Thermal Direct labels are manufactured from heat-sensitive label material which turns black when it comes into contact with the thermal printhead in the label printer. Direct thermal printing is cost-effective media option and ideal for printing sharp, clear barcodes. Typical applications include short-life transport labels and cold environment labelling. No Thermal Ribbon is required with direct thermal labels.

Since thermal direct labels react to heat, they are also sensitive to sunlight which can cause labels to blacken, as can scuffing or rubbing during transport. Also, the thermal image may fade after a length of time.

Thermal transfer printing uses a heat-sensitive ribbon which 'transfers' the ink onto the label material when it comes into contact with the thermal printhead

Thermal Transfer creates a permanent, crisp print which is more durable when compared to thermal direct, making it ideal for long-life product labelling, and for products stored outdoors or in direct sunlight.

Your labels can be supplied as

• Rolls of labels wound around cores. A range of core sizes are available to match your printer brand and model
• Fanfold bundles. These are labels stacks with alternating folds, as opposed to being supplied on cores. Fanfold labels can be used where larger quantities are preferred to minimize the frequency of rolls changes.
• A4 Sheet format which are cut so that each label or 'label-set' is on an individual sheet, and are often used when the labels are over-printed by a laser printer, rather than a thermal printer.

Need a tough label for a challenging outdoor environment? Applying your label in freezer conditions? Looking for extra-long rolls to suit print-and-apply automation? Interested in using colour labels as visual cues for your team? Don't want your label to stick, but need a tag instead?

insignia can custom match the label material, adhesive, size and finished format, ensuring you have right label for your job.