Printing Terms: What Are Thermal Labels?

Despite labels being a generally uncomplicated product, the world surrounding labels is deep and complex. Thermal Printing, for instance, is a very commonly used designation of label products, but what does it mean?

In short, Thermal Printing is a method of printing that creates an image by heating and cooling a set of dots, which are then dragged over specialized thermal paper, turning the heated areas dark. The printing process is applied primarily using four main parts:

• Thermal head – creates the heat and prints on the paper
• Platen – a rubber roller that feeds the paper into the machine
• Spring – applies pressure to the thermal head, causing it to press onto the thermal paper
• Controller boards – used to control the machine

So after knowing the process, why choose Thermal Printing? Simply put, the enhanced quality and speed of Thermal Printing is what sets it apart from the common every-day “dot-matrix” printing. By virtue of its speed, we can provide rolls of labels for any business in rapid time, and by virtue of its quality, the durability ensures no print will be too light or faded.

At Print.Save.Repeat., our goal is to help you navigate the confusing terminology of labels as best we can, and offer the products and services your company needs at the fairest price and highest quality. Feel free to call us any time at 800-587-1173 for any questions, comments, or concerns and we’ll be glad to assist you.