Label Media Information

Four Common Label Materials for Thermal Transfer Printing:

Paper (TT) Thermal Transfer Label

• Paper labels are the most common type, as well as the most economical label for your thermal transfer printer. Paper labels will tear.
• Print using Wax or “PGR+” Wax/Resin Ribbons.
• Application Temp. 32 ° F to 150 ° F Service Temp. –20 ° F to 150 ° F

Polypropylene (TP) Thermal Transfer Label

• Polypropylene is also known by the brand name of Kimdura â
• This material is very durable and resistant to tearing, dirt and grease.
• Waterproof: Test in your application environment.
• Print using Wax or “PGR+” Wax/Resin Ribbons.
• Suitable applications include identification, bar coding and shelf and bin labels.
• Application Temp. 40 ° F to 120 ° F Service Temp. –40 ° F to 160 ° F

Polyester (TC) “FanTastock” White Thermal Transfer Label

• "Fantastock" is a brand of polyester, similar to Mylar.
• More durable than polypropylene.
• Glossy white finish.
• Withstands higher temperatures than most other thermal transfer materials
• Has superior abrasion resistance to polypropylene.
• Print using Resin Ribbons. (Able Label SDR or SDR5)
• Application Temp. 50 ° F to 120 ° F Service Temp. –40 ° F to 300 ° F

Platinum (TT-PLAT) Silver Polyester Thermal Transfer Label

• Brand name "Fantastock" is a brand of polyester, similar to Mylar.
• Silver finish polyester label with a very aggressive 2 mil acrylic adhesive.
• Mainly used as an asset label to identify equipment and rental tools.
• Aggressive "HCW" Heavy Coat Weight adhesive makes the label very difficult to remove.
• Print using Resin Ribbons. (Able Label SDR or SDR5)
• Application Temp. 25 ° F to 120 ° F Service Temp. –40 ° F to 300 ° F

Other Thermal Transfer Options:

• Piggyback & Removable Adhesive labels are available in many sizes.

How does Direct Thermal (DT) printing differ from Thermal Transfer (TT)?

• Direct Thermal Labels do NOT require a ribbon.
• Used primarily in applications in which the label life is short, i.e. shipping labels.
• Direct thermal labels are slightly higher priced than thermal transfer labels.
• Direct thermal offers less label media options than thermal transfer does.

We highly recommend that you test all labels and ribbons in the end use application before purchasing. Sample Ribbons and Labels are usually available at no charge upon request.

Ribbon or Not?

Most "Thermal" labels used today are either "Thermal Transfer" or "Direct Thermal." Thermal transfer refers to the technology that uses heat and pressure in a thermal transfer label printer to transfer wax or resin-based pigment onto the face of the label. Direct thermal printing does not rely on a ribbon to print. Instead, direct thermal labels have a heat-sensitive property that turns to black when it reaches a certain temperature. Many label printers are capable of either thermal transfer (with a ribbon) or direct thermal (no ribbon) printing, but some printers are direct thermal only. Some direct thermal only printers can be upgraded with a thermal transfer kit, but some cannot.

Paper or Plastic?

Blank white paper labels with permanent adhesive are the most common labels in many applications, especially for direct thermal printing. There are many other label options for on-demand or pre-printed labels. Most of these options use thermal transfer printing - they require a ribbon, and can only be used in a thermal transfer label printer. Thermal transfer labels are available in many colors, shapes and sizes. There are also special "synthetic labels" or "plastic labels", including polypropylene labels, Mylar / polyester labels, vinyl labels and polyimide labels. Removable adhesive is sometimes used with paper and other materials, and adhesives with other special properties are also available.