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Understanding the Differences: Direct Thermal Labels vs Thermal Transfer Labels

Date: 01-07-2024

When searching for a labelling system for your products or packaging, you will encounter a crucial choice: selecting between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels. Although these options seem similar, they differ significantly in application. The challenge lies in deciding which method best suits your needs.

To make an informed decision, begin by considering the primary use of the labels. This key question will guide your choice between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels.

 

 

Direct Thermal Labels: Ideal for Short-Term Identification

Direct Thermal printing is a widely recognised method for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This technique doesn't require a ribbon; instead, the barcode or textual information is printed directly onto the label. When heat touches a special chemical on the thermal label, it makes the chemical react and form the picture or words you want to print.

 

Thermal Transfer Labels: Durable and Long-Lasting

In contrast, Thermal Transfer labels offer enhanced durability and longevity, making them ideal for products exposed to harsh conditions, including sunlight. This method requires the use of a ribbon, which transfers the print onto the label via heat. When the ribbon gets heated, the ink melts onto the label material, making the image or text you want to print.

 

To pick the perfect thermal option, match your printing needs with your printers. We've prepared a handy table.

What COURIER labels do I use for shipping tickets?

100mm x 174mm Courier Labels NZ Post/CourierPost, ParcelPort, ParcelWings, GoSweetSpot, DHL etc 
100mm x 150mm Courier Labels Mainfreight, Daily Freight, Owens, ChemCouriers etc

 

SHORT-TERM LABELING SOLUTION

Perforated for easy tear off, it doesn't require ribbons when printing

 

For Desktop Printers

(Zebra GK420, ZD220, ZD420, ZD421, Honeywell PC42, PC43 etc)

 

100x174mm Courier Labels

 

86bef03b-f33b-952f-de3d-7f003fb065e1.jpg

CPL25 - 25mm core, 400/roll

86bef03b-f33b-952f-de3d-7f003fb065e1.jpg CPL38 - 38mm core, 330/roll CPTICKET38.jpg  CPTICKET38 - 38mm core, 330/roll
 

 

100x150mm Courier Labels

 

LDT100X150.jpg

LDT38 - 38mm core, 400/roll

LDTY38 - 38mm core, 400/roll CPTHERM38 - 38mm core, 400/roll

 

SHOP MORE DIRECT THERMAL COURIER LABELS FOR DESKTOP PRINTERS

 


 

For Mid-range / Industrial Printers

(Zebra ZT230, ZT231, ZT410, ZT411, ZT510, Honeywell PM42, PM43, PM45, PD45S)

 

100x174mm Courier Labels 

 

86bef03b-f33b-952f-de3d-7f003fb065e1.jpg CPL76 - 76mm core, 750/roll CPTICKET38.jpg  CPTICKET76 - 76mm core, 750/roll

 

100x150mm Courier Labels 

 

LDT100X150.jpg LDT76 - 76mm core, 1000/roll cptherm38.png CPTHERM76 - 76mm core, 1000/roll

 

SHOP MORE DIRECT THERMAL COURIER LABELS FOR MID-RANGE / INDUSTRIAL PRINTERS

 


  

LONG-TERM LABELING SOLUTION
Perforated for easy tear off, it is required thermal ribbons when printing

 

For Desktop Printers

(Zebra GK420T, ZD220T, ZD420T, ZD421T, Honeywell PC42T, PC42ET, PC43T, PC45T etc)

 

100x150mm Courier Labels 

 

LDT100X150.jpg
    LTT38 - 38mm core, 400/roll

 

SHOP MORE THERMAL TRANSFER COURIER LABELS FOR DESKTOP PRINTERS

 


 

For Mid-range / Industrial Printers

(Zebra ZT230, ZT231, ZT410, ZT411, ZT510, Honeywell PM42, PM43, PM45, PD45S)

 

100x150mm Courier Labels 

 

LDT100X150.jpg     LTT76 - 76mm core, 1000/roll

 

SHOP MORE THERMAL TRANSFER COURIER LABELS FOR MID-RANGE / INDUSTRIAL PRINTERS