The printer accessories category has over 100 models: power supplies, chargers, batteries, cutter modules, print heads and other accessories for label and receipt printers. It is aimed at warehouses, shops and service businesses that need to repair or extend the printers they already use. Zebra, Honeywell, TSC and Bixolon have the most products.
How to choose a printer accessory
Compatibility. An accessory usually fits only a particular model or series, so compare the printer manufacturer, model name and part number. Even desktop and industrial models from the same maker often use different print heads, power supplies and batteries.
What the accessory is for. A print head and a platen roller are wear parts and need replacing after a certain amount of printing. A cutter module, charger or spare battery does not replace a faulty part but adds to what the printer can do. Work out first whether the printer needs repairing or extending.
Print resolution. Print heads differ in resolution: 203 or 300 dpi are the most common, and industrial models sometimes go higher. Small barcodes and narrow labels benefit from higher resolution, while ordinary warehouse labels are often fine at 203 dpi. A replacement head must match the resolution of the printer.
Mobile or fixed use. Batteries, chargers and carrying cases are meant for portable printers used in warehouses, shops or on deliveries. Fixed printers more often need power supplies, cutter modules and mounts. For a mobile model, check the battery type and how it charges.
Brands in our range
- Zebra: a well-known maker of barcode and label printers and mobile computers, and the brand with the most products in this category.
- Honeywell: produces industrial label printers and barcode scanners, and its printer line includes equipment that came from Intermec.
- TSC: specialises in desktop and industrial label printers.
- Bixolon: a South Korean manufacturer known for receipt, label and mobile printers.
- Star Micronics: a Japanese company best known for receipt printers used at point-of-sale counters.
- Epson: besides inkjet printers, it makes the widely used TM series of receipt printers.
- Brother: known for P-touch label printers used for labelling in offices and warehouses.
Also in our range: Seiko Precision, Seiko, Labelmate and HP.
Frequently asked questions about printer accessories
How do I know whether an accessory fits my printer?
Compare your printer's model name and the manufacturer's part number with the product description. The model name is usually printed on a label on the underside or back of the printer. If you do not have a part number, check that the accessory is listed for your exact series.
When should I replace a print head?
Replace the print head when prints become faint, white streaks appear or parts of barcodes are unreadable and cleaning does not help. Before replacing it, clean the head with isopropyl alcohol and check the platen roller for damage. How long a head lasts depends on how much you print and which labels you use.
Are original accessories better than compatible ones?
Original accessories are made for that specific printer model, so the risk of incompatibility is lower. Compatible accessories can work well, but quality varies, so check details such as voltage, connector and resolution. Be especially careful with print heads and power supplies.
What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing?
Direct thermal printing uses heat-sensitive label material and needs no ribbon. A thermal transfer printer melts wax or resin from a ribbon onto the label, so prints stay readable for longer. This decides whether your printer needs ribbons and which labels it can use.
