.8" x 3.1" Thermal Labels (3000 labels - 150/roll) 2.3" x 4" (Large Shipping) Cage Cards 10 rolls of 2.3" x 4" Thermal Labels (3000 labels - 300/roll)

Common Questions
Direct thermal vs. thermal transfer?
Some label printers print directly onto heat-sensitive paper, similarly to how a thermal fax machine works (Dymo LabelWriter330, SE300).  This is called direct thermal printing.  These printers are typically inexpensive, but the label stock is expensive.  In addition, an entire label will turn black if exposed to heat, and will fade over time so they should not be used for archival purposes.
Other label printers transfer data to the label via a wax resin ribbon (Zebra TLP2742-PSA).  This is thermal transfer printing.  The label stock and ribbons together are much less expensive than with direct thermal, and the printed labels are not subject to color change or fading.  However, the printers themselves are more expensive due to the technology involved.
Connection types?
Label printers connect to a computer in one of three ways: serial, parallel, or USB.  The type of connection is not necessarily important, but if you are connecting to a print server (below) rather than directly to a workstation, the print server’s and printer’s connection types must be the same.
Print servers vs. connecting directly to workstations
We strongly recommend that all printers in the system be connected to print servers controlled by the network server, rather than to individual workstations.  This ensures a high degree of reliability.
How do I choose?
You need to evalute the various concerns:
Space:  How much room do I have to place the printer in the most convenient area for usage? The Dymo is smaller.
Cost:  The Zebra is more expensive to purchase, but the supplies are much less expensive.  If you used 1000 labels per month, the cost savings in supplies for the Zebra during the first year, make up for the inital higher printer cost.  After that you could save on average of $3-400 per year using the Zebra over the Dymo depending on your label usage
Quality:  The Zebra Thermal Transfer labels do not fade over time.  The Zebra printer itself, is an industrial barcode printer instead of an office grade label printer like the Dymo.  Meaning the Zebra should standup better to the clinic envorinment and last longer (more labels).
Summary
The Dymo is intended for low volume, low initial cost, and clinics where space is a primary concern.  The Zebra is intended for higher volume usage with lower operating cost of consumables, and where space is less of a concern.  Some clinics buy two, a Zebra for the clinical labeling (usually located in the phramacy), and either a Zebra or a Dymo for the front desk reception area.  Some even have differrent size labels in each for the different uses.