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Printing Technologies |
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Making the right choices when it comes to label or tag printing can be difficult and in some cases critical. Today's technologies include thermal transfer, direct thermal and line matrix. Each can produce labels and tags on demand with bar code, text, and graphics, but one may be better suited for a particular application. So, how do you decide which is right for you? It all depends on your situation. Some questions you should consider:
These are just a few factors that can determine which printing technology to choose. At Ahearn & Soper, we've been asking our customers these types of questions for over 25 years. We'll work with you to ensure you have the right printer for the job at hand. Give us a call and let us help you determine which technology best fits your application. |
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Thermal Transfer
This method uses a thermal printhead which applies heat to a ribbon, melting ink onto the material to form the image. The ink is absorbed so that the image becomes part of the media. This technique provides image quality and durability that is unmatched by other on-demand printing technologies.
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Another advantage of thermal transfer printers is they can accept a wider variety of media than direct thermal models, such as paper, polyester, and polypropylene materials. Specific label materials and ribbons must be carefully matched to ensure print performance and durability. In addition to printing common labels, tags, and tickets, thermal transfer printers can create extremely durable wristbands, asset tags, and certification labels. |
By selecting the right media-ribbon combination, along with specialty adhesives, users can create archival-quality labels to withstand temperature extremes, ultraviolet exposure, chemicals, sterilization, and more.
Some examples of typical thermal transfer applications include: product identification, circuit board tracking, permanent identification, sample and file tracking, asset tagging, inventory identification, certification labels such as UL/CSA, laboratory specimens, cold storage and freezers, and outdoor applications.
Direct Thermal
Printers using this technology must use special media which has been chemically treated, making it heat-sensitive. When material passes under a thermal printhead, the transferred heat blackens the area. An advantage of this method is the printer doesn't require ink, toner, or ribbons. This can result in a lower cost to operate than inkjet, laser, impact, and thermal transfer printers. Most mobile printers use direct thermal technology.
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A disadvantage of using thermal media is that printed images can fade over time. If a label is overexposed to heat, light, or other catalysts, the material may darken, making the text or bar code unreadable. For these reasons, direct thermal printing is not used for lifetime identification applications. The readability of direct thermal labels, wristbands, and receipt papers varies greatly, depending on the usage conditions, but the technology provides ample lifespan for many common bar code printing applications including shipping labels, patient and visitor identification, receipts, and ticket printing. For example, direct thermal labels can easily remain scannable after spending six months in storage in a distribution center, and direct thermal patient wristbands have a special coating that makes them water- and chemical-resistant. |
Line Matrix
A line matrix printer uses impact technology that prints a line at a time. Printronix pioneered this technology in 1974. The print mechanism consists of a row of dot hammers almost as wide as the page. The hammers are mounted on a shuttle that oscillates back and forth approximately two inches in a track. These hammers are magnetically released at the appropriate time and bang into a ribbon and onto the paper, creating the image. Line matrix resolution can go up to 180 dpi and attain print speeds up 2,000 lines per minute.
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These industrial strength printers were first used as forms printers, but evolved to print graphics, in addition to forms.. Later, they were pressed into service as large-format label and barcode printers. With a very low cost of operation, line matrix printers are still the core output devices of most businesses today. Ahearn & Soper has been selling, supporting and servicing Printronix line matrix printers since 1976. |
To learn more about our products and services, call 1-800-263-4258 or email us at salesdept@ahearn.com
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