Portable Label Printer FAQs

Thermal transfer printers use wax- or resin-coated ribbons to transfer ink onto labels when heated. Direct thermal printers use chemically-treated labels that darken when heated - there’s no separate ribbon.

Using thermal transfer printers is a better choice for industrial settings because it offers higher print quality and resistance to harsh conditions like chemicals, UV light, abrasions, moisture and extreme temperatures. The coated ribbon gives the label a longer life, which is key for industrial applications.

Learn more about thermal transfer vs direct thermal printers.

If you have a retired BMP model printer, consider upgrading to a newer model with advanced features.

The M210 and M211 replaced the BMP21 and BMP21-PLUS. The M210 supports standalone printing and the M211 connects to Brady’s Express Labels Mobile app via BlueTooth.

The M410 directly replaced the BMP41.

The M510 and M511 replaced the BMP51 and BMP 53.

The M610 and M611 replaced the BMP61.

The M710 replaced the BMP71.

The M210 Handheld Label Maker Kit includes:

• The M210 label maker
• Hard case
• AC adapter / battery charger
• LI-ion rechargeable battery
• M21 Series nylon clot patch panel / wire and cable labels (M21-750-499)
• Replacement power cord - North America

You can also purchase each item separately. Other available accessories include:

• Magnet to attach your printer to magnetic-receptive surfaces
• Soft case
• Belt clip
• Multi-Tool for M210 Handheld Label Maker
• Battery cover

Both the Brady M210 and M211 are rugged, portable label printers that use the same durable M21 label materials. The key difference is their user interface.

The M210 printer has a built-in QWERTY keyboard and is a standalone solution. You can create and print labels on the fly without needing another device.

The M211 does not have a built-in keyboard, but does allow for more complex label designs. Using your smartphone and the Express Labels mobile app, you can design and preview your labels before printing.

The M211 portable Bluetooth label printer is for people who need rugged printing capability up to .75 inch wide. The M211 has been crush tested up to 250 lbs, is drop-resistant up to 6 feet, and handles military-grade shocks. Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to connect to the Express Labels Mobile app.

If you need standalone printing or industrial printing speeds, consider choosing a different model, like the M511 industrial label printer.

The M211 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer Kit includes:

• M211 portable Bluetooth label printer
• Hard case
• AC adapter
• Belt clip
• Magnet
• Power brick

You can also purchase each item separately.

The key difference between the M211 and the M511 are the print quality and width of the label you need to print. The M211 prints at 203 DPI with a maximum label width of .75 in or 19.05 mm.

The M511 prints at 300 DPI and supports a label width up to 1.5 in or 38.1 mm. The M511 is ideal for more industrial applications, with an auto label cutter and advanced connectivity. The M211 is an entry-level model that supports one-to-one print jobs. The M511 can connect with 5 users at once, making it ideal for larger jobsites.

The M410 handheld industrial label printer is the everyday workhouse for datacom, laboratory and electrical professionals. It can print on many different materials, including polyester, nylon, paper and vinyl. With standalone printing and Bluetooth capabilities, the M410 printer offers the jobsite flexibility that you need.

If you need high-volume printing from a handheld printer, consider the M610 handheld label maker.

The M410 Handheld Label Printer with Accessories Kit includes:

• M410 printer
• Hard case
• AC adapter
• Rechargeable NIMH Battery Pack
• Indoor/outdoor vinyl label cartridge
• Magnet
• Utility Hook

All M410 printers come with a software package. Choose the package that best fits your work.

• Basic Design Suite software package
• Product and Wire ID software package
• Safety and Facility ID software package

The M510 label printer delivers high-volume, high-quality labels day in and day out. This printer connects to Brady Workstation desktop software, giving you the right tools for your workspace. The M510 also offers standalone printing when you can’t connect.

If you need wireless connectivity or a 2 in wide print size, consider the M710 label printer.

The M511 Bluetooth label printer delivers high-volume, high-quality labels with a smaller form factor. You can print directly from your phone with the Express Labels Mobile app, and print for longer with an internal LI-ION battery. Up to 5 users can connect to the M511 at a time, giving your team the flexibility to keep working.

If you need to print labels wider than 1.5 inches, consider the M611 Bluetooth label printer.

These three printers have similar designs, with a built-in keyboard for standalone printing, but all are built for different work environments.

The M210 is an entry-level printer for on-the-job labeling in industrial environments. With a max label width of .75 in (19.05 mm) and a 203 dpi print resolution, the M210 is best for smaller labeling projects or individual contractor use.

The M410 offers premium printing with 1 in. (25.4 mm) wide labels at 300 dpi. Though the M410 has a keyboard for standalone printing, you can also connect to Brady Workstation software via USB to upload label templates for larger projects. The M410 is the everyday workhorse for datacom, electrical and lab professionals.

The M610 has the largest label width (2 in., 50.8 mm) of Brady’s handheld printers. Built with extreme durability, the M610 has military-grade shock resistance and operates in extreme temperatures. You can connect to Brady Workstation Mobile via USB or use the optional Bluetooth upgrade to connect to the Express Labels Mobile app.

The M611 Bluetooth label printer gives you more flexibility in the field. This printer connects to Brady’s Express Labels Mobile app and has the ability to store more than 1,000 label designs to its internal memory. That means you can load the printer with all the designs you need and send it out into the field.

If you need a higher-volume printer that can also save label designs and print without connecting, consider the i4311 transportable industrial desktop label printer.

The M710 label printer is Brady’s fastest, most advanced portable printer yet. It prints at 3” per second and has an auto cutter, reducing wasted time and materials. With flexibility between standalone and connected printing, the M710 is ready to handle all your labeling applications.

If you need a transportable printer that can print 4” wide labels, consider the i4311 transportable industrial desktop label printer.

Usually, this is caused by a dirty print head or roller. To clean your printer:

1. Turn off the printer and remove the cartridge
2. Use the Brady Cleaning Kit to gently wipe the print head and the rubber platen roller
3. Allow the parts to dry completely before reinserting the cartridge and turning the printer on.