Will you be printing high density bar codes ie do you have limited space? Will you ever need to print labels in colours other than black?ĭo the labels need to have a shelf-life of over 1 year? To help decide whether to select a direct thermal or a thermal transfer printer (or whether you should use thermal transfer or direct thermal labels), consider the following questions: Printheads for thermal transfer printers will last 2-4 times printheads for direct thermal printers. Print heads also last longer as the ribbon provides a protective buffer between the head and the very small foreign (sometimes damaging) objects carried on the label material. Thermal transfer labels are tougher, last longer and are not sensitive to light or heat.
The thermal print head heats the back side of the ribbon to melt and transfer the compounds on the front of the ribbon to the label, creating the image. Thermal transfer is a less expensive base stock but a ribbon is required for printing.
Also, the print head comes into direct contact with the label material (and the dust and debris it carries) which will result in increased wear when compared to thermal transfer printing. The printed image can and will fade over time or under these circumstances. Direct thermal labels are fine except for labels which have to survive a long time, or if they are likely to be exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures. The thermal printer images using heat directly onto the label face, in the same way the original fax machines used to do and the heat causes a colour change creating the printed image. Alot of today's printers are dual mode meaning they can print both thermal transfer and direct thermal.ĭirect thermal uses a more expensive base stock but is a lower cost label overall because it does not require a ribbon when printing. People are often confused about the differences between direct thermal printers and thermal transfer label printers, and which type better suits their needs.
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