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Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing – advantages and disadvantages
In this article we will present the merits of the application of thermal transfer and direct thermal printing and show the advantages and disadvantages of each method what allow for analysing the specific applications.
Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing - equipment
Thermal transfer and direct thermal printers can be analyzed in several ways.
The one is the aspect of hardware. Each of these printers running on a warming-up points in the print head. In the case of thermal transfer printers, printing is done with using the ribbon, which is not present in direct thermal printers. The ribbon protects the printer head, cushioning the effects of any dirt and imperfections of labels and increasing its lifespan for about 60 - 70% compared to direct thermal printers. In direct thermal printing, the label adjacent directly to the head when printing, which increases friction and the risk of damage.
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| Pic.1. Direct thermal printer. | Pic.2. Thermal transfer printer. |
Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing - consumables
One of the major arguments in support for the thermal transfer printers is that they can be used for many types of consumables. These can be thermal transfer paper, foil, Kapton labels and labels for textiles, etc., and direct thermal ones. Direct thermal printers have only the possibility of printing the direct thermal labels, mainly paper ones and receipts.
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Pic 3. Rating plate printed in thermal transfer technology
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Pic.4. Sealed label for thermal transfer printing.
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| Pic.5. Textile tab for thermal transfer printing. |
Thermal transfer and direct thermal-printing quality and durability
Print quality depends on the used materials and the parameters such as speed and temperature of printing. In direct thermal printing the temperature affects the intensity of blackening, the lower the temperature, the output colour is less intensive.
In thermal transfer printing the dyeing of transfer from the ribbon onto the label also takes place under the influence of temperature. However, in this technology, it is needed to provide a specific value of temperature, suitably matched to the type of ribbon and labels, as the ribbon’s dye that adjacent to a particular heating point could move to the label. If the value is too low, the dye will remain on the tape.
If all parameters are properly matched to the material it can be concluded that the print quality is similar for both of these methods.
However, analyzing the print durability issue, it can be reached to the conclusion that labels printed in thermal transfer technology have a wider range of resistance to mechanical, chemical and weather factors. Thermally printed paper labels are subject to significant discoloration when stored for a long time in a place exposed to weather conditions or contact with chemical reagents, so that the dye contained in the label is very sensitive to these factors.
In the conditions mentioned above, as well as in the case of the need to maintain good legibility of print for a long period, it is recommended to use the right combination of labels and thermal transfer ribbons.
Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing - destination
Each of these technologies is applied and is economically justified. The most important issue is appropriate examination of the working environment, the intensity of printing and space and time of labels’ storage. Direct thermal printing is dedicated to logistic labels, receipts and other labels with low effort. In the case of product labels, rating plates, information labels and mostly for high effort printing, it is recommended to use thermal transfer technology, eg. due to the longer life print.
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| Pic.6. Thermal label printer in mobile. |
Thermal transfer and direct thermal-summary
Considering all of the aspects of direct thermal and thermal transfer technology, it can be assumed that thermal transfer gives wider range of applications. It is more flexible method because of the possibility of using many types of consumables, multicoloured printing and durability of print head.
