The TSC TH DH Series desktop barcode printer range offers 2-inch and 4-inch models for product identification, shipping labels, retail labelling and healthcare wristbands. Choose TH for thermal transfer and direct thermal printing, or DH for direct thermal applications, with 203 dpi and 300 dpi models and configuration-specific connectivity and media-handling options.
The main decision is how long the label must remain readable and what it will encounter during use. TH models support thermal transfer, which uses a ribbon, and direct thermal printing, which uses heat-sensitive media. DH models support direct thermal printing only.
Choose TH for asset identification, component labels or apparel applications requiring a tested ribbon-and-material combination. DH suits receipts, dispatch labels and other applications where direct thermal media provides sufficient durability. Heat, sunlight, chemicals and abrasion should inform the consumable choice; thermal transfer durability depends on matching the ribbon to the label material.
The comparison below covers conventional 5-inch-roll configurations. DH220E/DH320E entry models, DH220L variants and healthcare ribbon-cartridge versions have separate specifications.
| Specification | 2-inch models | 4-inch models |
|---|---|---|
| TH models | TH220T: 203 dpi TH320T: 300 dpi |
TH240 / TH240T: 203 dpi TH340 / TH340T: 300 dpi |
| DH models | DH220 / DH220T: 203 dpi DH320 / DH320T: 300 dpi |
DH240T: 203 dpi DH340T: 300 dpi |
| Maximum print speed | 203 dpi: 203 mm/s 300 dpi: 152 mm/s |
203 dpi: 203 mm/s 300 dpi: 152 mm/s |
| Maximum print width | 203 dpi: 54 mm 300 dpi: 56.9 mm |
203 dpi: 108 mm 300 dpi: 105.7 mm |
| Media width | 15–60 mm; down to 10 mm with the appropriate adaptor | 15–120 mm; down to 10 mm with the appropriate adaptor |
| Media thickness | 0.06–0.19 mm | 0.06–0.19 mm |
| Internal label roll | 127 mm outside diameter; 25.4–38.1 mm core | 127 mm outside diameter; 25.4–38.1 mm core |
| TH ribbon capacity | 90 m; 56–58 mm ribbon width | 300 m on a 1-inch core; 40–110 mm ribbon width |
| TH dimensions, W × H × D | 146 × 179 × 231 mm | 223 × 186 × 286 mm |
| DH dimensions, W × H × D | 138 × 172 × 210 mm | 208 × 170 × 235 mm |
Media width includes the backing material and is wider than the printable area. Maximum speeds are manufacturer ratings; small labels, dense artwork, media characteristics and cutting or peeling can require slower settings. Choose 300 dpi for fine text and compact barcodes, then test the output with the intended scanner.
These configurations operate at 0–40°C and 25–85% non-condensing relative humidity. Their external power supplies accept 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, with 24 V DC output: 60 W for 2-inch models and 90 W for 4-inch models. Allow additional space for opening the cover, loading supplies and connecting cables.
If the required printable area exceeds these limits, compare wider-format label printers before choosing a desktop model.
The printers accommodate continuous, die-cut, black-mark, fan-fold and notched media within the selected model’s limits. Gap and black-mark sensors locate the label, while the media damper stabilises feeding. Printhead-pressure, heater-line and vertical scaling adjustments help configure output for the selected stock.
Supported barcode formats include Code 128, EAN/UPC, QR Code, DataMatrix and PDF417. Barcode dimensions, clear margins around the code and print contrast still need checking against the application’s scanning requirements.
Illustrative configuration: a packing desk printing 100 × 150 mm direct thermal shipping labels could start with the DH240T. A 40 × 20 mm synthetic component label with fine text would favour the 300 dpi TH320T, with ribbon and media tested for the expected handling and cleaning conditions.
TSPL-EZD firmware supports EPL, ZPL, ZPL II and DPL emulation, with automatic printer-language switching. This can simplify replacement projects, but representative print jobs should be checked for fonts, graphics, barcode sizing and command behaviour before deployment.
The conventional models listed above include USB 2.0, RS-232, USB Host and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth require the appropriate optional module; MFi Bluetooth availability depends on the configuration. DH220E and DH320E entry models use USB connectivity and should be assessed separately.
The embedded webpage provides individual network-printer configuration and monitoring. TSC Console supports printer administration, while TSC Console Web requires Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity. SOTI Connect is supported on designated models and requires a separate licence. Networked configurations support HTTPS, SNMPv3, 802.1X and TCP/IP port 9100 filtering.
TPH Care monitors thermal printhead condition, and the printhead and platen roller can be replaced without tools. Ribbon-low warnings apply to TH thermal transfer operation; DH printers do not use ribbons.
Designated healthcare versions, including TH220THC, TH320THC, TH240THC, TH340THC and corresponding DH healthcare models, have an antimicrobial, disinfectant-ready enclosure and an IEC 60601-1-compliant medical-grade power supply. These features apply to the healthcare configuration; the power-supply designation does not establish medical-device certification for the complete printer.
For patient wristbands, specimen labels and pharmacy workflows, confirm media dimensions, cleaning-agent compatibility and required print durability. The 4-inch TH240TRCHC and TH340TRCHC healthcare models use 100 m ribbon cartridges, unlike conventional TH models accepting 300 m ribbon rolls.
Optional guillotine cutters separate output after printing, while peel-off modules present labels for application. Selected TH configurations offer a dedicated care-label cutter. Specify the material and required cut before choosing a module.
Linerless printing uses adhesive media without a backing liner and requires a compatible DH configuration with a linerless tear-off or cutter kit. Standard media handling does not establish linerless compatibility. Wireless modules, external roll mounts and narrow-media adaptors also need matching to the full model code.
Selected 4-inch TH configurations support UHF RFID, with built-in encoding available as a factory option and external tear-off or cutter RFID modules offered for supported upgrades. Confirm the tag inlay, frequency region, label pitch and encoding requirements before ordering.
Selected 2-inch DH220L-series configurations support HF RFID upgrade kits instead. These kits support ISO/IEC 15693, ISO/IEC 14443 Type A and ISO/IEC 18092 standards. HF and UHF are different radio technologies and require matching tags and readers; an RFID option should not be assumed compatible across the TH DH range.
For sites already using Printronix System Architecture and PrintNet Enterprise, the Printronix T800 is a relevant 4-inch desktop alternative. Both the T800 and conventional 4-inch TH models offer 203 dpi or 300 dpi printing and accept 300 m ribbons.
The T800 has a maximum print width of 104 mm, compared with 108 mm at 203 dpi or 105.7 mm at 300 dpi for the 4-inch TH range. Compare existing printer commands, management tools and required printable width when choosing between them.
Yes. Width alone is insufficient: label length, backing margins, gap position and the dispensing method also matter. For TH models, TSC specifies that the distance between the label’s right edge and the backing paper’s right edge must be less than 6 mm. Provide a sample roll or dimensioned media drawing for assessment.
Emulation handles supported printer commands. TSC offers an optional PDF Print Dongle for direct PDF printing on listed TH DH models. If your system produces PDFs, confirm whether the workflow will use a computer driver or a supported direct-print configuration.
MarvelTech can help select the print method, model, resolution, connectivity and accessories for the intended label workflow. Its published services include equipment maintenance, periodic inspections, adjustments and support contracts; request the applicable scope for your deployment.
Pricing depends on the model, healthcare or RFID configuration, wireless modules, cutters or peelers, consumables, software licences and any agreed setup or support. Request confirmation of availability, delivery timing, warranty terms and service coverage with the quotation.
Send MarvelTech your label dimensions and sample artwork, material and ribbon requirements, daily volume and peak batch size, existing software or printer language, connection method and delivery location. Include any wristband, care-label, linerless, RFID or cleaning requirements so the proposed configuration can be checked against the actual job.
Choose TH when you need ribbon-based thermal transfer printing, or DH when direct thermal media meets the application’s requirements. TH models also support direct thermal printing. DH suits shipping labels and temporary identification; TH provides more consumable choices for longer-lasting component, asset and product labels. Assess durability using the actual label material, ribbon and exposure to heat, chemicals or abrasion.
Choose by the required printed area and the total media width, including its backing. Conventional 2-inch models accept media up to 60 mm wide but print up to 54 mm at 203 dpi or 56.9 mm at 300 dpi. The corresponding 4-inch models accept media up to 120 mm wide, with maximum print widths of 108 mm and 105.7 mm respectively. A 100 mm-wide shipping label requires a 4-inch model.
The TH240T prints at 203 dpi, while the TH340T provides 300 dpi for finer text and smaller barcode elements. Their maximum rated speeds are 203 mm/s and 152 mm/s respectively. Choose resolution from the smallest required detail rather than label size alone. Check representative labels at the intended production speed: higher resolution does not compensate for unsuitable media, poor contrast or insufficient clear space around barcodes.
Suitable configurations support media down to 10 mm wide with the appropriate optional narrow-media adaptor. Width alone does not establish compatibility: label length, backing margins, gap or black-mark position and dispensing method also affect feeding. Supply a dimensioned media drawing or sample roll, particularly when small labels must pass through a cutter or peel-off module.
TSPL-EZD supports EPL, ZPL, ZPL II and DPL emulation, which can simplify replacing an existing printer. Compatibility still depends on the commands, fonts, graphics and barcode settings in your print jobs. Test representative files before deployment. When reviewing label design and printing software, confirm driver support, operating-system compatibility and any licences needed for database connections or automated printing.
No. Conventional TH models and non-entry DH configurations include USB, USB Host, RS-232 and Ethernet, while DH220E and DH320E entry models use USB connectivity. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth require compatible optional modules. Specify the full model code, host device and network requirements when ordering; wireless capability elsewhere in the range does not establish that the quoted printer includes it.
TSC Console supports printer administration, while TSC Console Web manages supported printers over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The embedded webpage provides settings and status access for an individual networked printer. SOTI Connect is another option on supported configurations and requires a separate licence. Check firmware compatibility and network access before deployment; printer management functions are separate from label design and business-system integration.
Choose a designated healthcare configuration when the installation requires its disinfectant-ready antimicrobial enclosure and medical-grade power supply. TSC specifies IEC 60601-1 compliance for that power supply; this does not establish medical-device certification for the complete printer. For wristbands, specimen labels and pharmacy labels, confirm media dimensions, cleaning-agent compatibility and readability after the expected handling and storage conditions.
A peel-off module presents labels with their backing removed, while a guillotine cutter separates compatible output. Selected TH models offer a dedicated care-label cutter. Linerless adhesive media requires a compatible DH configuration with a linerless tear-off or cutter kit. These options are not interchangeable by function: specify the material, label length and required presentation method so the correct module and operating limits can be checked.
Selected 4-inch TH configurations support UHF RFID encoding, while selected 2-inch DH220L-series configurations support HF RFID. These radio technologies require different compatible tags and readers. Specify the tag’s chip-and-antenna assembly, label dimensions, installation country and data to encode. Confirm whether the proposed encoder is factory-fitted or an approved upgrade; a standard barcode printer does not acquire RFID capability through software alone.
The range suits desktop shipping, stock-control and product-identification stations within the selected model’s operating limits. Conventional configurations are specified for 0–40°C and 25–85% non-condensing relative humidity. Check ambient conditions separately from the temperature resistance required of the finished label. For prolonged batches, larger consumable supplies or demanding installations, compare industrial barcode and label printers against the actual workload.
Send label dimensions, sample artwork, material, required label life, daily volume and largest batch. Include your current printer or software, connection method, installation environment and delivery location. Identify any healthcare, care-label, linerless or RFID requirements. Ask for a quotation that specifies the complete model code, consumables, accessories, software licences and any agreed setup or support, together with availability and warranty terms.
The Printronix Auto ID T8000 industrial label printer produces barcode, product, shipping and compliance labels for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. Its 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch configurations combine metal construction, direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, remote management and optional barcode verification on selected models.
See DetailsThe Printronix T800 is a 4-inch desktop thermal printer for barcode labelling at shipping desks, retail back offices, manufacturing workstations and healthcare facilities. It supports direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, accommodates 300 m ribbons and offers optional factory-fitted UHF RFID encoding for product and asset identification.
See DetailsThe Printronix Auto ID T6000e Industrial Label Printer supports direct thermal and thermal transfer printing for manufacturing traceability, shipping, warehouse and product labelling. Available in 4-inch and 6-inch versions, it offers resolution up to 600 dpi on selected 4-inch models, with optional UHF RFID encoding for standard labels and suitable on-metal tags.
See DetailsPlease contact us if you have any questions or comments.
