Upgrade Recommendations
If you currently own a TM-U220B, the TM-U220IIB is the direct replacement, offering the same compact footprint and reliable performance while adding key enhancements:
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Multilingual Printing – TM-U220IIB adds Simplified and Traditional Chinese fonts in addition to English.
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Enhanced Paper Handling – Supports carbon copy printing (one original + one duplicate) for receipts and tickets.
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Audible Alerts – Distinctive printing sounds alert staff in noisy kitchens or retail counters.
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Compatibility – Fully compatible with TM-U220B installations for a smooth, drop-in upgrade.
Upgrading to the TM-U220IIB ensures minimal installation changes while providing new features that improve efficiency and usability in bilingual or high-volume environments.
What’s New and What’s Improved
Compared with the TM-U220B, the TM-U220IIB brings several significant improvements:
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Language & Font Support — Includes English plus Simplified and Traditional Chinese fonts.
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Enhanced Printing Features — Carbon copy printing capability for tickets or receipts.
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High Efficiency — Maintains fast throughput, ensuring orders and receipts are processed quickly.
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Ease of Use — Drop-in paper loading, clamshell covers, and selectable auto-cutter simplify operation and maintenance.
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Compatibility with Existing Systems — Designed as a drop-in replacement for TM-U220B setups, minimizing downtime.
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Compact & Versatile Design — Small footprint suitable for counters, kitchens, or wall-mounted setups.
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Audible Alerts — Distinctive printing sound draws attention to incoming orders in busy environments.
These enhancements make the TM-U220IIB a more versatile, user-friendly, and efficient successor to the TM-U220B.
TM-U220IIB & TM-U220B – Overview
Epson’s TM-U220 series is widely recognized for reliable, high-speed impact printing in retail, hospitality, and kitchen environments. While both models feature auto-cutting, drop-in paper loading, and robust design, the TM-U220IIB adds multilingual printing, carbon copy capability, and distinct audible alerts, making it ideal for modern bilingual operations.
Key Differences Between TM-U220IIB and TM-U220B
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Language & Fonts: TM-U220IIB supports English plus Simplified and Traditional Chinese; TM-U220B supports English only.
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Printing Speed & Throughput: TM-U220B is up to 30% faster than older TM-U200/TM-U210 models; TM-U220IIB offers efficient high-speed throughput suitable for busy counters and kitchens.
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Paper Handling: TM-U220IIB supports carbon copy printing; TM-U220B supports flexible paper widths (58/69/76 mm) and right-side-up kitchen printing.
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Connectivity: TM-U220IIB uses USB (CAIEC required for some setups) with optional Ethernet/Serial; TM-U220B includes USB and IEC cables in-box.
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Compact & Versatile: Both are compact; TM-U220B offers wall-mountable options, while TM-U220IIB suits tight counters or kitchen spaces.
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Audible Alerts: TM-U220IIB provides distinctive sound for staff attention; TM-U220B uses standard printing sound.
Model Comparison Table
| Feature | TM-U220IIB | TM-U220B |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement For | TM-U220B | Previous TM-U200/TM-U210 series |
| Target Workload / Use | Multilingual receipts/orders | Standard English receipts/orders |
| Fonts | English + Simplified/Traditional Chinese | English only |
| Auto-Cutter | Yes | Yes |
| Printing Method | 9-pin impact dot matrix | 9-pin impact dot matrix |
| Print Speed | Up to 8.8 lps (16 cpl), 6.0 lps (30 cpl), 4.7 lps (40 cpl) | 30% faster than TM-U200 series |
| Two-Color Printing | No | Yes (black & red) |
| Paper Handling | Drop-in, carbon copy capable | Drop-in, 58/69/76 mm, right-side-up kitchen orders |
| Connectivity | USB (CAIEC optional), Ethernet/Serial | USB, IEC/USB included |
| Memory / Buffer | 4 KB / 40 bytes selectable, NV graphics 128 KB | High-speed buffer for faster throughput |
| Dimensions / Weight | 160 × 248 × 138.5 mm; 2.5 kg | Similar footprint; compact |
| Colour | Dark Grey | Black / Dark Grey variant |
| PSU / Accessories | Adapter included | AC adapter + IEC + USB included |
| Ideal Use Case | Businesses needing bilingual printing | High-speed, two-color receipt or order printing |
Model Spotlight: Epson TM-U220IIB
Key Features & Specs
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Auto-cutter with drop-in paper load
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English + Simplified/Traditional Chinese fonts
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Carbon copy printing (1 original + 1 duplicate)
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High-efficiency throughput for busy counters or kitchens
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USB connectivity (CAIEC required for some setups)
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Distinctive sound alerts for noisy environments
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Compact footprint: 160 × 248 × 138.5 mm; 2.5 kg
Use Cases & Suitability
TM-U220IIB is ideal for businesses requiring bilingual receipt or ticket printing. Perfect for restaurants, retail chains, and kitchens that process orders in English and Chinese simultaneously. Its reliability and enhanced features reduce paper handling interruptions and improve workflow efficiency.
Model Spotlight: Epson TM-U220B
Key Features & Specs
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Auto-cutter with drop-in paper load
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Two-color printing (black and red)
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Right-side-up printing for kitchen orders
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Supports 58/69/76 mm paper widths
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30% faster than TM-U200/TM-U210 series
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USB connectivity with included IEC/USB cables
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Wall-mountable option for space-saving installation
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Compact footprint suitable for tight counters
Use Cases & Suitability
TM-U220B is designed for standard English receipt and order printing where speed and two-color highlighting are critical. Ideal for retail counters and kitchens that need high-efficiency throughput, flexible paper width support, and simple drop-in setup.
Side-by-Side Comparison: TM-U220IIB vs TM-U220B
| Feature | TM-U220IIB | TM-U220B |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement / Upgrade | Replaces TM-U220B | TM-U200/TM-U210 series |
| Target Workload / Scale | Multilingual receipts/orders | Standard English receipts/orders |
| Fonts | English + Simplified/Traditional Chinese | English only |
| Auto-Cutter | Yes | Yes |
| Two-Color Printing | No | Yes (black & red) |
| Paper Handling | Drop-in, carbon copy capable | Drop-in, 58/69/76 mm, right-side-up kitchen orders |
| Connectivity | USB (CAIEC optional), Ethernet/Serial | USB, IEC/USB included |
| Speed | Up to 8.8 lps | 30% faster than TM-U200 |
| Compact / Wall-Mount | Yes, compact | Yes, wall-mountable option |
| PSU / Accessories | Adapter included | AC adapter + IEC + USB included |
| Ideal Use Case | Bilingual printing, busy retail/kitchens | High-speed, two-color orders for kitchens/retail |
Conclusion:
Both Epson TM-U220 models are compact, reliable, and high-performance impact printers with auto-cutters. The TM-U220IIB is the clear upgrade over the TM-U220B, offering multilingual printing, carbon copy capability, and enhanced workflow alerts. TM-U220B remains a strong choice for English-only environments requiring high-speed, two-color receipt printing.