The label is a piece of paper that gives information to the public. Thermal label printers make it easy to print labels, receipts, and bar codes quickly and cheaply in a fixed place or on the go. This article will go through everything you need to know about thermal label printers, such as their work and their benefits.
Thermal printers use heat to create an image on paper. The thermal printing process uses a specific dye coating on thermal paper that changes colorless to black when heated. Furthermore, a thermal label printer is categorized into thermal transfer and direct thermal. In the direct thermal printer, the label is produced by direct heating thermal papers when the paper moves through the printer’s head. The heat-sensitive paper’s layer turns black where it is heated and results in the production of the desired label.
On the other side, a thermal transfer printer uses a heated ribbon to create sturdy and long-lasting labels. This printing method is well-known for creating prints resistant to environmental changes such as sunlight, moisture, etc. Therefore, thermal printers have become an excellent choice for printing durable labels and easily scannable barcodes, tickets, receipts, vouchers, wristbands, name badges, and various other items.
Working of thermal label printer
A thermal label printer is not working as a conventional printer. Primarily thermal label printer works with 3 parts the spring, thermal head, and platen. The thermal head is essentially a heating element responsible for producing heat and imprinting the image on paper, whereas platen protects the paper. The spring compresses the heating element against the label, causing the picture to adhere correctly.
So now you have understood how a regular thermal printer works, and you know there are two types of thermal printers, each with a slightly different operating mechanism. Below is a brief overview of how each of these thermal printers works.
1- Direct Thermal Printer
The thermal head of a direct thermal printer contains a heating element. When the paper comes in touch with heat, the ink in this printer changes to black from colorless, and the image is formed on the page. These printers only operate with label rolls that have been treated with leuco dye.
2- Thermal Transfer Printer
In a thermal transfer printer, the role of the thermal head is to transfer the ink between broad ribbons to a label roll. The thermal head is used in thermal transfer printers to transfer ink from a wide ribbon onto a label roll. The ribbon is wrapped in a waxy coating that is melted by the heat source and transferred to the thermal printer paper.
To achieve the best printing result, the label must endure the heat, and they are typically formed of nylon, polyester, vinyl, or any other thick material.
Types of Inks
There are 3 types of thermal label transfer inks: wax-resin, resin, and pure resin. Each ink has its unique features, and it’s essential to understand the distinctions. Wax-resin is more durable than wax and is mainly used to print detailed images. Next, Wax labels survive a long time, but they must be kept dry and are more susceptible to oils, chemicals, and abrasives.
Lastly, the pure resin is the most durable ink of the former two types. Labels of pure resin are resistant to UV waves, chemicals, oils, and as well as waterproof. For resin and wax-resin, we use paper to print. While we cannot use simple paper for pure resin, it is meant to create prints onto polyester, vinyl, polypropylene, and other materials to create highly durable labels and signs for industries such as maritime, automotive, aerospace, transportation, and engineering. You can select the ink according to your business type and personal requirements.
Benefits of thermal label printer
There are various advantages of thermal label printers; here, we have explained some of them.
Fast printing speed
Thermal label printers use heat to fuse the ink on the paper to create the print. This heating process is quite fast. So, we can get more numbers of printed labels through this process.
High-Quality Images
Thermal label printers print with optimum clarity and sharpness for a long period of time, unlike inkjet printers, which can produce fading images due to ink shortages.
Durability
Thermally printed labels are durable and primarily impermeable than those printed with ink because the thermal printer does not utilize ink.
Budget-Friendly
Printing high-quality labels are now easy to achieve with a thermal label printer because there is no need to replace the cartridge.
Versatility
Although thermal printers produce high-quality labels, they are also among the most versatile printers. Aside from labels, it can print documents and signs for various concerns, such as text-based floor marking, solid bend streak names, and posters for unusual conditions such as cold storage.
Selecting the best thermal label printer
A little research and thought will go a long way toward ensuring you get the best thermal printer. Consider the following questions to assist you in selecting the best model for your personal or professional needs.
What are your business’s requirements?
Once you’ve decided on the type of thermal printer you need, you can choose various types based on size. When you know your printer’s primary function, you may select a thermal printer that meets your requirements.
Mobile Printer
For mobile, thermal labels printer should be wireless, light-weight, and portable. Mobile thermal label printers should be capable of printing labels, receipts, and pictures.
Desktop Printer
The desktop can be wired or wireless connection but should handle a large number of label prints.
Conclusion
Now you can get high-quality print labels with a unique type of printer at an economical rate. Thermal label printer is available in two types’ direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer. Working with a thermal label printer is different from other ordinary printers. It is also perfect for you if you want to get plenty of labels in a short span of time. A thermal label printer is a portable device due to its compact size. Hopefully, you have got the correct information from our article.
