Printing Barcode Labels: There are two thermal printing methods commonly used to print barcodes: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Both methods use a thermal print head that applies heat to the surface being marked.

Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials. No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing, which creates the image directly on the label material. Thermal transfer printers can accept a wider variety of materials and are usually used for permanent or long-lasting labeling applications.

Direct thermal printers are usually used to produce shipping labels, picking/put away labels, receipts, and other common print jobs