Product Labeling

 Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Labels

Manufacturing and packaging companies use thermal labels for barcode printing on the products. You may want to have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of thermal labels before making a selection.

Thermal labels are most appropriate for nametag labels, shipping labels, and e-commerce shipments. With modern-day printers offering both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing option, it is not going to be difficult to switch to or choose the appropriate type.

The fundamental and most significant advantage of direct thermal printing is that it doesn’t require any ribbons. With the minimal resources required, thermal transfer labels also take less time, which means higher productivity for companies that face tough competition in their respective industries. The process involved in the changing of ribbon takes at least 15 minutes, even if there is an experienced professional doing the job. Both types of labeling require changing of rolls, but using the thermal transfer labeling system eliminates the requirement of changing the ribbon, which could mean a more efficient labeling process.

Why direct thermal labeling is the most preferred option?

The process of direct thermal labeling involves the use of a heated print head that initiates a chemical reaction in the label to create a print. The label paper used in the process has adhesive properties. This system works with the help of a thermal printing head and the type of paper used.

While the surface of the label appears smooth, it has invisible rough patches that can reduce the life of the printing head. To prevent the printing head from getting out of order too early, you may want to use a top-quality thermal label. It will also help in lowering the chance of rejection. With the use of direct thermal printing, you can ensure the generation of less amount of waste as there will be no ribbon used in the process.

A thermal transfer print label, on the other hand, can ensure the enhanced life of the printing head because the ribbon used in the process serves as a protective barrier between the label paper and the printing head. It can increase productivity in a different dimension.

Adhesives and sizes

These labels generally come with standard acrylic adhesive. If you want to use the label on corrugated boxes or freezer applications, you may have to use a label with stronger adhesive.

Which label is right for you?

Depending on your packaging application, you can choose between both labels. If you are concerned about the wastage of materials during the labeling process, you may want to use direct thermal labels because they do not use any ribbons. This option will work in an even better way if you are using a fine quality label paper. Otherwise, it may cause wear and tear to the printing head too soon.

Thermal transfer labeling will be a more appropriate option if the speed of the labeling process is not an issue for you. You may have to change the ribbon more often, which is not as hard as changing the printing head.