Choose the Thermal Label Type for Your Barcode Application

1. Choose the Thermal Label Type
for Your Barcode Application

3. From retail to healthcare and beyond, barcodes have seen a rise in use to get accurate tracking,
inventory, asset management and more. It carries digital information that can be scanned and
viewed, hence requiring accurate details while printing.
Therefore, choosing the right label films for barcode printing is complicated. Selecting the wrong
type will lead to unnecessary risks in services, which affects the quality you promised.

4. What is a barcode?
Barcode is a combination of bars and spaces, which are a machine-readable representation of
characters. It is used in coupons, images, signatures, licences, patient ID tags, specimen tags,
backs of prescriptions, shipping containers, etc.
The correct label film for printing ensures maximum quality and is decided by considering its
type, printer compatibility, durability, and adhesion properties. Let’s go over two of the leading
types for this application.

5. Thermal Transfer
Thermal transfer printing has a thermal
ribbon as a buffer between the printhead
and label film. As the label is passed, the
printhead heats the ribbon containing the
ink. This ink melts and essentially transfers
itself (the image) onto the label.
This type of printing delivers graphic
images with long-lasting image stability.
They are comparatively durable and cost-
efficient to laser printers. On the downside,
the ribbon used is poor in terms of
recyclability and changing them
occasionally takes time and effort.
Direct Thermal
Direct thermal is also a heat-based printing
process but doesn’t need a ribbon to print.
The label film is passed through a heated
print that heats specific areas of it. These
areas react to heat and form crisp,
accurate images.
The printers used for direct thermal
printing don’t need extra components like
ribbon and toner, making them more cost-
efficient and easier to use as compared to
thermal transfer printers. However, the
results are often good only for short-term
usage as it’s prone to scuff.

6. DTP Films by Cosmo Films
The innovative minds at Cosmo Films have made a direct thermal printable film that banks on
the advantages while losing a few of its disadvantages. It is a BOPP-based film with a proprietary
direct thermal coating and a wide temperature endurance. The top has a protective layer that
shields it from mechanical abrasion, climatic factors, chemicals, etc., increasing its durability
against physical rubbing, water, oil and other solvents. DTP films are suitable to print with UV &
water-based flexo, providing crisp, dark quality images every time.
Here are a few benefits of using DTP films to print your barcodes.
● High-speed printing, ideal for large-scale applications.
● Accurate images with a reduced chance of smudging.
● Lower cost to print as it doesn’t need toner or ink cartridges.
● Reduced inventory and lighter, more portable printers.

7. All these features and benefits
make way for a wide variety of
applications, like:
● Barcode printing
● Airline baggage tags
● Retail price marking
● Ready-made food labels
● Fresh fruits & meat labels
● Logistics labels
● Deep freeze product labels
● Pharmaceutical labels, and more.

8. In conclusion, if you desire high-speed barcode printing without losing out on quality
and durability, DTP label films are the perfect fit for your needs. Our top-coated films
give you an edge over your competitors.
Contact us & get in touch with our experts to know more.