7 myths about thermal transfer printing
While thermal printing has been around for decades, many myths still exist about thermal transfer and labels. Since the correct identification of the sample is very important, it is important to know the facts when choosing a label. Below, we list some of the most common misconceptions about thermal transfer printing and explain why these statements are inherently false.
1 – All thermal printers are the same
There are actually two types of thermal printers: thermal printers and thermal transfer printers. While both use heat to generate printouts, they use very different methods. Thermal printers use paper coated with a special leuco dye that changes color when heated. This means that, unlike all other printers, thermal printers do not require any additional ink source, making them the first choice for retailers to print receipts. However, thermal transfer printers use ribbon to print. The printhead will heat the ribbon to transfer ink from the ribbon to the facestock. The choice of thermal printing method usually depends on the application, and thermal transfer labels are more resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures.
2 – Any type of label material will do
It is generally believed that the electrical resistance of thermal transfer labels is independent of the label facestock. While thermal transfer labels are usually made from thermoplastic films, paper labels can also be used with lab label printers, but this is often not ideal. If you're using thermal transfer printouts, you probably need them for a reason, such as low temperature storage or strong solvents. Paper labels absorb all liquids, from water to alcohol, causing them to shrink and fall off the container.
3 – They are less environmentally friendly
Thermal transfer labels offer greater customization than other printing methods, offering a variety of eco-friendly options when using thermal transfer printers. This includes solvent-free ribbons that significantly reduce the carbon footprint per roll with zero impact on print quality, labels made from recycled materials, and fully compostable labels. Also, thermal transfer printers use small ink ribbons and only print labels on rolls. This means you only print what you need, reducing overall waste.
4 – All Ribbons Are Alike
Thermal transfer printer ribbons can be made from wax, resin, or a mixture of the two. Resin ribbons will give you maximum protection from extreme temperatures, chemicals and abrasion compared to wax alone or a mixture of the two. Resin ribbons offer more value due to their improved print output quality.
5 – Thermal transfer labels will stick to anything
Not all products are created equal when it comes to thermal transfer labels. Thermal transfer printouts are still legible in many harsh environments, but the label's adhesive will determine whether it will still stick to the container. For example, only CryoSTUCK® labels can be applied to surfaces that have been frozen, while chemical-resistant labels are produced using adhesives designed to resist harsh solvents such as xylene, toluene and alcohol. However, all labels in roll form can be printed with thermal transfer printers.
6 – Thermal transfer printers are relatively expensive
Standard thermal transfer printers range from 450 to 3000, while desktop laser printers range from 200 to 10,000. Also, due to the portability of thermal transfer printers, the cost can be borne by multiple labs or departments, as printers can be more easily carried or moved between workstations than laser printers. Also, the unit cost per label is generally lower than most other printers, because the ribbon doesn't need to be replaced as often as ink cartridges or toner, and you only print what you need without wasting labels.
7 – It doesn't matter where I get the tag
Not all labels are created equal. Chemical-resistant labels can withstand occasional exposure to ethanol, other alcohols, and even xylene, but it may not be suitable for immersion/prolonged exposure to these chemicals; low-temperature labels may be ideal for -196 degree storage, but depending on their size and container's properties (surface type/shape), it may fail in liquid nitrogen. Whatever the purpose you need the label for, whether it's tolerance to xylene during histological analysis, or cryogenics for freezing patient specimens or primary cell lines, it's best to obtain labels from reputable manufacturers that use only high-quality raw materials And provide a reliable label printing service. They will also test them beforehand to make sure they won't fail, and will often provide you with samples to make sure they're a perfect fit for your unique conditions.
