Thermal printing has really made a boom in the printing industry. It produces cost-efficient, durable and long-term results and offers an opportunity to create your own professional labels at the office or at home. All you need is a thermal printer and the right type and size of thermal labels. Here are they so that you can better understand the difference and choose the most suitable ones.
Direct Thermal Labels
The Direct Thermal labels work for any thermal printer and they don’t need a thermal ribbon to be printed. That is why they are the cheaper alternative than the thermal transfer labels as no extra expenses are to be spent on thermal ribbons. However, if you intend to use the labels for the long term, then they might not be the ideal solution. They are recommended for short-term use as the black legibility will probably last no more than a year. Plus they can’t withstand harsh conditions like high temperature and freezing environment. The thing is, they will darken over time and eventually become difficult to read if exposed to heat and light.
You can find these labels available in permanent adhesive and removable adhesive. Also, they come in different label and core sizes and if you still can’t find what you are looking for, you can ask from the thermal label manufacturer to custom make them for you according to your business needs.
The most commonly used are the 4×6 thermal labels, also the 100mm x 175mm. Other sizes you can order ready-made are 100mm x 100mm, 100mm x 150mm, 115 mm x 314mm, 101mm x 74mm. Then, if you are looking for smaller sizes, 75mm x 48mm, 40mm x 15mm, 85mm x 85mm, 70mm x 25mm, 90mm x 40mm etc.
Thermal Transfer Labels
The Thermal Transfer Labels are a more costly alternative than the Direct Thermal Labels because they require a thermal ribbon in order to be printed. But because they use a thermal ribbon they last much longer and withstand harsh conditions like high temperature, freezing environment and they are scratch-resistant. Hence, if you are looking for labels that need to perform well on long-distance transports, the thermal transfer should be your choice.
They also come in many sizes and colours and they are also available in permanent adhesive and removable adhesive. You can always ask for a custom made the size of you can’t find what you are looking for.
From the different types of thermal labels, you can find Day of the Week labels in 41mm x 41mm, 100mm x 150mm, 100mm x 40mm, 40mm x 65mm, and of course the most common 4×6 thermal labels are available in all colours including fluorescent colours. Whichever type you choose, rest assured that any thermal printer will work. You just need to consider the purpose you are buying thermal labels for – whether you need them to last long be legible even after exposure to the elements or not. The rest is up to you and your business needs.
