General Labeling Questions

DuraLabel PRO series of
thermal label printers

FAQs about DuraLabel PRO Printer

The following provides quick answers to questions asked about labeling. If you need assistance with your DuraLabel PRO printers, please feel free to call us. If you need assistance with a different brand label printer, we'll be glad to help. Please use our online tech. support form to send your question to us.

The DuraLabel PRO Printers are Thermal Transfer Printers (TTP).
What does that mean?

Answer:
The DuraLabel PRO is a thermal desktop printer. This means that it is configured with a print head that uses heat to transfer ink onto the label supply. There are two types of thermal printing:

Thermal Transfer Printing (TTP) - Thermal-transfer printing uses the heat from the print head to heat a ribbon, melting the ink so it transfers to the label.

Labels made with thermal-transfer printing typically last a long time and are not sensitive to light or heat. The advantage of TTP is its durability and a higher quality of printing.

Direct Thermal Printing (DTP) - This method uses heat from the print head directly on the label material. The label material is heat sensitive such that the heated points will darken, forming the printing. An example of thermal printing are grocery store receipts.

The advantage of DTP is that the cost per label is less (no ribbon is required). Their disadvantage is that they are sensitive to light and heat. The printing will fade over a relatively brief period of time and, when exposed to strong sunlight or heat, the label can turn gray or black.

DTP labels are a good option for temporary, short-term labeling.