Brother labelling machines in the test

Brother labelling machines are suitable for numerous applications in the office, household and workshop. With these models you can print individual labels for labelling folders, containers, objects, toolboxes and other things.

By labelling the contents, you can see at a glance what is hidden in boxes, drawers, tins, cartons and file folders. With the labellers, you can create order or create a sophisticated system for filing. This saves a lot of time. We took a closer look at the various Brother labelling devices for labels in our test.

What is a labelling device?

With a Brother labelling device from the P-touch range, you apply labels to materials and objects in your private or professional life. They are available as PC, handheld and desktop models. Optionally, you can print them from a tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth and WLAN.

They issue labels or create barcodes for merchandise management. There are scrolls inside. Use the keyboard to type in text in the desired font size and special characters. In addition, you can customise the appearance with various functions. Then you print out the label directly. A cutting device cuts off the printout. The labels are self-adhesive; they are available in different widths and colours.

Where is a labelling machine used?

There are different areas of application. With the devices you label

• Filing cabinets and folders
• Storage media
• Name badges
• Shelves, drawers, doors and cupboards
• Cables, distributors, connections
• Decoration
• Inventory

The most common areas of use

• Office and home office: In the office, compact desktop and handheld units are used. They have integrated displays and keyboards. Modern variants include PC models. With these, you print labels via tablet and smartphone. They are most commonly used for labelling inventory and files. With Brother labellers, you implement efficient labelling that helps you organise a good filing system. They label cabinets and shelves, storage media and documents.
  
  
• At home: The new CUBE models from Brother's P-touch range are ideal for use at home. They are compact and stylish. They are operated via Bluetooth and WLAN with your smartphone. You use the device to label folders, photo albums, clothes, storage media, doorbell signs, storage boxes, cables and cartons.
  
  
• Electrical trades: In the electrical trade, Brother labellers are used to mark cables, connections, distribution boxes and fuse boxes. In this way, electricians ensure compliance with safety regulations. Special industrial labelling devices with comprehensive functions are used. Via Brother's Mobile Cable Label Tool app, users label from their mobile device.
  
  
• Workshop: Labelling devices are also useful in the workshops of craftsmen. Use them to mark toolboxes, shelves, containers, crates and equipment.
  
  
• Facility management: Whether for inventory or for creating information and danger signs - at Brother you will find P-touch devices that print durable labels for indoor and outdoor use. They are extremely robust and can withstand external influences.
  
  
• Network infrastructure: Cable management is crucial for the organisation and the data centre. You print labels for connections, network cables and equipment.

What are the strengths of a labelling device?

With the models of the P-touch series, you create durable labels for indoor and outdoor use. These have a transparent coating that protects them. The labellers print the text on the lower side of the laminate layer using the thermal transfer process. The laminated P-touch labels are resistant to:

• Light
• Water
• Many chemicals
• Temperatures from -80 °C up to +150 °C
• abrasion

They are available in numerous widths and colours.

What are the latest labelling devices?

One of the new products is the Brother P-touch CUBE. This is a Brother labelling machine that you operate via Bluetooth using your smartphone and tablet. You use it with 3.5 to 12 millimetre wide TZe writing tapes. The devices work with a print speed of 20 millimetres per second. The Brother app P-touch Design&Print is available for designing the labels.

It contains many templates, frames and symbols for a creative realisation of your ideas. You can use backband printing for scratch-, weather- and smudge-resistant laminated labels. You can print on text and textile ribbons with elegant, stylish designs.

Optionally, you can purchase the Brother P-touch CUBE Plus. You use the machine via Bluetooth or USB. If you use it with a desktop computer, you can use the P-touch Editor software. It offers an extended range of functions. You print with the Brother labelling device TZe tapes with a width of 3.5 to 24 mm with a print resolution of up to 180 × 360 dpi.

These models are among the classics:

What should you look for when buying a labelling machine?

Before you buy a labelling machine, think about the purposes for which you will use the product. Here is an overview of the important features:

• Speed: If you print larger quantities, the printing speed is important. Manufacturers specify this in millimetres per second. With the modern Brother models, this is 20 millimetres of paper per second. Compared to other manufacturers, this is a high speed.
  
  
• Variable ribbon width: When buying, look for devices in which you can load laminated ribbons with different widths. With Brother, most are between 3.5 and 12 millimetres wide. But there are also wider versions. We recommend labelling machines that allow you to print on one or two lines. State-of-the-art design models can even print on textile ribbon.
  
  
• Power source: Simple models in the test come with batteries. Optionally, there are devices with a mains plug, lithium-ion battery or USB connection.
  
  
• Design options: There are now models with a wide range of functions that allow individual design. They offer many fonts, sizes and special characters. Some have apps and software to customise the design. Simpler handheld devices in the test are sufficient for labelling in offices and professional businesses. More sophisticated products like the Brother P-touch CUBE are used by home users and creative professionals.
  
  
• Display: A large screen with backlighting is nice, so you can see it easily even in poorly lit places like the basement or warehouse.
  
  
• Keyboard: If you often work at your desk, a tabletop device with a QWERTY keyboard is a good choice. This makes it easier to use. Hand-held devices with an ABC keyboard, where the letters are arranged in alphabetical order, are common. There are also keys for special characters and numbers.
  
  
• Print resolution: If you use the device for decorating or printing logos, a good resolution is important. Most models offer 180 to 360 dpi.

Conclusion: Brother labellers for individual use

Brother offers a wide range of labelling devices for different purposes. They are most commonly used in the office, in workshops or at home. There are variants for the PC, for the table or for handy use as a mobile device.

Very modern are P-touch CUBEs, which reveal a great variety of design possibilities. For simpler applications, models like the Brother P-touch H100LB are sufficient. Use it to label cans, boxes, files and other utensils for an orderly office or home.