There are two ways of printing. These methods are used as a thermal print head that applies heat to the surface being marked.

Direct Thermal

Direct thermal labels have a special heat-activated layer on their surface. This is where the print head the black printed image will be formed when the heated print head gets in contact with the labels.   Advantages :

• It is cost-effective because it doesn’t require any ink or ribbon.
• We can easily maintain DT.
• It is ideal for short-term and high-volume label printing.
• It can save our time because doesn’t require a ribbon.

Disadvantages :

• It can only print in black
• Direct thermal label is heat sensitive
• Excessive light can fade the label.
• It is low scratch resistance
• Labels fade within 6 to 12 months.

Thermal transfer

The printer uses a ribbon which is a thin film that is wound on a roll and a special black coating on one side. The coating is typically made up of a wax or resin formulation. Thermal transfer is durable, long-lasting on a wide variety of materials. Advantage:

• It prints accurate and clear edges definition.
• Able to print in multi-colors which is useful for branding and logos
• High scratch resistance

Disadvantages :

• Ribbon require additional cost
• Wrinkled ribbon can lessen the print quality
• Ribbon change-over require additional time for printing

 

Conclusion

Both the labels are good in their own ways, it depends on you what type of labels you want to buy for your uses.