Direct Thermal Printer Vs Thermal Transfer

Print head life in direct thermal printing applications is significantly reduced when compared to thermal transfer printing applications.

Direct thermal printer vs thermal transfer. Thermal transfer printers use a heated ribbon to create durable wristbands asset tags and certification labels. Direct thermal printers require the use of heat activated thermal papers and films but require no transfer ribbon. Direct thermal printing uses heat sensitive media that blackens when it passes under the thermal printhead. Both the labels and the ribbon feed through the printer and the printer applies heat to the ribbon to transfer the wax and resin onto the label hence the term thermal transfer printer.

If you are looking for an efficient way to apply your printed. Do you require long lasting barcodes to identify products and tag assets or do you need to print items with shorter shelf lives such as shipping labels receipts or tickets. Go for thermal transfer printing if you need durable and high resolution images especially for traceability applications and labels that need to withstand abrasion chemicals and exposure to light and heat for simple and cost effective labels with a short shelf life direct thermal printing might make more sense. The print color is limited to black unless special preprinted direct thermal paper is utilized and the printing is not as crisp as that of thermal transfer ribbon printing.