Thermal transfer labels have been used since the 1940’s, making the process of labeling manufactured and shipping goods much faster and easier. They are most commonly used as labels for chemical containers, clothing labels, price tags, etc, but their main application is as barcode labels.
Barcode labels are usually printed either on direct thermal paper, or thermal transfer paper. When compared with direct thermal, the advantage of thermal transfer label is its significantly longer shelf-life, durability, clearer imprinted image on the label, better scannability, etc. The only “draw-back” is a slightly higher cost of production, because thermal transfer printing process requires a ribbon that melts the ink onto the label’s surface. It is still a pretty cost-effective choice, considering that these labels are usually printed on a roll, where most of the material is used without leaving waste. Also, these labels are printed at a fast pace, saving time and increasing productivity of the manufacturer.
The thermal transfer labels market is constantly expanding and you will probably see many labels other than barcodes and price tags made using thermal transfer printing technology. If you are interested to find out what kind of thermal transfer label would best suit your needs, let Thermal Transfer Pros guide you through these useful sections.
