- Web4Labels Customer Portal
1800 773 331
-
Brisbane
28 Limestone Street
Darra, QLD 4076
AustraliaPhone: +61 7 3712 9999
Email: enquiry.bne@mcclabel.com -
Sydney
3 Dolerite Way
Pemulwuy, NSW 2145
AustraliaPhone: +61 2 8123 1400
Email: enquiry.bne@mcclabel.com -
Melbourne Sales Office
Mak: +61 413 126 168
Phone: +61 7 3712 9999
Email: enquiry.bne@mcclabel.com
-
0800 152 162
-
Christchurch
-
48 Waterloo Road
Sockburn, Christchurch 8042
New ZealandPhone: +64 3 349 5299
Email: mcc.christchurch@mcclabel.com
-
Understanding
Labels
Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer
There are two methods of thermally printing labels with variable information; direct thermal and thermal transfer. These two methods are explained in more detail below.
We make thermal labels for a wide variety of clients, and our team has expertise in designing solutions that work. We also offer a convenient range of generic, stocked thermal labels and thermal transfer ribbons.
Direct Thermal Labels
Direct thermal materials have a chemical layer applied to a paper or synthetic base that is activated by heat. When the label is printed through a direct thermal printer the small elements on the printer heat up and activate parts of the chemical layer to create the image required. Direct thermal materials allow you to print variable information onto blank or pre-printed labels.
Direct Thermal paper labels are a good choice for retail, logistics and other industries where the label is not exposed to high heat or moisture levels after the label has been applied. Direct thermal synthetics are a good choice for carton and retail pack labelling in the chilled and frozen food sectors where the labels are exposed to high levels of moisture and rough handling during transportation.
Syntherm® is our exclusive synthetic direct thermal material that offers superior thermal imaging for 100% barcode scanning and excellent high speed automatic application. When combined with our exclusive specialist cold temperature adhesive SQR007, Syntherm is the perfect solution for labelling wet and irregular shaped products.
Learn more about our thermal labels.
Thermal Transfer Labels
Thermal transfer materials work in a similar way as the direct thermal materials. They have a finish on them (normally matt) that accepts the ink that has been transferred from a ribbon onto the label. The labels are printed through a thermal transfer printer where, at the point of the print head, a layer of ribbon is placed on top of the label. The print head elements heat up and cause the ink that is on the ribbon to transfer to the label, creating the required image.
Thermal transfer paper labels are a good choice where direct thermal is not suitable or the print quality of the ribbon is preferred. Thermal transfer synthetic labels are a good choice for outdoor labelling and applications where high levels of moisture or scuffing are expected.
Learn more about our thermal transfer ribbons.
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer
To learn more about the differences between Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer, take a look at our blog article Understanding Thermal Labels: Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer. We’ve created a helpful table to explain the basics and compare the two methods.
Free Expert Consultation
Our experienced sales team have extensive expertise in all things labels. We would be pleased to meet with you to discuss your labelling requirements, share our knowledge and develop a solution specifically for you..
