Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer

Unsure about the best Thermal Label for your customers?

Explore the fundamental differences between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels.

  • Thermal Transfer Labels

    Thermal transfer printing utilises a ribbon with heat-sensitive ink. A print head heats up and melts a wax-based or resin-based ink onto the media.

    Materials

    Face stock and ribbon

    Advantages

    • Using different face stock and ribbon combinations can provide smudge, scratch, and chemical resistance.
    • The material is less expensive than direct thermal printing.
    • All materials are scannable in both visible and infrared light, offering many face stock options and a longer shelf life.

    Disadvantages

    • Less efficiency is experienced due to ribbon changes, leading to increased downtime when ribbon lengths don’t always match label roll lengths.

  • Direct Thermal Labels

    Direct thermal materials are printed using heat. When the label travels under the heated printhead, a chemical reaction takes place within the media – darkening the portions touching the printhead.

    Materials

    Face stock only

    Advantages

    • More cost-effective for short-term uses and applications.
    • There is less printer downtime with no ribbon changes.

    Disadvantages

    • The Image darkens over time with exposure to light or high temperatures.
    • Face stock costs more than thermal transfer, and there is a shorter shelf life.
    • Limited scratch resistance and few options for chemical resistance contribute to its disadvantges.
    • Additionally, there is a shorter printhead life than in thermal transfer printing.

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