Thermal Labels Provide Excellent Results for a Wide Range of Industries
Thermal labels offer huge advantages for companies that need to print a high volume of labels, especially those that need to last a long time. These labels are commonly used for various applications, including shipping labels, inventory identification, UL labels, receipts, and more.
For example, retailers use thermal labels to efficiently print shipping labels during busy times. Because they are much more durable than inkjet or laser printed labels, produce growers use them on surfaces that might get wet or dirty without fear of the label wearing out or peeling off. Perhaps one of the most common uses of this technology is for UL labels. Since they often display important safety information for consumers, UL labels must last for years without wear or damage, making durable thermal labels the perfect choice.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the uses of these labels. Indeed, they can be used for a wide range of industries and applications. But, why are they superior to inkjet and laser printed labels? Let’s explore how thermal labels are made and the benefits of using them.
How are Thermal Labels Made?
These labels are produced through one of two processes: thermal transfer or direct thermal. During the thermal transfer process, heat from the printhead releases thermal ribbon material onto the label surface, creating an image. In the direct thermal process, labels pass under a hot printhead and the chemically treated paper darkens, producing the image. Interested to learn more of the details of the two processes? Read our in-depth blog here.
Both thermal transfer and direct thermal labels offer advantages over inkjet and laser printed labels, though thermal transfer labels are the more durable choice of the two. So, what exactly are the advantages of these labels?
Benefits of Using Thermal Labels
Durability
Thermal printed labels stand up to wear better than inkjet or laser printed labels. As previously mentioned, thermal transfer labels are more durable than direct transfer labels and may be best suited for your business. Thermal transfer labels are more resistant to extreme temperatures, ultraviolet exposure, chemicals, and abrasion, making them perfect for product identification, circuit board tracking, UL labels, and various other applications.
Increased Print Speed
Thermal printers can produce labels faster than their laser or inkjet counterparts, meaning you’ll experience faster turnaround times which will positively affect your supply chain.
Reduced Costs
Thermal printers don’t require ink, eliminating this expensive, repeated purchase. The only part you’ll need to replace is the thermal transfer ribbon, but they don’t require much maintenance beyond that. They also have fewer moving parts than inkjet or laser printers, which makes them more durable and reliable. You’ll see less downtime and reduced maintenance costs.
Versatility
Thermal printers can print on various materials including paper, plastic, nylon, polyester, vinyl, and other composite materials. This gives you a wider range of options to choose from when creating your labels.
Color Choices
Direct thermal printers and thermal transfer printers both produce high-quality images; however, only thermal transfer printers can print in color. This gives your business the ability to color code inventory or add more customization to labels without worrying about fading over time.
Trust DRG Technologies with Your Next Project
DRG Technologies is a leading label products and solutions manufacturer that works to help our customers streamline their production, reduce costs, consolidate supplier bases, and deliver effective products.
We offer various product lines to our customers, including UL labels, insert cards and tags, packaging and specialty labels, RPC labeling, and a variety of other products to meet your needs.
Our facilities also feature thermal transfer printing capabilities; we provide everything you need from ribbons and other print media to the printers themselves. We can perform in-plant evaluations to determine the most efficient use cases for thermal printing for your business.
Additionally, we offer world-class supply chain solutions to enhance your company’s success. Our services span your entire production cycle, including label manufacturing and kitting to logistics, which means you can reduce the number of suppliers in your supply chain.
Let’s Discuss Your Thermal Label Needs
For more than 30 years, our team has collaborated with our partners and the wider industry to develop an unmatched process for meeting your labeling needs. Let’s discuss what your company is looking for and determine the best solution for you. Contact our team today for a quote or more information.