Thermal Labels

Thermal Labels

Not sure which label is best for your customers?

Here are some basic differences between TT and DT labels.

 

  • Thermal Transfer Labels

    Thermal transfer printing uses 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
    • Material is less expensive than direct thermal
    • All material is scannable in both visible and infrared light
    • Many face stock options
    • Longer shelf life

    Disadvantages

    • Less efficient due to ribbon changes
    • 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
    • Less printer downtime with no ribbon changes

    Disadvantages

    • Image darkens over time with exposure to light or high temperatures
    • Face stock costs more than thermal transfer
    • Shorter shelf life
    • Limited scratch resistance
    • Few options for chemical resistance
    • Shorter printhead life than thermal transfer

Non-Topcoated vs. Topcoated Direct Thermal Material

The direct thermal coating on direct thermal labels is sensitive to environmental factors such as chemical contact, humidity, UV exposure and abrasion. These factors can destroy or degrade the quality of your printed image.

To help protect your printed image from these environmental factors, materials are available with a clear, protective topcoating. This top coat acts as a barrier to help resist the effects of image-degrading environmental factors.

Consider the following to determine if your project would benefit from a topcoated product:

  • Non-Topcoated Product
    The most economical choice, non-topcoated materials are acceptable for short duration labeling applications requiring limited environmental resistance

  • Topcoated Product
    Best for applications where the label will be subjected to abrasion, sunlight, moisture or light chemical contact.

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