Northern Label Systems, specialists in supplying top quality labels explain the variations in between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels.
Thermal Transfer printing uses an ink ribbon to transfer the printed impression from the heated printhead on the label printer on to the surface on the label while Direct Thermal printing transfers the picture instantly onto a heat sensitive substance.
You'll find positives and negatives to the two procedures. Direct Thermal label printing doesn't require a label printer that makes use of an ink ribbon, thus rendering it a less expensive label printer. Nonetheless, the labels are commonly a little bit dearer. This stated there is absolutely no ink ribbon Charge, so the particular printed label cost is remarkably equivalent. Direct Thermal label printing also calls for the label printer’s printhead to get in direct connection with the label by itself. For anyone who is printing superior volumes of labels you will find that the printhead wears out quicker than one used for Thermal Transfer label printing. This could be An important thing to consider if printing in quantity as printhead life is going to be diminished by amongst 24% and 51%. The cost of a printhead may differ but is frequently all-around forty% – 50% of the cost of a little desktop label printer and sixteen% – 26% the expense of a mid-vary or industrial high quality label printer.
The printed label may also be distinct with regards to top quality. Direct Thermal label printing is normally only used for labels that can have a brief shelf life which include delivery labels, packaging labels and greatest just before dates. It is because the warmth resistant labels applied commonly fade in daylight in excess of several weeks or months depending upon the standard of UV light. Regardless if the labels are in an indoor Workplace natural environment the label will normally start to fade right after twelve-14 months.
Direct Thermal Labels having a ‘Topcoat’ are available to guarantee far more resistance to UV light, however this means an increase in label selling Label Suppliers price. Most Direct Thermal labels will be the uncoated style and therefore are employed for short-term labelling options.
Thermal Transfer label printing employs the same way of printing one example is heated elements heating up and cooling down very quickly on the thermal printhead. On the other hand, with thermal transfer label printing an ink ribbon is utilized to transfer the printed graphic onto regular paper labels or synthetic labels. The result is actually a printed label that will not fade in sunlight and can commonly be readable for quite some time. Simply because an ink ribbon is utilised this functions being a ‘buffer’ involving the printhead and the label itself leading to improved printhead life. Thermal Transfer label printing may be used to print paper together with artificial form labels together with polypropylene, polyethylene, vinyl and polyester in both of those matt and gloss.
The disadvantages of Thermal Transfer label printing would be that the label printer expected is a little costlier. Having said that, Thermal Transfer label printers may be used to print Direct Thermal labels as well by just getting rid of the ink ribbon. Just try to remember however, because you may well use an ink ribbon to print There's yet one more point to operate from!
Northern Label Systems was Launched in 2003 by Simon Brown who started out Doing the job inside the label field in 1988 when he was a area company engineer for Toshiba which involved the on-web-site fix of label printers from the south east of England. He then went on to manage the label printer fix facility at Toshiba in Preston in 1992 and just after three a long time there labored in several positions as label printer installation engineer then gross sales account supervisor for a world label methods supplier. As Managing Director of Northern Label Systems Ltd Simon takes advantage of his many years of expertise from the label field to make certain only the very best good quality products and solutions are sold.
Northern Label Systems is created over a name for giving high-quality labels at the very best price ranges. They source label printers by Zebra Systems, Citizen and Toshiba TEC, and self-adhesive labels accessible in a wide variety of sizes, colours and adhesive varieties to match all label machines and applications, rendering it easy to print your individual labels!
Their products and solutions can make Address, Iron-On Nametags and Components which include Dispensers, Unwinders and Rewinders. These helpful tools are designed to make label processing much more economical.