After you’ve chosen a printer type to suit your needs, you’ll have to choose a printer method. There are two different thermal printing methods, both of which are great for different types of label making. The two options are Direct Thermal (DT) printing and Thermal Transfer (TT) printing.
Direct thermal printers actually utilize a fairly simple method. They use heat-sensitive media to blacken paper as it passes under the print head. There is no ribbon in a direct thermal printer. Labels made in these printers have a pretty long life, but aren’t as rugged as labels made with thermal transfer printers. They are especially susceptible to heat damage, abrasion, and long periods in sunlight. Never fear, if you need to use labels made from a direct thermal printer outside, a topcoat like laminating, will generally do the trick. The print quality is often quite sharp, so this is the ultimate label-maker for short-term projects.
Thermal transfer printers, unlike DT printers, use ribbons that are melted onto the label by the print head. This means that printing on non-paper mediums, like polypropylene or polyester, is not only possible but also quite efficient. Outdoor wristbands, product labels on outdoor materials, and asset tags, are most likely to benefit from a TT printer. Because you’re using ribbons, labels also have more options than just black and white. TT printers do tend to be a bit more costly, especially because ribbons have to be replaced with use.
For more information about thermal transfer printer versus direct thermal printers, keep up with our blog at www.thunderbirdservice.com. And for all of your repair and maintenance needs, contact us today!
Source: http://www.barcodesinc.com/info/buying-guides/barcode-printers.htm
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