What is the difference between thermal and direct thermal labels?

What is the difference between thermal and direct thermal labels?

Direct thermal printing requires the print head elements be in direct contact with the label material as it is pulled across the print head. Conversely, thermal transfer printing has thermal ribbon acting as a “buffer” between the print head elements and the label material.

How do I find my direct thermal label?

There is one simple test that you can use to tell if a label is direct thermal. Take the label and scratch it quickly with your fingernail as if you were lighting a match. It may take a couple of hard strikes. If a dark mark appears on the label, it is direct.

Are there clear thermal labels?

3″ x 2″ Clear (TT) This true clear label is designed for optimal printing using a thermal transfer printer. A resin thermal transfer ribbon is required.

How long does thermal sticker last?

Because it uses heat-sensitive materials, direct thermal labels do not have a long shelf-life, usually lasting around six to eight months. They have a tendency to scratch easily, and overexposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures will cause the print to fade faster.

What is a direct thermal label?

Direct thermal labels are a cost-effective type of label made with the direct thermal printing process. Two-color direct thermal printing can create both red and black images by applying heat at two temperatures. Direct thermal labels use no ink, toner or ribbon, only chemically treated, heat-sensitive materials.

How do I know if I have a thermal printer?

No cartridge or ink ribbon is required for thermal printer. You can test the paper with a thermal printer. If you don’t have a thermal printer available, you can try to check it with your fingernail. Just run your fingernail firmly across the paper, it will leave a mark if it’s thermal paper.

What does direct thermal mean?

A direct thermal printer prints by applying heat to the material. It does not use any ribbon, ink or toner, but it requires a special type of heat-sensitive material that blackens when heat is applied. Because the label material is heat sensitive, it fades and the label can become hard to read and scan over time.

What temperature does thermal turn black?

Heat Exposure Generally, direct thermal papers would turn black if the temperature of the area exceeds 150° F (66° C). This is because the heat-sensitive chemicals of the paper would react and darken the entire sheet.

What are thermal transfer labels?

Thermal Transfer Labels. Thermal transfer labels are the perfect solution for companies printing large volumes of shipping and barcoding labels. These labels are more durable than the direct thermal alternative as they require a ribbon to print. Consequently, they are less likely to scratch, scuff, or fade.

Are thermal labels waterproof?

Waterproof Thermal Labels. These Thermal Labels are made of a variety of plastic materials, making them waterproof, damage resilient and chemical resistant. Waterproof labels are the option for applications where the label may come into contact with liquids, rain or damp conditions.

What is a thermal printed label?

Thermal shipping labels are both an economical and efficient way of printing your own labels. Thermal shipping labels are labels conveniently printed by you, in your home, with no mess or hassle. Using thermal technology, the printer selectively heats the thermal paper.

What does “thermal transfer” mean on product labels?

Conversely, “Thermal Transfer” printers use special ribbons with colored ink that gets melted by the printhead in the chosen areas and the ink “transferred” to the material being printed on (hence the name). This technology is often used by customers wishing to “overprint” product labels with variable data (such as expiry dates, lot numbers etc).