Types of label printers

There are two types of label printers in the market, the ones that use a technology called direct thermal printing, and the ones that use a technology called thermal transfer printing. We are going to explain in detail both technologies, their advantages and disadvantages. For the first technology, label printers that use it are special because they do not use movable parts or replaceable accessories like ink or ribbons. This is important because it reduces maintenance costs practically to zero. Unfortunately, this technology also has some disadvantages. The main drawback is that the information on the labels last just a short time, when compared with the thermal transfer method. Also, labels printed using this technology, are more susceptible to damage due to hard environmental conditions. They are not resistant to high temperatures or high humidity factors. All these extreme conditions contribute to an even faster deterioration.

Label printers that use the thermal transfer method also have advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of this technology is that labels printed by this method are the most durable in the market today. Also, this printing method provides outstanding quality being the best in the market. Unfortunately, quality and durability has a price. This technology is the most expensive in the market, also, label printers that use it employ movable and replaceable parts, which increases the maintenance cost of these pieces of hardware.

To decide among the two technologies you must first examine your business process. For processes where you need to store items for a very long time, of course the direct thermal technology is discarded. However, if you work in the shipment industry you will probably find direct thermal label printers, because they are perfect for that industry due to their low cost. Moreover, labels in this industry do not need to last a long time.