It is not new for people to get confused when it comes to the differentiation of thermal label and thermal transfer label printers. People are also not sure about which type of printer will be most suitable for them. All the top thermal printers these days that you find are dual mode printers. This means that they have the capability to print both thermal transfer as well as direct thermal.
Those people who want direct thermal should go for a true direct thermal, non-dual mode printer as it suits them the most. However it is a must that the features are examined of each printer to avoid buying the wrong machine from the store that also sells monarch label gun, thermal papers and so on.
Direct Thermal Or Thermal Transfer: Which One Should You Go For?
Here are some of the questions that would help you determine which type of thermal printer you require:
1. Are you ever going to have a need of printing labels in colors other than the usual black?
2. Would your labels require scanning?
3. Would labels require having 1 year shelf-life?
4. Will there be a need of printing high-density bar codes?
5. Is there a chance your labels will make contact with heat or sunlight?
6. Will there be a chance of labels getting surface friction or similar abuse.
7. Are you looking forward to printing on a variation of substrates such as files, foils and papers?
If you said yes to one or more of the above asked questions, you should quickly choose a thermal transfer because it will be the most suitable type for your work. Let’s take a look at some printer comparisons for a better understanding of the printer differences.
Thermal Transfer Printers
Such printers need carbon ribbon which gets transferred onto substrative via heat. This is the reason why these printers are given the name thermal transfer printers. Users are not limited to the usage of black color there are various colors in which ribbons are available. The printing done from thermal transfer printers is very crispy as well as durable.
Direct Thermal Printers
Now let’s talk a bit about direct thermal printers. These are the ones that use heat activated papers and films. However, they don’t need transfer ribbons and unlike the thermal transfer printers, direct thermal printers do have a color limitation and can only print in black color. However, there are some special preprinted direct thermal papers available to get that variation but is rarely utilized. Such printers can be acquired from a store that sales monarch label gun, printer rolls etc.
Thus you just read about direct thermal vs. thermal transfer label printers and learned about their features and what makes them different from each other. You can hit your nearest thermal printer provider to learn more about various printers and their applications. There, you will also be able to see which models do what and what are their prices. This will help you determine which printer to buy and as soon as you have made your decision, you can buy the product right from the printer provider!
