Direct thermal printing, also known as thermal printing, creates an image by selectively heating thermal paper as it moves over the thermal print head. The paper’s specialized coating darkens in response to heat, forming the printed image.
“Direct thermal” can refer to both a digital printing method (see above) and the specially coated substrate used in direct thermal printing. When referring to the substrate, direct thermal material is a thermochromic paper or film treated with specific chemicals that react to heat from a thermal print head, producing the printed image.
Direct thermal labels are pressure-sensitive labels with a specialized thermochromic coating. When used in a direct thermal printer, the heat from the thermal print head activates the coating, producing the desired image on the label.
No. Thermal printers are designed to work with either direct thermal labels and tags or thermal transfer ribbons with a receiver. When these materials come into contact with the thermal print head, an image is created.
In direct thermal printing, the print head selectively heats the specially coated labels or tags, causing the coating to darken and form an image.
In thermal transfer printing, the print head selectively heats the ribbon, transferring its material onto the desired surface to produce a durable image.
It depends on several factors.
Over the years, advancements in technology have significantly improved the performance of direct thermal materials. Modern direct thermal labels offer much greater archivability compared to those from a decade ago. However, exposure to environmental factors such as solvents and sunlight can still impact the thermal coating, potentially affecting the printed image. By minimizing these exposures, the scannability of the image can be preserved for many years.
One of the key advantages of Ricoh’s products is our top coating, which provides an added layer of protection. This coating helps reduce image degradation caused by harsh environmental conditions, ensuring longer-lasting readability.
Determining the best solution depends on your specific label application. With advancements in direct thermal technology, some applications previously limited to thermal transfer ribbons may now be viable for direct thermal solutions.
Each method has its advantages. In healthcare settings, image reliability is crucial, but thermal transfer ribbons pose a security risk as they retain transferred patient information. In this case, a direct thermal solution may be the safer choice.
On the other hand, certain regulatory requirements—such as BS5609 certification—demand labels that withstand extreme conditions. In these cases, a thermal transfer ribbon solution may be the better option for durability and compliance.
Let the experts at Ricoh help you choose the right solution. With decades of experience, we can guide you and your customers to the best labeling option for your needs.
All Ricoh products are currently BPA-free, and we continue to expand our selection of BPS-Free options. In compliance with evolving state regulations, we are actively transitioning our products to be fully phenol-free. For more details, explore our regulatory compliance information here.
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Yes, we offer thermal transfer label stock in both paper and film-based options. You can find more information on our product offerings here.