You are looking for Direct Thermal Labels?

You probably already know that direct thermal labels are the less costly printed label when done on volume. It does not last as long as a thermal transfer label, but its quality is almost as good initially. Lasts for about six months.

You can print text, graphics and bar code on your direct thermal labels, using a thermal printer that prints directly on the labels without a thermal ribbon. As the name suggests, the printhead of the thermal printer prints directly onto the label.

The direct thermal printer labels are actually coated with microscopic capsules of ink, but the ink is coated and you do not see the black until it broken up.

The disadvantage of this method is that they do not last that long. After about a year or so, you will notice that the image has faded and the paper becomes gray. This is like the faxes from the old-fashioned fax machines.

If you needed a crisp image for six months, or possibly a year, direct thermal may be your choice. For a more permanent label, like for shipping, it is best to choose to go with thermal transfer labels.

How do you know if it is a direct thermal label? Here’s a way of finding out. Lay it flat on a hard surface like your desk, and rub a pen cap or your finger nail across it. It is a direct thermal label if you see and image where you scraped. If not image appears, it means that there is no coating on the label which means it is not a direct thermal label.

Another disadvantage is that you can only print on paper, as the microscopic beads of ink are only coated on paper. If you needed a special duty label, like polypropylene, polyester, or kimdura, you will not be able to get it.

Yet another disadvantage is that the printhead tends to wear out more quickly as the printhead comes so close to the paper label.

One more consideration is the fact that these labels are not as resistant to grease, chemicals or solvents.

Direct Thermal Printer Video

More on Direct Thermal Printers

Thermal label printers are excellent for bar code printing applications as they are able to produce high-quality and accurate images with good edge definition.

These printers are engineered to print within a tight tolerances and also to produce exactly the bar widths that is required by successful bar code printing and scanning.

Smaller printers can print direct thermal labels. They do not require a ribbon and are portable, and take up less space. However, please note that these printers are sensitive to cold, heat and light. If these are issues in the environment for use of the printers, then direct thermal printers may not be the right choice.

The P120i Dual-Sided Color Barcode Card Printer is a colour barcode printer by Zebra Technologies. It has a modern design using high-tech materials and new electronics making the P120i an affordable dual-sided card printer.

It is compact and also lightweight and can be used anywhere. You can print single-sided or dual-sided, monochrome or full color. It is compact, also lightweight and can be used anywhere.

It uses the automatic card feeder or CardSenseTM single-card feed, and has an optional magnetic stripe encoding.

This colour barcode printer is ideal for uses, like gift cards, loyalty cards, membership cards, staff or student identification and many more.