Difference between direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing:
Different consumables:
The consumables for direct thermal printing are: thermal paper.
The consumables for thermal transfer printing are: self-adhesive label paper, PET, PVC, wash water labels, hang tags, and other label media. Thermal paper can also be used for printing.
Label paper shelf life:
Direct thermal printing has different shelf life of printed images because of varying environments. In certain environments, the shelf life is only half a year.
Images printed by thermal transfer have a longer shelf life, generally more than two years or longer. The use of different media determines shelf life.
Applicable locations:
Direct thermal printing: retail, catering, shopping malls, supermarkets, clothing stores, logistics, and other industries that do not have high barcode requirements.
Thermal transfer printing: Automotive, food, electronics, textile, manufacturing, telecommunications industry, medical industry, public utilities, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, retail distribution industry, transportation and logistics, government agencies and other enterprises.
Cost comparison:
Direct thermal printing has a lower cost, no need for ribbons, and lower ink consumables.
The cost of thermal transfer printing is higher than that of thermal printing, and different label papers and ribbons must be used together.
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