As you can see, both methods differ slightly in how they work. But that\u2019s not all there is to the differences between the two thermal printing mechanisms<\/a>. Each method has certain properties that make it different. We\u2019ll take a look at these properties in the sections that follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cost-effectiveness and simplicity of direct thermal printers set them apart. The only inventory you need are thermal label rolls. The printers use neither ink cartridges nor ribbons. But then, labels printed with direct thermal printers often have a short shelf-life<\/a>, especially if you expose them to abrasion, heat, or direct sunlight. Because of this, people don\u2019t use direct thermal printers for permanent applications.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The clarity and durability of labels that you will get from direct thermal printers vary. Clarity depends on the model of printer you are using and the settings you apply. Durability, on the other hand, depends on how you handle and use the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The labels used in direct thermal printers have a layer of heat-sensitive ink pigments<\/a>. So this mechanism requires no toner, ribbon, or ink. Direct heat from the thermal printhead activates these pigments and causes images to form on the thermal label. The printhead applies heat only on areas where your design requires imprints on the thermal paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the advantages of using direct thermal printers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few downsides of direct thermal printers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer printers prints on labels that have a crisp, glossy printing surface. But aside from thermal transfer labels, these printers also require thermal ribbons to make imprints. Overall, thermal transfer printers produce clear images that could last much longer than direct thermal labels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer printers are more expensive than direct thermal printers. They also require more inventory than direct thermals. But you will get better quality labels that are more durable. What’s more, thermal transfer printers can print on diverse kinds of synthetic media, include plastic and polyethylene labels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer printers make clear prints on thermal transfer labels using thin ribbon rolls. The pigment material on these ribbons melt and adhere to the label when heated. So the printhead does not directly apply heat to the label. It applies heat to the ribbon instead and melts its pigments onto the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typical applications of thermal transfer include permanent identification, asset tagging, product identification, and certification labels, among others. The technique is also suitable for laboratory specimens and several outdoor applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lifespan of your label often depends on the type of thermal transfer ribbon<\/a> you are using and how well it\u2019s suitable for the media or print material you\u2019re using. If you use a wax ribbon<\/a>, it will only stay on the surface of your label material. But resin ribbon sinks into the material and becomes a part of it. So wax ribbons usually have a shorter lifespan than resin ribbons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wax ribbons are only ideal for paper media. Wax-resin ribbons can be used for synthetic media. But they are more appropriate to use them for paper media. Resin ribbons are the most suitable for synthetic media but you can use them for printing on paper media too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer printers will only give you optimal print quality when you match the ribbon with an appropriate media substrate. If the media substrate is not compatible with the ribbon, you\u2019ll get a poor output and your printer might develop internal problems. If you select the proper ribbon-media combination, you\u2019ll produce long-lasting labels that can withstand ultraviolet exposure, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and sterilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of the advantages of using thermal transfer printers<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few downsides of thermal transfer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer and direct transfer techniques do not use the same kinds of labels. And you can\u2019t use the labels meant for one technique on the other. Thermal transfer labels will not work on direct thermal<\/a> printers because they don\u2019t have an ink layer. Conversely, direct thermal labels will print poor images on thermal transfer printers because ribbons are not designed to work on them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at both types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This label type requires ribbons when printing. You would feed both the ribbon and the labels into the printer. Then the printhead would heat the ribbon and melt its wax or resin on the label. You can get ribbons in black and various other colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This label type doesn\u2019t need ribbons, so you only have to feed the papers into your printer. The printhead would heat the paper directly as it runs through the machine. Chemical reactions in the label stock are responsible for the creation of imprints in direct thermal printing. Most receipts<\/a> use direct thermal labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A simple scratch test can help you differentiate direct thermal from thermal transfer labels. Scratch the label with your nails like you\u2019ll light a match. Do two or three hard strikes and see if you notice any dark mark of the label. The presence of a dark mark indicates direct thermal while its absence indicates thermal transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This video illustrates everything you need to know about direct thermal and thermal transfer printing techniques. It demonstrates how to do the scratch test and what happens when you direct heat from a dryer to the thermal transfer label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Difference](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Depositphotos_11547299_s-2019-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat You Should Know About Direct Thermal Printers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do Direct Thermal Printers Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of Direct Thermal Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Limitations of Direct Thermal Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What You Should Know About Thermal Transfer Printers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do Thermal Transfer Printers Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Match Thermal Ribbons Properly With Print Media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of Thermal Transfer Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Limitations of Thermal Transfer Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thermal Transfer Labels vs. Direct Thermal Labels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thermal Transfer Label<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Direct Thermal Label<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Differentiate the Two Thermal Label Types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Video – Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer Differences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n