Brother PT-E560BTVP P-touch Edge Label Printer: features and who it suits

The Brother PT-E560BTVP, from the P-touch Edge line, is a handheld industrial label printer built for people who label cables, panels and equipment on site. It prints laminated labels and heat-shrink tubing up to 24 mm wide, and it can be driven from a phone or a computer as well as its own keypad.

Made for installation work

Brother designed this printer for contractors on large projects. The practical aim is fewer steps between "I need a label" and "it's on the cable". The printer handles laminated labels and heat-shrink tubes from 3.5 mm to 24 mm, so one tool can cover thin cable markers and wide equipment labels.

Laminated labels are layered so the printing sits under a clear film. That generally makes them more resistant to rubbing, moisture and cleaning, which is why they're common in electrical and network work.

Quick application keys

Dedicated keys call up layouts for common jobs: cable wrap, cable flag, patch panel, punch block and faceplate labels. A cable flag is a label that wraps around a cable and sticks to itself so the printed ends stand out like a flag. A patch panel layout spaces the text so each label lines up with a port. An included ruler helps you measure the length for these formats.

Barcodes, QR codes and saved work

The printer can create QR codes and linear barcodes itself, and it can serialize, meaning it numbers a run of labels automatically. You can also keep databases and templates on the unit and print from existing work. For repeat jobs such as a rack of identical outlets, that avoids retyping.

Bluetooth, USB-C and software

Brother says you can design labels on a mobile device with the Pro Label Tool app and print wirelessly over Bluetooth. You can also connect to a PC with a USB-C cable, which charges the printer too, and design with P-touch Editor software. Check the manual for which operating systems each app and software package supports.

Dual auto-cutter

The dual auto-cutter prints a strip of labels with half-cuts. The backing is cut part-way, so each label peels off easily while the strip stays together. This helps when you need to label many items in a row.

Handling

The printer measures about 3.1 x 9.3 x 5.2 inches (roughly 8 x 24 x 13 cm) and weighs 2.4 lb (about 1.1 kg). An ambidextrous hand strap and a utility ring are included for drop protection. Brother describes a long-lasting battery, though the listing gives no run time, so check the manual.

Who it suits

It suits electricians, network installers, AV technicians and facilities staff who label in the field and want a printer they can hold in one hand. It is less obviously a fit for occasional home labelling, where a simpler printer may do.

What to check before you buy

• Tape type and width: confirm the cassettes you need, since the printer takes laminated labels and heat-shrink tubes up to 24 mm.
• What's in the box: check which tape cassette, cable and battery are supplied.
• Software: confirm that the app and Editor software work with your phone and computer.
• Label formats: look through the quick-key layouts and check they match your jobs.
• Supplies: consider how you'll keep a stock of compatible tape.

The short version

• A handheld industrial label printer from Brother's P-touch Edge range.
• Prints laminated labels and heat-shrink tubes from 3.5 mm to 24 mm.
• Quick keys for cable wrap, cable flag, patch panel, punch block and faceplate labels.
• QR codes, linear barcodes, serialization and saved templates.
• Bluetooth with the Pro Label Tool app, USB-C for charging and PC use, and a dual auto-cutter.

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