If you only need temporary, short-term or single-use labels like receipts and shipping labels, then direct thermal labels are clearly the best option. It is already the most efficient printing process that adequately fulfills the requirement of a long-lasting, resistant label. If you need your labels to last a long time, and not be prone to smearing, fading and smudging, then the enKo thermal transfer label is recommended. It is always preferable to have a quicker, more efficiency process at less cost, but it would not give you what you need. Offers highly detailed and durable images that are unrivaled by any other well-established printing technology.Įach product line has its pros and cons, and the answer depends on what type of print you need for your business.With this type of printing, the thermal printhead directs heat to a ribbon, which then liquefies ink into the media, forming the desired image.Doesn’t require a thermal ribbon to produce the desired image as the entire process occurs within the label.Utilizes a white, chemical treated, heat-sensitive material that blackens once it passes through a thermal printhead.
Product labels, specifically for refrigerators, air conditioners, and other similar appliances where valuable information is indicated. These are used for long-term labels that can last for 1 year. Thermal Transfer requires ribbons and therefore, more costly, but the labels are resistant to heat, moisture, scratching and friction. Thus, direct thermal labels are best for short term or single use labels like shipping packages and receipts. There is also less damage to the environment since there will be no ink or toner cartridges to dispose.Īnother difference is that direct thermal transfer labels are susceptible to damage from heat and friction. This leads to reduced costs, quicker printing process. The main difference is that direct thermal transfer labels do not require a thermal ribbon as with the thermal transfers.