Barcode Label Printers

The print head of thermal barcode label printers puts out nothing but heat.  The heat can be used in two ways.  Thermal transfer printers employ use of a ribbon, which is coated on one side with a compound consisting of wax, resin, or some mixture of the two.  The heat from the print head is applied to the uncoated side of the ribbon to transfer the wax/resin material from the ribbon to the label or tag.  This transfer of actual material produces a very robust label that is not affected by light or heat.  With the right combination of synthetic materials, thermal transfer labels can be made to be practically indestructible. 

The other way to print with thermal barcode label printers does not involve a ribbon.  Direct thermal process uses chemically treated labels or tags.  The same heat is coming from the print head, but in this case the material has been chemically treated to produce a highly contrasting mark when heat is applied.  Direct thermal process is convenient, in that you only have to maintain a supply of labels and not ribbons.  The barcode printers are also less expensive since they do not require the mechanics needed to handle a ribbon.  However, direct thermal material is subject to deterioration from ambient light and heat.  They are not recommended for use where the barcode requires a long life. 

L-Tron is proud to be partnered with industry leading thermal barcode printer manufacturers: Zebra, Datamax, Cognitive TPG and Sato.  Contact us for consultation regarding your application needs or a price quote.