Where printed labels are critical for the identification of items, people etc and need to be robust in various environments, Inkjet, laser and dot matrix technologies struggle to deliver performance, quality and durability when used to print labels.

Thermal transfer and direct thermal printers have been specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements for printing rugged, durable easy to print labels.

Laser printers and inkjet printers print a complete A4 page of labels at a time. So if you only require to print one label, or less than an A4 sheet of labels, these printers are not as economical as a thermal label printer due to wasted unprinted labels. A thermal label printer can print from 1 – XXXX labels with no wastage.

Thermal direct and thermal transfer printers have been designed specifically to print labels and will not handle any other type of stationery.

The label sizes these printers support depend on the printhead width and memory size. The label widths supported will range from 10mm to 100mm/150mm/204mm depending on the printhead width. The label height is only limited by the print image memory and ranges from 10mm to in excess of 1,000mm.

Thermal label printers, when installed with correct label facestock and matching ribbon type (see Ribbon/ Label Q & A), allow the printing of quality labels of varying material that meet a wide range of user requirements regarding quality, durability and adhesives.

The label material (facestock) comes in three different base material types.

Thermal direct (does not require a ribbon installed in printer). This material is the least robust and has limited durability if subjected to heat, light or liquids. Only recommended if label is being used in the short-term. Can be coated to improve durability.

Thermal transfer paper (requires a ribbon that is suitable for the label facestock, wax). Low cost vellum with wax ribbon suitable for internal environments.

Thermal transfer coated paper (requires a ribbon that is suitable for label facestock and environment wax or wax/resin). Can use wax ribbon but for best durability a wax/resin ribbon may be better. Suitable for internal environment and moderate abuse (recommended as scratch resist, moderate dampness, prevention of smudging).

Thermal transfer synthetic facestock (requires resin ribbon). Produces most robust label, suitable for harsh environment, high scratch resistance and can resist moisture and even some chemicals.

Having chosen the label type (facestock) and ribbon type you also need to specify the label size, labels across web (depends on label width), label spool size (see printer spec).

For a quick guide click below! If you are unsure, please don't hesitate to ask one of our experts.

Check printer specification to see what size ribbon spool is required to have the ribbon wound on. Check if the ribbon is required to be inside or outside wound.

Depending on label facestock to be used, choose wax, wax/resin or resin ribbon material to ensure optimum print quality and durability of label printed.

Check label width to be used and then specify ribbon width to cover surface of label.

Check max ribbon length specified for printer then choose ribbon length to be used.

Click below to check out our ribbon guide! If you are unsure, please don't hesitate to ask one of our experts.

The Patient data for print on wristbands is downloaded from the Hospital PAS (Patient Administration System) which ensures the information printed is secure and correct. Because data is printed it’s always easy to read, correct and up to date, unlike written data. Also, to improve security and data accessibility, Barcodes can be printed with the readable data.

The NPSA (National Patients Safety Association) advises all NHS Trusts that they should upgrade to Printed Wristbands to help improve patient care safety.

The use of barcodes will also assist in patient tracking, recording data, dispensing medication and recording blood and specimen samples.

• Free next working day delivery applies for orders over £100 excl VAT, placed before 1pm, Monday to Friday, for delivery to UK mainland addresses.
• For orders where we have had to price match a competitor or offer project pricing based on volume purchases; we may have to charge delivery. This is most likely the case for large deliveries (e.g. multiple boxes and/or pallet shipments).
• The sales team are happy to quote for delivery to UK, EU and worldwide destinations prior to order. Worldwide deliveries may be subject to exclusions, minimum order values due to the paperwork required and additional requirements (such as VAT numbers).
• For items which are ‘in stock’ we will despatch items the same working day for orders placed before 1pm. All deliveries are sent out on a next working day service as standard. Timed and Saturday delivery options are available. For ‘in stock’ orders over £100 excluding VAT to anywhere in the UK next day delivery is free of charge.
• Products which are not in stock and have to be shipped direct from the Manufacturer. We can arrange next working day shipment for many of these if your requirement is urgent (subject to cut-off times and additional cost and of course the Manufacturer has them in stock).
• Items which are ‘out of stock’ are not in stock at the Manufacturer and could be made to order with lead times up to 6 weeks. Please contact us if you would like to know a precise lead-time.
• If you require any products urgently, please call our sales team to discuss your requirements. Many of our Manufacturers are able to direct ship on a next working day service for a surcharge.

You can view our terms and conditions by clicking the button below.

We do! We are committed to ensuring we do our bit to help the envionment whilst also giving our customers the best service possible. 

View our environmental policy here!

You can view our mission statement, vision, values and commitment below!

You can view our anti-slavery policy below.