Brother QL-1100c Wide Format Label Printer: features, specs and who it suits

The Brother QL-1100c is a desktop label printer that handles labels up to 4 inches wide, which is the size of a standard 4 x 6 in shipping label. It prints using heat, so there is no ink or toner to replace. It is aimed at people who print shipping labels, barcodes and address labels regularly.

How direct thermal printing works

A direct thermal printer heats the label paper, which darkens where heat is applied. There are no cartridges and no ribbon, so the only consumable is the label roll. Brother points to this as the low-maintenance part of the design. The trade-off is that thermal prints can fade over time with heat, light and rubbing, so they suit shipping labels better than items that must last for years.

Wide format and the roll types

The printer prints on labels up to 4 in wide, and it uses Brother DK drop-in rolls. These come in pre-sized die-cut labels and in continuous paper and film tapes. The drop-in design means you place the roll in without threading it through the printer. The printer detects the roll size and adjusts the on-screen template. Brother recommends its own genuine DK supplies for best performance.

Speed and resolution

Brother rates it at up to 69 standard address labels a minute, at 300 dpi, with black text only. Larger labels and graphics typically print more slowly, so treat 69 as a best-case figure for text. The 300 dpi resolution is generally good enough for crisp text, barcodes and QR codes.

Auto cutter and banners

The built-in auto cutter handles large print jobs and cuts continuous tape cleanly. Brother says it can make banners and signs up to 3 ft long with continuous rolls.

Software and connections

It connects over USB, and it also has a USB host port for peripherals such as scanners. It is compatible with Windows and Mac. With the Plug & Label feature on Windows, you can print from Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook without installing software. The automatic crop function lets online sellers print labels from A4 or Letter template sheets, but this works on Windows only. The package includes a USB cable, label creation software and a starter supply of labels. Brother also offers network management tools and a free SDK for Windows, iOS and Android developers.

Size

It measures about 6.7 x 8.7 x 5.9 in and weighs 3.7 lb (about 1.7 kg), which fits on most desks and packing tables.

Who it suits

It suits online sellers, small warehouses, offices and home businesses that print shipping labels, barcodes or address labels often, and anyone who wants to avoid ink and toner.

What to check before you buy

• Label size: confirm that your carriers' label formats fit within the 4 in width.
• Operating system: some features, such as automatic crop and Plug & Label, are Windows-only.
• Supplies: check which DK rolls fit your needs, and how much a roll holds.
• Shelf life: thermal prints can fade, so consider how long the labels must stay legible.
• Connection: the listing mentions USB, so check whether you need anything else.
• Space: leave room for the roll and for labels to feed out.

The short version

• A wide-format direct thermal label printer for labels up to 4 in wide.
• Up to 69 labels a minute at 300 dpi, according to Brother.
• Auto cutter; continuous rolls make banners up to 3 ft long.
• USB connection, Windows and Mac support; no ink or toner.
• Uses Brother DK drop-in rolls.

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