Barcode Label 100 x 50mm

Thermal Transfer & Direct Thermal Labels/Tags

Direct Thermal
Direct thermal printers contain a thermal print head that applies heat energy to a specially coated facestock that turns black when heated to create the required images. Direct thermal saves money by not requiring the use of an inking ribbon. However, the coated facestock is more expensive than non-thermally coated facestocks and is very sensitive to temperature, light, water, chemicals and hard use. The life expectancy of direct thermal labels is usually less than one year. Direct thermal labels perform best for short term or indoor uses such as products with short shelf lives, shipping or indoor inventory control.

Thermal Transfer
Thermal transfer printing is the most widely used method for inhouse bar code label printing. A thermal print head is used to generate heat energy that in turn transfers the ink from a ribbon onto the label facestock, creating the required images. This method improves upon direct thermal printing in several ways. A wide variety of both paper and synthetic facestock materials may be used with both black and colored ribbons. Print quality is very high; the image is long lasting and durable. Bar codes can easily be read by both infrared and visible light reading devices.

Label/Tag Facestocks

Paper
Paper is the most commonly used facestock and is usually the lowest in cost. It is available in many types, thicknesses, colors and sizes. However, paper can be damaged by light, water, dirt and chemicals and may be torn or scraped. Paper labels perform best in controlled environments and in applications such as product labeling, pricing and shipping.

Synthetics
Synthetic facestocks include, but are not limited to, polyester, polypropylene, vinyl and mylar. These stocks can provide very high print quality and are more likely to perform better than paper for labels exposed to harsh environments or subject to hard use. Polypropylene facestocks are available in many forms for a wide array of applications. Polyester is used in applications subjecting labels to very hard use and to extreme environmental conditions. Vinyl facestocks are also very durable, especially on curved or irregular surfaces.

Thermal Labels/Tags at a Glance

• Thermal Transfer Labels/Tags – Requires the use of a Thermal Ribbon to transfer an image onto the label material
• Direct Thermal Labels/Tags – Direct Thermal technology does not require a ribbon instead, a chemically coated heat-sensitive material produces images as heat is applied to the surface of the label from the printhead.
• Direct Thermal Labels/Tags
  – Primarily indoor use
  – Short to medium-term lifespan
  – Minimal chemical resistance
  – No Ribbon needed
• Thermal Transfer Labels/Tags
  – Indoor or outdoor usage
  – Medium to long-term lifespan
  – Excellent chemical resistance
  – Thermal Ribbon is needed