Direct Thermal Labels

Thermal Transfer Labels

Direct thermal labels are chemically treated to
react to heat so that when they pass beneath the printhead the heat generated by the thermal head triggers the ink within the labels in the exact places that relate to your label design.

As the label passes beneath the printhead with
which it is in direct contact, the heat draws the
image out of the paper and results in a printed label. Nothing else is required.

The lifespan of the labels is very short when compared to labels which have been printed using the thermal transfer print process.

Maximum life for direct thermal labels
is approximately 12 months.

Although actual life will be dictated by the environment they will be kept in.If labels are left in sunlight for any length of time they will quickly start to go off colour, first grey and then ultimately black.

If barcodes are involved then direct thermal labels should not be used on any products where a shelf life longer than one-year is required – this is because one very important factor in the scanning of barcodes is what is termed, the print contrast signal (PCS), this effectively is the contrast between the black of the printed barcode and the white of the labels.

If the label starts to discolour then you lose the ratio in the PCS between the black and white, and there is a risk that barcodes will not scan.

Typical applications for direct thermal labels include, short life food products, receipts, price-weigh products etc.

Discounts for larger orders on all labels –
Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Thermal Transfer Labels  printing uses more standard materials on the surface of it. That is to say that the labels etc. are not pre-impregnated with ink. Thermal transfer uses a process which requires a thermal carbon ribbon, the ink. As the label passes beneath the printhead the image is transferred via heat, from the ribbon to the label.

You can purchase ribbons suitable for your printer by clicking here – simply choose your printer brand.

The ribbon is positioned between the printhead
and the label and as a secondary benefit it
provides great protection to the printhead
as it removes the distinct abrasion that is
present when printing in direct thermal mode –
this greatly saves wear and tear on printheads
and is a potentially good cost saving by reducing the need for replacement printheads.

The main benefit re.the finished label and therefore the application is that it is not subject to degradation by heat and light and so it can be used confidently for applications which call for labelling long life products.

There are quite a few ribbon types available today
but generally the main ones come under the following four ribbon materials: Wax,
Resin Enhanced Wax, Wax/Resin and Resin.

Should special ribbon grades be required then
we can and do conduct tests of the material
and ribbon to ensure that they are correct for your application prior to agreeing to supply the system.

Typical applications for thermal transfer labels are transportation and logistics, archiving, asset tracking and any other long-life application.

Discounts for larger orders on all labels –
Contact us to discuss your requirements.