Glossary
Thermal transfer labels
Definition
Labels printed by melting ink from a ribbon onto the label surface. The result is a durable, long-lasting image suited to product, asset and long-storage labelling.
Also known as: TT labels, Ribbon labels
Thermal transfer printing uses a heated printhead to melt ink from a separate ribbon onto the label, bonding a solid, stable image to the surface. Unlike direct thermal, the label material itself is not heat-reactive, so the print does not fade in the same way.
This produces durable labels that resist heat, sunlight, abrasion and many chemicals, making them the right choice for product identification, asset tags, barcodes on long-stored stock and labels used in tough environments. Pairing the correct ribbon with the label material, such as wax, wax-resin or resin, tunes the durability.
The trade-off is the added cost and handling of ribbons and the need to match ribbon to label type. For short-life despatch labels, direct thermal is cheaper and simpler; for anything that must stay legible for months or years, thermal transfer is the standard.
What to check
- Match the ribbon type (wax, wax-resin, resin) to durability needs.
- Confirm the ribbon suits your label material, such as paper or synthetic.
- Use it where labels face heat, sunlight, abrasion or chemicals.
- Factor in ribbon cost and changeovers versus direct thermal.
- Check the printer supports thermal transfer mode and ribbon widths.
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Thermal transfer labels — FAQs
When should I choose thermal transfer over direct thermal?
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