Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing are two printing technologies commonly used in business today. Compared to inkjet and laser printers, these heat-dependent gizmos have the advantage of producing crisp, smear-proof images at much faster speeds. And in the competitive world of commerce, that is definitely an advantage. But how do you know which one is right for you? Here, we explain the basic differences between the two technologies. A direct thermal printer with its label exposed. CONTENT What Is Direct Thermal Printing, and How Does It Differ from Thermal Transfer Technology? What Are the Uses of Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printers? Is There a Difference between Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Labels? Can a Direct Thermal Label Outlast a Thermal Transfer Label? Can You Use Thermal Transfer Labels in a Direct Thermal Printer? Is Thermal Transfer Printing Better than Direct Thermal Technology? What Is Direct Thermal Printing, and How Does It Differ from Thermal Transfer Technology? In direct thermal printing, the printhead warms up and imprints computer images on heat-sensitive paper. The printer used here is called a “direct thermal printer.” The heat-sensitive paper is called “thermal paper,” and it is spiked with heat-activated colorants. A direct thermal printer does not need ink, toner, or ribbon, unlike other office printers. On the other hand, in thermal transfer printing, the printhead is not directly in contact with the medium. Instead, a colorant-filled ribbon runs between them. When the printhead warms up, the ribbon’s oily colorant melts and is transferred onto the medium’s surface. The medium used in such printers can be made of paper, plastic or fabric. The printer used here is a “thermal transfer printer,” whereas the ribbon is called a “thermal ribbon.” The printing media are referred to as either “thermal media” or “thermal transfer media,” depending on who you talk to. The thermal ribbon and printing medium occupy two separate holders inside the printer. The thermal ribbon’s oily colorant can be made of wax, resin or a combination of both. Generally, the higher the resin content, the more enduring the print is. Can’t find what you are looking for? Explore all of our Direct Thermal Labels in standard sizes. Most direct thermal printers use direct thermal label rolls for printing but there are also those that use fanfold labels. An example is the Rollo X1038 which can print 4 x 6 Fanfold labels for shipping. Rollo X1038 Direct Thermal Labels Direct thermal labels have a chemical layer applied to a paper or synthetic base that activates via heat. During printing, the direct thermal printer heats the label and activates parts of its chemical layer to create the desired image. Direct thermal printers can print texts and images onto blank or pre-printed labels. Unlike other office printers, they do not need ink, toner, or ribbon. Popular Label Applications Direct Thermal paper labels are an excellent choice for retail, logistics and other industries where there is no exposure to high heat or moisture levels. Direct thermal synthetics also work great for carton and retail pack labeling in food sectors. Examples: Shipping, postage and warehouse labelsMeat carton labels Tags, inserts and cards Price weigh retail labels In retail, direct thermal labels are popular for creating shipping labels, price tags, visitors’ passes, product barcodes and many others. They have multiple uses in various industries. Examples of direct thermal labels are enKo Products’ Zebra, Brother, Rollo and Dymo labels. Thermal Transfer Labels Thermal transfer labels work similarly to direct thermal labels in that they have a chemical layer (typically matt) that receives the ink that the ribbon transfers onto the label. During printing, the print head heats up and causes the ink from the ribbon to transfer to the label, creating the desired image. Thermal transfer ribbons are available in various sizes, colors and grades and can be made from wax, resin or a combination of both. Generally, the higher the resin content, the more enduring the print is. Resin – Common in industrial and chemical applications, where durability under extreme environmental conditions is required. Wax Resin – Ideal for general-purpose label printing, highly resistant to scratch, elements and chemicals. Wax – Works great for short-shelf applications, with minimal exposure to abrasion and chemicals. Popular Label Applications Thermal transfer paper labels are an excellent choice for applications where direct thermal labels aren’t suitable, or you prefer the print quality of the ribbon. They work great for outdoor labeling and applications where high levels of moisture or scuffing are common. Examples: Laboratory labels Inventory identification labels Industrial thermal transfer labels Chemical labels Warehouse shelf labels In retail, thermal transfer labels are perfect for barcoding and branding. They let you create fade-proof and smear-proof color prints, perfect for crafting beer labels, freezer labels and other tags for long storage. What Are the Uses of Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printers? Direct thermal printers are used for printing everyday items like: Lottery and transport tickets Queue numbers Receipts Coupons Faxes In retail, direct thermal labels are commonly used for creating shipping labels, price tags, visitors’ passes, product barcodes and many others. They have multiple uses in various industries. Examples of direct thermal labels are enKo Products’ Zebra, Brother, Rollo and Dymo labels. Meanwhile, you can use thermal transfer technology for printing similar documents and more. But it can also come in handy when you’re designing clothes and other handicrafts. In retail, thermal transfer labels are perfect for barcoding and branding. They let you create fade-proof and smear-proof color prints, which are perfect for crafting beer labels, freezer labels and other tags intended for long storage. Is There a Difference between Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Labels? People shopping for labels often ask this question. Yes, there is a difference between the two. For starters, the facestock of direct thermal labels is always made of paper. Meanwhile, thermal transfer label facestock can be made of paper, plastic, fabric, etc. As to the kind of paper these labels use, it’s also easy to tell them apart. Direct thermal labels have heat-activated colorants. Scratching the top surface, which creates friction and heat, will leave a dark mark. On the other hand, scratching thermal transfer labels will not change their color. Buy Cheap Direct Thermal Labels with Great Discounts! Direct Thermal Label4″ x 3″ SHOP NOW Direct Thermal Label3″ x 2″ SHOP NOW Direct Thermal Label2″ x 2-1/4″ SHOP NOW Advantages of Direct Thermal Labels Easy to use. No need to use ink, toner, or ribbon. Compatible with most printers Very cost-effective Better productivity because there are no ribbon changeovers Clear and consistent images that are easy to read and scan Works for both 1D and 2D barcodes You can use paper and synthetic label materials Images are durable and of good quality and can suit most common requirements Disadvantages of Direct Thermal Labels Prints can fade after 6-12 months Prints can be difficult to read or become unreadable with overexposure to heat or UV light Limited resistance against abrasion Direct thermal labels work best for short-to-medium-life applications in retail, logistics and other industries where there’s minimal or no exposure to high heat or moisture levels. Advantages of Thermal Transfer Labels Provides a superb print definition for text, images and barcodes Perfect for small characters and line work Works for both 1D and 2D barcodes Available in an extensive array of paper and synthetic materials, including clear, pearl, metalized, and fluorescent Comes with colored ribbons for branding and promotional applications Highly resistant to heat, moisture and chemicals Prints stable and durable images that last long Prints fast Heavy-duty print head Disadvantages of Thermal Transfer Labels It is not compatible with all printers Additional cost for keeping ribbons in stock Lower productivity from additional setup time and ribbon change-overs Thermal transfer ribbon can wrinkle and affect print quality In general, thermal transfer labels are best for long-life applications where direct thermal labels are unsuitable due to high heat and moisture exposure. Can a Direct Thermal Label Outlast a Thermal Transfer Label? The simple answer is no. Direct thermal labels have a lifespan of 6-12 months. They are best used for printing short-term documents and labels, like the ones we mentioned previously. Meanwhile, thermal transfer labels make fade-proof prints that can last for years. A thermal transfer printer with its ribbon and label exposed1 Can You Use Thermal Transfer Labels in a Direct Thermal Printer? Again, the answer is no. Thermal transfer labels do not have the heat-activated colorants that direct thermal labels have. You will not be able to create any images by running them through a direct thermal printer. Is Thermal Transfer Printing Better than Direct Thermal Technology? Not necessarily. It really depends on your reasons for printing. Thermal transfer printers are typically more expensive than their direct thermal counterparts. If your goal is to print shipping labels routinely—which most recipients tear up after receiving their packages—thermal transfer technology will make the task too expensive. Thermal transfer printers need thermal ribbons to function. In contrast, direct thermal printers do not need such consumables. When you think about it, direct thermal technology may be better for the environment because it produces less waste and does not use petroleum-based colorants. Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper. The technology is cost-effective if you’re printing large volumes of short-term labels for your business. However, thermal transfer technology is more versatile in that it can handle a wider variety of label types and let you accomplish a longer list of tasks. You can make more permanent labels and badges from thermal transfer printing. When you need to print in color, thermal transfer printers can print using a wide color spectrum. Ribbons are available in multiple colors. On the other hand, direct thermal printers can print only in black or red because of the limitations of both printheads and thermal paper. Thermal transfer prints are perfect for branding, which requires that product labels’ colors are reproduced consistently. Direct thermal printers are not, although they usually suffice for their intended uses. Below is a table summing up the differences between these two technologies: Functions/Characteristics Direct Thermal Printing Thermal Transfer Printing Printer cost Uses consumables? Uses heat-sensitive labels? Uses non-paper labels? Print colors? Affordable No Yes No Black and red only Expensive Yes (Ribbon) No Yes Wide Spectrum Both technologies have pros and cons, and we recommend that you base your choice on what you need for your business. Just to Highlight Their Differences… Thermal transfer and direct transfer printing are heat-reliant printing technologies that the business world depends on. Thermal transfer printheads transfer colors onto their medium by warming up a thermal ribbon. In contrast, direct thermal printers use direct heat contact to create images on thermal paper. These printers produce similar types of labels and documents. However, direct thermal prints are better for short-term use, whereas thermal transfer prints are meant to last longer. You can use one for branding, but not the other, and their prices also differ. Ultimately, when you need to choose between the two, it is best to decide based on what your business requires. Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Like & follow our social media pages to see more updates and promotions ! Tags: Direct Thermal Labels Melodie
