Industry Solutions

Direct Thermal Printing

Direct thermal printing uses label material with a heat sensitive coating. When heated by the print head, the thermal coating turns black to create the image.

Some small desktop printers such as the Zebra's GK420d are direct thermal only, but most thermal printers will operate in thermal transfer or direct thermal mode. The cost of consumables is similar for the two methods of printing. Direct Termal Labels are generally a little more expensive, but when you add the cost of thermal transfer labels and ribbons together, the costs are similar.

Advantages of Direct Thermal Printing:

• Simpler for the operator to load the media (you only have to load the roll of labels).
• It can be easier to obtain a good print quality during the initial setup (you do not need to match the ribbon type to the label material).
• Environmentally better as you do not have to dispose of used ink ribbons (generally you can only use thermal ribbons once).

The readability of direct thermal labels, wristbands, and receipt papers varies greatly, depending on the usage conditions, but the technology provides ample lifespan for many common bar code printing applications including shipping labels, patient and visitor identification, receipts, and ticket printing.

For example, direct thermal labels can easily remain scannable after spending six months in storage in a distribution center, and direct thermal patient wristbands have a special coating that makes them water- and chemical-resistant. Common thermal printing applications include: shipping labels, including compliance labels; receipts; pick tickets; coupons; event tickets; citations and parking tickets; name tags; visitor passes; and more.