There are different types of labels available on the market and you have to decide which one meets your needs best. What matters is that you are familiar with your options and you can make an educated decision. To do so, you have to educate yourselves on the matter, to know what to expect from direct thermal labels, thermal transfer labels and other types of labels available on the market.
What Should You Know about Direct Thermal Labels?
When you decide on the labels that you would like to use you should consider your specific requirements as well as the costs involved. Individuals who decide to opt for direct thermal printing should know that the print head life is lower compared to that of thermal transfer printing applications. The good news is that thermal transfer printers can print both thermal transfer and direct thermal labels. These labels do not have the same lifetime as thermal transfer ones.
For this reason, it is important to know your labelling requirements before you decide for a certain type of label. For example, if you intend to use labels on products that are stored in extreme conditions it is best to opt for thermal transfer. Another important consideration is whether the information available on the label is very important and it is a must to remain readable. This is the case for pharmaceutical products and hazardous materials. You have to decide if you need your labels to last for a long time or not. direct thermal labels are a wonderful choice as long as the labelled products are not subject to severe environmental conditions. For example, if you need labels for fresh meat, dairy products, shipped parcels, direct thermal are a suitable option.
Thermal direct labels are also used for prescription labels and patient wristbands. To decide on the best type of label you should consider the following:
• What is the lifespan you expect from your labels? Do you want them to remain in a great condition for more than a year?
• Will the labels be exposed to environmental conditions such as sunlight, moisture?
• Will the labels be subject to chemicals?
• Will the labels be subjected to surface friction?
Thermal direct labels are less expensive than transfer ones but the labels discolour in time and they are not recommended for harsh weather conditions.
When to Use Thermal Transfer Labels?
It is useful to know that thermal transfer labels are quite popular these days because of their superior quality, their long lifespan, the fact that they are not limited to black and white printing and they can be used on a wide range of materials. Despite their higher price these are a popular choice among those who want their labels to last for more than a year and to remain readable for as long as possible.
Furthermore, if you want your labels to have a very clear image, thermal transfer labels (https://www.printerlabelstore.co.uk/thermal-transfer-labels) are the best option for you. For many companies the lifespan of the label is important and so is its clarity. Thermal transfers should be used without any hesitation when the labels are likely to be exposed to chemicals, when they will be placed outdoors. They are suitable for industrial factories, medical facilities and other companies that need labels that are designed to withstand severe weather conditions.
The only problem with such labels is that they are more expensive than other types available on the market. Numerous companies prefer direct thermal when they need their labels to last for a short period of time. These types of labels are popular among shipping companies, they are used to print out receipts, to create tickets and wristbands for event entry and so on. You can use such labels without any problems as long you plan to do so in temperature-controlled environments. As long as these labels are used indoors, they are a great choice.
What to Choose: Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer Labels?
The fact of the matter is that most people have a difficult time deciding which labels to choose. If you are among them, if a higher quality of printing and clarity of the image on the label is important to you, you should opt for thermal transfer labels. These are worth the investment for they will not fade away over time and they will not be affected by weather conditions. Direct thermal items are not suitable for long-term labelling requirements and when they are exposed to severe weather conditions they will blur and become unreadable.
Direct thermal is a good option provided you are interested in temporary and reasonably priced labels. On the other hand, if you are not willing to make any compromises as far as labels are concerned and you are interested in a long-term solution, it makes sense to choose thermal transfer for they will top your expectations. You should also keep in mind that the quality of your labels depends from one supplier to another. Therefore, it is recommended to do your research and find a reliable provider, one that can cater to your labelling needs and has competitive prices.
You can shop online for thermal transfer labels, compare prices, see what different suppliers have to offer so that you can make a purchase that you will be happy with in the long run. The good news is that on the Internet you will find all the details you need on different types of labels, their pros and cons, recommended applications and so on. Furthermore, specialists in this field will answer to your questions and help you make an informed purchase. Overall, shopping online for labels is hassle free and you should make the most of it. With a bit of research, you will come across a reliable supplier, one that goes to great length to put at your disposal high-quality labels that will top your expectations.
