Rollo Label Printer vs Epson ColorWorks C3500
If you're in the market for a label printer, you may be wondering which one to choose. Two top contenders in the label printing world are the Rollo Label Printer and the Epson ColorWorks C3500. In this article, we'll provide an in-depth comparison of these two printers to help you decide which one best suits your business needs.
Overview of Rollo Label Printer
The Rollo Label Printer is an excellent option for small to medium-sized businesses. It handles a wide variety of label sizes and types, including shipping labels, barcodes, and product labels. The printer is equipped with both USB and Ethernet ports, allowing easy connectivity to your computer. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with popular shipping services like UPS, FedEx, and USPS.
Known for its speed and efficiency, the Rollo Label Printer can print up to 150mm per second, making it ideal for businesses that process a large volume of orders or shipments daily. Its user-friendly design ensures easy setup and operation, even for those who are not tech-savvy. Comprehensive user manuals and online support further enhance its reliability.
Overview of Epson ColorWorks C3500
The Epson ColorWorks C3500 is a high-quality printer tailored for medium to large-sized businesses with advanced labeling needs. Utilizing UltraChrome DL UV-resistant ink, it produces vibrant, durable color labels suitable for products, packaging, and marketing materials. Its robust design withstands harsh environments, making it ideal for manufacturing plants and warehouses. Like the Rollo, it offers USB and Ethernet connectivity for streamlined integration.
The Epson ColorWorks C3500 offers extensive customization options, enabling you to select from various label sizes and materials, including glossy, matte, and synthetic options. It supports variable data printing, essential for tracking inventory and products through barcodes and serial numbers. The accompanying software is intuitive, offering features like color matching and image resizing, and it integrates well with a range of third-party software solutions.
Key Features of the Rollo Label Printer
- Thermal Printing Technology: Utilizes heat to transfer ink, offering a more efficient alternative to inkjet printers.
- High Resolution: Delivers crisp text and graphics with a resolution of 203 dpi.
- Fast Printing Speed: Prints up to 150mm (approximately six inches) of labels per second.
- Versatile Compatibility: Supports label widths from 1.57 inches to 4.1 inches and various materials like paper, polyester, and polypropylene.
- Easy Integration: Compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Key Features of the Epson ColorWorks C3500
- Durable Construction: Built to withstand demanding environments.
- Superior Print Quality: Produces 720x360 dpi prints with UltraChrome DL pigment-based inks.
- Customizable Printing: Offers a wide range of label sizes and materials, including matte, glossy, and synthetic.
- Efficient Ink Usage: Uses four individual cartridges, allowing for replacement of only needed colors to save costs.
- High-Speed Printing: Prints up to 4 inches per second, suitable for high-volume requirements.
Printing Capabilities
Rollo Label Printer
The Rollo Label Printer is versatile, capable of printing on various label sizes and types, including direct thermal and thermal transfer labels. It accommodates label widths from 1.57 inches to 4.1 inches and roll labels up to ten inches in diameter. With a resolution of 203 dpi, it ensures clear and sharp prints for text, barcodes, and logos.
Its fast printing speed of up to 150mm per second enhances efficiency, while its user-friendly design simplifies label roll loading and software operation. Compatibility with both Windows and Mac systems ensures broad accessibility.
Epson ColorWorks C3500
The Epson ColorWorks C3500 excels in high-quality color label printing. Utilizing UltraChrome DL UV-resistant ink, it achieves 720x360 dpi prints, ideal for detailed product labels and marketing materials. Its media versatility allows it to handle various paper types and bulk printing needs efficiently.
The printer's intuitive interface and comprehensive software facilitate quick and easy label creation, offering customization with text, images, and barcodes. A variety of templates and design tools ensure professional-looking labels, whether for small batches or large quantities.
Print Speed Comparison
Both the Rollo and Epson label printers offer efficient printing speeds. The Rollo Label Printer prints approximately 150mm (six inches) of labels per second, making it the faster option for simple text and barcode printing. In contrast, the Epson ColorWorks C3500 prints up to 4 inches per second, which is optimal for detailed, full-color images.
It's important to note that print speeds can vary based on label complexity. Intricate designs may slow down the printing process on both devices. Additionally, the Rollo has a slightly higher maximum print width of 4.16 inches compared to the Epson's 4 inches.
When considering consumable costs, the Rollo's direct thermal technology eliminates the need for ink or toner cartridges, reducing ongoing expenses. Conversely, the Epson ColorWorks C3500's ink cartridges can increase maintenance costs but offer greater versatility in material compatibility.
Print Quality Comparison
The Epson ColorWorks C3500 stands out for high-quality, full-color printing, thanks to its UltraChrome DL ink, which produces vibrant and durable prints. This makes it ideal for product labels and marketing materials that require detailed imagery and color accuracy.
The Rollo Label Printer excels in producing high-quality black and white prints, making it perfect for text-heavy labels and barcode printing. While it may not match the Epson in color richness, it offers reliable performance for basic labeling needs.
Cost Comparison
The Rollo Label Printer is a budget-friendly choice, priced between $300 and $400. It offers excellent value for small to medium-sized businesses needing efficient and versatile labeling solutions.
The Epson ColorWorks C3500 is a higher-end option, with prices ranging from $1,700 to $2,500. Despite the higher initial cost, it provides advanced features, superior print quality, and durability, making it a worthwhile investment for larger businesses with more demanding labeling requirements.
Ease of Use
Both the Rollo and Epson label printers are designed for user-friendliness. They are easy to install and configure, with straightforward printing processes. Standard features like automatic nozzle checks, cleaning cycles, and quick paper loading enhance their ease of use.
The software accompanying each printer is intuitive, allowing users to design and print labels with minimal training. The Rollo's compatibility with various shipping and labeling software further simplifies integration into existing workflows.
Durability and Reliability
Both printers are known for their reliability, but the Epson ColorWorks C3500 offers greater durability and longevity, making it suitable for harsh environments and high-volume printing needs. Its robust construction ensures consistent performance over time.
The Rollo Label Printer is also reliable but may require more frequent maintenance to maintain optimal performance. With proper care, it can provide an extended lifespan, thanks to its solid build quality and resistance to damage.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customer feedback for both printers is generally positive. The Rollo Label Printer is praised for its affordability, ease of use, and fast print speeds. Users appreciate its ability to handle a variety of label sizes and its seamless integration with popular shipping services.
The Epson ColorWorks C3500 receives high marks for exceptional print quality, durability, and versatility. Customers value its ability to produce vibrant, long-lasting color labels and its suitability for high-volume, professional-grade labeling.
Best Label Printer for Small Businesses
For small businesses, the Rollo Label Printer is an excellent choice. Its affordability, versatility, and efficiency make it ideal for a wide range of labeling needs, including product labeling, shipping labels, and barcodes. Its user-friendly design and reliable performance ensure it meets the demands of growing businesses without excessive costs.
Best Label Printer for Large Enterprises
Large enterprises will benefit more from the Epson ColorWorks C3500. Its advanced technological capabilities, superior print quality, and enhanced durability make it suitable for high-volume printing demands. While it comes with a higher price tag, the Epson C3500's robustness and professional-grade output justify the investment for large-scale operations.
Conclusion: Which Label Printer is Right for You - Rollo or Epson?
Choosing between the Rollo Label Printer and the Epson ColorWorks C3500 ultimately depends on your business needs and budget. The Rollo offers a cost-effective, versatile solution ideal for small to medium-sized businesses with standard labeling requirements. In contrast, the Epson ColorWorks C3500, though more expensive, provides advanced technology, exceptional print quality, and durability, making it the better choice for larger businesses with more demanding labeling needs.
