RACING AGAINST TIME WITH DIRECT THERMAL LABELS

Direct thermal labels are made when a specially heated printhead is applied to specially treated label stock. The result is an image, just as one would desire.

However, the direct thermal labels have some real weaknesses. Let us look at the problem with direct thermal labels and why it comes about.

Remember, thermal labels are “drawn” onto paper that has been treated with a special substance. This chemical treatment remains susceptible to heat and light. It cannot discern between a thermal print head and a match head or the sunlight. As such, thermal labels made using this technology often darken to the point that text or barcodes become unreadable.

That obviously rules out direct thermal printing as a means of permanently labelling items or archiving them. However, the labels are capable of lasting long enough to withstand many common usages.

For instance, one can use direct thermal labels for shipping. Shipping labels are usually no longer necessary only a day or two after their creation. Their temporary nature makes them a fine match for digital thermal output.

There are other good examples. Tickets printed soon before a show, register receipts that can be logged and then forgotten and visitation wristbands are all examples of projects that do not need to last too long that can be effectively managed while using direct thermal labels.

Every time one prints a direct thermal label, a countdown starts. The label will only be useable for a relatively short period. The labeller needs to use his thermal labels for short lifespan jobs. The technology is poorly suited for other labelling needs.