Thermal transfer or inkjet? Choose the right printing technology for your application. We explain the most important techniques here.
The right Label printing technology for SAP®
OPAL has geared its label management system towards flexibility and efficiency. In doing so, it was important for us to find a user-friendly method that fits in with the way most companies work when using SAP. That is why we use the advantages of SAP for data and process control.
On the output side on paper or when it comes to machine control, we rely on proven methods: For office, thermal transfer or direct thermal printers, we use the Windows print spooler, which is controlled via a normal Windows printer driver. This not only gives our customers a familiar interface, but also a separation between the responsibilities of SAP and internal IT. By taking into account the advantages of the individual systems and the modular design, our system can be adapted very easily to existing and new printing technologies. Technologies such as direct marking with ink jets, lasers or UV printers are increasingly being connected to our label management system.
Overview of printing technologies
Which technology is the best for my area of application? Click on a technology to learn more about it:
The direct thermal printing method
Unbeatable in price and form factor! In direct thermal printing, a heat-sensitive liner is heated by the print head at the points where a color change to black is to take place.
Utilization: Direct thermal printers are mainly used in cash register systems and vending machines as receipt printers and for mobile applications in public services and logistics processes.
Advantages: Low price, small form factor, no color medium needed
Disadvantage: Heat sensitive (heat from friction, sunlight or ambient temperature can make the data on the label illegible.
Buy where? Select your suitable printer in our shop
The thermal transfer printing method
The print head of a thermal transfer printer is no different to a direct thermal printer. In the thermal transfer process, however, no special liner needs to be inserted, as the ink is transferred to the liner via an ink ribbon. Ribbons come in different colors and are made from a mixture of resin and wax. The greater the proportion of resin, the more abrasion-resistant it is, but also the more delicate the printing is with regard to the process parameters. A high wax content gives a rich print image and the print is less critical with regards to the liner. However, ribbons with a lot of wax can smudge and become illegible when they come into contact with oils and solvents.
Utilization: Thermal transfer printers are used wherever permanent marking must be ensured. This printing technology is very common in all industries.
Advantages: Secure process, durable printing, proven technology
Disadvantage: More expensive than direct thermal printing
Shop: Select your printer in our shop
The traditional A4 office printing method
Office printers work with laser or inkjet technology. Using office printers for labels is possible, but there are better alternatives for this (see thermal transfer). Office printers are mainly used for printing forms, such as order papers and delivery notes.
Utilization: Label sheets, multiple labels or logistics labels such as a material receipt or packing list. This printing technology is widely used in many industries, especially the automotive industry that uses the printing method for goods tags.
Advantages: Cost-effective consumables, color printing, proven technology
Disadvantage: Robust and durable labeling (product labeling) is not possible, which means it primarily used for logistics labels
InkJet direct labeling
With inkjet direct marking, the ink is transferred to a surface without contact. This means one medium is eliminated—the label.
Utilization: Automated packaging systems, food industry, on uneven surfaces.
Advantages: Low price, very fast printing, non-contact, suitable for almost all surfaces
Disadvantage: can be wiped off; To prevent the ink from drying out, the print head must be cleaned regularly.
Laser Marking
With laser marking, the inscription is created using strongly focused light with a lot of energy. Depending on the material and the type of laser, the heat generated by the laser beam causes a chemical and/or physical change that may differ in color from the non-heated material.
- Organic materials such as paper, wood or leather are charred by the local heat from the laser. Plastics are often provided with additives to better absorb the infrared radiation of the laser to produce the desired color change.
- Temper colors on some metals are caused by the oxidation processes that take place at certain temperatures. Steel is known for its bluish tempering colors.
- With coated materials, a layer can be removed with the laser so that the underlying layer of paint emerges.
- For materials that do not produce high-contrast color changes, deep engraving can be used to remove the material locally and then fill it with a color.
Utilization: Automated packaging systems, food industry, on uneven surfaces.
Advantages: Solvent, water and smudge resistant; very durable; versatile; non-contact
Disadvantages: Expensive to purchase, laser beam protection concepts must be provided and adhered to.
UV direct printing
UV direct printing, like the inkjet process, applies the ink to the workpiece or component. Unlike inkjet printing, where the ink penetrates the material and dries, in UV direct printing the ink remains on the surface and is then hardened with ultraviolet light.
Utilization: UV direct printing originally came from the graphics industry, where it was used for the production of large formats and for printing textiles. The resolution and technology has now advanced so much, however, that the process can also be used for product branding and product labeling and marking. The ability to print on uneven materials, as well as the relatively good resistance (2-3 years outdoors) to UV radiation and mechanical influences, have paved the way for this printing method to be used widely in all industries that rely on color printing.
Advantages: Multi-colored; no solvents, can be used on almost all surfaces; good resistance to UV radiation and mechanical influences.
Disadvantages: Expensive to purchase, creation of mounting templates for positioning.
Electronic Shelf Label (ESL)
Electronic shelf labels (ESL) are available in different technology versions. The latest generations have a display module, in which e-paper or e-ink is used to display the information. Furthermore, a communication module must be integrated in the ESL, which can communicate via a high-frequency signal such as Bluetooth or NFC. The energy supply can be ensured via a small battery in the ESL, but applications are also already available that manage without batteries. With these models the energy is made available to the ESL via a radio frequency. A transmitter unit can transfer the data to the ESL units. With a good label management system, the step from printer to digital display is not a major challenge.
Utilization: The large ESL market can be found predominantly in the retail sector. However, there are also useful areas use in logistics, where ESLs can make processes more efficient and secure.
Advantages: No relabeling effort; Fast labeling and dynamic pricing processes
Disadvantages: Expensive to implement initially, high demands regarding system availability.
Which printing technology is right for you?
Discover each technology available, or how to connect the technology to your system, by talking to our experts.
More information about printing technologies
