Barcode printer installation tips are yet another service provided by Barcode Southwest. Call us at 888-764-9965 for help with installing your new barcode printer.
When a barcode printer is purchased from Barcode Southwest, we offer an optional installation and training package. However, this package is not “for” every company. Here are four easy installation tips and reminders when installing your new barcode printer.
Barcode Printer Installation Tips: Four Easy Steps
Inventory Check
While, it may seem unnecessary to say, the first step in any successful barcode printer installation is unpacking and taking inventory of the printer and accessories. When preparing for your barcode printer installation, here are four important checks:
- Be sure the printer delivered is the printer ordered.
- Check inventory to make sure all necessary cords have been included.
- Locate the software.
- Double check to make sure any and all accessories have been included.
Environment Check
A clean, user-friendly environment / location is important. Creating this environment is your second installation step.
A clean environment (free of dust and clutter-free) is critical to the overall lifespan of your barcode printer and your media. Having adequate computer/printer work space with easy access to all materials will save productivity time and prevent frustration. Consider the following three factors when creating your work environment.
- Sufficient maneuverability for the printer operator.
- Ample “breathing room” for your printer.
- Easy access to additional ribbons and labels.
Initial Setup
The third barcode printer installation tip is prepping for the initial setup of your new barcode printer.
- Power up the barcode printer.
- Connect the printer to your computer. Make sure the printer and computer are communicating.
- Next, follow the material-loading guidelines found on the inside back wall of the barcode printer
- Install label material and/or ribbon following the factory guidelines inside along the inside wall of the barcode printer.
- Follow the tips in the next section, Learning the Printer’s Main Menu to prepare the printer for calibration and printing.
- Finally, print a test label for image quality and position.
Learning the Printer’s Main Menu
The final barcode printer installation tip is learning to use your main menu panel to adjust the printer settings.
Printers are shipped with factory settings. However, the label material tested is paper. If you are printing on a synthetic material such as polypropylene, you may need to adjust the printer settings.
- Check Printer Speed and Printhead Heat settings. These two settings are the most critical settings within the menu panel. These settings control the “burn” that will give your labels a clear and crisp image.
- Next, calibrate print media (see above picture). Calibrating the print media will align the image on the label. It will also adjust to the media thickness. Improper calibration will result in wasted media.
Call Barcode Southwest at 1-888-764-9965 to see how we can help you have a successful barcode printer installation. Or complete our contact form!
Barcode Southwest is a premier supplier of barcode printers and labels for a wide range of industry applications. We supply to clients all over the Southwest region of the U.S., including, but not limited to, Houston, TX, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
Happy Printing 
Please visit our Barcode Southwest Facebook page.
Posted May 31, 2021 By Lucy
Barcode Printer Installation for Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
