Thermal and Direct Thermal labels are primarily used as shipping labels and inventory control labels. 

Thermal transfer labels are constructed using a special facesheet that is specifically designed to accept heat-activated ink from a thermal transfer ribbon as it passes through a thermal label printer.

Direct thermal labels require no ribbons or ink transfer. The image is “activated” by exposure to a heating eye or “head”. The label face stock is treated with a heat activated coating that turns color when exposed to the imaging head.

Like direct thermal labels, the barcodes, text and graphics are printed with concentrated heat, but because the text, images and barcodes are transferred from a ribbon, the printed image on the label can better withstand harsher environmental conditions. This makes thermal transfer labels ideal for a variety of applications, and when the right thermal transfer label facestock is paired with the right thermal transfer ribbon, they are able to withstand the harsh environments, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, chemicals and abrasion. Direct thermal labels are primarily intended for indoor use.

D&R Labels has a large catalog of standard dies in all shapes and sizes available for immediate production. In the event we do not have the exact format you require, a custom die will be produced to meet your specifications. Please contact us for more details.