Direct Thermal labels, thermal economy labels, top coated direct thermal labels for thermal printing

DIRECT THERMAL PRINTING is an old technology originally designed for low cost copiers and fax machines that utilizes chemically coated paper. It has since been transformed into a highly successful technology for bar coding. The thermal printhead is typically a long linear array of tiny resistive heating elements (about 100 to 300 per inch) that are arranged perpendicular to the paper flow. Each thermal printhead element locally heats an area on the chemically coated paper directly under the print element. This induces a chemical reaction which causes a black dot to form in that area. The image, itself, is formed by building it from dot rows as the media passes underneath the active edge of the printhead.

Advantages

Direct thermal is ideal for applications with a short shelf life requirement meaning the label is not required to last very long. Many packaging companies utilise direct thermal technology since the address and package tracking labels only need to last long enough to reach their destination which is typically accomplished in a few days.

Direct thermal printers provide simplicity and environmental economy with re-cyclable materials available.

Direct thermal printers are simple to operate compared to most other print technologies no ribbon or toners to replenish or monitor.

Low, long-term maintenance cost compared to comparable technologies.

Enables batch or single label print capability with virtually no waste.

Direct thermal is durable compared to other comparable print technologies

Office and/or limited industrial application usage, though more limited in application than thermal transfer due to its shorter image longevity.

Limitations

Direct thermal printing is extremely sensitive to environmental conditions e.g. heat and light (fluorescent and/or direct sunlight)

Direct thermal paper remains chemically active after printing. Because of this, all thermal paper materials used for labels, tags or ticket stock are top coated to resist UV light exposure, chemicals and minimal abrasion.