What is thermal label ?
Thermal labels are stickers that form surface text and barcodes by heating through a printer,there are two main types of thermal labels: direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels.
1. Direct Thermal Labels: These labels are designed to work with direct thermal printers. They contain a special type of thermal paper that is coated with a heat-sensitive chemical. When the thermal print head of the printer comes into contact with the paper, it applies heat to the specific areas where the label needs to be printed. This heat causes a chemical reaction in the paper, creating text, graphics, or barcodes on the label. Direct thermal labels are commonly used for applications like shipping labels, barcode labels, and receipt printing. They are cost-effective and don’t require ink or toner, but they can fade over time when exposed to heat, light, or moisture.
2.Thermal Transfer Labels: These labels are used with thermal transfer printers. They have a different composition than direct thermal labels. Instead of heat-sensitive paper, thermal transfer labels typically consist of a label facestock (the printable surface) and a thermal transfer ribbon. The ribbon is a coated material that, when heated by the printer’s thermal print head, transfers ink onto the label facestock. This method produces more durable and long-lasting labels compared to direct thermal labels. Thermal transfer labels are often used for applications that require resistance to environmental factors, such as labels for products that will be exposed to moisture, heat, or chemicals.
Thermal labels are widely used in various industries for labeling products, packaging, shipping, and inventory management. They are known for their clarity, durability, and ease of use with thermal label printers, making them an essential component of modern labeling systems.
Direct Thermal Label Materials:
First Type, Single Water-Resistant Thermal Paper (Regular Thermal Paper): This type of thermal paper is made from domestic materials, offering only water resistance. It can be stored for about 8 months at room temperature. It has a clean surface, clear printing, simple waterproofing, and is widely used in ordinary retail, barcode printing, logistics, and transportation due to its affordability. However, it is not suitable for long-term use as it may turn yellow or fade over time. Test: When scratched quickly and forcefully with a fingernail, single water-resistant paper with a thin coating will leave deep black scratches.
Second Type, Triple Water-Resistant Thermal Paper: This type of thermal paper uses high-quality domestic paper with specialized surface material that is waterproof, oil-resistant, and alcohol-resistant. It has strong scratch resistance and can be stored for about 1-2 years. It possesses triple protection (waterproof, oil-resistant, alcohol-resistant) and is widely used in areas like electronic scales in supermarkets, clothing, international logistics, and has a long shelf life, particularly in fruit markets and places selling fresh produce. Test: When scratched quickly and forcefully with a fingernail, triple water-resistant paper with a thick coating has a surface that appears wax-like, with less noticeable scratches.
Third Type, Five-Protective Thermal Paper (Synthetic Thermal Paper): Synthetic thermal paper has a thick protective layer on the surface and a strong tear-resistant label paper as the base layer, significantly enhancing its waterproof, oil-resistant, and wear-resistant properties. It has strong tear and tensile strength. Advantages:
- High tear and tensile strength due to high-quality synthetic paper.
- Waterproof, oil-resistant, and corrosion-resistant.
- Long-term storage at room temperature with slow fading.
- Uniform adhesive on the pressure-sensitive surface with strong adhesion.
- Clear printing results with vibrant colors.
- You can write directly on synthetic thermal paper with a pen.
- Easy to store before use, the paper is less prone to discoloration, significantly reducing printing cost waste.
Fourth Type, Long-Lasting Thermal Paper: Three-protective long-lasting thermal paper, compared to regular three-protective thermal paper, offers not only waterproof, oil-resistant, and alcohol-resistant properties but also boasts resistance to wear, abrasion, light, and heat. Through testing, the most durable thermal paper can be stored for 8 years, 10 years, or even up to 32 years.
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