Quick answer
Buy a TSC MX printer when label output is the bottleneck: the MX241P reaches 18 inches per second at 203 dpi and TSC designs the range for 24x7 duty. Choose the 600 dpi MX641P only for micro labels and tiny 2D codes.
Which model should you buy?
| Model | Resolution / top speed | Pick this if… | Think twice if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX241P | 203 dpi / 18 ips | You run high-volume shipping, sorting or package labelling and every second counts | Your labels carry very small text or dense codes |
| MX341P | 300 dpi / 14 ips | You want speed and sharper print for GS1, pharma or WIP labels | You print one label at a time and apply it by hand |
| MX641P | 600 dpi / 6 ips | You print electronics, jewellery or micro pharma labels | Your labels are longer than 100 inches, its limit |
The current MX generation is the MX241P Series. It replaced the MX240P Series (MX240P, MX340P, MX640P), which offered the same 18 ips headline speed. The newer models add Sense Care, which scans for bad printhead dots while printing, and a belt-driven media drive that TSC says gives high speed with less noise. They also offer a choice of top- or bottom-side black-mark sensing, and DPL emulation on top of EPL, ZPL and ZPL II.
Product pages show the current price. For more than one printer, or a package with labels, ribbons and a spare head, ask us for a bulk or project quote. You can compare the wider range in TSC industrial barcode printers.
Is 18 ips actually useful for you?
Top speed only matters if labels are printed in long runs. On a print-one, apply-one station the printer spends most of its time waiting, so a medium-duty model is usually enough. The MX pays off on batch runs, sortation and dispatch lines where hundreds of labels print in one go. Remember that 600 dpi trades speed for detail: the MX641P runs at 6 ips, a third of the MX241P.
What about the TSC ML Series?
TSC has discontinued the ML Series (ML240P, ML241P, ML341P and ML341), so it is no longer an option for a new purchase. If the MX is more printer than you need, TSC's current industrial range also includes the MB Series, a compact, light-industrial printer such as the MB241T, and the MH Series, mainstream industrial printers up to 600 dpi such as the MH241T. See all three ranges in TSC industrial barcode printers.
Already running ML printers? Infinite Solutions still services them and supplies spares. Contact us with your model and serial number.
Setting up an MX printer
- Site it. The MX241P Series measures 300 × 393 × 510 mm and weighs 18 kg, so plan a sturdy table. The universal power supply takes AC 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz, and TSC specifies 0°C to 40°C operation at 25–85% humidity, non-condensing.
- Connect. RS-232, USB 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet and two front USB host ports (scanner or keyboard) come standard. GPIO with Centronics is a dealer option for applicators, Bluetooth 5.0 MFi is a factory option, and the Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac module with Bluetooth 4.2 is a user option.
- Use 3-inch cores. MX printers take label rolls on a 76.2 mm (3-inch) core only, up to 8 inches outside diameter, 20–114 mm wide and 0.076–0.305 mm thick. Order labels to suit before installation day.
- Fit the ribbon. Ribbons up to 600 m on a 1-inch core, a maximum roll diameter of 90 mm, ink inside or outside. On the MX241P Series ribbon widths run from 25.4 to 114.3 mm.
- Calibrate. From the touch screen choose Menu, Sensor, Calibration, Auto Calibration, or run it from TSC Console under Functions, Printer Configuration, Calibration. Pick top or bottom black-mark sensing first if your stock uses marks.
- Save your setup. TSC lets you store up to five configuration sets for quick redeployment, which helps if one printer handles several label types.
TSC publishes Windows drivers (not for ARM-based Windows), macOS and Linux drivers, and TSC BarTender UltraLite for basic design. For database or ERP-driven printing, see our label design software.
Running costs and consumables
- Ribbons and labels at speed. Fast printing is hard on cheap media. Match ribbon and label grades to your working print speed. Shop thermal transfer ribbons and barcode labels.
- Micro labels. In tear-off mode the MX241P Series can register a label only 3 mm long, and TSC quotes high-precision registration down to 5 mm label height.
- Printhead. For 300 dpi models, order the genuine PH-MX241P-0002 printhead; it suits the MX340, MX341 and MX341P. Its warranty is 1 year or 25 km, whichever is earlier, and it excludes white dots, physical damage and scratches. For 203 or 600 dpi heads, use the spares enquiry form.
- Finishing. Regular or heavy-duty guillotine cutters suit the MX241P and MX341P; the MX641P takes a regular guillotine or a rotary heavy-duty cutter. Our MX341P listing comes with an internal rewinder for rolls you apply later. More in printer spares and accessories.
According to TSC's datasheets, the MX printer carries a 2-year warranty. The printhead is covered for 12 months or 25 km and the platen for 12 months or 50 km, whichever comes first. After that, talk to our Delhi service centre about AMC.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Check first |
|---|---|
| Labels skip or the printer reports a media error | Media sits under the gap or black-mark sensor; correct sensor type selected; rerun auto calibration |
| Missing dots or a thin white line | Sense Care warnings; clean the printhead; replace it if the line stays |
| Faint print at high speed | Lower speed or raise density in TSC Console (Printer Configuration, Get, adjust, Set); try a ribbon suited to the speed |
| Print not centred or tear position wrong | Adjust print position with TSC's Diagnostic Tool or the tear position in BarTender |
| Cannot manage the printer from TSC Console Web | The printer must be on Ethernet or Wi-Fi; USB is not supported for Console Web |
Warranty and cover options
New printers ship with the standard manufacturer's warranty against manufacturing defects. Longer cover can only be bought at the time you buy the printer. You can choose a 1-year extended warranty, or a comprehensive warranty for 3 or 5 years, such as the 5-year Comprehensive Care Pack. There is no 1-year comprehensive option, and comprehensive cover can't be added later. The comprehensive warranty takes the place of the standard warranty, and both run together from the printer's invoice date. So a 5-year plan means 5 years in total, not 1 + 5. Once cover ends, ask us about an AMC.
Frequently asked questions
Is an MX printer overkill for a small packing station?
Often, yes. If you print one label at a time and apply it by hand, the printer is idle most of the time and the 18 ips headline makes little difference. A compact, light-industrial MB Series printer is usually the better fit.
What core size do MX printer labels need?
MX printers take label rolls on a 3-inch (76.2 mm) core, up to 8 inches outside diameter. Order 3-inch core labels before the printer is installed.
What does the MX241P add over the older MX240P?
Both reach 18 ips at 203 dpi. The MX241P Series adds Sense Care bad-dot scanning, a belt-driven media drive, top or bottom black-mark sensing, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, an MFi Bluetooth option, DPL emulation, and remote management via TSC Console and SOTI Connect.
Which printhead fits the MX340 and MX341P?
Use the genuine 300 dpi head PH-MX241P-0002, which is listed for the MX340, MX341 and MX341P. Send us your model and serial number for the 203 or 600 dpi heads.
Can I print ribbon-free on an MX printer?
Yes. All MX models support direct thermal printing without a ribbon as well as thermal transfer with one. Use a ribbon when the label must survive heat, rubbing or long storage.
How do I calibrate an MX341P after loading new labels?
Choose the right sensor type, then open Menu, Sensor, Calibration, Auto Calibration on the touch screen. You can also run calibration remotely from TSC Console.
Does the MX range work with existing ZPL label formats?
Yes. MX241P firmware runs TSPL-EZD and understands EPL, ZPL, ZPL II and DPL, so most existing formats print unchanged. The earlier MX240P handles EPL, ZPL and ZPL II.
Need help choosing? Call +91 98110 11467, WhatsApp +91 93110 11467 or contact us. buytscprinters.com is run by Infinite Solutions, New Delhi, an authorized TSC and Printronix partner.