Labels
Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels
There are two thermal printing methods: direct thermal and thermal transfer.
Each method uses a thermal printhead that applies heat to the surface being marked. Thermal transfer printing uses a heated
ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing,
which creates the image direct on the printed material. Direct thermal media is more sensitive to light, heat and abrasion,
which reduces the life of the printed material.
Direct Thermal
Direct thermal printing uses chemically tested heat sensitive
media that blackens when it passes under the thermal print head. Direct thermal printers have no ink, toner or ribbon.
Thermal media images may fade over time. If the label is over exposed to heat, light or other catalysts, the material will darken
and make text or barcodes unreadable. For these reasons, direct thermal printing is not used for lifetime identification applications.
The readability of direct thermal labels, wristbands and receipt papers varies greatly, depending on the usage conditions, but the
technology provides ample lifespan for many common bar code printing applications including shipping labels, patient and visitor identification,
receipt and ticket printing.
For example, after spending six months in storage at a distribution centre direct thermal labels
can easily still be scanned and direct thermal patient wristbands have a special coating that makes them water and chemical-resistant.
Common thermal printing applications include: shipping labels, including compliance labels; receipt; pick tickets; coupons; event
tickets; citation and parking tickets; name tags; visitor passes and more.
Thermal Transfer
Thermal transfer printers can
accept a wider variety of media than direct thermal models, including paper, polyester and polypropylene materials. Thermal
transfer printers can create extremely durable wristbands, asset tags and certification labels, in addition to common labels, tags
and tickets. The specific label material and ribbon must be carefully matched to ensure print performance and durability.
By
selecting the right media-ribbon contributions, as well as speciality adhesives, users can create archival-quality labels to wristband
temperature extremes, ultraviolet exposure, chemicals, sterilization and more. Typical thermal transfer application include:
product identification; circuit board tracking; permanent identification; sample and file tracking; asset tagging; inventory identification;
certification labels such as UL/CSA; laboratory specimens; cold storage and freezer; and outdoor applications.
For advice on
which labels are right for you and prices, call our team of experts on 01442 217 384 or email us at sales@barcodeconnexions.co.uk
For
our full range of barcode printers click here >>>
