Most modern tabletop labels printers like those from Intermec, Zebra, Datamax, Sato and others are able to print in thermal-transfer and direct thermal modes. But there is a big difference in how this is achieved and why you would use one method or the other. Let’s look at them.

When you send a file with label content to your printer, it is sent to the print head which heats up in specific areas to create the image. These areas are basically microscopic dots that create words, images, etc. Printers are rated in dots per inch, usually 203, 300 or 600 dpi.

With thermal transfer printing, the print head heats up and transfers it’s heat to a wax , wax/resin, or pure resin ribbon that is passed over the print head. The ribbon melts in the specific areas to create an image and is pressed onto the label as it passes through the printer. The ribbon ink cools on the label and you have a clean, clear image of your information on a label.

Thermal transfer printing allows the ink from the ribbon to melt onto the label which absorbs it. This makes the label more durable and very legible. The label durability increases depending on the type of ribbon you use (wax, wax/resin, or pure resin). You have to be careful to match the label material and ribbon to ensure you get the best performance. You can get archival-quality labels that will withstand extremes in temperature, light exposure, liquids, abrasion and more if you choose the best combination.

Typical applications for thermal transfer printing includes wrist bands, product identification, circuit board tracking, asset tagging, inventory identification, UL/CSA labels, cold storage labels and even outdoor applications. Printed bar codes are usually superior and the labels are fade-proof compared to direct thermal.

Wax Ribbons are designed for applications that use face paperstocks in environments that are considered mild with no real exposure to weak chemicals or exposure to mild abrasion.
Wax / Resin Ribbons, these ribbons are optimized for use with select paper and matt synthethics in environments with moderate to extreme chemical exposure and/or moderate exposure to abrasion, or where UL / cUL approval is required.

Resin Ribbons are designed for use with synthetic materials in environments with harsh to extreme chemical exposure and / or exposure to moderate abrasion, or where UL / cUL approval is required.

Label used when performing Thermal transfer printing are coated paper or film with an adhesive backing to make them adhere to your product or package. These come with several adhesive options depending on your needs and application.
If you are using the direct thermal method of label printing, you would start out by loading direct thermal labels. These labels do not require a ribbon to create the image because the label material is coated with a special top coat that is sensitive to heat. When you send a print job on a direct thermal printer, the print head heats up and transfers that heat to specific areas of the label. These areas turn black from the heat, thus creating your information.

Direct thermal label printing doesn’t require a ribbon so there is a cost savings straight away. If you are printing millions of variable information labels like address labels, this is the way to go. The printers cost less to operate than ink jet, laser or impact printers.
The only issue with direct thermal labeling is that the images may fade over time. If the label is exposed to heat, bright light or other environmental conditions, it might darken to the point that the text and images are unreadable. Because of this, direct thermal labels are not used for lifetime identification purposes. Temporary labels and other applications like one-day wristbands, food receipts, shipping labels, name tags and other quick-use labels work well.

Many large distribution centers and shippers (DHL, Lucey Transport, UPS) use shipping labels that are direct thermal. They are hardy enough to last the few days that a package is in transit while keeping costs to a minimum.
The best way to decide which printing method to use would be to analyze your situation. If you are just creating shipping labels that need to last a few days, direct thermal is the way to go. But if you need labels to last a while and have clear, perfectly readable bar codes, you may want to go with thermal-transfer labels.

IMEC Media is a leader in developing product solutions to meet unique and challenging label, ribbon and tag requirements. We have the experience to develop effective, working solutions to meet every kind of media supply challenge, asset labels, food product labels, shipping labels and many more.

From small runs to high volume, we offer a convenient, easy way to purchase pre-printed labels for a range of applications.

IMEC Media designs, manufacturers and delivers products to customers in Food, Logistics, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Medical Device, Beverage, Utilities and Government organisations. Meeting the needs of customers in product identification, asset labels for asset tracking and asset management solutions and warehouse signage labels.

IMEC Media supplies Thermal Transfer Ribbons for a range of applications. Resin thermal transfer ribbons, standard wax thermal transfer ribbons, all ribbon types designed to work on a wide range of printers, to provide high quality durable printing solutions for all industries.