Do I Need Thermal Transfer or Color Inkjet for My Label Printing?

Thermal Transfer or Color Inkjet

Having trouble deciding between thermal transfer or color inkjet?

The world of label printing technology is advancing quickly. This is good news for you because you have so many more options available. However, choosing the most cost effective, high-quality printing system that works for your product labeling requirements can be challenging.

The right printing process will streamline your processes, saving you time and money.

So, what’s the best solution for you?

RelatedAdvantages of Digital Printing: Save time and money 

Thermal Transfer or Color Inkjet?

In order to determine which solution is best, let’s answer a few questions first.

#1. What are your labeling requirements?

  • Do you need to print in color due to industry regulations or branding needs?
  • If color is a requirement, will the content of your labels stay static or will it be variable?
  • How durable will your labels need to be?
  • Do you need a large volume of the same label or short-run versions of different labels?
  • Does your label material need to meet industry standards such as UL/CSA agency approvals in the electronics industry?

Answering questions like these is the first step to determining the print technology that will be right for your application.

#2. How are you Using Your Labels (Application)?

Do your labels need to withstand a harsh environment, such as moisture, heat or sunlight?

If your answer is yes, you should consider a thermal transfer printer.

This type of printing creates an image by heating ink on a ribbon and transferring that to the label substrate or material. Thermal transfer produces a sharp, durable image on a wide variety of synthetic media that won’t fade or smudge.

Do you need to print color on-demand with variable data? 

If your answer is yes than color inkjet label printers may be the way to go.

Color inkjet allows you to print shorter runs and to change the date as often as you need to. This is an alternative to buying large quantities of pre-printed labels.

If speed of printing is important to you than the Epson color inkjet label printers are impressively fast.

Note: Either Thermal Transfer or Color Inkjet use a wide variety of materials and substrates for printing on, including paper, polypropylene, synthetic and woven/fabric.

#3. Do You Need Color?

Are color labels a requirement for you in order to meet industry regulations?

For example, if you are in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries you most likely need small in-house print runs. Color inkjet printers are perfect for this.  We can help you design a solution that will keep up with the changing regulations and requirements.

If you are printing color labels in-house  you can easily eliminate the two-step color label process. This means you will no longer have to purchase large runs of pre printed labels that you then put through a second run in-house on a thermal transfer printer to add variable information. You can just print it once using an inkjet printer.

On-demand color label printing will also allow you to print labels of any color instantly, making changeover of manufacturing or packaging lines much faster. You will no longer have to worry about running out of printed labels and waiting for more to arrive.

RelatedPrint More Colors for Less Money with RevealPrint

#4.  Enlist the Help of an Expert

PaladinId has many years of experience and we help all types and sizes of businesses determine the best printing solution for your needs. We consider your current processes and equipment and changes to your industry and requirements that may be coming. Our goal is always to save you time and money with a speedy solution that reduces errors, downtime and waste.

Call PaladinID today to find out exactly what you need to “Make Your Mark!”

Please give us a call at  (888) 972 – 5234 or email us at info@PaladinID.com.

For more information on PaladinID

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Get Help With Your Next Label Project

We have over 35 years of providing exceptional service and labeling products to the world.  Take the first step to an easy, stress-free solution for your label needs by contacting us.

Schedule a call below or email dritchie@paladinid.com

Make Your Mark

“Making companies more competitive by offering the correct label printing solution, on time, within budget, while creating unmatched value”.

About PaladinID, LLC
PaladinID develops and supports high-performance barcode labeling applications. We work with our clients to “Make Your Mark” by providing the expertise and tools necessary to create an entire product label printing solution. Located in central New Hampshire, PaladinID has been serving Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New England, and beyond for over 30 years, and in 2017, became an RFID-certified company. We look forward to working with you.

You may be interested in our other services:

Product Labels

Product Labels

Labels for every type of application: Blank, Pre-printed, Variable data

Label Printers

Label Printers

We sell and support: Direct/thermal transfer, Inkjet, Laser

Printer Ribbons

Printer Ribbons

We sell ribbons for ALL barcode printers including: Zebra, Datamax, Sato, Intermec

Flexible Packaging

Flexible Packaging

We offer a wide variety of packaging containers for your products.

Label Software

Label Software

Software for all barcode printing and product labeling.

Label applicators

Label Applicators

Wide selection of applicators: Desktop/Mobile, Applicator only, Print & apply