Thermal Labels
US Poly Pack makes it easy when choosing direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels by offering the most generally used and commonly searched labels in the world. Our blank roll labels are designed for many different makes and models of printers including, Zebra, Datamax, Sato, Honeywell, Intermec, etc. 4x6 Thermal transfer and Direct thermal labels are the perfect choice for shipping labels, barcoding, inventory tracking, warehouse, and much more.
The difference between the two is quite simple and easy to understand. Direct Thermal Printing/labels use chemically treated, heat-sensitive media that darkens when it’s passed under the thermal printhead; therefore, no need to spend extra expenses on ink, toner, or ribbon since this label does not require it! It’s done simply by heat! Most mobile printers use this type of direct thermal technology.
Thermal transfer printing uses a thermal printhead that applies heat to a ribbon which melts ink onto the material to form your image. The ink is absorbed onto the label so that the image becomes part of the media. Because this process requires more than just heat, you can see why thermal transfer labels last much longer and are more durable than the direct thermal labels that are used for short term labeling.