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CHOOSING
BETWEEN SYSTEMS FOR YOUR THERMAL
LABELS
There are two dominant methods of thermal
printing available on the market. If you are considering doing label
printing projects, you will want to know about these systems and how each
works. Let us look at direct
thermal printing and thermal transfer printing.
Direct thermal printing
involves the use of heated printhead. The printhead produces
thermal labels by burning
images into specially treated paper or label stock. This system does not
require the use of a ribbon. It allows
for inexpensive and quick production of
thermal labels. However, the
labels remain sensitive to light and heat and often have a relatively short
life span making them primarily valuable for labelling projects like
shipping or dating soon to expire products.
Thermal transfer printing is another fine way to produce
thermal labels. In essence, it
is similar to direct transfer. Instead of using special paper, however,
regular paper is used and the print head contacts a special ribbon to create
the thermal transfer of an image. This method produces labels
that are more permanent but may cost a bit more to implement.
By understanding the difference between the two primary means of producing
thermal labels, you should be
well positioned to make a wise decision when choosing a printing method.
Both of these thermal methods have advantages and disadvantages. Both
options boast many supporters and are in widespread use. In the end, the
best choice will be the one that best meets your own unique needs for
thermal labels. If you are not
concerned about longevity and are focused on price, you will reach a
different conclusion than if you are willing to pay more for the sake of
label longevity.
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