There are two methods of thermally printing labels with variable information; direct thermal and thermal transfer. These two methods are explained in more detail below.

We make thermal labels for a wide variety of clients, and our team has expertise in designing solutions that work. We also offer a convenient range of generic, stocked thermal labels and thermal transfer ribbons, download our label catalogue to see what’s available.

Thermal Transfer Labels

Thermal transfer materials work in a similar way as the direct thermal materials. They have a finish on them (normally matt) that accepts the ink that has been transferred from a ribbon onto the label. The labels are printed through a thermal transfer printer where, at the point of the print head, a layer of ribbon is placed on top of the label. The print head elements heat up and cause the ink that is on the ribbon to transfer to the label, creating the required image.

Thermal transfer paper labels are a good choice where direct thermal is not suitable or the print quality of the ribbon is preferred. Thermal transfer synthetic labels are a good choice for outdoor labelling and applications where high levels of moisture or scuffing are expected.

Learn more about our thermal transfer ribbons.