Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Labels

Thermal transfer printing is the optimal method for producing free format, on demand text and images. It's advantages include low cost printers and media (labels & ribbons), high image definition, quiet printing and rapid print speeds. Thermal transfer printing is more permanent than many printing methods because it makes use of a ribbon which is melted or fused into the face-stock (label or tag). A prime example of a thermal transfer tag is a UPC tag on a garment. Direct thermal printing is less durable because no ribbon is used and the face-stock is coated with a heat reactive chemical which allows an image to be "burned" into the material. Unfortunately, this also makes direct thermal stock susceptible to a yellowing or browning condition when exposed to UV light or heat. A good example of a direct thermal label is a common bakery label.

Flash4.com maintains an ample supply of thermal transfer and direct thermal standard 8" outside diameter rolls, the less common 6" diameter rolls and even fan-folded stock for immediate shipment to your customers. We also have one of the largest selections in the US of the popular small diameter Eltron labels. These small rolls are common for UPS printers and the newer portable printers.

For additional information on thermal printing see our FAQ page.

Printer Capabilities

Our high quality labels and tags are designed for use in every Zebra, Intermec, Eltron, Sato, UBI, Datamax, Monarch, TEC, Brady, DH Technology, Codewriter, Microcom, Weber, Lowry, Tharo, Printronix, Soabar, Wallace, Willett and Matthews printer. We haven't seen a thermal printer yet that we can't create suitable labels and tags for.