DescriptionWith direct thermal printing no ribbon is required: the label image is produced by the heat of the printhead. It is a fast, low‑cost solution for high‑volume labelling, commonly used in warehouses, logistics operators and short‑cycle food industries.
Main properties- Maximum operating temperature: up to +60°C.
- Moisture resistance: low (varies by construction).
- Printing system: direct thermal (no ribbon required).
- Consumable required: label only.
Typical applications- Shipping and short‑cycle logistics in dry indoor environments.
- Product, price and picking labels in warehouses.
- Standard food labelling without prolonged exposure to moisture or UV.
- Traceability and batch identification in distribution and point of sale.
Compatible adhesivesAcrylic permanent standard for indoor logistics; removable for price/promotional labels; hot‑melt for recycled cardboard; frozen‑food formulations from −10 °C.
Material variants- ECO standard: general logistics use, minimal cost per label, shelf life up to 12 months indoors.
- High sensitivity: optimized for high speeds or low‑energy printheads.
- Synthetic PP: basic moisture resistance without ribbon; lightweight alternative to coated paper, suitable for humid environments and cold rooms.
- Food‑grade: constructed for indirect contact with food (formulation compliant with food regulations).
Technical comparison (Direct thermal vs Thermal transfer)Characteristic — Direct thermal — Thermal transfer
Consumable required — Label only — Label + ribbon
Operating cost — Low — Medium / high
Image durability — Limited — High
Print speed — Very high — High
Typical application — Logistics / Distribution / Retail — Permanent identification
Constructions and substrate specifications- Standard thermal paper: reference option for shipping labels, receipts and short‑life waybills. High thermal sensitivity for fast printing. Image durability: 6–9 months indoors. Moisture resistance: low. Formats: die‑cut rolls / zig‑zag.
- Thermal paper with top coat: incorporates a top layer protecting the thermal image against moisture, grease and light abrasion. Extended image life; medium‑high moisture resistance. Formats: rolls / zig‑zag.
- Direct thermal PP (synthetic PP): synthetic substrate with heat‑sensitive layer, tear‑resistant and water‑resistant. Operating temperature: −20°C to +60°C. Moisture resistance: high. Material: synthetic PP. Formats: rolls / zig‑zag. Suitable for cold rooms and frequent water exposure.
- Special solutions: custom configurations on direct thermal base: removable adhesives, high‑tack adhesives, colored facestocks and zig‑zag format for industrial printers. Adhesive: removable / high tack. Facestock color: white / technical colors. Formats: roll / zig‑zag.
Supply formats- Die‑cut rolls on liner (cores 25, 40 and 76 mm; outer diameters up to 200 mm).
- Continuous roll for variable length printing and custom cut/dispense.
- Zig‑zag (accordion) folding for large volumes without roll change.
Usage notes- Direct thermal is ideal when label lifetime is short and print speed is a key factor.
- It is not recommended when documented readability beyond 12–18 months is required, or under continuous exposure to heat, UV, heavy abrasion or aggressive solvents/chemicals.
- For color images, consider preprinted colored facestocks combined with a thermal zone for variable data.
Technical characteristics / specifications- Service temperature: up to +60°C (thermal PP: −20°C to +60°C).
- Print durability: Standard paper ~6–12 months; Top Coat 1–3 years indoors; synthetic PP greater durability in humid environments.
- Moisture resistance: low (standard), medium‑high (Top Coat), high (synthetic PP).
- Printing: direct thermal (black image, no ribbon).
- Available formats: die‑cut rolls, continuous roll, zig‑zag/accordion.
- Adhesives: acrylic permanent, removable, hot‑melt, frozen‑food formulations.
- Typical applications: shipping, picking, price labelling and traceability in logistics, retail, food and healthcare (short cycles).