thermal label printer

Thermal Printer Labels: How Do They Work & Printing Benefits

Thermal printer labels have quickly become the top choice for product and shipping labelling. But what are thermal printer labels, exactly? How do they work? And what makes them so popular?

In this post, we’ll answer all of those questions and more. Plus, we’ll discuss some of the key benefits of using thermal printer labels in your business.

First, what are thermal labels?

What Are Thermal Printer Labels?

thermal printer label

Thermal printer labels are special kinds of labels that are designed for use with thermal printers.

Thermal printers use heat to print images and text onto paper, and the labels themselves are made from a material that is sensitive to heat.

When the printer applies heat to the label, the image or text is printed onto the label. Thermal printer labels are often used for shipping labels, product labels, and barcodes.

How Thermal Labels Work

As aforementioned, thermal printer labels work by using heat technology to print images and text onto the label.

The material that the label is made out of is sensitive to heat, so when the printer applies heat to the label, it causes the image or text to be printed onto the label.

Thermal printer labels are often used for barcodes, product labels, and shipping labels because they can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions.

Why Use Thermal Labels?

Thermal printer labels

There are many reasons why you might want to use thermal printer labels in your business. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Durability

Thermal printer labels are very durable and can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions. Thermal transfer printer labels are also often waterproof and oil-resistant, which makes them ideal for shipping labels and product labels.

Speed and Convenience

Thermal printers print labels much faster than laser printers, making them a convenient choice for businesses that need to print large quantities of labels. Thermal printers also don’t require ink or toner, which makes them more affordable in the long run.

Flexibility

Thermal printer labels are also very flexible, so you can print them on a variety of different materials, such as paper, cardboard, and plastic. Thermal labels are also available in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and colours.

Cost-Effective

With thermal printers, you can save money on your labelling needs. Thermal printers are a very cost-effective method of printing labels, and you don’t have to worry about buying ink or toner, which makes them great for a small business. Thermal printer labels are also available in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and colours.

Easy to Use

Thermal label printers are very easy to use, and you can print your labels quickly and easily. All you need to do is supply the printer with the correct label material, and you’re ready to go.

These are just a few of the benefits of using thermal printer labels. If you’re looking for a durable, cost-effective, and easy-to-use label printing solution, then thermal printer labels are the perfect choice for you.

Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer

thermal label printer

There are two main types of thermal printer labels: direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels.

Direct Thermal Labels

Direct thermal labels are made from a material that is sensitive to heat. When the printer applies heat to the label, the image or text is printed directly onto the label.

With direct thermal printing, small parts of the printer are heated up to activate specific parts of the chemical print labels in order to create an image or text.

Direct thermal labels are best used for shorter-term work and great for industries where the labels don’t have to withstand high heat or moisture. They are specifically good for pack or carton labelling.

Direct thermal printing methods are simple to use, cost-effective, have a high-print quality, and can be used on a variety of print materials. However, it is worth noting that they can fade within 6-12 months if overly exposed to heat or abrasion.

Thermal Transfer Labels

Thermal transfer labels are made from a material that is sensitive to heat. Thermal transfer printers use a ribbon that is coated with wax or resin.

Some elements on the print head heat up and transfer the wax or resin onto the label material. The wax or resin creates a durable image on the label.

Thermal transfer labels are best used for long-term work and can withstand high heat and moisture. They are great for outdoor labelling purposes and for use cases where high levels of abrasion and moisture are expected, such as in warehouse shelf labelling and chemical labels.

What Can You Use Thermal Printer Labels For?

There are several use cases for thermal printer labels. Here are a few of the most popular:

Shipping Labels

Thermal printer labels are often used for shipping labels because they can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions.

Product Labels

Thermal printer labels are also popular for product labels. You can use them to print barcodes, product information, and more.

Barcode Labels

Thermal printer labels are also often used for barcodes. You can use them to print barcodes for your products, which can make it easier to track your inventory.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to label your products or shipments, then a thermal label printer is a great option for you.

At Jabac, we offer a wide range of thermal label printers, as well as the labels themselves.

For more information about our products and services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would be more than happy to discuss your labelling needs and help you find the perfect solution for your business.

Thermal Printer Labels – FAQs

What are thermal printer labels?

Thermal printer labels are labels that are printed using heat. The material that the label is made out of is sensitive to heat, and when it is exposed to heat, the image on the label is printed.

What are direct thermal printers?

Direct thermal printers are printers that use heat to print labels. The labels are coated with a heat-sensitive material. When the printer prints, the head heats up and transfers the image to the label.

What is thermal transfer printing?

Thermal transfer printing is a type of printing where heat is used to transfer an image onto a substrate. Thermal transfer printers have a heated print head that melts a wax or resin-based ink onto the label. The molten ink is then transferred to the label and cooled, creating the image.

What is the best thermal label printer?

The best thermal label printer will depend on your specific needs. If you need a printer that uses thermal printing technology and prints high-quality labels, then you should consider the Zebra printer. This printer is well-known for its high-quality build and great printout quality. This makes it great for printing shipping labels, barcodes, and other types of labels.

Can you use any labels with thermal printer?

No, you cannot use any labels with thermal printers. Thermal printers require that the label be made out of a material that is sensitive to heat. Thermal transfer labels are the most common type of label used with thermal printers.

Do thermal printers require ink?

No, thermal printers do not require ink. Thermal printers use heat to transfer an image onto the label. The labels themselves are coated with a material that is sensitive to heat. When the printer prints, the head heats up and transfers the image to the label.

How long do thermal prints last?

Thermal prints can last for a long time, depending on the type of label and how it is used. Thermal transfer labels are designed to withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions. They are often used for outdoor labelling purposes and for use cases where high levels of abrasion and moisture are expected.

Can a thermal printer print colour?

Yes, a thermal printer can print color. Thermal printers use heat to transfer an image onto the label.