Northern Label Systems, professionals in providing top quality labels describe the variations among Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Labels.
Thermal Transfer printing works by using an ink ribbon to transfer the printed impression with the heated printhead with the label printer on to the surface in the label whilst Direct Thermal printing transfers the image directly on to a warmth sensitive material.
You will find advantages and disadvantages to both methods. Direct Thermal label printing would not demand a label printer that makes use of an ink ribbon, consequently rendering it a less expensive label printer. Even so, the labels are typically slightly dearer. This mentioned there's no ink ribbon cost, so the particular printed label Price is remarkably related. Direct Thermal label printing also needs the label printer’s printhead to be in direct contact with the label alone. 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 small desktop label printer and sixteen% – 26% the expense 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 will likely be only used for labels that could have a brief shelf life such as transport labels, packaging labels and ideal right before dates. This is because the heat resistant labels employed normally fade in daylight around a few weeks or months with regards to the standard of UV light-weight. Regardless if the labels are within an indoor office environment the label will usually start to fade right after 12-14 months.
Direct Thermal Labels having a ‘Topcoat’ can be found to make certain a lot more resistance to UV mild, even though This implies an increase in label cost. Most Direct Thermal labels will be the uncoated sort and are used for short-term labelling methods.
Thermal Transfer label printing takes advantage of a similar means of printing by way of example heated aspects heating up and cooling down very quickly on a thermal printhead. Having said that, with thermal transfer label printing an ink ribbon is accustomed to transfer the printed picture on to typical paper labels or synthetic labels. The result is usually a printed label that won't fade in sunlight and may normally be readable for many years. For the reason that an ink ribbon is used this functions like a ‘buffer’ between the printhead as well as label by itself bringing about greater printhead life. Thermal Transfer label printing can be utilized to print paper and synthetic type labels which include polypropylene, polyethylene, vinyl and polyester in the two matt and gloss.
The disadvantages of Thermal Transfer label printing would be that the label printer required is a little more expensive. On the other hand, Thermal Transfer label printers can be used to print Direct Thermal labels far too by simply taking away the ink ribbon. Just keep in mind while, because you may possibly use an ink ribbon to print there is another detail to run away from!
Northern Label get more info Systems was Established in 2003 by Simon Brown who began Performing in the label sector in 1988 when he was a industry services engineer for Toshiba which concerned the on-web-site repair of label printers inside the south east of England. He then went on to control the label printer repair facility at Toshiba in Preston in 1992 and right after 3 yrs there labored in several positions as label printer installation engineer then product sales account supervisor for a worldwide label devices service provider. As Managing Director of Northern Label Systems Ltd Simon utilizes his many years of expertise while in the label marketplace to ensure that only the highest high quality items are offered.
Northern Label Systems has become created over a status for providing good quality labels at the absolute best charges. They offer label printers by Zebra Technologies, Citizen and Toshiba TEC, along with self-adhesive labels obtainable in a wide variety of sizes, colors and adhesive forms to go well with all label devices and applications, making it easy to print your individual labels!
Their merchandise can generate Address, Iron-On Nametags and Add-ons which consist of Dispensers, Unwinders and Rewinders. These useful applications are built to make label processing far more effective.