A research study found that high-quality packaging positively influences buying decisions 87% of the time. As such, it’s crucial to consider the printing method when customizing your packaging.
Two of the methods you may have to consider are direct thermal and thermal transfer. They are used to print labels, logos, barcodes, and other information on various materials, such as paper, plastic, or metal. But what are the differences between them, and which one is better for your needs?
Keep reading for more on the basics of direct thermal vs thermal transfer printing to help make the right decision.
Direct Thermal Printing: Cost-Effective and Fast
Direct thermal printing is a process that uses heat to create an image on a specially coated material. The material, usually a paper or a synthetic film, has a layer of chemicals that react to heat and change color. When the material passes through a thermal printer, the printer head applies heat to specific areas of the material, creating a pattern of dark and light dots that form the image.
Pros
Direct thermal printing does not require any ink, toner, or ribbon to print, which means less maintenance and lower operating costs. It also produces quality images that are sharp and clear. Direct thermal printing is ideal for short-term labels, such as shipping labels, receipts, tickets, coupons, and name tags.
Cons
The main disadvantage of direct thermal printing is that the printed images are not very durable. They can fade over time due to exposure to light, heat, moisture, or abrasion.
They can also be affected by chemicals or solvents that can erase or smudge the image. Therefore, direct thermal printing is not suitable for long-term labeling or labeling that will be exposed to harsh environments.
Thermal Transfer Printing: Durability and Permanence
This method of printing uses heat to transfer an image from a ribbon to a material. The ribbon is coated with a wax, resin, or wax-resin mixture that melts when heated by the printer head. The melted ribbon then adheres to the material to create a permanent image.
Pros
The main upside is that the printed images are very durable. They can withstand exposure to light, heat, moisture, abrasion, chemicals, and solvents without fading or smudging.
They can also resist scratching and tearing. This makes thermal transfer printing suitable for long-term labels or labeling that will be exposed to harsh environments.
Cons
Thermal transfer printing is more complex, slower, and more expensive than direct thermal printing. It requires a ribbon and a compatible material to print on, which means more consumables and higher operating costs. It also produces lower-quality images that are less sharp and clear than direct thermal images.
Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer: Which One Should You Choose?
Still undecided? The choice between direct thermal vs thermal transfer printing depends on several factors. They include:
- The type of material you want to print on
- The quality of the image you want to achieve
- The durability of the image you need
- The budget you have
- The volume of printing you do
Generally speaking, direct thermal printing is better for short-term labels or package logos that do not need to last long or withstand harsh conditions. It is also better for low-volume printing that does not require frequent ribbon changes.
Thermal transfer printing is better for long-term labels that need to last long and withstand harsh conditions. It’s also suitable for high-volume printing where frequent ribbon changes are the norm.
Quality Custom Product Packages You Can Depend On
This direct thermal vs thermal transfer guide will help you choose the best method for your brand. As a leading packaging supplier, Packaging Fulfillment Co., can help you with everything from product logos to top-quality packaging. Contact us today for all your custom product packaging needs.
