Direct thermal printing

How does direct thermal printing work?

The direct thermal printer has a print head. This, in turn, is equipped with numerous small heating elements. Direct thermal printing uses a special paper equipped with colored pigments. The print head moves over the special paper, heating its heat-sensitive surface. A chemical reaction occurs where the paper is heated. The paper turns black. This is how the desired pattern or writing appears on the paper. Shades of gray are very difficult to achieve with this printing process, as it is not possible to properly control the amount of heat that the print head transfers to the paper at any one time. Unfortunately, color printing is not possible with direct thermal printing; only monochrome printing in black is possible.

Where is this printing process used?

As direct thermal printed products have low UV resistance, they quickly fade or turn black under high heat. The printed product therefore does not have a long life. So, direct thermal printing is particularly useful when printed products only need to be readable temporarily, such as cash register receipts, admission tickets or parking tickets. To ensure that the product remains legible for longer, it must be stored away from light and heat. What’s more, only special paper can be used for direct thermal printing, which severely limits the possibilities for print design.

Here is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of direct thermal printing :

• Low printing costs, as no ribbon is required
• High print speed
• Low-maintenance printer, because it’s a relatively simple design with few moving parts–so it’s easy to repair.

Disadvantages of direct thermal printing :

• Special paper is highly sensitive to heat and light, so the printed product quickly fades or turns black.
• Severe printhead wear
• Few creative possibilities, as only monochrome prints are possible
• Limited choice of substrates, as only special paper can be printed on

Difference from thermal transfer printing

A special printer is also required for thermal transfer printing. In this printing process, ink from a thermal transfer ribbon is transferred to the label by heat. This type of printing is particularly suited to the subsequent application of barcodes or best-before dates on food products. Admittedly, this printing process allows only one color, but unlike direct thermal printing, the color result is of much higher quality and lasts longer. It’s also possible to print in full color, whereas direct thermal printing can only print in black. Find out more about thermal transfer printing.

How to print in direct thermal mode

Direct thermal printing is a fast, economical printing process. It’s ideal for labels and stickers that are intended for short-lived use only, and don’t need to remain legible for years. Order blank labels for your direct thermal printer from labelletiquette.fr. So you can print your labels at home or in the office, quickly and easily.

Any questions? You can reach us by phone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by e-mail at info@ labelletiquette.fr. We’ll be delighted to help!