Thermal Transfer Label Material
Ribbon-printed thermal stock in paper and film for barcodes that must stay readable for years.
What is thermal transfer label material?
Thermal transfer printing melts ink from a ribbon onto the label surface. Because the image is a deposited ink layer rather than a chemical reaction in the paper, it does not fade with heat or light and resists scratching, water and many chemicals. Expect years of legibility instead of months.
The right combination matters: semi-gloss or matte paper with a wax or wax/resin ribbon for general barcode labels; synthetic facestock (PET, BOPP, PP) with a full-resin ribbon for chemical, outdoor and high-temperature use. Ribbon and facestock must be matched, or the print will smear.
Technical specifications
| Paper facestock | Semi-gloss 78 gsm or matte woodfree 70 / 80 gsm |
|---|---|
| Film facestock | PET, BOPP or PP synthetic, 50 – 100 µm |
| Ribbon match | Wax (paper) · wax/resin (paper, tougher) · resin (film) |
| Image durability | Years; resin on PET resists solvents and abrasion |
| Adhesive options | Permanent acrylic, hotmelt, freezer, high-temperature |
| Liner | Glassine 60 / 65 gsm or PET 23 µm |
| Print resolution | 203 / 300 / 600 dpi printers |
| Roll format | Jumbo up to 1,070 mm; slit rolls, 1" or 3" cores |
Values are typical for standard constructions and are not a guaranteed specification. Ask for the datasheet for tolerances and test methods.
Typical applications
- Asset tags and equipment barcodes
- Laboratory and specimen labels
- Chemical drum and GHS labels
- Electronics and component traceability
- Retail and apparel tags
Frequently asked questions
- Which ribbon do I need?
- Wax for uncoated and matte paper, wax/resin for semi-gloss and heavier handling, full resin for film facestocks such as PET, BOPP and PP.
- Is thermal transfer worth the extra cost over direct thermal?
- Yes whenever the label must last more than a year, be exposed to heat, sunlight, oil or solvents, or be scanned repeatedly over a long service life.
- Can I print variable data and graphics?
- Yes. Thermal transfer handles barcodes, 2D codes, serialised data and simple graphics at 203–600 dpi.
Related materials and guides
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