Two different printing technologies are used by thermal label printers, direct thermal and thermal transfer.
Direct Thermal
A direct thermal printer uses its printhead to heat special, chemically treated, label stock. The print is created when parts of the label stock darken in response to the heat. Direct thermal printing is an inexpensive way to print labels that are for temporary use. For labels that need to last longer than 6 months, a thermal transfer printer will work better.
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Thermal Transfer
Thermal transfer printers use heat to bond a thin film of wax or resin coating onto a label. These printers can also print direct thermal labels, but the printhead may wear out faster.
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