What are Direct Thermal Labels?
These labels use chemically treated and heat-sensitive media. The media turns black when it passes under the thermal printhead. Direct thermal printers are noted for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness as they do not involve any ink, toner, or ribbon.
The direct transfer labels are sharp, high-quality, and have good scannability. The labels have limited shelf life as they’re not well suited when exposed to direct sunlight, heat, or over-scratches. When exposed, the material turns very dark, and the text or barcode is not legible anymore.
Direct thermal printers are more mobile and simpler because of their ribbon-free mechanics. These label printers have fewer components that can fail. Another positive point about them is that they require less repairs and maintenance than thermal transfer printers. So, even with slightly higher purchase prices than thermal transfer printers, you can make a good return if you go for direct thermal printing for your needs, as there is no expense of changing the ribbon.
You can use the label for 6-12 months, even if stored at room temperature. Considering its limited lifespan, the direct labels are used in the following ways:
- Patient and visitor identification
- Shipping labels
- Receipts
- Ticket printing
Advantages Of Direct Thermal Labels
- Direct thermal labels require little maintenance, as there are fewer parts that need to be changed in the printer.
- They are ideal for short-term, high-volume printing.
- Since there is no ink or ribbons, the changeovers are quick and easy, saving you lots of time when you complete large printing jobs.
- Even operating thermal printers is easier to handle than other printers—direct thermal printing results in zero waste. With recyclable materials, these are one of the most eco-friendly printing modes.
Limitations
- Direct transfer labels can only print in black color
- They’re not as resistant to rough use, and the printed surface can fade away even if untouched
- The labels fade away sooner when overexposed to heat, sunlight, or ultraviolet light
- If you wish the direct thermal labels to last longer, they must be top-coated to resist UV light exposure
What are Thermal Transfer Labels?
Thermal transfer labels involve a printer using a ribbon, like a thin film wound to a roll. A special black coating is made from wax or resin formulation on one side. Thermal transfer labels can be easily spotted and are usually printed on glossy surfaces. The printhead melts onto the label to form the image by the heat applied. The ink is absorbed so that the image becomes part of the media. Compared to direct thermal labels, these are protected against abrasion and heat exposure, making them durable for a long time.
The thermal transfer label printing technique provides unmatched printing quality and durability. Durability is guaranteed even after six months of constant exposure to chemicals, light, high temperatures, or water. Thermal transfer allows multi-surface printing, including paper, plastic, polyester, and more. You can print for even longer durations with a durable material like polyester.
Advanced thermal transfer printers can even print colored labels using a colored ribbon. This helps enhance label appearance and apply uniform color coding. Some thermal transfer printers are designed to work like direct thermal printers without using a ribbon. This flexibility is a great choice for businesses looking to print custom labels for certain applications in bulk without spending on another printer in the short term.
Businesses can use high-grade supplies from reliable vendors, such as media ribbons, direct thermal label rolls, and adhesives, to achieve protection from chemicals, sterilization, ultraviolet exposure, etc. Some of the applications of thermal transfer labels are cold storage and freezers, lab specimens, blood bags, product identification, circuit board tracking, permanent identification, and more.
Advantages
- A thermal transfer label can print all details clearly and accurately
- You get the most accurate results with thermal transfer labels
- It’s possible to print in different colors to match your business needs
- The label is fade and scratch-resistant and easily withstands exposures to liquids and certain chemicals
Limitations
- Replacing ribbons comes at additional costs and can cause a break to change over
- Thermal transfer printers are high-maintenance, and any part repair or replacement can take a while and add to the costs
- If not taken care of, wrinkle ribbons become less effective and reduce the print quality
- Thermal transfer ribbon is not ideal for recycling
Which thermal label should you choose?
Thermal transfer and direct thermal labels are useful for long-term and short-term applications. You should consider one with more business benefits depending on your use and budget. You can even go for printers offering dual label printing, thermal transfer, and direct thermal label printing. Direct thermal labels are best for you if you print many temporary labels. However, thermal transfer printers might be useful if your business is into customizable printable labels, original product marking, and tracking that requires permanent marking.