Thermal Transfer
September 2003
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Thermal transfer printing is a proven, versatile printing process that continues to expand its reach.
THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTING is a proven, industrial printing process that can be tailored to meet a wide range of application needs. Its tracks can be found in everything from coffee bags, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, snack foods, prepared foods, and processed meats and cheeses, says Glenn Breslauer, director of IT marketing for Bell-Mark Corp. (Pine Brook, N.J.).
One of the reasons for this widespread use is its ability to print variable information. "Thermal transfer allows a package to be coded with variable information in real-time," states Breslauer. "Not only are date codes and lot/expiration codes simple to apply, but graphics, barcodes, RSS, nutritional facts, and many other messages can be directly applied to a packaging substrate during the packaging process."
Joe Smith, products and service manager for DNP IMS America, Co., Ltd. (DNP, Concord, N.C.), adds, "Thermal transfer printing also offers the ability to control the variable data via a computer, dramatically reducing set-up time and streamlining the manufacturing process. It is the recognized printing standard for barcode labeling across all industries, and offers the highest durability compared to laser jet, bubble jet, lithographic, flexographic, and direct thermal. … Additionally, it is an inexpensive print process for short-run projects, and has the ability to print high-resolution information and barcodes onto small print surfaces; all of which are key qualities to any package printing application."
Nick Mandrycky, senior VP of marketing at IIMAK (Amherst, N.Y.), lists some generic uses of thermal transfer printing, along with some specific packaging applications:
• Coding—Most common; adds variable data directly on a package in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal-care applications.
• Print and apply—This process prints and then automatically affixes shipping or product labels as they go down a conveyor belt. These applications are often done on extremely high-volume products. A good example of this is affixing a barcoded label with color information to the bottom of a nail polish bottle.
• Customization of pre-printed labels—To reduce label inventory and guard against obsolescence, some companies choose to combine thermal transfer printing with other printing technologies. The label or packaging is often preprinted with the logo and general company information, and the variable information such as the product's type, size, or variety is added on demand. Paint is a good example of this application.
• Private labeling—With short-run, specialty items or samples such as gourmet coffee or spices, thermal transfer is used to print the whole package. Logos, product name, description, and other information can be printed on the bags, in addition to the variable information. Private labeling and branding applications are found everywhere—in food and beverage markets, hardware, and in aftermarket supplies.
THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTING is a proven, industrial printing process that can be tailored to meet a wide range of application needs. Its tracks can be found in everything from coffee bags, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, snack foods, prepared foods, and processed meats and cheeses, says Glenn Breslauer, director of IT marketing for Bell-Mark Corp. (Pine Brook, N.J.).
One of the reasons for this widespread use is its ability to print variable information. "Thermal transfer allows a package to be coded with variable information in real-time," states Breslauer. "Not only are date codes and lot/expiration codes simple to apply, but graphics, barcodes, RSS, nutritional facts, and many other messages can be directly applied to a packaging substrate during the packaging process."
Joe Smith, products and service manager for DNP IMS America, Co., Ltd. (DNP, Concord, N.C.), adds, "Thermal transfer printing also offers the ability to control the variable data via a computer, dramatically reducing set-up time and streamlining the manufacturing process. It is the recognized printing standard for barcode labeling across all industries, and offers the highest durability compared to laser jet, bubble jet, lithographic, flexographic, and direct thermal. … Additionally, it is an inexpensive print process for short-run projects, and has the ability to print high-resolution information and barcodes onto small print surfaces; all of which are key qualities to any package printing application."
Nick Mandrycky, senior VP of marketing at IIMAK (Amherst, N.Y.), lists some generic uses of thermal transfer printing, along with some specific packaging applications:
• Coding—Most common; adds variable data directly on a package in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal-care applications.
• Print and apply—This process prints and then automatically affixes shipping or product labels as they go down a conveyor belt. These applications are often done on extremely high-volume products. A good example of this is affixing a barcoded label with color information to the bottom of a nail polish bottle.
• Customization of pre-printed labels—To reduce label inventory and guard against obsolescence, some companies choose to combine thermal transfer printing with other printing technologies. The label or packaging is often preprinted with the logo and general company information, and the variable information such as the product's type, size, or variety is added on demand. Paint is a good example of this application.
• Private labeling—With short-run, specialty items or samples such as gourmet coffee or spices, thermal transfer is used to print the whole package. Logos, product name, description, and other information can be printed on the bags, in addition to the variable information. Private labeling and branding applications are found everywhere—in food and beverage markets, hardware, and in aftermarket supplies.
Companies Mentioned:
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