SHIPPING INCLUDED FOR ALL CONTINENTAL USA ORDERS!
SHIPPING INCLUDED FOR ALL CONTINENTAL USA ORDERS!
SHIPPING INCLUDED FOR ALL CONTINENTAL USA ORDERS!
SHIPPING INCLUDED FOR ALL CONTINENTAL USA ORDERS!
In a direct thermal system, the heat of the printhead causes a reaction on specially coated label paper, resulting in a a black image on the label. The advantage of this process is that it does not require the extra step of installing a ribbon. When deciding whether direct thermal is right for a specific label application, it is important to understand the environment as well as the durability of the printed image on the label that is required. Scanability requirements must also be considered. Although most direct thermal label materials cost more, the end-to-end cost may be less due to the time and hassle saved by not having to change the ribbons on thermal transfer labels.
The thermal transfer printing process involves the use of a ribbon along with rolled or fan-folded labels. Like direct thermal, heat plays a part in thermal transfer printing; however, the heat does not come into contact with the media. Instead, the hot printhead melts ink in the ribbon to create a sharp, crisp image on the label’s surface. Heating elements insite the printhead turn on and off, forming graphics, text, or barcodes. Due to the superior quality and durability of the images produced, thermal transfer printing is a popular choice for a variety of applications. Since there is less wear on the printhead with this system, equipment tends to last longer. Additionally, thermal transfer printing can be used with many different label substrates. A thermal transfer printing system is ideal for applications which require excellent scanability and a long shelf life.
Determining whether a label is thermal transfer or direct thermal is easy. Labels printed with a direct thermal printer do not stand up well to heat and light. Over time, the label begins to darken and the image becomes faded. Even if stored away from extreme elements, direct thermal labels typically remain scannable for only about six months after printing. However, this lifespan is sufficient for numerous applications, such as shipping labels, visitor identification slips, receipts, and ticket printing. One simple way to identify a direct thermal label is by using your fingernail and scraping it across the labels. If the label blackens, it’s direct thermal.
Unlike direct thermal, thermal transfer does not rely on a special heat-activated substrate. This method can accept a broader variety of “regular” label materials, including paper, polyester, and polypropylene. A label produced with the thermal transfer method will not blacken when a fingernail or other hard object is drawn across it. Thermal transfer labels are used for permanent solutions such as product identification, asset tags, tickets, and certification labels. Their durability also makes them appropriate for cold storage and outdoor applications.
If you’re not sure if a label is direct thermal or thermal transfer, try the “scratch test”. First, lay the label on a hard surface such as a desktop. Next, run your fingernail or a pen cap quickly back and forth across the label. If it turns black, it’s a direct thermal label. If not, it will be a thermal transfer label.
Why do direct thermal labels turn black when you scratch them?
The answer lies in the specially formulated paper stock used by direct thermal printers. This stock is coated with material that contains microscopic capsules of ink. When exposed to heat, these capsules burst, creating an image on the label.
Why do thermal transfer printers use ribbons?
Like direct thermal, heat plays a part in thermal transfer printing; however the heat does not come into contact with the media. Instead the hot printhead melts ink in the ribbon to create a sharp crisp image on the labels surface. Heating elements inside the printhead turn on and off forming graphics, text or barcodes.