Direct Thermal Label

What are Direct thermal labels?

Direct thermal printer labels on rolls (also called thermal labels) can be found in various usage scenarios. They are mainly used as identification, logistics and shipping labels of all kinds, such as address, carton and pallet labels. One example of where thermal labels are used is in fruit and vegetable scales in grocery stores.

Direct thermal printing requires adhesive labels with a special thermosensitive layer (thermally sensitive paper, or thermal paper for short). The print head in the thermal printer heats up and “discolours” the label in the desired areas. The information on the white label then becomes visible as black print. With this type of printer, labels can be printed without the need for a coloured ribbon. However, the print may change if it is exposed to heat at a later stage, and the print may also fade under the influence of UV light – so these printed labels are more suited to shorter-lived usage.