A thermal printer operates by heating a thermal printhead to produce an image. The printhead consists of up to 600 elements per inch. Most thermal printers operate in TT (thermal transfer) or in DT (direct thermal) mode. Thermal printing is popular because of the print quality, rapid print speeds, extreme working environments, quiet operation and substrate versatility.
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Thermal Transfer Printing
Thermal transfer printing is a process that requires thermal transfer ribbons, software and a substrate (i.e., label or tag stock). As the ribbon passes between the printhead and the substrate, the printhead is heated to melt the wax, wax-resin, or resin-based ink off of the polyester coating to transfer the image onto the substrate.
Direct Thermal Printing
Direct thermal printing also uses a print head to generate images but instead of using ribbons to transfer ink, it creates an image directly on the label or tag. Direct thermal printing requires the print head elements be in direct contact with the label material as it is pulled across the print head. This print technology uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive media that turns black when it passes under a heated print head.
Thermal Transfer
Advantages
Disadvantages
Excellent durability
Media/Ribbon loading process is not always “user friendly”
High bar code integrity/quality-achieves highest scan rates
Multiple SKU’s to purchase and store
Prints extremely small images/bar codes
Good achievability
Up to 16 ips print speed
Longer printhead life due to ribbon back coating
4 color printers available
Lower cost materials
Variety of ribbon formulations for diverse applications
Direct Thermal
Advantages
Disadvantages
Single consumable requirement
Limited media options
High speed capability
Limited resistance to chemicals and light
Extremely portable
Limited resistance to heat and steam
New Products - High Speed 10”/Sec., High Heat Resistance & UV Stable
Limited resistance to oils and plasticizers
Doesn’t smudge
Reduced printhead life
HIPPA compliant – no spent ribbon with patient information
BPA/BPS/leuco dye based
DT vs TT – Which is Less Expensive…You Might Be Surprised!
Direct Thermal
Thermal Transfer
Comments
Label Cost
$145,544
$114,760
11.3MM labels
Printhead 38% life
$40,950 (91 heads)
$ 15,750 (35 heads)
69.2mm linear inches
Ribbon cost Premium
$0
$27,800
3910 ribbons/yr.
Option: GP Wax
$18,064
Total Cost 38% life
$186,494
$ 158,310/$148,574
Annual Media Spend
Annual Savings
$ 28,184/$37,920
15%/20% GP vs. Premium
**According to article published by SATO America, direct thermal printheads provide an expected lifetime of 25-50% of a thermal transfer printhead. This analysis assumes 38%, and average life of 2,000,000 linear inches of per printhead in TT mode.
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Assumptions:
- 11.3 MM 4 X 6 shipping labels. 1000 labels/roll.
- Ribbon usage = 3910 ribbons @ 1476’ length.
By switching to IMP’s thermal transfer ribbon, our customer was able to save between 15-20% on their annual ribbon/label spend, depending on which ribbon (general purpose or premium) they selected.
Why Thermal Transfer Printing?
- High Volume Printing Requirements. Thermal transfer printers are designed to complete a full label-printing job in one run.
- Reliability. Thermal transfer printers have one moving part – the paper feed roller.
- Printers are very reliable and are designed to operate in harsh conditions, including both warehousing and manufacturing environments.
- Bar Code Legibility. Thermal transfer printers create bar codes with good scan quality Read rates (98%-100%)
- Durable Print Images. Thermal transfer ribbons have the capability of printing images that can resist extreme temperatures. In addition, thermal transfer ribbons allow for varying degrees of smear, scratch and solvent resistance.
- On-demand Printing Capability. Thermal transfer printing gives the user printing flexibility. Users can print on demand and don't have to pay the extra costs associated with working with an outside supplier to create pre-printed labels.
- Supply Chain Stability. Over the past several years there have been several price increases on direct thermal labels due to a global shortage in a key raw material component, leuco dye. In addition, many direct thermal papers contain Bisphenol A (BPA) which has been shown to cause adverse health effects with exposure. Thermal transfer labels do not contain these chemicals and have become more competitively priced due to increased global production capacity. Lastly, lower cost wax thermal transfer ribbons have helped drive down the overall cost of thermal transfer printing.
Remember, every thermal transfer label sale NEEDS a thermal transfer ribbon! Reach out to us or contact your IMP representative today for pricing, free ribbon samples, or just to strategize on ways we can help you expand your ribbon and label sales.
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