Archive for the ‘Thermal Labels’ Category
We are all familiar with the price tags and barcodes on the products displayed at the shopping malls and other stores. And the technology used to print these labels is no rocket science. These barcodes and price tags are printed by using thermal transfer printing technology. These thermal labels are very popular and are known for their durability. Though this thermal transfer technique is popularly used for printing barcodes and price tags, many also use them for creating warehouse labels, asset labels, products and address labels – which are required to store for a longer time. In short, thermal transfer labels are used for both retail and industrial purposes. And because of their durability, these thermal labels do not fade over time.
Thermal transfer label printers use a heather print head to melt the wax or resin coated carbon ribbon onto the label material. The image is created when the ribbon melts, making the printed images more permanent in nature. The quality and durability of such thermal labels are unrivaled. And these printers can use a wide variety of label materials, making them ideal for catering a variety of printing technology. As already mentioned, thermal transfer label printers use ribbons that are either resin or wax based. However, waxed based ribbons are inexpensive. On the other hand, resin based ribbons can provide superior resistance to chemicals and heat. In addition, you must also consider the label material for a better quality printing.
The printing process stars when the thermal print head transfers the heat onto the carbon ribbon. This ribbon is placed in between the substrate and the print head. As mentioned, the heat melts the wax or resin from the ribbon and creates the printed image or text on the thermal transfer label material. You need to treat the label material, once the printing process is over. Wax is used to treat the label; this ensures the ink absorbed soon so that the printed image or text is not spread. Most industries and retail segment prefer this printing process over direct thermal label printing, as the later fades over time.
Thermal transfer label printing is commonly used for printing high quality barcodes. Shipping and courier companies usually use these printers as they need labels which last longer. Moreover, such thermal labels must be strong as they need to withstand the harsh environmental conditions during the transportation. Finally, these shipping and address labels should be crisp and clear and must remain readable till the items are delivered to their destination. Thermal transfer labels fulfill all these criteria and in addition, they can be printed within a short without negotiating the quality of the printed image or text.
Thermal transfer labels come in various shapes and size. And the technology used has make printing easier and simpler. Better yet, since you can create these thermal labels over a short span of time, they consume less energy. As a result, many organizations and institutions are also using these printers. Thermal transfer labels are readily available in stores or you can even get them online.