Northern Label Systems, experts in providing superior quality labels explain the differences in between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels.
Thermal Transfer printing makes use of an ink ribbon to transfer the printed picture from your heated printhead on the label printer onto the surface from the label whilst Direct Thermal printing transfers the image directly on to a warmth sensitive materials.
You will find pros and cons to each methods. Direct Thermal label printing does not need a label printer that employs an ink ribbon, as a result making it a less expensive label printer. On the other hand, the labels are normally marginally more expensive. This reported there is not any ink ribbon Charge, so the actual printed label cost is remarkably very similar. Direct Thermal label printing also needs the label printer’s printhead to become in direct connection with the label itself. When you are printing substantial volumes of labels you'll find which the printhead wears out faster than a person utilized for Thermal Transfer label printing. This could be A significant thing to consider if printing in volume as printhead life is going to be decreased by concerning 24% and 51%. The price of a printhead may differ but is often all-around 40% – fifty% of the expense of a small desktop label printer and 16% – 26% the expense of a mid-range or industrial excellent label printer.
The printed label may also be diverse in terms of good quality. Direct Thermal label printing will likely be only used for labels that could have a brief shelf life such as transport labels, packaging labels and finest before dates. It is because the heat resistant labels utilised frequently fade in daylight over several weeks or months depending upon the level of UV light. Even if the labels are in an indoor Business office setting the label will frequently begin to fade following 12-14 months.
Direct Thermal Labels by using a ‘Topcoat’ can be obtained to be certain extra resistance to UV light-weight, nevertheless This suggests a rise in label selling price. Most Direct Thermal labels are definitely the uncoated style and they are useful for short-term labelling alternatives.
Thermal Transfer label printing works by using the same method of printing for example heated elements heating up and cooling down in a short time with a thermal printhead. Having said that, with thermal transfer label printing an ink ribbon is utilized to transfer the printed impression onto normal paper labels or synthetic labels. The end result can be a printed label that will not fade in daylight and can usually be readable for quite some time. For the reason that an ink ribbon is utilised this acts to be a ‘buffer’ involving the printhead along with the label itself bringing about improved printhead life. Thermal Transfer label printing can be used to print paper together with synthetic style labels like more info polypropylene, polyethylene, vinyl and polyester in each matt and gloss.
The cons of Thermal Transfer label printing is that the label printer demanded is a bit dearer. Even so, Thermal Transfer label printers can be used to print Direct Thermal labels way too by simply eliminating the ink ribbon. Just remember however, as you may possibly use an ink ribbon to print there is yet another matter to run away from!
Northern Label Systems was Established in 2003 by Simon Brown who began Performing within the label sector in 1988 when he was a industry services engineer for Toshiba which included the on-web page restore of label printers while in the south east of England. He then went on to deal with the label printer repair facility at Toshiba in Preston in 1992 and right after 3 decades there labored in a number of positions as label printer installation engineer then profits account supervisor for a world label systems provider. As Managing Director of Northern Label Systems Limited Simon makes use of his many years of practical experience during the label industry to make certain that only the very best good quality solutions are marketed.
Northern Label Systems has long been crafted with a reputation for giving high-quality labels at the very best price ranges. They source label printers by Zebra Systems, Citizen and Toshiba TEC, together with self-adhesive labels readily available in lots of measurements, colours and adhesive types to suit all label equipment and apps, which makes it effortless to print your own labels!
Their products can create Address, Iron-On Nametags and Extras which include things like Dispensers, Unwinders and Rewinders. These valuable equipment are made to make label processing more economical.