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Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels
There are two distinctive types of printing each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Each system uses a heat process when imprinted an image, information, or idea onto
a label. The first type of thermal printing is known as direct thermal printing. This method
does not use a ribbon to create an image. The label or paper is made of a special
heat sensitive material, which changes color, normally to black, when heat is applied.
The heated print head comes in contact with the direct thermal label stock creating
a chemical reaction and producing the desired image. Direct thermal labels are produced either on rolls or in a continuous fanfolded
so that the labels can easily be feed through the thermal label printer. Direct
thermal printers require the use of special direct thermal label stock. Some of the advantages of direct thermal printing include the fact that the printers
produce high quality on printing, provide exceptional density for bar code labels
and the overall process is cost efficient. In addition, direct thermal printers
have proven to be more suitable for industrial environments than any other form
of printer. However, direct thermal printers and labels do have some significant disadvantages.
The main problem is that a special direct thermal label stock is required. In addition,
the labels themselves have a very short life. Because they are heat sensitive,
they are also susceptible to sunlight and ultraviolet light, meaning that they tend
to darken over time, even when stored in a cool dark place. Another disadvantage
is that the printer heads tend to wear out faster due to their contact with the
direct thermal stock. The ability to print in multiply colors is not an option
at this time. The next type of thermal printing is thermal transfer printing. This method uses
a ribbon, which moves over the label material, then together are pass between a
metal plate and a heated print head. The print head is lowered onto the ribbon,
causing the waxy coating on the ribbon to be transferred to the label material,
producing the desired image. As with direct thermal printing, thermal transfer labels are produced either on
rolls or as a continuous fanfolded so that the labels can easily be feed into the
printer. Thermal transfer labels do not require any special stock paper. The only
requirement is that the labels meet the weight, finish, and size requirements of
the particular thermal printer, which is being used. This printing process has several advantages in including that it produces high
quality on demand printing as well as high density for printing bar code labels.
Other advantages include less expensive print media, larger variety of label stocks,
inexpensive print equipment, and maintenance costs. Labels will not fade or darken
with age and the thermal printer is more suited to industrial environments than
laser, or ink jet printers. The main disadvantages with thermal transfer printing are the print speeds are limited.
This is due to the fact that the printing head has to heat and cool. Another disadvantage
is that the images of some thermal transfer ribbons can easily be scratched or smudged
if the image is not protected with an over lay.
Small business guides: , Thermal Transfer Labels Guide.com |
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