Seiko Instruments USA Inc.’s Thermal Printer Division today introduced DPU-S445, a compact, lightweight and low-cost direct thermal mobile printer for wireless applications.

 

Running on a long-life lithium-ion battery, the printer produces 4-inch wide printed output at 90 millimeters per second, according to the company. The DPU-S445 also offers IrDA and Bluetooth connectivity options, which makes it a valuable alternative for users who need convenience and reliability, without the high price of a ruggedized device, company officials say.

 

Vice President and General Manager of Seiko Instruments USA Kaz Onishi said that the DPU-S445 is a welcome addition to their lineup of mobile thermal printers. He said that the new printer offers customers exceptional value in a challenging business climate, and is a great fit for budget-conscious users in Latin America and other emerging markets.

 

Seiko says that thermal printers have become a must-have for a growing number of untethered applications as they don’t require toner or ribbon, and have very few moving parts to compromise reliability.

 

Designed for fast, simple, no-fuss operation, the company says its DPU-S445 features two well-placed buttons control power and paper feed. Also, the Seiko Instruments EZ-OP clamshell-style tray enables quick paper replacement, by simply dropping a new roll into the printer, company officials say.

 

The DPU-S445 weighs just over one pound and measures 5.7 inches wide, 5.3 inches deep, and 2.3 inches high. This small and light printer offers 203 dpi resolution, for crystal clear printout, and USB, Serial, IrDA and optional Bluetooth interfaces.

 

Founded in 1937, SII manufactures and markets electronic components, thermal and specialty printers, consumer electronics, communication and network technology, scientific instrumentation and precision manufacturing technology, according to the company.

 

Seeing the popularity of thermal printers, companies have launched products to fill the market need, officials say. One of these companies is Zebra Technologies (News - Alert), a global provider of specialty printing and automatic identification solutions, which recently launched the new G-Series line of thermal desktop printers, officials say.

 

Available in both direct thermal and a combination of direct thermal/thermal transfer versions, the G-series products are compatible with Zebra’s multiple ribbon and label combinations, even those that work in the harshest conditions, according to the company.