Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Labels

Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Labels For goodness sake, what is the difference? We get that question a lot.  Here are the main differences. Direct Thermal Labels have have heat applied directly to the label to create the pattern or image. The heat initiates a chemical reaction in the label which causes it to darken – hence the term “direct thermal”. The heater is in direct contact with the label. See image below. Thermal Transfer Labels require a ribbon when printing. Both the label and ribbon feed through the printer. The heat causes the ribbon to transfer the ink, or wax, onto the label. Hence the name thermal transfer. See image below. Choose Direct Thermal if: label life is less than 12 months label will not be exposed to continuous sunlight label will not be exposed to harsh environmental conditions (i.e. dusty air, chemicals/abrasives in the air) label will not be exposed to … Continue reading Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Labels