Thermal label printing can be categorized into two types – thermal transfer labels and direct thermal labels. As the name suggests, thermal transfer label printer uses a heated ribbon for printing images on different materials. Direct thermal label printer, on the other hand, uses no ribbons. In this method, is directly printed on the label material; thus, so named.
Direct thermal label printing utilizes chemically treated media, which are heat-sensitive. When pressed under a print head, that chemically treated media blackens in color. Thus, you don’t need ink or toner in this process. And these factors make direct thermal label printing not only portable, but also much more affordable. However, the disadvantage of a direct thermal label is its possibility of fading over. They are heat-sensitive and thus, are not recommended to use for a lifetime product. They are mostly use for shipping tickets, labels, and receipts.
Thermal transfer label printers, conversely, use heat to register as well as for creating impression into paper. The printhead of such printer comes with several resistive heating pins, which, on contact melt ink into paper. These printers provide durable results. They are used on products such as price tags, bar codes, other labels.
Both printing technologies use various label materials for producing high-quality images and thus, are used to generate bar code labels. However, there are certain differences between direct thermal label and thermal transfer label printers.
To begin with, direct thermal labels use heat-sensitive label material that is specially treated. This label material change color, as you pass them under the heated print head. And due to this, direct thermal label printers do not require toner or ribbon to print the image. Thus, they cost less than thermal transfer label printers.
However, the biggest trade-off is that such labels fade over time. Moreover, material becomes too dark and the bar code is hardly readable, if you expose the label constantly to intense light, heat, or other triggers. In short, these labels are very sensitive to environmental conditions. Nevertheless, you can use direct thermal labels for a number of common barcode printing applications.
Thermal transfer label printer utilizes a heated print head that melts the ribbon onto the label material. And this melted ribbon material imprints printed image on to the label. The image quality produced is unrivaled and durable. Thermal transfer label printers can utilize various different types of label media and thus, work well with different printing applications.
These printers use wax or resin-based ribbons. Wax based ribbons are least expensive and more common; however, resin-based ribbons are more resistance to chemicals and heat. Before you opt for a particular type of ribbon, it is recommended to consider the label material carefully. Also, consider the specifics of your printing application. It will play a major role in determining the type of printing technology that would best suit you. Other factors that you need to consider include media material, environmental conditions and print image and durability.
Understanding the basic differences between direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels will help you to select a printer suitable for your purpose.