Northern Label Systems, specialists in supplying superior quality labels explain the distinctions between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels.
Thermal Transfer printing utilizes an ink ribbon to transfer the printed image in the heated printhead from the label printer onto the surface area of your label though Direct Thermal printing transfers the impression specifically onto a heat delicate substance.
There are actually positives and negatives to both equally procedures. Direct Thermal label printing isn't going to require a label printer that utilizes an ink ribbon, therefore rendering it a cheaper label printer. Nevertheless, the labels are generally a little costlier. This said there is not any ink ribbon Charge, so the actual printed label Price tag is remarkably very similar. Direct Thermal label printing also needs the label printer’s printhead to be in direct contact with the label itself. For anyone who is printing large volumes of labels you will find the printhead wears out quicker than just one used for Thermal Transfer label printing. This could be a major thought if printing in quantity as printhead life will likely be lessened by among 24% and fifty one%. The cost of a printhead differs but will likely be close to forty% – fifty% of the cost of a little desktop label printer and sixteen% – 26% the cost of a mid-assortment or industrial high-quality label printer.
The printed label will even be unique when it comes to good quality. Direct Thermal label printing is usually only utilized for labels that could have a brief shelf life such as transport labels, packaging labels and finest right before dates. This is because the heat resistant labels utilised commonly fade in daylight over a couple of weeks or months with regards to the volume of UV light-weight. Regardless if the labels are within an indoor Workplace atmosphere the label will normally start to fade soon after twelve-14 months.
Direct Thermal Labels by using a ‘Topcoat’ can be obtained to be sure additional resistance to UV gentle, while What this means is a rise in label price tag. Most Direct Thermal labels are classified as the uncoated variety and so are utilized for short term labelling options.
Thermal Transfer label printing utilizes exactly the same method of printing for example heated features heating up and cooling down in a short time on the thermal printhead. Nonetheless, with thermal transfer label printing an ink ribbon is used to transfer the printed graphic onto regular paper labels or artificial labels. The end result is actually a printed label that will not fade in daylight and will generally be readable for quite some time. Due to the fact an ink ribbon is employed this functions being a ‘buffer’ among the printhead and the label alone leading to amplified printhead life. Thermal Transfer label printing may be used to print paper in addition to artificial sort labels including polypropylene, polyethylene, vinyl and polyester in both equally matt and gloss.
The down sides of Thermal Transfer label printing would be that the label printer essential is slightly costlier. Nevertheless, Thermal Transfer label printers may be used to print Direct Thermal labels as well simply by removing the ink ribbon. Just recall although, simply because you may use an ink ribbon to print There exists one more point to operate out of!
Northern Label Systems was Started in 2003 by Simon Brown who begun Operating from the label get more info industry in 1988 when he was a discipline company engineer for Toshiba which involved the on-web site maintenance of label printers within the south east of England. He then went on to handle the label printer repair service facility at Toshiba in Preston in 1992 and after three several years there labored in quite a few positions as label printer set up engineer then revenue account manager for a worldwide label programs service provider. As Managing Director of Northern Label Systems Ltd Simon uses his many years of expertise while in the label marketplace to ensure that only the highest high quality items are offered.
Northern Label Systems is created over a status for providing good quality labels at the absolute best charges. They provide label printers by Zebra Technologies, Citizen and Toshiba TEC, in addition to self-adhesive labels accessible in a wide variety of sizes, colors and adhesive forms to go well with all label devices and programs, making it easy to print your individual labels!
Their merchandise can generate Address, Iron-On Nametags and Equipment which contain Dispensers, Unwinders and Rewinders. These helpful tools are meant to make label processing additional productive.