The specific label material and ribbon must be carefully matched to ensure print performance and durability.īy selecting the right media-ribbon combination, as well as specialty adhesives, users can create archival-quality labels to withstand temperature extremes, ultraviolet exposure, chemicals, sterilization, and more. Thermal transfer printers can create extremely durable wristbands, asset tags, and certification labels, in addition to common labels, tags, and tickets. Thermal transfer printers can accept a wider variety of media than direct thermal models, including paper, polyester, and polypropylene materials. This technique provides image quality and durability that is unmatched by other on-demand printing technologies.
The ink is absorbed so that the image becomes part of the media. In thermal transfer printing, a thermal printhead applies heat to a ribbon, which melts ink onto the material to form the image. Common thermal printing applications include: shipping labels, including compliance labels receipts pick tickets coupons event tickets citations and parking tickets name tags visitor passes and more. The readability of direct thermal labels, wristbands, and receipt papers varies greatly, depending on the usage conditions, but the technology provides ample lifespan for many common bar code printing applications including shipping labels, patient and visitor identification, receipts, and ticket printing.įor example, direct thermal labels can easily remain scannable after spending six months in storage in a distribution centre, and direct thermal patient wristbands have a special coating that makes them water- and chemical-resistant. For these reasons, direct thermal printing is not used for lifetime identification applications. If the label is overexposed to heat, light, or other catalysts, the material will darken and make the text or bar code unreadable. Most mobile printers use direct thermal technology.
Because there is no ribbon, direct thermal printers cost less to operate than inkjet, laser, impact, and thermal transfer printers. Their simple design makes thermal printers durable and easy to use.
Direct thermal printers have no ink, toner, or ribbon. Direct thermal printing uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive media that blackens when it passes under the thermal printhead. The following sections will help you understand the differences between the technologies and how to select the appropriate print method for your application.
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