Direct thermal label and Thermal transfer label are two options for black printing. When business owners decide to print labels, they always have a question, which kind of label do I need? what is the difference between them?

Direct thermal label

Direct thermal label has a chemical layer which is active by heat. The printhead element on the direct thermal printer will heat up and active the chemical layer to print the artwork. No ribbon required.

Direct thermal label fit for short and medium-term use, the life span time is 6-9 months. Direct thermal label is not fit for high heat and high moisture environment. The direct thermal label suits for retail, logistics and other industries. Best application is Courier Labels, Barcode labels, Name tag, Visitor passes and more.

Direct thermal synthetic label (Direct thermal BOPP) is waterproof direct thermal labels. You can use direct thermal printers as well. Direct thermal synthetic label is fit for frozen food label, because exposes in a low heat level and high moisture environment.

The direct thermal label can print by the direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer.

Thermal transfer label

The way of printing Thermal transfer label is like the direct thermal label. The print head heating the back side of the ribbon to melt and transfer the artwork on the layer of label. Ribbon required while printing is one of the difference compare to direct thermal label.

(Ribbon use in thermal transfer printer)

It may raise the cost a little bit, but lasting longer. Thermal transfer label suits for high heat but less moisture outdoor environment using. Applications are Warehouse shelf labels, handling labels, Inventory identification labels, GHS labels and more.

Thermal transfer synthetic label is waterproof thermal transfer labels. You can use thermal transfer printers as well. 

Thermal transfer synthetic label is the best option for outdoor label, because it fit for high heat and high moisture .

Only Thermal transfer printer can print thermal transfer label.

For colour printing, you can choose Inkjet label. We will talk about the colour inkjet paper label, inkjet synthetic label and colour label printer in the future blog post.

If you are looking something about label, label printer and label printing, please check our website, or call 09-636-9721 email marketing@paclabel.co.nz, we will help you find out the best solution to help you !