Labels

Description

Direct thermal and thermal transfer labels are the most widely used labelling solutions across ecommerce, warehousing and production environments. Each technology offers unique advantages depending on the application, print durability and operating conditions.

Direct thermal labels are heat sensitive labels that create an image when passed under a heated printhead. They require no ink, toner or ribbon, making them a simple and cost-effective choice for high volume labelling. Typically paper based with a heat reactive coating, they are ideal for short to medium term applications such as shipping labels, receipts, inventory tags and wristbands. Direct thermal labels offer lower supply costs and straightforward printing, although they can fade over time or when exposed to heat, sunlight, oils or abrasion. Common print resolutions range from 203 to 300 dpi and they are available with a variety of adhesives including permanent, removable and freezer grade.

Thermal transfer labels use a heated printhead to melt ink from a ribbon onto the label surface, producing crisp, durable and high contrast images. This method works with a wide range of materials including paper and synthetic substrates, and with different ribbon types such as wax, wax resin and resin. Thermal transfer labels offer excellent resistance to heat, abrasion, chemicals and UV exposure, making them suitable for long term, outdoor or harsh environment applications. Typical print resolutions range from 203 to 600 dpi. While they require a ribbon and have a slightly higher supply cost, they deliver superior durability and performance.

We stock a range of popular label sizes and can also supply digital or flexographic printing depending on your design and branding requirements.