The difference between thermal printing and thermal transfer. Industrial marking

The two most popular label printing technologies today are direct thermal and thermal transfer.

This article highlights all the differences between the two thermal label printing technologies, which can help you choose the best printing method for your labeling requirements.

Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer - A Brief Comparison:

Direct thermal is only suitable for short-lived labels, as the period until fading is several months depending on temperature conditions. The cost of such printing is significantly lower than thermal transfer and does not require ink, toner or ribbon, but it prints only in black.

Thermal transfer printing for longer term applications requiring high print quality. Thermal transfer printing requires the use of consumables such as ink ribbons and can print in color.

The biggest difference between thermal transfer and direct thermal printing is that thermal transfer printing requires ink ribbons (ribbons), while direct thermal printing requires nothing but a printer and thermal paper.

Temperature is a major component in thermal printing; Thermal barcode label printers work according to the following principle: the printer head heats the label with a temperature-sensitive layer and this is how the image appears.
Thermal label printers, both industrial and desktop, are ideal for barcode printing as they produce accurate and high quality images.

Thermal printers are compact and are used for printing in very confined spaces. Direct Thermal does not waste ink or toner, and you only need a supply of thermal label material.

In contrast, during thermal transfer printing, the print head heats the ink ribbon (ribbon), which transfers wax or resin onto paper or film labels. Printing can be either black or color.

Thermal transfer label printing
Advantages of thermal transfer printers:

• Provides excellent image quality, can be used for many applications
• Accept a wider range of printing materials such as paper and films including polyester and polypropylene materials
• Create very durable labels for products stored in different conditions
• Labels printed this way are great for harsh environments and can withstand extreme temperatures, UV exposure, chemicals, sterilization, some solvents and more.
• They can print in both color and black.

Disadvantages of thermal transfer printers:

• High operational cost
• Replacing an ink ribbon can be difficult and time consuming
• Take longer to load consumables than direct thermal
• Always select the correct ribbons (ribbons) required
• Low grade ribbons can cause excessive ink build-up requiring more frequent cleaning
• Disposal of used ink ribbons can be viewed as not an environmentally friendly process

Applications for thermal transfer labels:

• Delivery and logistics, mailing, parcel identification;
• Archives, file and folder tracking;
• Inventory identification;
• Retail labels,
• Laboratories, storage in freezers.

Thermal label printing
Advantages of Direct Thermal Printers:

• Cost less than inkjet, laser, and thermal transfer printers
• No ribbon, ink or toner needed
• Durable and easy to use
• More environmentally friendly as you don't have to recycle used ink ribbons.

Disadvantages of direct thermal printers:

• Thermal label images may fade over time
• Overheating of the material from which the labels are made can lead to darkening of the labels, and the information printed on them becomes unreadable
• Label smudges if rubbed well
• Limited choice of label materials
• Causes more wear on the printhead, therefore more frequent printhead replacement is expected
• Black and white print only

Applications for direct thermal labels:

• Shipping labels,
• Retail labels,
• Inventory identification;
• receipts,
• Coupon labels, event tickets;
• Parking tickets
• Passes and other short term markings.

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From this article you will learn

• What is thermal transfer printing
• How thermal transfer printing differs from thermal printing
• How the thermal transfer printing process works
• Where is thermal transfer printing applied?

Thermal transfer printing is a method of applying an image to an intermediate carrier (tape or ribbon) with its further transfer to the prepared material. The fixing process is carried out by short-term exposure (from 5 to 30 seconds) to a temperature of 120 ° C to 190 ° C. Thermal transfer printing is characterized by high strength of ink adhesion to the material. At the same time, it is profitable to use this type of printing even with a small order.

How does thermal transfer printing work?

Thermal transfer printing is preferred by many today. This is due to its wide range of applications. What is she like? In this printing method, ink is applied to the substrate using thermal transfer ribbons, which are heated at designated locations.

Thermal transfer printing allows you to select a material with optimal protective properties and performance characteristics.

For the first time, the technique of thermal transfer printing using ribbons began to be used in Japan for printing hieroglyphs. The pioneer of this printing method was the Japanese corporation SATO, which also introduced thermal transfer printing into production. Since the 1980s, this type of printing has been used for bar coding and automatic product identification.

Thermal transfer barcode printing quickly became popular, as it can be used directly at the workplace without unnecessary complications and fully meets the requirement of automatic identification systems.

Thermal Transfer and Thermal Printing: Differences and Benefits of Each Type

Thermal transfer printing- such a printing method in which the thermal head of the printer heats up the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the ink layer from the thermal transfer ribbon is transferred to the labels for thermal transfer printing (you can use a large number of materials made of paper or synthetics - it depends on the class of the ribbon for thermal transfer printing).

Thermal printing is carried out in the following way: the thermal head of the printer heats up the thermal label (consumable), as a result of which an image appears. Printers used for this printing method are called "thermal printers". Thermal printing is relevant in the following cases, if:

• the goods on which the drawing will be applied assume a short storage period (then the burnout of thermal labels is not critical);
• products will not be exposed to high temperatures or high humidity;
• products will not be repeatedly sorted and transported from place to place.

Thermal transfer printing using thermal transfer tape guarantees no fading over time, and also allows you to achieve greater resistance to abrasion and external negative influences, especially when using RESIN class thermal transfer tape.

Thermal transfer printing is considered more difficult and consumable than other printing methods. This is due to the fact that this technology assumes the presence of an additional consumable material - thermal transfer tape. But the use of this technology has its own advantages (depending on the class of thermal transfer tape):

• the image retains its color for a long time even with active external influences;
• the resulting pattern is abrasion resistant;
• the image will be resistant to the influence of aggressive environments;
• high speed printing;
• printing barcodes with high resolution, which makes them easier to read with a scanner;
• printing on various materials (paper of various types - coated, uncoated, varnished; cardboard (even laminated); synthetic materials - PE, PP, PET ...).

How laser transfer printing works

A full color laser printer and thermal transfer paper are used to print the selected image. Laser toner contains only 2% of dye pigments, the remaining 98% is plastic. The plastic melts during printing on thermal transfer paper and is transferred to the paper. Then it solidifies at room temperature. Melting the toner base under the influence of high temperature is the basis of laser thermal transfer. Thermal transfer paper for laser printing with a frozen image is applied to the intended place of the printed product and pressed with a heat press. The plastic layer of the thermal transfer paper, together with the plastic image, melts again and sticks to the fabric. That is, thermal transfer paper in this case acts like an artist's brush: it absorbs paints and transfers them to the printed material.

How is thermal transfer printing carried out?

Thermal transfer ribbons

In thermal transfer printing, the key role is played by the thermal transfer ribbon - ribbon:

• a coloring layer is applied to the synthetic material (as a rule, we are talking about a polyester film);
• when the print head of the printer moves, the solid dye heats up and melts;
• during the melting process, parts of the image are transferred to the printed material.

The thermal transfer ribbon class determines the material options to be printed on.

It, in turn, is determined by the material of the ink layer used - the most commonly used thermal transfer tape based on wax ( WAX), based on resin ( RESIN) or based on wax and resin ( WAX / RESIN).

The structure of a thermal transfer tape is a synthetic film, on one side of which there is a dye that melts under the influence of an elevated temperature. The reverse side is treated with a special coating that protects the print head of the printer from the accumulation of static electricity.

Thermal transfer ribbon color options: blue, black, red, green, gold. If you use a ribbon of the same color, the image will be monotonous - this means that it will have the same color as the ribbon dye. When the task is to print a multi-colored image, printing is carried out in stages: the ink ribbons replace each other as many times as the shades are used in the picture. The thermal transfer tape itself looks like a roll of polyester tape.

Depending on the type of thermal transfer printer used, the following two types of winding are used:

• IN- with a coloring layer inside (thermal transfer printers from Datamax);
• OUT- paint layer outward (printers Argox, Citizen, Godex, Zebra).

Thermal transfer tape consists of the following elements:

• Ribbon top coating. It is applied on top of the ink layer to make the adhesion between the ink and the printed material even better, to increase the resistance of the image to external influences.
• Dye layer is a hot-melt dye, the thermal transfer ribbon is heated by the thermal head of the printer at different points, due to which the image is gradually transferred to the printed material; the type of thermal transfer tape depends on the material: WAX (based on wax), RESIN (based on resin), WAX / RESIN (based on a mixture of wax and resin).
• Primer promotes the transfer of dye directly from the tape to the printed material. When the tape is heated, the primer prevents the colorant from adhering to the thermal transfer tape.
• Synthetic material(usually polyester film) is the base of the thermal transfer tape, which ensures its integrity and strength.
• Bottom cover, which protects the printhead of the printer from untimely abrasion, is a special layer necessary to evenly heat the ribbon and remove static electricity.

Thermal Transfer Printer

This is a device for transferring images to various surfaces. First of all, a printer is needed to print all kinds of labels with a high level of wear resistance. Images can be applied to fabric, metal, plastic, thermal board or thermal transfer tape. If thermal transfer printing is carried out according to all the rules, then the finished image, even under the influence of negative environmental factors, will remain unchanged for three years.

A thermal transfer printer is used for applying barcodes or company logos to goods, for marking goods.

Consumables for such a printer are thermal and roll labels, thermal transfer tapes, tags.

Printing an image from such printers is called "thermal transfer" and is carried out under the influence of the plate temperature and the pressure of a heat press with a certain exposure.

Organization of the printing process

A thermal transfer printer prints the image in four steps. For this you need:

1. Create a visual appearance of the label (shape and dimensions).
2. Design the layout (you can use standard Windows programs or contact specialized "label designers".
3. Connect the printer to a PC via a USB cable or infrared port (RS 232 or Wi-Fi interface).
4. Start the printing process (in the "File" menu, the "Print" tab).

Where is thermal transfer printing used?

The maximum print time is three minutes. The image can be one- and multi-color, with various effects (glare, night glow).

As a basis for applying thermal transfer printing, the following are most often used:

• T-shirts and T-shirts (synthetic and natural materials);
• caps;
• work clothes;
• flags;
• signboards;
• pennants;
• Leather Products;
• mugs;
• labels;
• plastic and metal plates;
• cups and dishes;
• stripes;
• sports uniform;
• scarves, bandanas;
• advertising cowards (there are some);
• socks;
• bags, backpacks;
• puzzles - mosaic;
• mouse pads;
• clock - dials;
• diplomas on metal, wood;
• key rings;
• nameplates.

Thermal transfer printing on T-shirts

The most commonly used thermal transfer printing on T-shirts. The technology of applying various prints to T-shirts consists of several stages. Do not forget that the picture is first applied to paper, which acts as an intermediate material, therefore, the print should be applied to the paper in a mirror image, and on the T-shirt it will already be displayed correctly.

In order to get the finished image, you need to carry out several preparatory steps:

• With the help of a computer program, make a layout of the future image. For us, this is a number, an inscription and, if necessary, additional images. All this is determined by the customer, based on his own wishes.
• The image will be printed on special thermal transfer paper. In addition to the paper base, there is a thin film in it, on which the picture falls, and then transferred to the fabric along with it. A special cutting device (plotter) makes the shape of the film follow the contours of the drawing.
• The image on the film / paper is applied to a T-shirt / sweatshirt, etc. The fabric with a layer of paper is placed in a heat press, where, under the influence of high pressure and high temperature, the film is literally implanted into a certain place.
• In a heat press, the item is kept for some time, after which the item cools down, and is now ready to be worn without restrictions.

Thermal transfer printing with film is considered convenient because:

• The result is an image with a high degree of definition: the smallest or thinnest lines and elements of the image are printed and transferred without problems. This is especially true if you need to print inscriptions made in thin fonts.
• Thermal transfer printing can be used to apply images to hard-to-reach areas of clothing. If it is quite easy to apply an image to a T-shirt or sweatshirt, then problems may arise with applying images to items of clothing with a complex cut. But you won't have such difficulties with thermal transfer printing. Thermal transfer printing makes it possible to transfer the image even to the most inconvenient place.
• With thermal transfer printing, you can seal any number of things: make an exclusive T-shirt in a single copy or create a batch of sweatshirts for the staff of one company. The customer only needs to decide on the circulation.
• Thermal transfer printing is pleasant to the touch. The drawing is embossed and pleasant to touch (while direct ink can be uncomfortable to touch).
• Thermal transfer printing is characterized by a high level of image durability (especially when compared with silk-screen printing or batik). Such clothes need to be looked after more carefully than clothes bought in a store, but there are no complicated reservations in the rules of care.
• Thermal transfer creates a full-color drawing, its quality is close to photographic. When it comes to custom-designed T-shirts, this is often a decisive factor in the choice of printing method. With the help of thermal transfer, you can transfer images or photos of any level of complexity and color palette to fabric.

Thermal transfer printing on fabrics has its limitations:

• It is not recommended to wash clothes with a print in a washing machine: despite the durability of the image, sooner or later such an aggressive effect may begin to destroy its structure.
• Thermal transfer printing on colored fabrics is generally more durable than colored fabrics.

Thermal transfer can be called one of the most accurate, fast and durable ways to print any garment. All you need is a layout, film, plotter and heat press.

Thermal transfer printing on cups

After T-shirts, this is the second most popular application for thermal transfer printing. To improve adhesion, it is better to take mugs with a special coating, with good adhesion. After printing, the surface of solid objects is usually coated with polymer varnish.

Of course, despite some drawbacks, thermal transfer printing technology has shown itself well in different circumstances and will be an excellent option for those wishing to start a printing business.

Iron-on and iron-on transfers

• accentuate the corporate identity;
• make the brand more recognizable;
• contribute to the formation of unity in the firm;
• create special differences from competitors;
• bring pleasure to people of all ages, especially children.

Thermal transfer label printing

Note that any trading company in its activities cannot do without a printer for printing labels. In reality, the presence of a thermal transfer printer makes it possible to reduce the time for performing certain operations and create a truly unique type of product.

It is advisable to resort to thermal printing if you need to make a label, coupon, check or tickets for an event. This procedure does not take much time (and money). At the same time, the print is sensitive to temperature and may become darker with prolonged use.

Thermal transfer labels are usually applied to nylon, cardboard or self-adhesive paper. This happens quite quickly, even if the circulation is very large. Thermal transfer printing can also be used for printing on fabric labels, tags, and it will be able to withstand washing at high temperatures.

Thermal transfer printing technology is relevant for the identification of long-term storage products, as well as for the creation of outdoor labels, located on goods that are stored in harsh operating conditions.

In addition to thermal transfer printing, there are many ways to apply images and texts to a variety of media and materials.

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Or labels, then you need to understand the terminology and get answers to the basic questions that arise when choosing the type of printing (respectively, label printer) or consumables.

A conventional laser printer or a dedicated label printer?

• label printer designed to apply variable (variable) information from label to label.
• there is no need to cut the printed labels from the sheet. Saves time and paper.
• thermal / thermal transfer printer is able to print labels at high speed and high resolution, not available with a conventional laser printer.
• industrial grade thermal / thermal transfer printers have a rugged iron case, making them suitable for use in industrial or warehouse environments.
• support for printing most barcode symbols.
• a large number of optional devices that help to increase the efficiency of the labeling process, for example, an integrated cutter, a printed label separator, a print quality verifier, etc.

Print type. Direct thermal or thermal transfer printing. What are the differences?

• Direct thermal. The thermal paper label is heated by the printer's thermal head to form an image.
• Thermal transfer printing. The thermal head of the printer heats up the intermediate media - thermal transfer ink ribbon (ribbon). The ink layer from the ribbon is transferred directly to the label made of paper, cardboard or synthetics.

Choosing the perfect print type for you and your business?

The choice of the type of printing is dictated by the requirements for the label.

The main qualities of the label:

• material,
• durability,
• resistance to sunlight, temperature extremes and other weather conditions,
• abrasion resistance,
• resistance to aggressive environments.

Having determined the requirements for the label, you will not be mistaken in choosing the type of printing.

• material only heat-sensitive paper (possibly with different coatings),
• not durable (service life up to 6 months under ideal conditions),
• not resistant to sunlight, heat,
• not resistant to abrasion,
• not resistant to aggressive media.

Conclusion: thermal printing is used where long-term operation of the label is not required, there are no significant temperature changes (for example, food with a short shelf life, mail, registration badges, goods with a quick sale time, etc.).

• material paper, cardboard, synthetic film, plastic, etc.,
• durable
• resistant to weather conditions,
• abrasion resistant,
• can be resistant to aggressive media

Conclusion: thermal transfer printing for marking various equipment or goods with a long shelf life or use. By selecting the label material and the corresponding ribbon, you can achieve the necessary print quality, such as resistance to weather conditions or aggressive environments (oil, gasoline, etc.), resistance to strong heat, etc.

Thermal printer or thermal transfer printer? What is more profitable?

Direct thermal a more economical option, despite the fact that the cost of a thermal label is higher than the cost of a thermal transfer one. Thermal printing does not imply the use of additional consumables - ribbon (thermal transfer ink ribbon).

Buying a printer operating in thermal transfer mode, you get two types of printing in one machine, since the printer allows you to print with or without ribbon. The lack of a thermal transfer unit in the printer limits its capabilities to direct thermal printing only.

With direct thermal printing, the thermal head of the printer is subjected to greater stress, as it comes into direct contact with the label, which causes increased wear on this element. In thermal transfer printing, the thermal head works in a sparing mode, since the printing takes place through an intermediate carrier (ribbon).

Determining the required print resolution?

Printing at 203dpi resolution is a solution for printing simple labels, the information from which is readable by the operator. As a rule, such a resolution does not imply the printing of compact two-dimensional symbols. Printing at 305dpi is the standard resolution for logistic labels using narrow, compact barcodes, two-dimensional symbology, including simple graphics. 609dpi printing is the ultra-compact label printing solution most commonly used in the electronics industry. Labels usually contain compact linear or two-dimensional bar codes.

Selecting the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon (ribbon)?

There are three main types of ribbon: wax, wax-resin and resin.

Wax labels are intended mainly for printing on paper labels (semi-gloss, matte).

Wax-resin for printing on paper and cardboard, when it is necessary to achieve greater durability of the image.

Resin ribbons for printing on synthetic materials (labels made of polyethylene, polypropylene, textile tapes, etc.).

Choosing an Ink Ribbon Size?

The ribbon winding length is limited by the parameters of the printer you are using. As a rule, compact class printers use ribbons 70-140m long, industrial printers use ribbons up to 600m long.

When choosing a ribbon, pay attention to such an important parameter as the winding side. It can be the ink layer outward (OUT) or the ink layer inward (IN). This parameter is also defined by the printer manufacturer.

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The use of polymer materials for labels
Type of material	Application area
Polyethylene	The material has a high bond strength over a wide temperature range. It is used, in particular, for marking pallets that have been in open warehouses for a long time. High resistance of the material to solvents and chemicals. Working temperature from –10 to +80 degrees. Celsius. The minimum temperature of the gluing surface is +5 degrees. Celsius. The material is recyclable.
Polyolefin	The material provides extremely stable label dimensions. High resistance of the material in aqueous, slightly acidic, alkaline, saline, albumin solutions. Print speed up to 152 mm / sec. The working temperature of self-adhesive labels is from –40 to +100 degrees. Celsius. The minimum temperature of the gluing surface is +5 degrees. Celsius.
Polyvinyl chloride	Used for marking on curved and uneven surfaces. The material provides high resistance to atmospheric precipitation. Print speed up to 101 mm / sec. Working temperature from –20 to +100 degrees. Celsius. The minimum temperature of the gluing surface is +5 degrees. Celsius.
Polypropylene	For labels, biaxially oriented polypropylene of extremely high transparency is used, as well as matte white or matte colored. It is used for marking in the chemical, medical and food industries. High resistance of the material to oils, alcohols, blood and water. Working temperature from –20 to +100 degrees. Celsius. The minimum temperature of the gluing surface is +5 degrees. Celsius.
Polyester	The material provides exceptionally high print quality and adhesion of the label to the surface over a wide temperature range. High resistance of the material to oils, alcohols, blood and water. Working temperature from –40 to +150 degrees. Celsius. The minimum temperature of the gluing surface is 0 degrees. Celsius.
Polyamide	The material provides exceptional print quality under extreme conditions. High resistance of the material in chemically aggressive environments. Operating temperature from –40 to +190 degrees. Celsius. The minimum temperature of the gluing surface is +4 degrees. Celsius.

Thermal and thermal transfer printing is very common in the life of any person. Even without noticing it, we are constantly in contact with thermal labels printed in these ways. You meet with thermal printing every day, for example, hanging fruits or vegetables in hypermarkets. Thermal transfer printing is less common, in everyday life, mainly when buying equipment and electronics.

Thermal printing

Thermal printing was developed in 1984 by HP. The printing of marking is carried out by heating the print head and then applying information to the label under the influence of temperature without the use of coloring elements. This is the cheapest way to print. Thermal printed and glued markings on the product have a short lifespan. There are tapes for thermal printing with an additional varnish coating, this protection allows you to increase the life of the image on the label by 2-3 weeks. The standard life of a thermal printed label is 6 months, this printing method is used:

♦ Trade in food and household chemicals. Hypermarkets, shops, supermarkets, fast sales of goods.
♦ In transport services. A receipt printed by a bus or minibus driver is produced by thermal printing.
♦ At parcel sorting centers in transport companies.
♦ On trading construction sites in settlements. Markets and construction stores within the city.

Thermal transfer printing

Thermal transfer printing appeared in the late 1980s. It is believed that this is the next stage in the development of thermal printing, but this is not the case. Thermal and thermal transfer labels combines only the use of temperature at the time of printing the image on paper. Thermal transfer label obtained with a ribbon (ribbon). Printing is carried out on:

♦ Plastic
♦ Film
♦ Plain paper
♦ Cardboard
♦ Fabric

Application of the image using a ribbon allows you to make a resistant label to:

♦ Low and high temperature
♦ Mechanical stress
♦ Aggressive environment

The use of ribbon allows you to apply multi-color images to the product label. 3D printing of product marking is possible. The method of applying the image to the product label by thermal transfer printing resembles stamping under the influence of temperature. The price of printing such a label is higher compared to thermal printing. This is due to the use of ink ribbon and its cost.

Thermal and thermal transfer labels.
What is the difference between the two technologies for applying information to a product?

Let's take a look at the main differences between these types of printing:

	Thermal printing	Thermal transfer printing
Print surface	Only possible to print on paper with a thermal layer	On any material using ink ribbon
Consumables	Burn printing, without consumables	Applying an image to a label coloring materials
Marking color	Black and white and one color labels	Multi-color 2D and 3D barcodes
Durability	up to 6 months	from 6 months to 10 years (depending on used surface)
Resistance to external factors	Fading over time under exposure to sunlight	Withstands aggressive environments, drops temperatures and exposure to sunlight
Print quality		Medium and high
The cost of printing a label		Medium and high

With such a cardinal difference in the idea of ​​printing, the printing printers themselves differ only in the presence of a device for winding an ink ribbon and a mechanism for feeding it. Thermal transfer printers are more expensive than thermal printers.

conclusions

In Russia, thermal labels and thermal transfer labels are most often used. The differences between these labels are listed above, they are used in different temperature and operating conditions. The main criterion will be the individual conditions for the production and storage of labeled goods.

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It should be noted that thermal printing is the principle of transfer by means of a special medium, which, with an increase in temperature indicators, changes its color. As for the base, it can be different - it is allowed to use cardboard and various types of textiles. Subject to the rules for the operation of the equipment and the use of high-quality materials for thermal printing, it will not be difficult to apply a drawing even on a cotton or synthetic blank. Products processed according to all the rules are characterized by a long service life without losing the original brightness and legibility of inscriptions and images. The quality of the pattern is not affected by direct exposure to ultraviolet rays, and even repeated washing.

Based on the goals set, in the process you may need:

• roll labels with a thermal effect and a self-adhesive base;
• thermal cardboard (maybe with or without notching);
• cash or receipt thermal tape;
• paper for faxes.

Naturally, equipment for thermal printing plays an important role, namely, which should be suitable in terms of speed and productivity of work.

Considering in detail what thermal printing is, it becomes clear that the main feature is the occurrence of a chemical reaction inside one of the layers of the material. Being highly sensitive to high temperatures, this part of the workpiece, under the influence of the thermal printing head, changes colors, forming a certain combination of lines and symbols.

A large number of heating points are located inside the thermal head, which gradually transfer heat energy to a special carrier. In this case, the distance between the elements determines the print resolution, and the program embedded in the printer alternates the heating areas to create the name of the image that the user needs.

Thermal printing involves the following actions:

• creating a vector image using a graphics editor;
• loading a film into the plotter, which consists of a thermal layer, an adhesive composition and a transparent base;
• fixing the base with the pattern in the right place and starting the heat press.

The obvious disadvantages of this technology include not too high print resolution and the need to use special media.

On the other hand, the method also has important advantages, for example:

• minimum of consumables;
• low noise levels when the printer is activated;
• ease of the process;
• portability and compactness of equipment;
• increased surface processing speed (about 400 millimeters per second);
• low cost of prints, which is very important for the mass production of labels;
• low operating costs;
• reliability of the result due to the small number of moving elements.