The label surface must be appropriate for the method of printing used with
the particular printer. Two types of print methods are used for both industrial
barcode printers and RFID printers: thermal transfer,which uses heat to transfer
ink from a separate ribbon to the label, and direct thermal, which uses special
media in the formof a treated label stock that turns blackwhen heated.Pros and
cons exist for both of these methods. For long-termapplication where the labels
will have a lengthy lifecycle in the supply chain, thermal transfer printers should
be used as the labels do not fadewith exposure to sun or heat. These printerswill
typically print with a higher DPI (dot per inch), or resolution, on the label. The
advantages of a direct thermal printer are a simpler design and therefore easier
loading of the media, no ribbon, and easier maintenance for the printer due to
fewer components that could break.However, the labels tend to be more expensive
and fade quicker when exposed to heat.