Datasheet
32
Choose the Right Technology for Your Application
Criteria Direct Thermal Media Thermal Transfer Media
Life Span Short-term Long-term
Less than 1 year More than 1 year
Abrasion Resistance Low Low (wax) to High (resin)
Chemical Resistance Limited High
When paired with proper label or tag material
Outdoor Use Not Recommended Well-suited when using proper label and tag materials
Heat and Sun Exposure Not recommended Not aected by sunlight. Many high-temperature materials are available.
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer
ORDERING INFORMATION: HELPFUL TIPS
Thermal Transfer Media Explained
Thermal Transfer media uses a ribbon to image the text and bar codes
on a variety of materials, both paper and film. When the ribbon is
passed beneath the print head, the heat softens the ribbon ink while
in contact with the label or tag, resulting in the transfer of the ink
to the surface of the label or tag. There are three general classes of
ribbons that are used in thermal printers: Wax, Mid-range, and Resin.
Wax ribbons are the most commonly used class and are mostly
targeted to print paper labels and tags that will be exposed
to relatively benign environments. Wax ribbons are also used
to print on film labels and tags in some applications.
Mid-range ribbons are a hybrid design where resin is mixed with
the wax to produce ribbons with durability properties that fall
somewhere between the wax and resin ribbons. Mid-range ribbons
are used to print on both paper and film labels and tags.
Resin ribbons are the most durable and are mostly targeted to printing
on film labels and tags that will be exposed to extreme environments.
Direct Thermal Media Explained
Direct Thermal media uses a transparent heat-sensitive
coating applied to its surface to image text and bar codes.
When the heat from the print head contacts the coating, it
initiates a chemical reaction that turns the coating black.