Communicating With Labels - Print Methods

There are two types of print methods used by label printers, impact printing and thermal printing.

Impact label printers are usually dot matrix type printers. This type of printer uses a "matrix" of small wires which impact on a ribbon to transfer an image to the label tape. Dot matrix label printers are typically the lowest price in their size range. They print on paper and produce a medium quality image. They are not suitable for printing fine text or images, and dot matrix labels will not stand up to outdoor weather.

Dot matrix labels are typically used for short term applications or for labels that are not subjected to significant handling. Examples would be labeling in-progress work, marking temporary wires and cables, and making shipping labels.

Thermal labels are created using heat to create the image. There are two types of thermal labels: direct thermal and thermal transfer printing.

With direct thermal printing the print head applies heat directly to a paper tape to produce an image. We most commonly see this type of printing in cash register receipts. The paper tape usually has a flimsy, slick feel to it. Direct thermal labels are low cost, however they are not durable and will quickly fade in sunlight or warm locations. They are best used for temporary labeling applications.

Thermal transfer printing heats a ribbon which then transfers the ink to the label tape. Thermaal transfer printing can produce detailed images and very small text. It can print on a variety of materials, including paper and indoor/outdoor grade vinyls. And thermal transfer printing is durable. The cost of thermal transfer labels varies based on the ribbon and label materials used.

A wide variety of materials are available for thermal transfer printing. They range from paper tapes and die-cut paper labels, to outdoor grade vinyl tapes, to specialized materials such as chemical resistant, glow-in-the-dark, and low temperature materials.

In many cases the same printer can be used to make both direct thermal and thermal transfer labels. Both printing methods use the same print head.

Because of its quality, durability, and flexibility, thermal transfer printing is the most popular label printing method for both home and business uses. Direct thermal and dot matrix label printers are generally limited to specialized applications.