P4T Mobile TT Permanent Printer from Zebra Technologies Possibilities and Applications

Copyright (c) 2010 Carl Shackelford

Finally a portable thermal transfer printer to accompany the new mobile handhelds. The P4T is the only mobile permanent label printing solution available today. This printer uses thermal transfer technology which gives it the ability to print synthetic or paper labels by burning the ribbon onto the label creating a permanent or long lasting label. Direct thermal printing is also available on this printer. Direct thermal prints are made by heating the label or paper so that the paper darkens and an image appears. This is the process used in temporary labeling and receipt printer paper printing.

The most standard uses of the P4T will be for mobile computers and laptops in the field. Asset Tracking is one of the main areas of usage. Handhelds and Mobile devices can easily be used as a standalone or coupled with a mobile device. This would eliminate the preprinting of labels, help decrease loss of tags, and maintain easier control of assets. Most people tracking assets like to utilize printing at the "point-of-application". expecially when wireless connective is present.

Many manufacturing functions are available for the P4T. This would include relabeling when labels have been removed from products, or are incorrectly labeled. Manufacturing vehicles or Fork Lifts can be equipped with the P4T and be made ready for use. With 802.11B on the printer, workers can radio in a tag, or the user could print one locally if they have a mobile computer or smart phone.

Zebra's mobile printing and ticketing solutions for electronic citation systems allow officers to easily print citations on the scene. The P4T/RP4T printer's thermal transfer printing, together with special genuine Zebra receipt media, can help facilitate ticket writers. This technology can provide you with extra confidence that even when exposed to moisture or high temperatures, citations will remain readable and enforceable.

Although the P4T is designed to allow for permanent labeling, it can perform the task of labeling for shipping or temporary labels in direct thermal mode. This would allow for a shipping clerk or vehicle operator to attach a shipping label directly to a unit going out the door. This could be utilized in any temporary label area where an existing direct thermal printer is used. Now your older direct thermal mobile printer can be replaced with the P4T.

Overall, the P4T is a great unit with a plethora of potential applications, only a few of which are mentioned here. The P4T has a large LCD display, smart battery, and ribbon cartridge. Sensor detection for ribbon out, label out, and other abnormal conditions make the P4T one of the most user friendly printers available. The unit can talk to mobile computers via com port, BlueTooth, USB, or even through wireless 802.11b/g.


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The Zebra P4T Mobile Label Printer is a new mobile permanent label printer from Zebra Technologies. The P4T can printer Poly permanent labels using Thermal Transfer with a ribbon. The Zebra Technologies RP4T can actuall code RFID tags and print permanent labels. Asset Tracking, Inventory, Police ticketing(with special label stock), and many others uses are available.