At Barcode Site we tell you.
If you are thinking about buying a label printer and can’t decide between a thermal transfer or direct thermal printer, we can help you.
Although in both types of printing heat is what allows printing, the differences between thermal transfer and direct thermal label printers are mainly that in direct thermal printing the head acts directly on the paper. However, in thermal transfer it is the ribbon (an ink ribbon) that, thanks to the heat of the head, transfers the ink to the paper.
That means that, while in the direct thermal printer you only need a photosensitive paper, in the thermal transfer printer you will have to buy a consumable (ribbon).
Direct thermal printer:
These types of tickets or labels have a shorter useful life and the printing ends up losing its color since light and heat will eventually erase the printing.
Direct thermal printing is cheaper, simpler and in black and white. They are less durable and resistant than thermal transfer labels.
Therefore, it is used in applications that do not require long life and have a short life cycle, such as labels used by parcel and postal shipping companies. They are perfect for the retail sector, such as supermarket tickets, in the healthcare sector for patient identification bracelets, since this type of identification is not usually exposed to the sun or water.
This type of printing is not recommended for use in adverse environments, with extreme temperatures since the labels will not resist, nor in conditions where they may suffer scratches.
Thermal transfer printer:
Thermal transfer printing is intended for labels and tickets that need to be durable.
In this printing method, the wax of the ribbon melts by heat, and when transferred to the paper it fixes barcodes, texts or graphics in a much more durable way.
They tend to be the most used because, although they require a consumable, since they do not require photosensitive paper, they accept many more types of labels such as polyester, polypropylene, etc. They are also much more resistant and have greater durability.
Thermal transfer printing is ideal for any sector that requires durable and resistant labels. It is suitable for labeling merchandise that must be stored in cold rooms, laboratory samples, certification labels, etc. That is why it predominates in the food, health, and logistics sectors.
Now that you know the differences between thermal transfer and direct thermal label printers, we recommend which thermal printer to buy:
Ticket printer: Bixolon y Citizen
Portable printer: Zebra ZQ600
Label printer: TSC TE200 y Zebra ZD421
Additionally, at Barcode Site we offer economical printer + label packs.
The Zebra ZD220 label printer + Zebra 102×152 labels package. With the perfect label printer for the retail, transportation and logistics sectors, among others.
The TSC textile printer pack + 3 polyamide rolls + ribbon rolls
In conclusion, depending on the type of labeling you want and the needs to be covered, you can choose between thermal transfer or direct thermal label printers.
If you still can’t decide between a thermal transfer or direct thermal printer, contact us and we will help you.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
