Part V: Direct Thermal Cartridge – New technology is not always the best technology
As direct thermal printers gain popularity in the healthcare industry, two wristband technologies are available for positive patient identification – direct thermal rolls and direct thermal cartridges. Direct thermal rolls are the gold standard for proven technology, on-demand printing, and easy set-up. On the other hand, the direct thermal cartridge is the latest technology to be introduced to the market. In this blog post, we provide a comparison of these two different technologies as it relates to the printer system, product performance, environmental impact, and cost.
Comparing Cartridge and Thermal Roll Printing
Printer System
Requires specific printers that contain cartridge slot from sole source vendor
Contains sensor to detect wristband length
Printer Speed
Maximum speed up to 4-inches per second (101 mm per second)
Durability
Faulty cartridges lead to more printing jams
Entire cartridge needs to be replaced if jam occurs, wasting potentially useable cartridge
Environmental Impact
Increased wastage of cartridges
Proper cartridge recycling available in some locations
Additional shipping costs required to recycle cartridge
Approximate Cost
$0.35 per band
$700.00 per printer
Printer System
Compatible with all leading thermal roll printers
Contains black mark technology to detect wristband length
Overall Less Waste
Printer Speed
Maximum speed up to 8-inches per second (200 mm per second)
100% faster
Durability
Proven technology resulting in minimal jams
Easy removal of wristbands from the roll if jam occurs; roll can then be re-used
Saves Time
Environmental Impact
Single-use disposable
Optimized to have the most efficient resources and minimize environmental impact
Less Waste
Approximate Cost
$0.26 per band
$500.00 per printer
20-25% Savings
About Medirex Systems Inc.
Medirex Systems Inc. (Medirex) is a Canadian-owned and operated business connecting patients to health information systems. Being an industry leader for over 50 years, Medirex has evolved to bridge the gap between patient identification and engagement by cultivating patient connections with ease, security, and no errors. Providing a positive patient identification experience for over 10 million Canadians, Medirex adopts technologies ensuring that the patient has a voice in their healthcare journey. Medirex aids in the adoption of digital health resources and data to improve the patient experience for your healthcare organization.
Media Contact:
Medirex Communications
Medirex Systems Inc.
+1.416.363.9313
info@medirex.com