Epson TM-U220B Review – Reliable Dot Matrix POS Printer
Read our in-depth review of the Epson TM-U220B dot matrix printer. Learn about its features, performance, pros & cons and whether it’s the right choice for your business.
Introduction
The Epson TM-U220B is a robust and compact dot matrix printer designed specifically for point-of-sale (POS) environments, kitchens, and retail spaces. In a world dominated by inkjet and laser technology, the TM-U220B might seem like a throwback, but its durability, reliable performance, and affordability make it a surprisingly relevant solution for specific needs. This review delves into the printer’s features, performance, and value, outlining who will find it a useful addition to their business operations and those who may be better served by alternative technologies.
This printer directly addresses the consistent demand for a dependable receipt and label printer in scenarios where long-term reliability and minimal maintenance are prioritized over ultra-high-speed printing or advanced features.
Overview
The Epson TM-U220B belongs to Epson’s trusted TM-U series, known for their workhorse capabilities. It utilizes a 9-pin impact dot matrix printing method, delivering crisp, legible text and graphics on receipts, kitchen orders, and labels. Built for ease of integration, the printer supports both DK Port and Ethernet connectivity, offering flexibility in network setup. The compact design makes it ideal for space-constrained environments.
Targeted towards retailers, restaurants, and businesses needing reliable, low-maintenance printing, the TM-U220B provides a budget-friendly solution for consistent receipt and label generation. While not the fastest printer on the market, its dependability and affordable running costs contribute to its lasting appeal.
Features
SZC twIpps & Logical Seeking Control: “SZC (Sequential Zone Control) technology optimizes print speeds and reduces noise levels. This ensures a quiet operational environment, crucial for customer-facing areas. The Logical Seeking Control (LSC) maximizes print speed by intelligently managing the print head’s movement.
Ethernet Connectivity & DK Port: The printer’s dual connectivity options—Ethernet 10/100Base-T/TX and a DK Port—allow for flexible network integration. Ethernet enables seamless connectivity to existing network infrastructure, while the DK Port provides a dedicated interface for POS systems.
Auto-Cutter & Drop-In Paper Load: The built-in auto-cutter ensures clean and consistent cut receipts, reducing manual handling. The drop-in paper load mechanism simplifies paper replacement, minimizing downtime and user error.
Two-Color Printing Capability: The TM-U220B’s ability to print in two colors (black and red) allows for highlighting offers, order exceptions, or other important information, making receipts and labels more visually informative.
Compact Design: Its small footprint (6.29 x 0.976 x 3.45 inches) makes the TM-U220B suitable for environments where space is limited, such as counter tops and tight POS setups.
Benefits
Reduced Maintenance Costs
The dot matrix printing method utilizes a ribbon, a consumable with a long lifespan (3,000,000 characters in black, 1,500,000 in black/red), translating to fewer replacements and lower overall running costs.
Increased Reliability
The rugged design and proven dot matrix technology minimize downtime and ensure consistent performance, a critical factor in busy POS environments.
The printer’s robustness contributes to a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Enhanced Productivity
The auto-cutter and drop-in paper load simplify operation, streamlining the receipt printing process and freeing up staff time.
The Logical Seeking Control increases print speed, improving overall throughput and reducing wait times.
Versatile Printing Capabilities
The two-color printing allows for visually enhanced receipts and labels, improving communication and highlighting key information.
The printer’s ability to handle a variety of media widths (58, 57.5, 70, and 76mm) increases its versatility.
Space Saving Design
The compact dimensions make it ideal for environments where space is a premium, allowing for placement on counters or within limited areas.
Usages
Restaurant Kitchen Orders: The durable design and ability to print legible orders make it an ideal choice for fast-paced kitchen environments.
Retail Point of Sale Systems: Provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for high-volume receipt printing in retail settings.
Barcode Label Printing: The printer’s ability to print text and graphics makes it suitable for generating barcode labels for inventory management and product identification.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable and reliable design
- Cost-effective running costs
- Compact footprint
- Dual connectivity options
- Two-color printing capability
Cons
- Slower print speed compared to inkjet or laser printers
- No wireless connectivity
- Dot matrix printing quality is not as sharp as laser or inkjet
- Noisy operation compared to modern printers
FAQs
What type of ribbon does the TM-U220B use?: The printer utilizes an ERC-38 ribbon, available in black and black/red variants.
Is the TM-U220B network-ready?: Yes, it features both Ethernet and DK Port connectivity for seamless network integration.
How long does a ribbon typically last?: A black ribbon can print approximately 3,000,000 characters, while a black/red ribbon lasts around 1,500,000 characters (black) and 750,000 characters (red), depending on usage.
Does the printer support wireless connectivity?: No, the TM-U220B does not offer wireless connectivity. It relies on wired connections (Ethernet and DK Port).
Is the printer compatible with Windows POSReady?: Yes, the TM-U220B is compatible with Windows Embedded 7 and Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, ensuring seamless integration with POS systems.
Product Specifications
| spec1 | Printer Type: Dot Matrix |
| spec2 | Print Speed: 4.7 lps (40 columns, 16 cpi), 6.0 lps (30 columns, 16 cpi) |
| spec3 | Resolution: 203 x 203 dpi |
| spec4 | Connectivity: Ethernet 10/100Base-T/TX, DK Port |
| spec5 | Ribbon Life: 3,000,000 (black), 1,500,000 (B/R) characters |
| spec6 | Dimensions: 6.29 x 9.76 x 6.45 inches |
Ratings
| Print Quality (Color & Sharpness) | 3.2 |
| Ink Efficiency / Yield | 4.7 |
| Connectivity & App Integration | 3.5 |
| Print Speed (Pages per Minute) | 3.1 |
| Build Quality & Design | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.3 |
Recommendation
The Epson TM-U220B is an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing reliability, affordability, and durability over ultra-fast printing. It’s ideally suited for restaurants, retailers, and other environments needing a robust and cost-effective receipt and label printer.
Conclusion
The Epson TM-U220B provides a dependable and long-lasting printing solution for businesses needing a workhorse receipt and label printer. Its affordability, low running costs, and robust design make it a viable option for environments where downtime is costly and reliability is paramount. While it may not be the fastest or most feature-rich printer on the market, its value proposition remains strong for those seeking a simple, dependable, and budget-friendly printing solution.
