There are two methods of printing, no matter what kind of graphical code will be used. Those are:
- thermal-transfer print;
- thermal-direct print;
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Thermal-transfer label printing
Thermal-transfer printing uses waxed ribbon to fix the image (text, graphic code or both) on the paper or plastic labels. This type of fixing is rather durable and reliable, and also long lasting, compared to the thermal direct printing. Of course it is more expensive, because of the wax tape used. It is used for labeling storage locations, permanent ID marking, transport labels, SSCC labels, etc.
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Thermal-direct label printing
Thermal-direct printing is cheaper than the thermal-transfer one because of the lack of mediator. It utilizes paper labels only. The images printed in this method are relatively not solid – they are fading for few weeks, especially where they are exposed on direct sunlight or rubbing. Usually it is used for temporary marking and labeling goods with short shelf life.
RFID enabled printers
The RFID enabled printers is a combo devices. They print graphic content on RFID enabled labels, induct data in the same tags, labels and other RFID media.
Consumables: ribbons, labels, tags
The ribbons for thermal transfer print are two types: resin or wax. They come in different width and length, depending on the printer head and overall printer construction.
There are many types of labels:
- from paper;
- plastic;
- poly-carbons.
They can be matted or gloss, cut or rolled, with spatial finish, etc.