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Label Printers: Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer

1 min read

Here at RetailEdge, we provide an array of hardware to fit the needs of all of our customers’ businesses. Without getting too technical, we’re giving you a quick rundown of key advantages and disadvantages of a direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer.

Thermal Transfer #

Advantages

  • Long life of printed image
  • Printed image does not fade in direct sunlight and is more heat tolerant
  • Availability of color ribbons
  • Typically, longer printhead life
  • Wide selection of label materials available
  • Good chemical resistance with some materials
Disadvantages:

  • Operators must perform ribbon changes
  • More mechanical parts in printer means potential for more downtime and mechanical failures
  • Opportunity for print quality problems due to mismatched labels and ribbons
  • Opportunity for print quality problems due to incorrect ribbon adjustments

Direct Thermal #

Advantages

  • Simplified operator intervention; no ribbon to load or ribbon adjustments to make
  • No ribbon wrinkle problems
  • No mechanical failures associated with ribbon drive mechanisms
  • Fewer inventory items due to lack of ribbon and fewer spare parts
  • Eliminates potential for mismatched labels and ribbons
  • No ribbon disposal
Disadvantages

  • Typically, slower print speeds
  • Typically, reduced thermal printhead life
  • Will fade or “yellow” over extended periods of time**
  • Label will darken when exposed to extreme heat and direct sunlight
  • Specialty substrates (i.e. films) can be costly
  • Limited selection of substrates
  • Limited chemical resistance

Hope this has helped!

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