Epson TM-U220D Review – Reliable POS Printer
Comprehensive review of the Epson TM-U220D dot matrix receipt printer – perfect for retail, restaurants, and legacy POS systems.
Introduction
In the fast-paced environments of retail, restaurants, and hospitality, reliable point-of-sale (POS) printing is paramount. Slow, unreliable receipt printers can create bottlenecks, frustrate customers, and ultimately impact business efficiency. The Epson TM-U220D addresses these common challenges head-on, offering a proven, durable solution for businesses needing a dependable receipt printing system.
Many businesses, especially those with legacy systems, still rely on impact printers for their proven durability and ability to print on a wide variety of media. However, finding a modern impact printer that delivers speed, reliability, and ease of use can be difficult. The Epson TM-U220D fills this crucial role, providing a dependable workhorse for demanding POS applications.
Overview
The Epson TM-U220D is a robust dot matrix receipt printer designed for high-volume environments. It’s a direct descendant of a long line of Epson’s trusted thermal and impact printing solutions, built for longevity and reliability in demanding settings. Featuring a dark gray finish, this printer is compact, making it suitable for space-constrained counters and workstations, and comes with a built-in power supply for immediate usability. Unlike thermal printers, the TM-U220D utilizes a ribbon, offering unique flexibility for printing on carbon copies, labels, and other specialized media.
At its core, the TM-U220D leverages a tried-and-true dot matrix printing technology to produce two-color (black and red) receipts at a respectable 6 lines per second (lps). Its serial interface ensures compatibility with a wide range of POS systems, even those with older hardware. This model’s solid cover and tear bar features further enhance usability and provide a professional finish to every transaction.
Features
Compact and Space-Saving Design: Designed with limited space in mind, the TM-U220D’s compact form factor makes it ideal for counters, shelves, and other constrained environments commonly found in retail and restaurant settings. Its small footprint doesn’t compromise performance, providing reliable printing without taking up excessive space.
Serial Connectivity for Seamless Integration: Equipped with a standard serial interface, the TM-U220D integrates easily with a wide range of POS systems, including legacy setups. This compatibility minimizes integration hassles and ensures a smooth transition for businesses with existing infrastructure.
Automatic Paper Tear Bar for User Convenience: The built-in automatic paper tear bar enables effortless and consistent receipt dispensing, streamlining the checkout process and enhancing customer experience. This feature ensures that receipts are cleanly separated, eliminating the need for manual tearing and providing a more professional presentation.
Impact Printing Technology for Versatility: The TM-U220D utilizes dot matrix impact printing, allowing it to print on a broad spectrum of media, including carbon copies, continuous forms, and labels. This versatility is a major advantage over thermal printers, which are limited to coated paper. The black and red two-color printing capability allows for highlighting important information or branding your receipts.
Benefits
Enhanced Customer Experience: The automatic tear bar and crisp, clear two-color printing create a professional and efficient checkout experience, leaving a positive impression on customers.
Cost-Effective Printing: While using a ribbon, the longevity of the TM-U220D and its ability to print multiple copies on a single sheet (carbon copies) provides a cost-effective solution over time, reducing overall printing expenses.
Broad Media Compatibility: The ability to print on a variety of media, including carbon copies, gives you ultimate flexibility. This feature is especially valuable for businesses requiring multi-part receipts or those using custom labels.
Easy Integration with Existing Systems: The serial interface ensures seamless compatibility with most POS systems, eliminating costly and time-consuming integration challenges.
Exceptional Reliability and Durability: Impact printing technology is known for its ruggedness, and the TM-U220D is no exception. Its robust design ensures years of trouble-free operation, minimizing downtime and reducing maintenance costs. This is a crucial benefit for businesses that can’t afford interruptions to their POS operations.
Usages
Excellent for Businesses with Legacy Systems: Businesses with older POS systems that utilize serial communication will find the TM-U220D a perfect fit, ensuring compatibility without expensive upgrades.
Ideal for Restaurants and Hospitality: Restaurants, cafes, and hotels depend on accurate and speedy receipt printing. The TM-U220D’s durability and compact size make it ideal for these demanding environments.
Perfect for Retail Environments: The TM-U220D excels in high-volume retail settings like grocery stores, convenience stores, and specialty shops where reliable receipt printing is crucial.
Robust Choice for Small Businesses: Startups and small businesses will benefit from the printer’s low initial cost and reliable performance. It’s a practical solution for budget-conscious operations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely reliable and durable dot matrix printing
- Compatible with a wide range of POS systems, especially those using serial connections
- Prints on multiple types of media, including carbon copies
- Compact design suitable for space-constrained environments
- Cost-effective for high-volume printing
- Includes AC power adapter
Cons
- Loud printing noise characteristic of impact printers
- Serial interface lacks the speed of more modern connectivity options (USB, Ethernet)
- Limited color options (black and red only)
- Requires ribbon replacement (ongoing consumable cost)
FAQs
What is the approximate cost per receipt?: The cost per receipt depends on the ribbon used and the length of the receipt. However, Epson ribbons are designed for efficiency, making the cost relatively low compared to replacing thermal printer heads.
How easy is the wireless setup?: The TM-U220D utilizes a serial interface, not wireless connectivity, ensuring compatibility with older systems without the complexities of wireless configuration.
How fast does the printer print?: The TM-U220D prints at 6 lines per second (lps), which is adequate for most POS applications.
What types of ribbon cartridges are compatible?: Epson uses a proprietary ribbon cartridge system. Always use genuine Epson ribbons to ensure optimal print quality and printer longevity.
What is the warranty period?: The Epson TM-U220D comes with a standard limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Product Specifications
| Ink Type | Ribbon |
| DPI Resolution | 3200 dpi (Black & White), 240 dpi (Color) |
| Media Sizes | A4, Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) |
| Print Technology | Dot Matrix |
| Warranty | Limited Warranty |
| Color | Dark Gray |
| Print Speed | 6 lps |
| Connectivity | Serial Interface |
| Dimensions | 10 x 6 x 6 inches |
| Duty Cycle | Not specified |
| Weight | 2.01 pounds |
Ratings
| Printing Performance | 4.0 |
| Value | 4.4 |
| Connectivity | 3.5 |
| Technical Specifications | 4.2 |
| Usability | 4.6 |
Recommendation
The Epson TM-U220D is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those in retail and hospitality, that require a dependable and cost-effective receipt printer. Its proven technology and robust construction make it ideal for environments where downtime is unacceptable.
If your business relies on legacy systems with serial connections and requires printing on various media types, the Epson TM-U220D is a perfect fit. Its straightforward operation, compact design, and dependable performance ensure a seamless addition to your POS infrastructure, providing years of reliable service.
Conclusion
The Epson TM-U220D offers a compelling combination of reliability, versatility, and affordability, making it a standout option in the POS printer market. While dot matrix technology may not be the flashiest, its proven track record and adaptability provide a solid foundation for businesses needing a dependable receipt printing solution.
Despite the emergence of newer printing technologies, the Epson TM-U220D remains a valuable asset for businesses prioritizing robustness, media flexibility, and compatibility with legacy systems. Its long-term value and consistent performance are testaments to Epson’s commitment to providing durable and practical solutions.
