To streamline operations, whilst reducing cost, it pays to invest in versatile, flexible and efficient thermal label printers for your business. A labelling system that directly applies pressure-sensitive labels to product and packaging simplifies your production and productivity process, whilst also ensuring consistency for your brand.

What are thermal label printers?

Label applicators that print on heat sensitive paper are known as thermal label printers. The labelling machines can be easily optimised to print on paper and synthetic label materials, and to work alongside state-of-the-art computer and mobile technology, including smartphones, tablets, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth.

There are two types of thermal label printer: direct thermal and thermal transfer.

• Direct thermal

Labelling machines that are direct thermal require no ribbon, ink or toner, and are relatively low cost in terms of maintenance. The system comprises of a printhead that features a matrix arrangement of heating elements. The heat sensitive paper blackens when exposed to the heat of the labeller's printhead, and produces text or an image. When using this type of applicator, only one colour can be printed.

• Thermal transfer

A thermal transfer applicator presses a wax-coated ink ribbon onto the surface of the printing material. When the wax melts, the ink is exposed and transferred to the item. It's possible to print in multiple colours simultaneously, using thermal transfer. As the applicator ribbon will need to be replaced, the long-term maintenance costs are greater.

Benefits of thermal label printers

Establishing an energy-efficient labelling system for your packaging operation can offer many benefits to your business and brand. Automated labelling applicators can be customised to your unique specifications, as well as configured to different types of products and handling systems.

High-resolution thermal labels are stronger and sturdier than regular ink labels, and won't fade in sunlight or become distorted after exposure to extreme temperatures, or coming into contact with oils.

The speed and accuracy of an easy to use in-house label applicator can greatly increase productivity and output, while lowering manual labour and operating costs.

If your business is logistics or transportation focused, an in-house labelling machine can simplify the printing process of inventory management, shipping, return labels, packing slips and ID badges.

Labels for shipping and sales platforms, and manufacturing compliance, maintenance or parts management can be directly applied with an in-house label applicator. You can also thermal print labels for quality assurance, supply chain labels, price tags, receipts and long-life labels like barcodes. Faster and more accurate progress tracking is an additional bonus.

Labels produced using thermal transfer are more durable than traditional printing. Pure resin and laminated material thermal prints offer a much greater resistance to bleeding, smudging and fading. The overall durability of a thermal label printer makes it an excellent cost effective option for speeding up the business process in-house, especially if you require a high volume of labels to be printed for inventory.

As thermal label printers are not restricted to only printing on paper, your business also benefits from flexibility and versatility. Your brand identity and product information can be printed directly onto a range of materials, like nylon, plastic, polyester and vinyl.