Quick thumbnail guide
The last thing any company ever wants to hear is that the new equipment they’ve just bought doesn’t suit their purposes — or won’t, in 6 to 12 months’ time. So, don’t get caught up in a simplistic comparison that leaves you paying more, or with more headaches, than needs be.
Here’s a quick guide…
Direct transfer: Targeted for companies with perishable goods (less than 6 months) because the label doesn’t need to last a long time.
Thermal transfer: Targeted for companies whose products need to endure friction, changes in temperature or dampness and last more than 6 months.
Direct Thermal Printers
Fast Facts
- Labels may fade over time
- Not recommended for high-contact use
- Great for common applications with a short life cycle
How They Work
Direct thermal printers utilize a chemically treated material that blackens when the thermal print-head applies heat to its surface.
Drawbacks / Considerations
While there are many upsides to using a direct thermal printer, users should be aware of some constraints. Foremost, the printed area will fade over time. Because the paper is heat-sensitive, additional heat or excessive light could cause the entire paper to darken. This could make the text unreadable and the barcodes un-scannable. For this reason, direct thermal printing isn't recommended for long-term use.
Thermal Transfer Printers
Fast Facts
- Requires a ribbon for printing
- Labels won't fade over time
- Durable enough to withstand chemicals and extreme temperatures
How They Work / Benefits
With thermal transfer printers, a thermal print-head applies heat to a wax or resin-based ribbon, which is melted to the label's surface. The ink is absorbed into the label material, creating a durable, long-lasting printed image.
Because environmental factors will not alter the print quality, this type of technology is known to create an incredibly strong printed area that can withstand extreme temperatures and contact with chemicals. These printers are recommended for labels that need to last longer than six months.
Drawbacks / Considerations
One of the very few downsides to thermal transfer printers is associated with the ribbons. They must be replaced frequently to continue printing at a high quality. They are also more costly upfront.
Direct transfer labelling systems: no ribbon, lower contrast
At first glance, it seems cheaper to not require a ribbon in your direct transfer labelling system. But “whether you save on ribbon costs” is the wrong question to ask when you’re assessing this technology.
Think about these things instead:
Your label’s edges and the texture of your paper wear down the print-head faster, especially when printing barcodes in the easier-to-read “picket fence” orientation. Bottom line is you will buy print-heads more often with direct transfer barcode printers.
Beyond 6 months, direct transfer print will turn yellow, and the print will fade to grey because the print contrast in direct thermal systems is not as good as thermal transfer systems. Bottom Line is if your product must last longer than 6 months on a shelf, you’re risking label legibility.
Major heat, humidity, sunlight and friction from contact (such as frequent scanning or abrasive transportation) will rub off a direct transfer label. If your product’s barcode is in contact with rubbing, or condensation, direct transfer labels will not work for you.
The criticism of thermal transfer barcode printing is not actually about the quality of printer, rather the quality of the installers. For instance, what your product’s package will experience environmentally, over time, indicates which ribbon will adhere to your product’s packaging film. Once you have that match right, you can enjoy the typically overlooked benefits of thermal transfer label systems.
Thermal transfer labelling systems: more ribbon, more contrast
The smooth, waxy surface of the thermal transfer ribbon creates less friction when applying your barcode to the product. Manufacturers working to a deadline can enjoy a higher print speed, especially when printing and applying the barcode label (because the ribbon protects the print-head). Print-head life is frequently doubled with thermal transfer compared to direct thermal barcode printing.
The ribbon’s film applies a wax or resin onto the surface of your product. So, a thermal transfer barcode is highly resistant to any chemicals, humidity, UV sun rays, abrasion and climatic changes that your packaging may encounter on its journey through the supply chain.
These labelling systems can typically work at higher speeds. So, if your production line is fast, you will achieve a better result with a thermal transfer labeling system.