All You Should Know About Direct Thermal Labels

You need to make smart choices when considering your direct thermal label printing requirements, Direct thermal printing utilizes virtually the same procedure as thermal transfer printing- with one exception. Direct thermal printing technology doesn’t use ribbon – in direct thermal printing, the process happens on the paper substrate for optimal performance. The heat generated from the print head can cause a chemical reaction with the top layer that burns the transmitted image onto the paper. Are you printing on-demand barcodes, tags and inserts, or shipping and warehouse labels? That’s where direct thermal labels are used for. These labels are economical and ideal solutions for barcoding as well as shipping labels. For those looking for an affordable way to print direct thermal labels in bulk, it is probably your time to move from an inkjet/laser printer to direct thermal.

What are direct thermal labels?

Direct thermal labels are printed using cutting-edge direct thermal printing technology using thermal papers. A thermal print head is used for heating specific portions and thermo-chromatic paper during this process. The paper passes over the thermal head, becoming dark where it receives heat, resulting in the desired image. By applying heat at different temperatures, two-color direct thermal printing generates red as well as black pictures. Direct thermal labels don’t use ink; they use heat-sensitive materials to produce colors. Therefore, no toner, ink or ribbon is used for direct thermal labels printing.

What are direct thermal labels utilized for?

Direct thermal labels are widely used for printing shipping labels, barcodes and identification tags. Direct thermal labels are used for these applications to craft crisp & clear images with text and save time & money. Direct thermal labels are available at more economical prices than sheet labels, especially when bought in bulk. Also, direct thermal printers print a large number of labels within a short period as compared to traditional ones. With the right direct thermal ingredients and protective coating on the direct thermal labels, you can reduce the hazardous effects of exposures. Polypropylene direct thermal labels use synthetic substrates to produce a water-resistant label.

This label type can be used for various things, including labeling meat and fish or anything with a short life but requires refrigeration. Non-frozen foods or the ones that do not need to be refrigerated are often categorized with direct thermal labels with a removable adhesive. Items with short shelf life, such as deli meats or bakery goods, can benefit from the economical application of direct thermal labels. Tracking and shipping labels, both with a short life, are ideal for direct thermal printing procedures. Warehouses across the globe use direct thermal labels for printing tickets and tote labels. If they utilize pre-printed forms, they print direct thermal labels with products, shipments, returns and warranties. These are cost-efficient, unlike thermal transfer, and make the right fit for your barcoding needs.

 

What are the benefits of Direct Thermal Printing?

Ø  Generates sharp-quality images with scannability

Ø  The right solution for applications that don’t need long-term life, such as printing labels and receipts

Ø  Direct thermal printing is an easy journey

Ø  Low maintenance

Ø  Made of recyclable materials, which means they allow single or multiple-label printing

What are some limitations of direct thermal printing?

Direct thermal labels are highly sensitive to external and environmental elements like light or heat. You must apply a coating over the plain thermal paper after printing in case you need long-term life since the surface will be actively exposed to chemical and UV light.

Takeaway

Direct thermal labels are ribbon-less labels ideal for those printing labels in bulk. They are affordable and available in all sizes that fit the required label sizes for shipping, barcodes and address labels. Find and connect with trusted businesses that deliver top-notch quality and economic lab labels and label solutions.