What is direct thermal label?

Direct thermal labels are economical types of labels that print images using direct thermal printing technology. This technology uses a thermal print head that heats specific areas of heat-sensitive thermal paper. The paper passes through the thermal print head, where it blackens to your desired text or images after heated. Two-color direct thermal printers are capable of creating red and black prints by using heat in two temperatures.

What is the difference between thermal and direct thermal transfer?

The main difference is that direct thermal transfer labels do not require a thermal ribbon as with the thermal transfers. This leads to reduced costs, quicker printing process. There is also less damage to the environment since there will be no ink or toner cartridges to dispose. Another difference is that direct thermal transfer labels are susceptible to damage from heat and friction. Thus, direct thermal labels are best for short term or single use labels like shipping packages and receipts. Thermal Transfer requires ribbons and therefore, more costly, but the labels are resistant to heat, moisture, scratching and friction. These are used for long-term labels that can last for 1 year. Product labels, specifically for refrigerators, air conditioners, and other similar appliances where valuable information is indicated. enKo Direct Thermal Labels Process Utilizes a white, chemical treated, heat-sensitive material that blackens once it passes through a thermal printhead. Doesn’t require a thermal ribbon to produce the desired image as the entire process occurs within the label. enKo Thermal Transfer Labels With this type of printing, the thermal printhead directs heat to a ribbon, which then liquefies ink into the media, forming the desired image. Offers highly detailed and durable images that are unrivaled by any other well-established printing technology.

How long does direct thermal label last?

Because direct thermal labels are heat sensitive, they fade and become unreadable and unscannable eventually. The type of label is also sensitive to abrasion, moisture, certain chemicals, and prolonged UV exposure. For these reasons, they are ideal mostly for short-term use, such as shipping labels, receipts, and tickets. Generally, direct thermal labels can last up to 6 – 9 months, depending on the application and the kind of label.

Do thermal labels fade?

Yes, thermal labels are particularly prone to heat and UV light. Thus, prolonged exposure to these kinds of elements will inevitably result in gradual fading. Oil and humidity can also contribute to fading on thermal label images.

Are thermal labels waterproof?

Yes, thermal labels are waterproof. Printing is heavy-duty, making it resilient to water as well as abrasions and chemicals.

What is the suggested temperature for thermal labels to be used at?

Application temperature is suggested at 75ºF (24ºC), while service temperature should be at -115ºF (-81ºC) to 215ºF (102ºC). Applying them to temperatures beyond this range will entail a thermal transfer solution. It will typically require a specialty adhesive to guarantee that the labels remain secure. Application temperature pertains to actual temperature during label application. Service temperature relates to the range of temperatures during and after labeling. For instance, you unpack a new glass container at room temperature. The temperature after labeling the item is the application temperature, which should be at 75ºF (24ºC). When you warm and sterilize the glass container with steam, the temperature being experienced by the productis is the service temperature, which should range between -115ºF (-81ºC) to 215ºF (102ºC).

Can direct thermal label be used in thermal transfer printers and ink printers?

For best results, thermo-sensitive labels should only be used in direct thermal printers. Running them through other machines may result in poor imaging quality.

Do direct thermal printers need ribbons?

Direct thermal printers like Zebra print by applying heat on the labels. That means they don’t require any ribbon, ink or toner, but need a special kind of heat-sensitive paper that darkens when heated. Because of its more straightforward, ribbonless mechanism, the printers are smaller; that’s why most mobile printers use direct thermal technology. With a ribbon-free design, direct thermal printers are also more user-friendly and have fewer parts that can break down. Generally, these label makers are cheaper and don’t require as much maintenance and repairs as thermal transfer printers. And although direct thermal labels are more costly, there’s no need for you to spend money on ribbons when printing them.

Are your labels compatible with direct thermal printers?

Yes, they are compatible with standard direct thermal printers, including the most popular brands.

Which is better for my business?

Each product line has its pros and cons, and the answer depends on what type of print you need for your business. It is always preferable to have a quicker, more efficiency process at less cost, but it would not give you what you need. If you need your labels to last a long time, and not be prone to smearing, fading and smudging, then the enKo thermal transfer label is recommended. It is already the most efficient printing process that adequately fulfills the requirement of a long-lasting, resistant label. If you only need temporary, short-term or single-use labels like receipts and shipping labels, then direct thermal labels are clearly the best option. The printing process is fast, efficient and economical with minimal disposal requirements since there are no ink or toners to purchase. Direct thermal labels can last a maximum of six (6) months and are susceptible to heat, friction or humidity damage. Even under normal circumstances, the prints would be unreadable in six months.

Are direct thermal labels safe to use?

The earliest barcoding thermal papers used the plastic precursors BPA and BPS as developers. Both have weak hormonal (estrogen-like) effects. They have now been replaced by much safer substances. At enKo Products, we guarantee that our direct thermal labels are made of high-quality, non-toxic materials.

Is the use of direct thermal label cost-effective?

Yes, it is. Direct thermal printing does not require ink, toner or disposable ribbons. It eliminates disposal costs and saves time with a more efficient printing process. Additionally, if you purchase your direct thermal labels from enKo Products, you get high-quality merchandise that does not break the bank.

Direct Thermal Labels - Direct Thermal Printer Labels

Choosing your Shipping Labels

Types of Direct Thermal Label
At enKo Products, you can choose from the following options:
- Direct Thermal rolls
- Fanfold Direct Thermal Print Labels
- Multiple colors to suit different needs
We also feature direct thermal rolls that feature a perforated design for convenient stick-and-peel action. You can shop for direct thermal roll labels in different sizes for various types of label printers, such as:
- 3″ core for Industrial Printers
- 1″ core for Desktop Printers
- .75″ or 3 / 4″ core for mobile printers
And lastly, direct thermal printed labels from our inventory also comes in various forms of adhesives for different applications, including:
- All temperature direct thermal adhesive for regular, ambient temperature uses
- Freezer-grade direct thermal adhesive s for environments lower than the freezing point
- Removable direct thermal adhesive for exclusive uses
Where to buy direct thermal printer labels?
You can buy them from specialized shops, suppliers or direct manufacturers. They can be purchased online as well, and have better deals when buying in bulk.

At enko Products, simply go to our shop. To find out the correct thermal labels for your printer, you can use our handy Printer Label Finder. Choose the specific Brand and Model of your printer and then click search. You can even filter your search through label measurements, application, and perforation.
How to Choose Shipping Labels?
When choosing the right labels, regardless of the brand or type, consider these key factors:
- Surface
- Extreme temperatures
- Abrasion resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Indoor / Outdoor
- Print Speed
- Print quality
- Dots per Inch (DPI)
How long do thermal labels last?
After labeling the item with thermal paper, you can expect the label image to maintain readability between 7 – 10 years. That is if the thermal labels are appropriately stored and used on recommended applications under normal labeling conditions.

What is direct thermal label?
Direct thermal labels are economical types of labels that print images using direct thermal printing technology. This technology uses a thermal print head that heats specific areas of heat-sensitive thermal paper. The paper passes through the thermal print head, where it blackens to your desired text or images after heated. Two-color direct thermal printers are capable of creating red and black prints by using heat in two temperatures.
What is the difference between thermal and direct thermal transfer?
The main difference is that direct thermal transfer labels do not require a thermal ribbon as with the thermal transfers. This leads to reduced costs, quicker printing process. There is also less damage to the environment since there will be no ink or toner cartridges to dispose.

Another difference is that direct thermal transfer labels are susceptible to damage from heat and friction. Thus, direct thermal labels are best for short term or single use labels like shipping packages and receipts.

Thermal Transfer requires ribbons and therefore, more costly, but the labels are resistant to heat, moisture, scratching and friction. These are used for long-term labels that can last for 1 year. Product labels, specifically for refrigerators, air conditioners, and other similar appliances where valuable information is indicated.

enKo Direct Thermal Labels Process
- Utilizes a white, chemical treated, heat-sensitive material that blackens once it passes through a thermal printhead.
- Doesn’t require a thermal ribbon to produce the desired image as the entire process occurs within the label.
enKo Thermal Transfer Labels
- With this type of printing, the thermal printhead directs heat to a ribbon, which then liquefies ink into the media, forming the desired image.
- Offers highly detailed and durable images that are unrivaled by any other well-established printing technology.
How long does direct thermal label last?
Because direct thermal labels are heat sensitive, they fade and become unreadable and unscannable eventually. The type of label is also sensitive to abrasion, moisture, certain chemicals, and prolonged UV exposure. For these reasons, they are ideal mostly for short-term use, such as shipping labels, receipts, and tickets. Generally, direct thermal labels can last up to 6 – 9 months, depending on the application and the kind of label.
Do thermal labels fade?
Yes, thermal labels are particularly prone to heat and UV light. Thus, prolonged exposure to these kinds of elements will inevitably result in gradual fading. Oil and humidity can also contribute to fading on thermal label images.
Are thermal labels waterproof?
Yes, thermal labels are waterproof. Printing is heavy-duty, making it resilient to water as well as abrasions and chemicals.
What is the suggested temperature for thermal labels to be used at?
Application temperature is suggested at 75ºF (24ºC), while service temperature should be at -115ºF (-81ºC) to 215ºF (102ºC). Applying them to temperatures beyond this range will entail a thermal transfer solution. It will typically require a specialty adhesive to guarantee that the labels remain secure.

Application temperature pertains to actual temperature during label application. Service temperature relates to the range of temperatures during and after labeling.

For instance, you unpack a new glass container at room temperature. The temperature after labeling the item is the application temperature, which should be at 75ºF (24ºC). When you warm and sterilize the glass container with steam, the temperature being experienced by the productis is the service temperature, which should range between -115ºF (-81ºC) to 215ºF (102ºC).
Can direct thermal label be used in thermal transfer printers and ink printers?
For best results, thermo-sensitive labels should only be used in direct thermal printers. Running them through other machines may result in poor imaging quality.
Do direct thermal printers need ribbons?
Direct thermal printers like Zebra print by applying heat on the labels. That means they don’t require any ribbon, ink or toner, but need a special kind of heat-sensitive paper that darkens when heated. Because of its more straightforward, ribbonless mechanism, the printers are smaller; that’s why most mobile printers use direct thermal technology.

With a ribbon-free design, direct thermal printers are also more user-friendly and have fewer parts that can break down. Generally, these label makers are cheaper and don’t require as much maintenance and repairs as thermal transfer printers. And although direct thermal labels are more costly, there’s no need for you to spend money on ribbons when printing them.
Are your labels compatible with direct thermal printers?
Yes, they are compatible with standard direct thermal printers, including the most popular brands.
Which is better for my business?
Each product line has its pros and cons, and the answer depends on what type of print you need for your business. It is always preferable to have a quicker, more efficiency process at less cost, but it would not give you what you need. If you need your labels to last a long time, and not be prone to smearing, fading and smudging, then the enKo thermal transfer label is recommended. It is already the most efficient printing process that adequately fulfills the requirement of a long-lasting, resistant label.

If you only need temporary, short-term or single-use labels like receipts and shipping labels, then direct thermal labels are clearly the best option. The printing process is fast, efficient and economical with minimal disposal requirements since there are no ink or toners to purchase. Direct thermal labels can last a maximum of six (6) months and are susceptible to heat, friction or humidity damage. Even under normal circumstances, the prints would be unreadable in six months.
Are direct thermal labels safe to use?
The earliest barcoding thermal papers used the plastic precursors BPA and BPS as developers. Both have weak hormonal (estrogen-like) effects. They have now been replaced by much safer substances. At enKo Products, we guarantee that our direct thermal labels are made of high-quality, non-toxic materials.
Is the use of direct thermal label cost-effective?
Yes, it is. Direct thermal printing does not require ink, toner or disposable ribbons. It eliminates disposal costs and saves time with a more efficient printing process. Additionally, if you purchase your direct thermal labels from enKo Products, you get high-quality merchandise that does not break the bank.