| So, you just bought your first thermal transfer printer | | | | be on a product outside. Now you are faced with a |
| and now you have to find the perfect label for your | | | | dilemna of finding a low cost label material that will give |
| printing application. | | | | you barcode smudge resistance and resistance to |
| Thermal printers are great for printing shipping labels, | | | | water. Polyester labels can be very expensive and |
| warehouse rack labels, barcode labels, asset labels | | | | overkill for this application. Consider using a poly blend |
| and product identification labels. Choosing the right label | | | | material like a polyetholene, polyolephin or a Kimdura |
| material can be one of the most important decisions | | | | label stock. These materials are more expensive than |
| you make. If you are printing shipping labels or barcode | | | | paper but will not break the bank for your application. |
| identification labels for retail, the label does not have | | | | Polyester labels are ideal for exposure to chemicals |
| that long of a shelf life. A simple thermal transfer label | | | | and high temperatures. They are also great for holding |
| and wax ribbon combo will work just fine or even a | | | | up to the elements. Many asset labels are printed in |
| direct thermal. Keep in mind that direct thermal labels | | | | polyester because you want them to be around for |
| are heat sensitive and can fade and blacken over | | | | the life of the product. If you still need more durability, |
| time. Direct thermal tends to be more expensive than | | | | consider anodized aluminum labels or tags for your |
| thermal transfer labels, but you don't have to change | | | | application. These have the image preprinted on them |
| out a ribbon or factor in that cost. | | | | and baked into the material. You will pay a bundle for |
| Perhaps you will need to print location or rack labels | | | | these, but if it's going to last forever, it's worth the |
| for your warehouse or maybe a shipping label that will | | | | investment. |