Labels and signage are everywhere in both our everyday lives and professional environments. Whether it's in residences, offices, stores, warehouses, or various other facilities, thermal labels are an indispensable tool across a diverse spectrum of industries, including transportation and logistics, retail, healthcare, and food traceability.
If you're seeking top-quality, cost-effective labels that are durable (via thermal transfer) or well-suited for applications with limited shelf life (via direct thermal), then thermal printing emerges as an excellent choice.
Keep on reading to discover more about what thermal labels are, the different types and how to know which type of thermal label is right for you.
What are thermal transfer labels?
A thermal label is a type of label designed for printing using thermal printing technology. It comes in two main variations: direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels. Direct thermal labels are heat-sensitive and produce images and text through the application of heat from a thermal print head, without the need for ink or ribbon.
They are commonly used for applications like shipping labels and receipts. In contrast, thermal transfer labels are made of a base material and utilise a thermal transfer ribbon to transfer ink onto the label through the combination of heat and pressure. This method produces more durable and long-lasting labels, suitable for applications such as product labelling and asset tracking. Thermal labels are widely employed in industries like logistics, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare for purposes ranging from product identification to inventory management and barcode labelling.
Types of thermal transfer labels
There are two types of thermal labels:
Paper
Paper serves as a cost-effective material suitable for indoor applications with a relatively short lifecycle. It serves as a versatile face stock that accommodates labelling on various surfaces, including corrugate, paper, packaging films, most plastics, and metal and glass.
There are various types of paper labels. Firstly, uncoated paper stands as a reliable choice for business and industrial purposes, striking a fine balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. Secondly, coated paper proves ideal for high-speed, high-volume printing, especially when superior print quality is a requirement.
Synthetic
Similar to paper, synthetic materials offer the versatility to accommodate labelling on a wide range of surfaces. However, synthetic labels present distinct advantages over paper, such as their durability and environmentally friendly qualities, including an extended label lifespan, resilience in outdoor conditions, and resistance to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals.
Synthetic labels, often referred to as "poly," come in four variations of poly materials, each offering unique characteristics.
Direct thermal vs thermal transfer labels
Direct thermal and thermal transfer labels are two different methods of printing labels, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. They are commonly used in various industries for labelling products, packaging, and more. Here's a comparison of these two labelling methods:
Durability
● Direct Thermal Labels: Direct thermal labels are less durable than thermal transfer labels. They are more sensitive to heat, light, and humidity, which can cause the labels to fade or darken over time. They are suitable for short-term applications.
● Thermal Transfer Labels: Thermal transfer labels are more durable and long-lasting. The printed image is less prone to fading and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for long-term labelling needs.
Label lifespan
● Direct Thermal Labels: Direct thermal labels have a shorter lifespan due to the sensitivity of the heat-sensitive material. They are best for applications where labels are used relatively quickly and not exposed to prolonged environmental stress.
● Thermal Transfer Labels: Thermal transfer labels have a longer lifespan, making them suitable for applications where labels need to remain legible and intact for an extended period, such as in product identification or shipping labels.
Cost
● Direct Thermal Labels: Direct thermal printing does not require ribbons, which reduces ongoing consumable costs. However, the initial cost of direct thermal printers may be higher.
● Thermal Transfer Labels: Thermal transfer labels require ribbons, which can increase the ongoing printing costs. The printers themselves are often more affordable.
Print quality
● Direct Thermal Labels: Direct thermal printing can produce good-quality prints, but the image may be less sharp and less durable compared to thermal transfer.
● Thermal Transfer Labels: Thermal transfer labels offer better print quality and sharpness, making them ideal for applications where image clarity is crucial.
Applications
● Direct Thermal Labels: These are suitable for applications like shipping labels, receipt printing, and short-term labelling needs where longevity and environmental resilience are not critical.
● Thermal Transfer Labels: Thermal transfer labels are ideal for applications like product labelling, barcode printing, asset tagging, and any situation where labels need to withstand harsh conditions.
Get your thermal labels with Label Source
Here at Label Source, we supply an extensive range of thermal transfer labels. We pride ourselves on providing a truly comprehensive labelling solution to suit all specifications, including thermal barcode labels, thermal label rolls and waterproof barcodes. Check out our range today.
