Which label printer is best for my needs?

When looking for printers, you may find yourself struggling to figure out which one best meets your needs. Chances are you have been faced with choosing between direct thermal and thermal transfer printers. However, the question is: which is most appropriate for your business?

What is Direct Thermal Printing?

Direct Thermal printing uses a material that has been treated with chemical. When the print-head of the thermal printer applies heat to the surface, the material reacts and turns black. This printer is more economical because it doesn’t require ink, toner or a ribbon to print.

You do face limitations with this printer, since the material will fade over time, especially if exposed to excessive light or heat. It can darken to the point that it’s no longer readable or any barcodes on the paper can no longer be scanned. It will not meet your needs if you need to do any color printing, since this printer can only produce black text, as it’s the material that is reacting to the heat and not any kind of ink.

It’s not recommended that you use this type of printer if you need the labels to last for a lifetime, since the lifespan depends on the environment where the labels are stored.

What are Thermal Transfer Labels?

Thermal Tranfer printers require a ribbon and actually apply ink to the surface of the paper. The print-head applies heat to the ribbon, performing a “thermal transfer” as it melts the link on to the surface of the label, creating the printed image.

Thermal Transfer provides the longevity for labels that cannot be guaranteed with the Direct Thermal printers. Thermal Transfer labels are commonly used for product identification, inventory and asset labeling, and barcode labels that need to last more than six months.

To establish which printer will work best, you first must establish what your needs are. Do you need your labels to last “forever”? Are you looking for a short term label? Are you looking for the most affordable printer possible? Check out our Zebra printers for label printers with both thermal and direct thermal functionality.