The Difference Between Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Labels

There are two general types of thermal printing: thermal transfer and direct thermal. These methods apply heat to a surface using a thermal printhead. Generally, thermal printers are best for label and barcode printing because they produce high-quality images. In addition, thermal printers are designed to copy the exact bar widths necessary for successful scanning.

Direct Thermal Printing

Direct thermal printers are known to be straightforward because they don’t require an ink ribbon. They also don’t use ink or toner. However, although they have a decent life span, you shouldn’t leave the labels in hot environments. If the label is exposed to heat, light, or other elements, the material will undergo a chemical reaction that can make the barcode or text unreadable. So, as much as possible, use premium grade labels and store the printer at room temperature.

Because of this, direct thermal printing is not ideal for extensive applications. In addition, the quality of direct thermal labels varies widely depending on the usage.

However, the technology itself provides a decent lifespan for many applications, such as receipts, shipping labels, patient identification, and tickets. One of the most reliable ones is the Brother DK Compatible Labels.

Advantages of Direct Thermal Printing:

• Produces sharp images with adequate scan-ability.
• Ideal for applications that don’t need an extensive lifespan, such as receipts and printing labels.
• Direct thermal printers are easy to operate compared to other print technologies that use ribbon, ink, and toner.
• Low maintenance because there are no supplies that need to be replenished.
• Allows single or multiple label printing with almost zero waste.
• Direct thermal printers have recyclable materials.
• Direct thermal printers tend to be more durable than laser printers and dot matrix, which means it is reliable for office and industrial applications.

Limitations of Direct Thermal Printing

• Direct thermal labels are highly sensitive to environmental elements, such as light and heat (direct sunlight or fluorescent).
• You need to apply a coating over the plain thermal paper after printing if you require longevity because the surface remains active to UV light and chemicals.

Thermal Transfer Printing

“Thermal transfer labels are characterised by the crisp printed surface that is often glossy. The printer heats a thin ribbon roll until it melts and forms a clear image. Then, the media absorbs the ink, allowing the image to cling deeply.”, explains Direct Appliance Rentals CEO Karina Wolfin.

When combined with an apt media, thermal transfer prints can become impervious to heat, moisture, and abrasion. For this reason, thermal transfer printed labels can be used for lifetime applications such as custom label printing of RFID and nutrition information.

Additionally, thermal transfer technology creates enduring printed images because the colour and density are determined by the ribbon and the printer’s resolution.

It’s only essential to match the specific label material and ribbon to ensure quality performance.

Advantages of Thermal Transfer Printing

• Delivers high-definition graphic print quality for superior readability.
• Produces long-lasting images.
• Enable single or multiple label printing with almost zero waste.
• Operation cost is lower compared to laser printing, inkjet, and dot-matrix.
• Can print on a wide variety of surfaces.
• Reliable for industrial and office applications because the print doesn’t fade easily.

Limitations of Thermal Transfer Printing

• Thermal transfer printers cost more to operate than direct thermal ones because they require a ribbon.
• Single-pass ribbon can be wasted if you don’t print the full width of the label.
• The ribbon used in this technology isn’t entirely recyclable.
• Ribbon and media must be compatible with achieving optimal print quality.

For top-quality thermal printing solutions, visit Pricemark.