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General Search
Enter a keyword or phrase such
as "cd labels", or enter an item number such as
"310252". |
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Category Search
Starting at box 1, click a
category for the product you wish to view and
"drill down" as specific as you wish. Click
"search" to list products using your criteria. |
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Search by Size
Enter a width, a depth, or both
to search by label/card dimensions. Dimensions are
in inches. Convert fractions to decimals before
submitting.
Example: 5/8 is (5
÷
8) = .625
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"Which type of label do I need?"
Barcode label printers come in two varieties: direct thermal and thermal
transfer. Before implementing a thermal printing system, it's important to
understand the differences between the two.
Direct Thermal
In a direct thermal system, the heat of the print head causes a chemical
reaction on specially-coated label paper. resulting in a black image on the
label. The advantage of this process is that it does not require the extra step
of installing a ribbon. There are many grades of direct thermal materials. When
direct thermal labels first came out, there were only two types of direct
thermal materials, uncoated and coated. Uncoated materials tend to have shorter
usable readability making them "short-term" labels. They range from uncoated
economy to top coated scuff resistant.
When deciding whether direct thermal is right for a specific label application,
it is important to understand the environment as well as the durability of the
printed image on the label that is required. Scanability requirements must also
be considered. There are special direct thermal materials for infrared and
near-infrared for some barcode readers. Infrared materials produce a darker
image due to the wider spectrum of color it includes. Although most direct
thermal label materials cost more, the end-to-end cost may be less due to the
time and hassle saved by not having to change the ribbons on thermal transfer
labels.
Thermal Transfer
The thermal transfer printing process involves the use of a ribbon along with
rolled or fan-folded labels. Like direct thermal, heat plays a part in thermal
transfer printing; however, the heat does not come into contact with the media.
Instead, the hot print head melts ink in the ribbon to create a sharp, crisp
image on the label's surface.
Heating elements inside the print head turn on and off, forming graphics, text
or barcodes. Due to the superior quality and durability of the images produced,
thermal transfer printing is a popular choice for a variety of applications.
Since there is less wear on the print head with this system, equipment tends to
last longer.
Additionally, thermal transfer printing can be used with many different label
substrates. A thermal transfer printing system is ideal for applications which
require excellent scanability and a long shelf life.
"What Are Some Ways In Which Thermal Labels Are Used?"
Direct thermal labels are perfect for temporary solutions, such as event
tickets, shipping, bakery and deli labels. Thermal transfer labels can be used
for more demanding applications, such as certification tags, shrink-wrap
labeling and warehouse tags and labels. When used correctly, both printing
techniques offer distinct advantages.
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