Common applications of heat transfer labels

Thermal transfer printing uses heat as an activator to transmit images to labels. When the label passes over the print head, the print head heats up, causing the carbon pigment from the carbon band to transfer to the label (essentially "printing" the text or image on the label). However, while direct thermal printing requires the print head element to come into direct contact with the label material as it is pulled over the print head, thermal transfer printing uses a thermal band that acts as a "buffer" between the print head element and the label material. Therefore, on a thermal transfer label, the material is applied to paper or some other substrate by melting a ribbon coating to make it adhere to the material on which the printed matter is applied. Heat transfer labels can also be laminated for increased durability.

In general, thermal transfer printing is the preferred method for heat-sensitive surfaces or situations where superior durability is required. It is widely regarded as the preferred method of identifying labels and barcodes.

1. Long life application
2. Carbon tape printing quality priority applications
3. Outdoor labeling and applications where high humidity or scratches are expected
4. Examples:

Inventory control

1. shipping
2. Food packaging, including poultry and meat carton labels
3. Tamper-proof packaging
4. Lab/Tube/hospital label
5. Fruit application
6. Retail/product/shelf price tag