What is the specific difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer? Here is a detailed explanation.

Regarding the shelf life of labels, we have recently received the following feedback from users:

• Why do some labels become blurred after a few months, while others remain clear after several years?
• Why do some labels fade after exposure to the sun, whereas others remain as clear as ever when placed outdoors in the sun and rain?
• Why do some labels fade after being stained with alcohol and other chemicals, whereas others are not affected after being sprayed with alcohol?

Perhaps many partners think that this is caused by the quality of label consumables, but in fact, these differences are also inseparable from the printing method of labels. Regarding label printing, the two most common printing methods on the market are thermal and thermal transfer. Although there is no obvious difference in appearance, there are significant differences in the working principles, printing effects, media applicability, and cost requirements.

Small labels, big differences. If you encounter such situation in the future, the problem may not be with the label paper, but it may be that the type of label machine is wrong. Today, I will introduce you to the details of thermal and thermal transfer printing.

Thermal VS thermal transfer, quickly take you to understand the difference between the two types of printing:

• Technical principle

Thermal Printing: This method works by heating the print head, which then contacts the chemically treated thermal media label to print the required pattern. Thermal label printers do not require ink, toner, or ribbons when in use, which makes them more cost-effective.

Thermal Transfer Printing: In this method, the print head heats a ribbon, transferring the ink onto the label material to create the pattern. Thermal transfer label printers require ribbons, and the technical requirements for label paper are higher compared to thermal paper. Therefore, thermal transfer printing has a significantly higher overall cost.

• Compatible consumables

Thermal Printing: Only thermal paper can be used

Thermal Transfer Printing: A wider range of media is compatible, including PP synthetic paper, PVC, PET, and other materials.

• Storage time

Thermal Printing Labels: These are sensitive to heat, light, chemical solvents, and wear. Over time, the pattern may fade if stored in regular environments. The storage time for most thermal labels on the market is generally a few months. However, the thermal label paper we sell uses a multilayer lamination process, which extends its storage life to 1-2 years (specific duration depends on actual environmental factors).

Thermal Transfer Printing Labels: These labels offer superior pattern quality and durability that other printing technologies cannot match. Compared to thermal printing, thermal transfer labels have a longer storage life, typically around 5 years. The exact duration is affected by the quality of the label paper and the carbon ribbon. The thermal transfer labels we offer, which use high-quality resin-based carbon ribbons, can generally be stored for 8-10 years.

• Usage scenarios

Thermal Printing: Ideal for industries such as home, catering, supermarket retail, clothing, logistics, etc., where label designs are frequently updated and barcode quality is not critical.

Thermal Transfer Printing: Suitable for a variety of industries including manufacturing, automotive, power communications, medical, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, retail distribution, transportation and logistics, and government agencies.

The above are the main differences between thermal transfer and thermal printing.

• To summarize:

Both thermal printing and thermal transfer printing have their own advantages and characteristics. The operating environment determines the durability of the label and the conditions it must withstand. If most of your labels are used in an indoor environment at room temperature and the storage time is not high, then thermal printing is definitely a very cost-effective choice. If your labels need to be stored for a long time or are exposed to sunlight, chemicals, and other harsh conditions, thermal transfer can provide better performance. In addition, compared with thermal printing, thermal transfer printing solutions can accept a wider range of label consumable customizations and have a wider range of uses.

Therefore, when purchasing a label printer, it is important to choose based on your specific needs to avoid potential inconvenience or issues caused by an improper selection.

For information, feel free to talk with our label expert at Sigapackaging.