Label makers and tapes

Label makers and label tapes for offices, workshops, warehouses and home organisation. The range consists mainly of handheld label printers and tape cartridges from DYMO and Brother, with MediaRange also represented. They suit anyone who needs to mark folders, shelves, cables or boxes with text that stays legible.

How to choose a label maker and tapes

Tape system. A label maker only accepts its own type of cartridge, so check this first. Our range includes TZe tapes, used by Brother P-touch printers, and D1 tapes, used by DYMO LabelManager devices. Cartridges from one system generally do not fit the other.

Print technology. Thermal transfer, the most common type in our range, uses a ribbon inside the cartridge and gives a more durable print, which suits cables and shelves. Direct thermal needs no ribbon but darkens heat-sensitive material, so text can fade with heat and light. One ZINK device is also available.

Resolution and speed. Many models print at 180 x 180 DPI, and some at 160 x 160 DPI, which is enough for clear text and simple symbols. Print speeds of 12, 15 and 20 mm/sec appear in the range; speed matters mainly when you print many labels in a row.

Power. Several models run on AA or AAA batteries, and some take six at once. If you will use the label maker at a desk every day, check whether it can be connected to mains power so you are not constantly replacing batteries.

Brands in our range

• DYMO: the largest group in our range, known for its handheld LabelManager label makers and D1 tape cartridges.
• Brother: known for P-touch label printers and laminated TZe tapes, which are designed to resist scratches, water and fading.

Also in our range: MediaRange.

Label maker FAQ

Which label maker is best for an office?

A handheld DYMO or Brother label maker is enough for most offices, as it can print labels for folders, shelves and cables. Choose by tape system and by whether you need the more durable thermal transfer print. For occasional use, a battery-powered model is fine.

What is the difference between TZe and D1 tapes?

TZe is the tape system used by Brother P-touch printers, while D1 is used by DYMO LabelManager devices. They are different cartridge formats, so a tape from one brand generally cannot be used in the other brand's machine. Always match the tape to your exact printer model.

Do label printers need ink?

Thermal label printers need no ink or toner. Thermal transfer models use a ribbon built into the tape cartridge, direct thermal ones heat a specially coated material, and ZINK uses paper with dye crystals built in.

How many batteries does a portable label maker need?

It depends on the model: in our range, several battery-powered label makers take six AA or AAA batteries, and some use just one. Check the specification before buying, and keep spares if you label often.