Printing is one of the most important components of a Barcoding system. Generally, there are two types of printers available in the market: Direct Thermal printers and Thermal Transfer printers. Both types of printers have distinct technological features and offer great printing quality, depending on the need.
Industrial barcode or RFID printers are used to print barcode labels or RFID tags in large volumes, which can be affixed to tangible objects. Labelling retail items with UPCs or EANs, or labelling cartons before shipment, are common applications for these printers.
Of the two printing technologies, in direct thermal printers, heat is produced by the printer printhead, which reacts chemically with specially made paper to turn it black. Heat is also used in thermal transfer printers. However, instead of reacting with the paper, the print head melts a waxy or resin material on a ribbon that passes over the label or tag material. Ink is transferred from the ribbon to the paper by the heat.
In this blog, we shall explore the differences between these two types of printers available in the market and help you choose the best for your barcode and RFID label printing needs.
Difference between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printing Technology
Direct Thermal Technology
In direct thermal printing, he print head assembly is in direct contact with the surface of the printing material (paper), such as a label, ticket, or receipt. When the heated dots hit the specially coated printing paper, the paper reacts to the heat from the printer elements by turning black.
Thermal Transfer Technology
Thermal transfer barcode and label printing technology gives greater media flexibility by using a resin ribbon or wax ribbon. The hot print head transfers text and images onto the media by selectively heating and cooling the ribbon, which fuses to the media when heated.
It’s an advanced printing technology that offers reliable, long-lasting printing depending on the ribbon and label quality.
Understanding the Cost of Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printers
Direct Thermal Printer Cost
In comparison to most other print technologies, direct thermal printers are easier to use and less expensive than thermal transfer printers because there is no ink, toner, or ribbon to track or replace. The direct thermal printing technology is inexpensive, and these printers can be procured from EnCstore.com at a relatively lower cost than thermal transfer printers. We offer pan-India shipping as well.
Thermal Transfer Printer Cost
Compared to direct thermal printers, supply costs for thermal transfer printers are higher as these printers use ribbons; however, thermal transfer print heads last longer.
The thermal transfer printing is an advanced printing technology that offers clear, smudge-free, long-lasting printing. We offer thermal transfer printers for barcode and RFID label printing, from popular brands such as TSC, Zebra, and Honeywell. These printers are available at EnCstore.com at competitive prices, with pan-India shipping.
Printing Quality Differs in Both Printers
Direct Thermal Printing Quality
The image is prone to fading over time, especially if exposed to sunshine or heat. Since the printing medium (often a paper roll) dictates the colour, it can only print in one colour. Direct thermal printing is not the best option for long-term use, although it may provide a long enough lifetime for many purposes. For applications like shipping labels, receipts, tickets, and labels for perishable commodities where a label should survive less than six months, direct thermal is typically the best option.
EnCstore Meets All Your RFID Needs!
Get best quality RFID Readers, RFID Tags, Antennas and Printers from top brands in AIDC industry.
Visit Our RFID Store
Thermal Transfer Printing Quality
The printed labels produced using thermal transfer technology are the most durable ones now on the market because the image cannot be removed and is also resistant to heat and moisture. The ribbon and printer resolution influence the colour and density of the printed image.
Maintenance and Life of Both These Printers
Direct thermal Printers: It is crucial to stress that the Direct Thermal Printing method requires no additional ink or toner. Because only the roll of paper needs to be changed when it runs out and no additional ink, toner, or new cartridges are required, direct thermal printers have lower "maintenance" expenses (refill or replacement) for paper and ink than other kinds of printers.
These printers offer good quality printing for printing labels for shelves, item labelling, where the expected life of the label is only a few days or weeks. However, the labels printed via direct thermal transfer might not retain ink in harsh environments such as rain, snow, humidity, high temperature, etc.
Thermal Transfer Printers: The printing method of this printer requires various resources, like the ribbon, which needs to be replaced after a certain period. Also, this technology is more complex than the direct thermal printer, which demands a maintenance check.
Thermal transfer printers offer excellent, long-lasting printing that can ensure harsh environments like heat, humidity, rain, snow, etc.
Applications of Direct Thermal Printers vs. Thermal Transfer Printers
Direct thermal printers are suitable for printing applications in:
1.Shipping labels-often needed quickly and in large quantities.
2. For product identification and pricing in retail, where labels may be changed frequently.
3. Widely used for receipts in retail, restaurants, and other businesses due to its speed, low cost, and the temporary nature of receipts.
4. Creating event tickets, boarding passes, or parking tickets.
5. Labels on items with a short shelf life, like dairy products.
Thermal transfer printers are suitable for printing applications in:
1. Product labelling for items requiring long-lasting labels resistant to fading, smudging, and chemicals encountered during production, storage, and retail display.
2. For high-resolution, scannable barcodes on products, assets, or for compliance.
3. Labels on appliances like washing machines or microwaves need to withstand heat, steam, and cleaning agents without degradation.
4. Labels exposed to the elements, such as those on road signs, license plates, or horticultural tags.
5. Maintaining clear and legible asset tags on equipment, machinery, and tools.
Environmental Effect of These Two Printing Technologies
The utilisation of thermal ribbons and the waste they produce is eliminated by direct thermal technology.
Thermal ribbon uses a poly-based carrier that can leave carbon footprints because it is produced from products of crude oil. Sustainability and reduced carbon footprints are frequently integrated into the corporate world.
To summarize, the only way to decide on which printer is good for you is to evaluate the above-mentioned factors and the costs involved. Every organisation, and possibly every application used within an organisation, is unique and needs to be evaluated according to its particular requirements. The printing quality and printing needs must be evaluated thoroughly, and the right printer, whether direct thermal or thermal transfer, must be selected after careful analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions on Direct thermal and thermal transfer printing
Q1. Which method is more affordable: direct thermal or thermal transfer printing?
Direct thermal printing is more affordable if you're looking for short-term label solutions since it doesn't use ink, toner, or printing ribbons. On the other hand, thermal transfer printing is not as affordable initially, but it may be more convenient in the long run for durable labels since it allows the user to decrease the need to print the labels more than once.
Q2. What are the most common use cases for direct thermal printing?
Direct thermal printers are typically better for temporary applications such as receipts, shipping labels, and scale labels.
Q3. What are the most common use cases for thermal transfer printing?
Thermal transfer printing is best for long-term projects like inventory management and barcode labelling.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for general information purposes only and true to best of our understanding. Users are requested to use any information as per their own understanding and knowledge. Before using any of the information, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
