TSC TH240 vs TH340T: Buying Guide, Setup Tips and Printhead Fitment

Quick answer: Buy the TH240 if you print shipping labels and standard barcodes and want top speed, up to 8 inches per second at 203 dpi. Buy the TH340 or TH340T if your labels are small or need sharp text and 2D codes at 300 dpi. Pick a T version for a colour screen and PC-free printing, an RFID version to encode UHF tags while printing, or an HC version for hospital wards.

Why buyers move to the TH range

TSC now points buyers of its older TE printers towards the TH range, and the reasons are practical. A TH printer accepts a wider spread of media, from 15 mm to 120 mm (down to 10 mm with optional narrow media adaptors), so long, tiny and thick labels, receipts and wristbands all run on one machine. Every model has 128 MB Flash and 128 MB SDRAM, a microSD slot for up to 512 GB, and standard USB, USB host, RS-232 and Ethernet ports. You can also add options later instead of replacing the printer: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cutter, peeler, a care label cutter and linerless kits.

Which model should you buy?

Version Resolution and speed Screen Pick this if…
TH240 203 dpi, up to 8 ips LED with buttons your PC or ERP sends the labels and you want maximum throughput
TH340 300 dpi, up to 6 ips LED with buttons labels are small or carry fine print, and a PC does the work
TH240T 203 dpi, up to 8 ips Colour LCD touchscreen with buttons staff print stored formats at the counter without a computer
TH340T 300 dpi, up to 6 ips Colour LCD with buttons you need 300 dpi detail and standalone, on-screen operation
TH240 RFID / TH340 RFID 203 or 300 dpi LED with buttons you are starting a UHF RFID project at desktop volumes
TH240THC / TH340THC 203 or 300 dpi Colour LCD the printer sits in a clinical area that is cleaned and disinfected often

In our store you can check the current price of the TSC TH240 with display (203 dpi) and the TSC TH340T with display (300 dpi, TH340-A001-000C). For a closer look at the two, read our TH240 vs TH340 comparison. For RFID or HC versions, or for several units, ask us for a project quote.

Healthcare and RFID versions in brief

HC models use a white, antimicrobial casing that is easy to disinfect, with a sealed button interface on some versions, and an IEC 60601-1 medical-grade power supply. RFID models use Encode During Print, which writes the tag while the label prints so there is no separate pass. TSC's RFID Label and Validation Lab has verified a range of labels for these models, including selected on-metal labels. TSC also mentions HF RFID support for the family, so confirm the tag type with us before you order.

Setting it up

Loading labels and ribbon

  • Open the clamshell and drop in an outside-wound roll up to 127 mm (5 inches) across, on a 1-inch to 1.5-inch core. Continuous, die-cut, black mark, fan-fold and notched media all work.
  • For very narrow labels, fit the optional narrow media adaptors before loading.
  • For thermal transfer, load a ribbon up to 300 m long and 40 mm to 110 mm wide, slightly wider than the label.
  • Close the cover until it latches; a head-open sensor will stop printing otherwise.

Media calibration

Each time you change label size or type, calibrate the media sensor so the printer finds the top of every label. You can start it from the printer or from TSC Console: select the printer, then Functions, Printer Configuration, Calibration. The black-mark sensor's position can be adjusted to suit your stock.

RFID calibration

On an RFID model, open the RFID menu and run RFID label calibration whenever you change to a new tag type. The printer feeds three labels and works out the best encoding position and power level by itself.

Fine-tuning print quality

For difficult media, the TH lets you adjust vertical dpi, the heater line and printhead pressure, and a label stabilising media damper keeps the stock steady. Use these for thick tags, synthetic labels or very small formats before raising darkness.

Software and remote access

The firmware recognises major printer languages automatically, so existing label templates usually print unchanged. TSC Standalone Creator and the TSCPRTGo app support PC-free printing, and BarTender UltraLite is a free download; full editions are in our label design software range. On a network, type the printer's IP address into a browser to open the Internal Embedded Webpage for setup, monitoring and troubleshooting. For larger fleets, TSC Console, TSC Console Web and SOTI Connect (licence required) are available, with HTTPS, SNMPv3, 802.1X and port 9100 filtering to satisfy IT security.

Running costs and consumables

Which printhead fits?

Genuine printhead assembly Fits Warranty
PH-TH240-0001, 203 dpi TH240, TH240T, DH240 1 year or 25 km, whichever is earlier
PH-TH240-0002, 300 dpi TH340, TH340T, DH340 1 year or 25 km, whichever is earlier

The head and platen roller are both tool-free to replace. Head warranty excludes white dots, scratches and physical damage. TPH Care self-diagnostics, printhead maintenance reminders and a ribbon-low warning help you act before a job fails. For other parts, use our spares enquiry or browse TSC genuine printheads.

Battery pack care

An optional battery pack lets the TH work away from a socket, with no drop in speed, density control or accessory support. Charge it only with the 90 W adapter supplied with the TH240; a full charge takes about four hours at normal room temperature. Non-TSC adapters can damage the battery. Replace the pack after more than 550 charge cycles, when it holds under 80% of its original capacity, or if it is visibly damaged. The BP-4000 smart battery station supports the TH240 and TH340.

Common problems and fixes

  • Labels skip after a roll change: run media calibration again and check the black-mark sensor position.
  • RFID tags fail to encode: run RFID label calibration for that tag type, and confirm the tag is on TSC's supported list.
  • Printer will not power on with the battery station: check the station's power cable is firmly in the printer's power port, press the battery pack's power button, charge it if the LED shows low power, then switch on the printer.
  • Faint print on thick media: adjust heater line and printhead pressure before increasing darkness.
  • White lines through barcodes: clean the head; if TPH Care still reports faults, replace it.

For on-site help or repairs, contact our TSC service centre in Delhi.

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

Should I buy the TH240 or the TH340T for MRP and barcode labels?

For standard-size MRP and barcode labels, the 203 dpi TH240 is faster at up to 8 inches per second. Choose the 300 dpi TH340T when labels are small, carry fine text, or you want a colour screen for standalone printing.

Which printhead fits the TH340T?

The genuine TSC printhead assembly PH-TH240-0002 at 300 dpi fits the TH340, TH340T and DH340. The TH240, TH240T and DH240 use PH-TH240-0001 at 203 dpi.

How do I calibrate RFID labels on a TH240 RFID?

Open the RFID menu and run RFID label calibration. The printer feeds three labels and sets the best encoding position and power level automatically.

How long does the TH battery pack take to charge?

About four hours at normal room temperature using the 90 W adapter supplied with the TH240. Do not use non-TSC adapters, as they may damage the battery.

Can I manage a TH printer from a web browser?

Yes. Enter the printer's IP address in a browser to open the Internal Embedded Webpage, which supports remote configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting of that printer.

Will my existing label templates work on a TH printer?

Usually, yes. The TH firmware detects major printer languages automatically and starts printing without changes to existing label templates.

What is the narrowest label a TH printer can handle?

Standard media width is 15 mm to 120 mm. With the optional narrow media adaptors, the TH can print labels as narrow as 10 mm.

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, so advice, GST invoice and after-sales support come from one team.