When it comes to choosing a label printer, there are two main types; thermal transfer printers and direct thermal printers. Both of these thermal printers work in the same way, by applying heat to the paper or other material that is being printed on, using a special print-head. The difference between the two thermal printers is that the thermal transfer printer uses a heated ribbon to transfer the ink on to a range of different materials. Direct thermal printers, however, print directly on to the surface without using a ribbon. Both types of thermal printers are commonly used for barcode printing applications.
The print-head in a thermal transfer printer is heated up and this causes the ribbon to melt on to the label and form an image. Thermal transfer printers produce high quality images which last for a long time without fading. Thermal transfer printers are also more versatile than direct thermal printers as they can be used for more printing applications.
Direct thermal printers require heat-sensitive label material to print on. The label material actually changes colour as it is delivered under the heated pront-head. Direct thermal printers are a cheaper option than thermal transfer printers as they do not require toner or ribbon.
Direct thermal printers tend to print images which are susceptible to fading over long periods of time, particularly if exposed to heat or intense light. The material reacts by darkening, making the labels difficult to read. However, direct thermal printers are suitable for a wide range of common barcode printing applications.
