Direct thermal printing uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive media that blackens when it passes under the thermal printhead, while thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials.

What is direct thermal mode?

Direct thermal printing uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive media that blackens when it passes under the thermal printhead, while thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials.

Are Zebra printers Direct Thermal?

Available in direct thermal and thermal transfer models, this printer offers the basic features you need—all backed by Zebra service and support.

How do I set my printer to thermal transfer mode?

If your printer has a LCD display, navigate to settings and change Print Method to Direct Thermal. On your PC, go to Printers & Scanners Settings (Windows 10), Devices and Printers (Windows 8 or former) and change the Media type setting to direct thermal. c. Your printer is now ready to print direct thermal labels.

Is thermal transfer better than direct thermal?

Generally speaking, thermal transfer labels will last longer and be able to withstand moisture, abrasion, and exposure to UV better than direct thermal labels. Direct thermal labels are a great choice when the labels ae used in controlled environments for simpler applications that have a short life span.

Can you use direct thermal labels in thermal transfer printer?

Thermal transfer printers will accept and print on direct thermal labels. But it is not appropriate to use direct thermal labels in thermal transfer printers. Thermal transfer printers are designed to only come in contact with ribbons and not with paper material.

How long does direct thermal print last?

Because it uses heat-sensitive materials, direct thermal labels do not have a long shelf-life, usually lasting around six to eight months. They have a tendency to scratch easily, and overexposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures will cause the print to fade faster.

How can you tell the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels?

Direct thermal printing requires the print head elements be in direct contact with the label material as it is pulled across the print head. Conversely, thermal transfer printing has thermal ribbon acting as a “buffer” between the print head elements and the label material.

What is a direct thermal label?

Direct thermal labels are a cost-effective type of label made with the direct thermal printing process. In this process, a thermal print head is used to selectively heat specific areas of coated, thermo-chromatic (or thermal) paper.

What are direct thermal labels used for?

Direct thermal labels are used for direct thermal printers. The printer works by applying heat to its print head. As the label passes through the hot print head, the chemically treated label darkens to produce your image.