Not sure whether you need direct thermal or thermal transfer labels?
This quick guide explains the difference, how to identify the label type you already have, and what terms such as wide edge leading and narrow edge leading mean when ordering labels.
Which type of label do I need?
The easiest place to start is with your label printer.
If your printer uses a thermal transfer ribbon, you will usually need thermal transfer labels.
If your printer prints without a ribbon, you will need direct thermal labels.
Some label printers can operate in both direct thermal and thermal transfer modes. If you have one of these printers, the best option will depend on how the label is being used and how long the printed information needs to remain readable.
Thermal Transfer Labels
Thermal transfer printing uses a ribbon positioned between the printhead and the label.
Heat from the printhead transfers ink from the ribbon onto the label surface, creating a durable printed image.
Thermal transfer is a good choice when labels need to remain readable for longer periods or may be exposed to more demanding conditions.
Different combinations of label material and ribbon can be selected according to the application, from everyday carton and product identification through to more durable labels for long-term use.
Thermal transfer may be suitable for:
- Product and carton identification
- Asset and serial number labels
- Warehouse and inventory labels
- Long-term product labelling
- Applications requiring more durable print
The ribbon also sits between the printhead and label during printing, helping to reduce direct contact with the label surface.
Direct Thermal Labels
Direct thermal labels do not require a ribbon.
Instead, the label has a heat-sensitive coating. When the printhead applies heat to the surface, the coating reacts and turns dark to create the printed image.
This makes direct thermal printing simple and convenient, particularly for labels that only need to remain readable for a relatively short period.
However, because the label surface reacts to heat, direct thermal print can gradually darken or fade when exposed to conditions such as heat, strong light or friction.
Direct thermal labels are commonly used for:
- Shipping and courier labels
- Short-term product identification
- Fresh food and date labels
- Temporary warehouse labels
- Other short-life labelling applications
There is no ribbon to replace, but direct thermal is not always the best choice where labels need to remain readable for extended periods.
Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal: What’s the Difference?
| Direct Thermal | Thermal Transfer |
| No ribbon required | Requires a ribbon |
| Heat reacts directly with the label surface | Heat transfers ink from the ribbon |
| Best suited to shorter-life applications | Better suited to longer-term identification |
| Can be affected by heat, light and friction | Generally provides more durable print |
| Common for shipping and temporary labels | Common for product, asset and industrial labels |
How Can I Tell Which Type of Label I Have?
There is a simple test you can try.
Take a ruler, fingernail or another object with a firm edge and quickly rub it across the surface of the label using a bit of pressure.
If a dark or black line appears, the label is most likely direct thermal.
If the surface simply shows a slight indentation or rub mark without turning black, it is likely to be a thermal transfer label.
Be careful not to press hard enough to damage the label.
Why Does the Scratch Test Work?
Direct thermal labels contain a heat-sensitive coating.
Dragging a hard edge quickly across the label creates a small amount of heat through friction. This activates the coating and produces the dark line.
The same sensitivity to heat is one of the reasons direct thermal labels are generally recommended for shorter-term applications.
Heat, strong light and repeated friction can all affect the appearance of the label over time.
What Does Leading Edge Mean?
When ordering labels on a roll, you may see the terms wide edge leading or narrow edge leading.
This describes which edge of the label comes off the roll first.
The correct orientation can be important depending on your printer or labelling application.
Wide Edge Leading
Wide edge leading means the longest edge of the label comes off the roll first.
For example, on a 60mm x 30mm label, the 60mm edge would lead as the label comes off the roll.
When looking at the label as it feeds towards you, this is similar to a landscape orientation.
Narrow Edge Leading
Narrow edge leading means the shortest edge of the label comes off the roll first.
For example, on a 30mm x 60mm label, the 30mm edge would lead as the label comes off the roll.
When looking at the label as it feeds towards you, this is similar to a portrait orientation.
Still Not Sure Which Labels You Need?
If you’re replacing an existing roll, the easiest option is often to check the printer model, label dimensions and whether the printer currently uses a ribbon.
If you’re still unsure, contact Internet Labels with your printer make and model, label size and application and we’ll help you identify a suitable option.