How to Read Honeywell Printer Model Numbers: A Complete Guide

One of the leading names in industrial label and barcode printing is that of Honeywell. The brand offers a varied range of industrial, desktop, and mobile printers. When choosing the most suitable printer, most people tend to get stuck in selecting the features and functions they might actually want and which particular model will offer them features that align with their requirements. However, we have a simple hack to decode the features by reading the model number of Honeywell’s thermal label printers. If you have ever brushed off a model number, such as “PM45A,” “PC42T,” or “RP4F”, simply as a manufacturer or seller’s means of keeping track of stock, we warn you to stop right there, as they are packed with information. Yet, interpreting model numbers, without proper understanding, can seem like a herculean task no easier than deciphering secret codes. 

If you are also facing an issue with choosing the right printer or understanding what your printer is capable of, then this blog is for you. Throughout, we will break down the different parts of a Honeywell printer’s model number and even tell you where and how you can get genuine wholesale label printers, so that you can procure the right device to support the needs of your business. 

Why Model Numbers Matter

At a single look, a model number might appear as a haphazard combination of letters and numbers. But Honeywell uses them in a deliberate manner to reveal important information about the product. This includes:

• Printer series and type
  

• Size or print width
  

• Target use-case (industrial, desktop, or mobile)
  

• Connectivity and interface options
  

• Print technology (thermal transfer or direct thermal)
  

• Feature variations (ruggedness, speed, etc.)
  

As we go on, but at the end of our discussion, you will be able to better interpret a model number and understand what kind of thermal label printer you are dealing with. 

1. Overview of Honeywell Printer Series

Honeywell’s printers generally fall into three main categories. Below is a brief description of each:

According to the general guidelines for naming a model, every model number reads out the performance, width of print, or specific use case of the given printer. 

2. Reading Desktop Printer Model Numbers 

Starting with the common desktop printers, which are very common in the retail, healthcare, and light manufacturing industries. Below is an example of a model number followed by a breakdown of each part: 

Example: PC42T

• P = Printer
  

• C = Compact/Desktop series
  

• 42 = 4-inch print width, 2nd generation
  

• T = Thermal Transfer (uses ribbon)
  

Now, consider a second model number to better the concept: PC43D. Differing from the previous model number, here we have swapped the last 2 digits to 43 and the last letter to D. These stand for:

• 43 = Slightly newer model
  

• D = Direct Thermal (no ribbon needed)
  

In certain desktop thermal label printer models, special suffixes appear, carrying considerable meaning:

• PC43K: "K" stands for kiosk- a self-service printer.
  

• PC42DA: "A" might refer to regional, interface, or accessory options.
  

Key Letters in Desktop Models:

Following is a quick recap of what alphabets stand for in desktop printer model numbers:

3. Reading Industrial Thermal Label Printer Model Numbers 

Such printers are specifically built for heavy-duty usage, around the clock. Having complex functionalities, their model numbers are a little tricky to apprehend. 

Below is a sample model number with a detailed breakdown:

Example: PM45A

• P = Printer
  

• M = Mid-range industrial series
  

• 45 = 4-inch print width, 5th generation
  

• A = Standard version (usually with Ethernet and USB)
  

Now let’s consider another model number: PX940V. Here is a detailed breakdown for it:

• P = Printer
  

• X = High-end industrial series
  

• 940 = Advanced 9th generation
  

• V = Verifier (integrated label verification)
  

Other Common Suffixes:

Sometimes you will notice additional suffixes attached to an industrial thermal label printer’s model number. Here is your directory for decoding:

4. Reading Mobile Printer Model Numbers 

Mobile thermal label printers are more likely to be used by those in need of portable printing solutions, like delivery personnel, warehouse workers, and field agents. Since they are constantly on the move, they require rugged models that rely on battery-powered operation.

Below is a sample model number, broken down into specifications:

Example: RP4F

• R = Rugged series
  

• P = Performance class mobile printer
  

• 4 = 4-inch width
  

• F = Full-featured (includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and optional RFID)
  

Consider a second model number: RL3e

• R = Rugged
  

• L = Legacy (older model series)
  

• 3 = 3-inch print width
  

• e = Enhanced (Bluetooth, longer battery, etc.)
  

Common Suffixes in Mobile Models:

Often, mobile printer model numbers also carry a suffix that stands for a special meaning or feature. Below is a table of such suffixes and what they mean:

5. Understanding Model Number Variants (SKUs)

Moving ahead, there is another unique combination of alphabets and numbers that Honeywell adds to the base model number of each thermal label printer. This is done for regional versions or configuration bundles. Below is an example: 

Example: PM45A30000000201

This combination would break down as follows:

• PM45A: Model series
  

• 30000000201: Specific configuration code
  

It is a very long code that reveals important information about the given printer: 

• Interface (USB, Ethernet, Serial, Bluetooth)
  

• Region (e.g., North America, Europe)
  

• Power supply or language support
  

• Installed options (cutter, peeler, media sensor, etc.)
  

This alphanumeric code will completely decode all 4 specifications. In addition, Honeywell also offers model configuration guides or SKU lookup charts along with the already provided technical documentation.

6. Quick Reference Summary: Model Letter Decoder

Whenever you purchase Honeywell’s printers, memorizing and checking each letter and number can prove to be a tedious task, most importantly if you are procuring wholesale label printers. To make your task easier, here is a cheat sheet with the commonly used letters in a model number and what they symbolise: 

7. Tips for Choosing the Right Model

Now that we have covered the basics of naming models, we come down to choosing between the printer type, be it a mobile or industrial thermal label printer, and purchasing. 

Below is a simple guide to help you choose the right printer: 

• Know your print width: 2”, 3”, or 4” are the most common options. Choose the printer based on your label requirement. 

• Decide on print technology: Opt thermal transfer for durability and direct thermal for simplicity.

• Match the interface: Various models offer one or multiple connectivity options, like Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/USB. Choose the one that is most compatible. 

• Environment matters: Mobile rugged printers like RP4 are designed for field use; desktop printers like PC42T are for the office.

• Look for integrated features: Certain industries demand added features. Require to verify barcodes? Choose a PX940V. Want self-service? Go for PC43K.
  

Now, coming to purchasing, there is an availability of both retail and wholesale label printers. Purchasing in bulk from an authorized distributor like EpicRise Electronics LLC is more feasible, as it doesn’t just ensure genuine products but also helps you save more with bulk discounts. 

Conclusion

Interpreting a Honeywell printer model number can seem like a daunting task; however, when you have learnt the basic patterns, it becomes quite easy and rewarding. No number or letter is useless; everything stands for a purpose, whether it be identifying the size or the print technology, or the configurations.

Whether you're an IT manager, warehouse supervisor, or procurement specialist, deciphering the model number of a printer will aid you in making smarter choices, guaranteeing a compatible printer that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. 

If you still are not able to make a choice about which Honeywell model you should purchase or where to procure wholesale label printers from, then you can reach out to us or browse our website for more information.