Many of our customers have been asking about the difference between direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels. This blog is here to help you understand the distinctions between these two types of labels and printing methods. We'll break down the details to make it easy for you to choose the labels that suit your needs best.

Printing Method

Direct Thermal Labels:

In the process of direct thermal printing, the tiny heat-emitting parts of the print head apply focused heat directly onto the label as it moves by. This label is coated with a heat-sensitive layer. Through a chemical reaction, the label transforms its color from white to black.

Thermal Transfer Labels:

In thermal transfer printing, the heat-producing components of the print head apply precise heat to the moving ribbon. This heat melts the ribbon onto the label's surface, shaping the printed image. The label absorbs the ink, making it an integral part of the material. It's important to ensure that the ribbon and label stock (including material and adhesive) are a suitable match for both each other and the intended use. This ensures the best possible quality and resilience for your printing needs.

Environment Sensitivity

Direct Thermal Labels:

The images created on direct thermal labels are typically more vulnerable to external factors like sunlight. They can lose their color, aka fade, over time and are better suited for shorter-term uses.

Because of these factors, direct thermal printing isn't the ideal option for extended periods. However, it's important to note that direct thermal printing still offers a satisfactory lifespan for many purposes.

Thermal Transfer Labels:

Thermal transfer labels commonly exhibit greater sturdiness and resilience against external influences. The printed images on these labels are less prone to fading, rendering them particularly suitable for scenarios where lastingness is of significance.

This method is well-suited for prolonged applications that extend beyond six months or encompass challenging conditions like chemicals, intense light, elevated temperatures, or moisture exposure. As a result, thermal transfer printing is excellently tailored for tasks such as tracking assets, handling laboratory samples and blood pouches, outdoor applications, establishing permanent identification, and maintaining legibility in cold and freezer storage environments.

Cost Considerations:

Direct Thermal Labels:

These labels usually present a more budget-friendly option from the start, as they don't necessitate extra supplies like ribbons.

Direct thermal printers, sans the requirement for ribbons, boast simplicity in operation and entail fewer components prone to malfunction. Typically, these printers come with a lower initial cost and demand less ongoing upkeep and repair compared to thermal transfer printers. While direct thermal labels might have a slightly higher price tag, you can avoid expenditure on ribbons.

Thermal Transfer Labels:

Thinking about printing with thermal transfer labels involves using ribbons, which adds to the starting cost when you buy printers and the ongoing cost when you buy ribbons. This can make your overall expenses higher.

Some thermal transfer printers can also work in a direct thermal mode without needing ribbons. This could be helpful for small businesses that want more options without dealing with the trouble or extra expense of having multiple printers.

Application of Direct Thermal v. Thermal Transfer Labels.

Ways to Use Direct Thermal Labels

Direct thermal labels are employed in various fields because they offer good quality printing and are simple to use. Here are some common uses of direct thermal labels:

• Shipping Labels: Direct thermal labels are often used for shipping purposes. These labels can be printed fast and only need to stay readable during the shipping process.
• Food Labels: Direct thermal labels are a great choice for labeling foods since they don't use any ink.
• Name Tags: If you need name tags for an event like a conference, direct thermal printing is a smart choice. It's quick and affordable for printing a large number of tags.

These uses showcase the convenience and effectiveness of direct thermal labels across different tasks.

Thermal Transfer Label Uses

Because they are very strong and can withstand tough situations, thermal transfer labels are used for labeling things for a long time and in really tough conditions. Here are some ways these labels are commonly used:

• Asset tracking: Thermal transfer labels are great for labeling things you want to keep track of for a long time, like your belongings, to make sure they aren't stolen or lost.
• Labs: These labels are tough enough to handle the harsh conditions in a lab, like chemicals and heat, without getting damaged.
• Outside stuff: Thermal transfer labels don't lose their color or get hard to read when they're in the sun or heat, so they're good for labeling things you use outside.

Which thermal printer should I choose?

The most important things to think about when choosing between the two technologies are:

• How long the label or printed material needs to last.
• Where the label will be used.

Direct thermal printers are good for things you only need to label for a short time (less than six months). On the other hand, thermal transfer printers work better if you want the label to last a long time (more than six months) or if it will be outside a lot or in tough conditions.

Because both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing have their own good and bad points, they will both keep being used for different things in a company. For example, thermal transfer printers might be used to mark products right when they're made, while direct thermal printers might still be the best choice for making labels for picking items and shipping them.