| DIRECT THERMAL AND THERMAL TRANSFER | | | | off even faster. This is not seen as a great |
| LABEL PRINTING | | | | disadvantage to label printers that use direct |
| Label printers usually print labels such as barcodes | | | | thermal printing because the labels that are printed by |
| by using either direct thermal or thermal transfer | | | | this type of printers are not intended for a lifetime |
| technology. The common feature about both this | | | | identification or use. An obvious example of this |
| methods is that there is heat involved in the printing | | | | would be receipts, as customers will usually throw the |
| process. Thermal transfer printing uses a | | | | receipt away the moment they reach home. |
| heated ribbon to print on the material, while in direct | | | | As for label printers that use the thermal transfer |
| thermal printing there is no ribbon involved and the | | | | printing approach the very fact that heated ribbon is |
| printing is done directly onto the label material. | | | | used is to ensure the labels can endure for a longer |
| Label printers that use direct thermal printing | | | | period of time. This is vital as these label printers print |
| involves low cost and easy maintenance, as it has no | | | | labels such as barcodes, circuit board tracking, |
| ink, toner and ribbon. Its application can be seen in | | | | permanent identification, sample file tracking and |
| tickets, shipping labels, receipts, wristband and so on. | | | | asset tagging. This printer is high maintenance, as it |
| The minus point of this type of label printer is that it | | | | requires consumable parts. |
| can only print on certain materials and the labels | | | | The choice is in the hands of the user to decide |
| produced are not durable. | | | | which type of printing method would suits his or her |
| The lifespan of the labels can only stretch up to a | | | | needs better as everything has its advantages and |
| maximum period of one year and if there is presence | | | | disadvantages. |
| of humidity or exposure to sunlight the label will fade | | | | |
