What’s the real difference between Thermal Direct and Thermal Transfer Labels?

The two different label printing methods are used by a range of thermal label printers, Thermal Direct (Short-term print) and Thermal Transfer (Permanent print.) The two different label printing methods are used by a range of thermal label printers, Thermal Direct (Short-term print) and Thermal Transfer (Permanent print.)

So you’re looking for a label to use within your business, and you don’t know where to start when it comes to size, what printer you need and what the different types of labels are?

We’re here to help you!

The two different label printing methods are used by a range of thermal label printers, Thermal Direct (Short-term print) and Thermal Transfer (Permanent print.)

Thermal Direct

Thermal Direct Printers use a print head to heat specially treated labels, producing black ink, short term labels. No ribbons are required, when printing with Thermal direct labels.

Thermal direct labels are best used in controlled temperature environments, where they are out of direct heat and sunlight. A main use of thermal direct labels is for shipping labels as they won’t need to last much longer than the time it takes to deliver a package.

The most common uses of Thermal Direct Labels are: shipping labels, receipts, coupons, event tickets, visitor passes, parking tickets and stickers on food packaging.

If you’re looking for a label that needs to last a lot longer, or will be in contact with direct sunlight, then thermal transfer labels are your best option.

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Thermal Transfer 

Thermal transfer printers use the print head to heat special wax or resin ribbons to produce permanent print labels. To print on thermal transfer labels, you will need a wax-resin ribbon.

These labels can endure harsher environments including, rougher treatment, direct sunlight and heat.

The most common uses for the Thermal Transfer Labels are: Product identification labels (stock control), shelf labels, permanent identification, sample and file tracking, inventory identification and outdoor applications. 

Because of the durable nature of thermal transfer labels, they do have a wider range of uses, but come at a higher cost due to the cost of the ribbons.

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POSPaper has a range of different sized labels to suit a variety of label printers. We sell the thermal label printers and we sell the labels!

If you’re unsure which labels to use please get in contact with us so we can determine what type of label and it’s size, will be the best fit for your business!

To browse our entire range of labels rolls- Shop Here