What is the difference between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels?

 

Thermal label printers produce high-quality and accurate images. These images are mandatory for barcode scanning and barcode printing. When it comes to label printing, there are two different types of label printing methods i.e., Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer. The direct thermal printing method uses chemically treated and heat-sensitive media for printing. However, the Thermal Transfer Printing method involves using a heating ribbon. Keep reading to find out the difference between them and which label printing method suits your business purposes.

Direct Thermal Labels

Direct Thermal Printers use a thermal print head for heat activated and chemically treated label stock. The label is fed by the printer and then the print head heats the label surface. When the label reacts by blackening while passing under the thermal print head, the print is created. The direct thermal label printing method is cost-effective as it does not require any ribbons or ink to print labels. This method of printing is also more compact as compared to a thermal transfer label printing method. Direct thermal labels are ideal for short lifespan labels such as parcel delivery, food labeling and receipt printing at retail stores.

Thermal Transfer Labels

Thermal Transfer Printers use heat to transfer or bond a thin film, resin or wax coating onto a label which is in a heated ribbon. The label absorbs the ink and creates a long-lasting and durable image. The print quality is crisper and higher than the direct thermal label printing method. This type of label printing method is ideal for printing high-quality bar labels and codes which are required to have a longer lifespan. Thermal Transfer Labels are ideal for inventory labels, certification labels, product identification, long-term barcode labels and asset labeling.

In simpler terms, the main difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer is that thermal transfer requires a heated ribbon for printing and direct thermal does not require any ribbon for printing.

Conclusion

Seek out Label Arts for the high density and best labeling services. We provide every type of label you need for your business. Label Arts will print your labels as per your need and requirement.

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