• 60C Tenth Avenue Budgewoi, NSW Australia 2262
Barcode Logic

Do I need thermal or direct transfer labels??

  2. FAQs
  3. Do I need Thermal or Direct Transfer Labels?
Answer
There are two different types of thermal labels, Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer. The main difference between the two is:
Thermal Transfer labels
  • It needs a ribbon to imprint the barcode and information on the label. A printer capable of printing Thermal Transfer labels is required.
Direct Thermal Labels
  • It DOESN’T NEED a ribbon to print on the labels. These labels use the heat in the printer to activate the label to imprint the barcode and information on the label. Similar to EFTPOS receipts, they will fade over time.
Listed below is information displaying the difference, environments and requirements for the Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal label types.

1. How it works

Direct Thermal

  • Direct thermal materials have a chemical layer applied to a paper or synthetic base that is activated by heat.
  • When the label is printed through a direct thermal printer, the small elements on the printer heat up and activate parts of the chemical layer to create the image required.

Thermal Transfer

  • The labels are printed through a thermal transfer printer where, at the point of the print head, a layer of ribbon is placed on top of the label.
  • The print head elements heat up and cause the carbon pigment that is on the ribbon to transfer to the label, creating the required image.

2. Advantages

Direct Thermal

  • Simple to use; a ribbon is not required as it images directly onto the label.
  • Used in most printers.
  • Cost effective.
  • Greater productivity due to no ribbon changeovers.
  • Clear and consistent images for good readability and scan ability.
  • Suitable for both 1D and 2D barcodes.
  • Paper and synthetic material options available.
  • The quality, stability and durability of the image is suitable for most common requirements.

Thermal Transfer

  • Excellent print definition for text, images and barcodes.
  • Ideal for small characters and line work.
  • Suitable for both 1D and 2D barcodes.
  • Wide variety of paper and synthetic materials available including clear, pearl, metalised, and fluorescent.
  • Coloured ribbons available for branding and promotional uses.
  • Better resistance to heat, moisture and chemicals.
  • Stable and durable images that are long-lasting.
  • Higher speed printing.
  • Longer print head life.

3. Disadvantages

Direct Thermal

  • Can fade over time (6-12 months).
  • Overexposure to heat or UV light discolours the material, making the print harder to read.
  • Limited abrasion resistance.

Thermal Transfer

  • Not all printers are thermal transfer compatible.
  • Ribbons must be kept in stock are an additional cost; a ribbon saver can reduce the amount of ribbon used.
  • Requires additional setup time and ribbon change-overs.
  • Ribbons can wrinkle and compromise print quality.

4. Ribbons

Direct Thermal

  • - Not Required

Thermal Transfer

  • A ribbon is required; these are available in a range of different sizes, colours and grades. The common grades are:

    Resin - typically used for industrial and chemical applications, where durability under extreme environmental conditions are required.
    Wax Resin - suitable for general purpose printing, with good scuff, element and chemical resistance.
    Wax - typically used in short shelf life applications, where there is low abrasion and low chemical exposure.
If you would like to discuss which type of Thermal Label and what sizes of labels would best suit you, please call us for more information.
Share this post
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a barcode?

Physically, barcodes are made up of a series of lines that vary in width and correspond to various numeric, alphanumeric, or…

Continue Reading

What barcode scanner do I need?

Barcode scanners have become easier to use than ever before. Simply plug the cable into the scanner and PC and you’re ready…

Continue Reading

What barcode printer is best for my needs?

Most printers on the market today are capable of printing barcodes. Laser and inkjet printers can print readable barcodes…
Continue Reading

What is stocktaking?

Stocktaking (or stock counting) is when you manually check and record all the inventory that your business currently has on hand…
Continue Reading

How to implement barcodes into my business?

The main components involved with using barcodes in your business are barcoding hardware, barcoding software and barcode labels…

Continue Reading

What is barcode symbology's?

There are more than 100 different barcode symbology’s. No single barcode can do it all and no barcode has a universal business…

Continue Reading

What is a mobile scanner/ portable data collection scanner?

Barcode scanners have become easier to use than ever before. Simply plug the cable into the scanner and PC and you’re ready…

Continue Reading

Windows 10 update stops Windows Mobile Device Center

Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) does not start or hangs when you connect your scanner to your…

Continue Reading

Action Required

Important ARScan Update

MYOB is changing its security and connection authorisation requirements.

Customers using ARScan with an ONLINE MYOB company file must upgrade to ARScan 3.0 before 1 September.

BEFORE 1 SEPTEMBER & BEFORE INSTALLING ARSCAN 3.0:

Please upload ALL outstanding data from your scanners to ARScan and ensure it has been fully processed.

Includes outstanding stocktake, picking, receiving or other scanner data waiting to be uploaded or processed

Once all scanner data has been processed, you can proceed with the ARScan 3.0 update.
View Update & Installation Guide

Buying Guide

Please complete the form below and our expert staff will assist you with choosing the right product for you.

bcl icon pop

Need Support? Our team is ready to assist with your integration or setup questions.

SUBMIT TICKET