Short answer: Direct thermal labels darken where the printhead heats special coated paper, with no ribbon. Thermal transfer labels get their image from a ribbon melted onto the label. Direct thermal is cheaper and simpler for short-life jobs like shipping; thermal transfer lasts much longer.
How direct thermal works
The label stock is coated with a heat-sensitive layer. The printhead heats tiny dots and the coating turns dark. No ribbon, fewer moving parts, less to reorder.
How thermal transfer works
A ribbon sits between the printhead and the label. Heat melts ink off the ribbon onto the face stock. It takes an extra supply, but the print holds up far better to heat, light and handling.
Which one to pick
- Shipping and mailing labels: direct thermal is usually the right call.
- Inventory, asset and long-term labels: thermal transfer.
- Anything in sunlight, heat or rubbing: thermal transfer.
- Not sure: tell us the use and we'll match it.
Printers that run both
Most desktop and industrial printers from Zebra, Sato, Eltron and Cognitive can run direct thermal, and many run thermal transfer too. Check whether the printer has a ribbon spindle. Our labels are made for Zebra, Eltron, Sato, Monarch, Cognitive.
Looking for thermal labels & tags? See the product line or call 866-728-1525.