4 Important Things You Need to Know about Thermal Labels

That item is the thermal label. Businesses use them for applications where the labels must be printed individually and regularly and the printed text is different from every next print. Normally, the thermal label is used to print information such as product prices, addresses, descriptions and barcodes. However, there are a few things you need to know about thermal labels before you make the purchase. Here is whatthermal label suppliers say it is important to note about them to suit your business needs. 

There Are Two Types of Thermal Labels

There are Direct Thermal labels and Thermal Transfer Labels you can choose from. Even though both types are printed in a thermal printer, the first ones, the direct, do not require a thermal ribbon for printing. This makes them a more convenient option than the Thermal Transfer Labels in terms of price because Thermal Transfer Labels need a thermal ribbon for printing. 

[image: white thermal label]

Thermal Transfer labels Are More Durable than Direct Thermal

Another thing you need to know about the types of thermal labels is that they don’t last the same regardless of the quality. Both can be the same premium quality and yet the thermal transfer will last longer than the Direct Thermal. This is due to the way of printing. The direct thermal is heat activated and because of that, they can darken over time, especially if they are exposed to the elements in addition to heat or sunlight. They won’t last over a year. 

On the other hand, there are the Thermal Transfer labels that are printed with a thermal ribbon which guarantees that they will last at least 2 years. The ribbon is a wax carbon that transfers onto the label when the printer applies heat on it. Their quality is hard-wearing and crisp.

Their Use is Not the Same

Direct Thermal Labels are generally used in mailing, delivery of small parcels, retail and food industry and everywhere elsewhere they are not needed to last over a year. Also, the products with these labels must be kept out of sunlight and heat because their legibility will decrease. They can be used for barcodes as well, but it is recommended to be used when their time of functionality ends in a short period. 

When it comes to Thermal Transfer Labels, they are the ideal solution for barcodes or product information and every other need for the thermal label to last longer. As they are available in many sizes and colors, and their crisp quality is extended over time, they are the more obvious choice for businesses that need to have a complete professional look of their products, be it on the shelves in the stores or when products are being delivered. 

Both Types Can Be Found in Permanent Adhesive and Removable Adhesive

The option to purchase the labels with permanent or removable adhesive offer a lot more option to the manager to choose the right thermal label for their business. The permanent adhesive labels are used in delivery because they ensure that they will remain stuck onto the products and won’t come off while being delivered. It is very strong so that if you try to take it off, it will leave a sticky residue. On the other hand, if you are selling products whose surface shouldn’t be damaged, the removable adhesive thermal labels should be your option. For example, if you are selling furniture, the preferable choice of a label should be with a removable label because you don’t want to sell a piece that will have a sticky residue on it. 

The Bottom Line

Before purchasing thermal labels, you should explore your options. Do you need them to last long or you need them for a shorter period of time. Do they need to be stuck and not come off or do they need to be removed easily? Once you answer these and similar questions with the help of thermal label suppliers, you will be able to find out the solution that perfectly caters to your business needs.