utilizes heat-sensitive media that blackens
as it passes under the printhead. Because they print without a ribbon,
direct thermal printers are noted for their simplicity. Direct thermal
printed labels typically have a considerable shelf life but are not well
suited for environments that expose them to heat, long periods of
direct sunlight, or abrasion.
ADVANTAGES:
Sharp print quality with good scannability.
Ideal for applications with short shelf life.
Simple to operate because there's no ink, toner, or ribbon to replace.
Low long-term maintenance costs.
Enables batch or single label printing with virtually no waste.
LIMITATIONS:
Extremely sensitive to environmental conditions such as heat and light.
Paper remains chemically active after printing.
labels are easily identified by the crisp,
often glossy, printed surface. The clarity is achieved by using a thin
ribbon roll that when heated by the printhead melts onto the label to
form the image. When matched with suitable media, thermal transfer
technology is not only impervious to heat and moisture, but the image
it produces cannot be rubbed off, making the printed labels the most
durable available. An additional benefit of this technology is the
continuity of the printed image. Because the color and density of the
printed image is determined by the ribbon and the resolution of the
printer, thermal transfer printing produces consistent and reliable
printing on every label.
ADVANTAGES:
Delivers crisp, high-definition text, graphic and barcode print quality for
maximum readability and scannability.
Produces long-life image stability.
Enables batch or single label printing with virtually no waste.
Low long-term maintenance costs.
Prints on a nearly unlimited variety of media stock (except multiform).
More durable than dot matrix or laser printers.
Lasts longer than direct thermal printheads.
LIMITATIONS:
Supply costs higher than direct thermal since ribbon is required.
Single-pass thermal transfer ribbon can be wasteful if too little is
printed on it.
Poor candidate for recycling.
Ribbon and media substrate MUST be compatible to obtain
optimum print quality.
Featured Entry-Level Desktop Barcode Printers
Ideal for These Applications:
Price Marking, Gift Registry, Coupon and Receipt Printing, Pharmacy Prescription Labeling
