Thermal labels and ribbons
Two ways to print with heat
Direct thermal
The label itself is heat-sensitive. The printhead heats the surface and it turns black. There's no ribbon to buy or change, which makes it the simple, low-cost choice.
The trade-off is life span. Heat and sunlight keep darkening the label, and the print fades over time. That's fine for a package that sells within its shelf life.
Thermal transfer
The printhead melts ink from a ribbon onto the label. The print resists fading, smudging and scuffing, and it works on paper and on film stocks.
You have a ribbon to stock and change, so cost per label is higher. It earns that when a label has to stay readable for months, as on frozen product or cases.
Side by side
| Feature | Direct thermal | Thermal transfer |
|---|---|---|
| How it prints | Heat darkens a coated label | Heat transfers ink from a ribbon to the label |
| Ribbon needed | No | Yes |
| Durability | Short term. Print can fade over time. | Long term. Resists fading, smudging and abrasion. |
| Heat and light | Sensitive. Darkens with heat or direct sun. | Stable |
| Typical use in a meat operation | Scale labels on fresh, case-ready product | Frozen product, long-dated items, case and box labels |
| Relative cost | Lower. Labels only. | Higher. Labels plus ribbon. |
What we stock
Direct thermal labels
No ribbon needed.
| Size | Material | Labels per roll | Per case | Core | Fits | Notes | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" × 2" | Direct thermal, freezer | 1,000 | 15 rolls | 1" | 4x2DT1 | ||
| 4" × 3" | Direct thermal, freezer | 850 | 12 rolls | 1" | 4x3DT1 | ||
| 4" × 2" | Direct thermal, freezer | 3,000 | 4 rolls | 3" | 4x2DT3 | ||
| 4" × 3" | Direct thermal, freezer | 2,000 | 4 rolls | 3" | 4x3DT3 | ||
| 4" × 3" | Direct thermal, freezer | 2,000 | 4 rolls | 3" | Red border | 4x3DT3 RED BRDR | |
| 4" × 2" | Poly direct thermal, freezer | 1,500 | 4 rolls | 3" | No perforation. Made to order. | 4" x 2" POLY Direct | |
| 4" × 3" | Poly direct thermal, freezer | 500 | 16 rolls | 1" | Solo2 T245 | Perforated. Made to order. | 4x3DTB1 |
| 4" × 3" | Poly direct thermal, freezer | 1,500 | 4 rolls | 3" | Solo2 TM240 and Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 | With or without perforation | 4x3DTB3 |
| 4" × 4" | Poly direct thermal, freezer | 1,250 | 4 rolls | 3" | No perforation | 4" x 4" POLY Direct |
Thermal transfer labels
Print with a ribbon.
| Size | Material | Labels per roll | Per case | Core | Notes | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" × 2" | Thermal transfer, freezer | 3,000 | 4 rolls | 3" (8" OD) | 4x2TT3 | |
| 4" × 3" | Thermal transfer, freezer | 2,000 | 4 rolls | 3" (8" OD) | 4x3TT3 | |
| 4" × 3" | Thermal transfer, freezer | 2,000 | 4 rolls | 3" (8" OD) | Yellow | 4x3TT3 |
| 4" × 4" | Thermal transfer, freezer | 1,500 | 4 rolls | 3" (8" OD) | 4x4TT3 | |
| 4" × 6" | Thermal transfer, freezer | 1,000 | 4 rolls | 3" (8" OD) | 4x6TT3 | |
| 1.5" × 1" | Thermal transfer core tags, freezer | 10,000 | 4 rolls | White, two across | AL61679 | |
| 1.5" × 1" | Thermal transfer core tags, freezer | 5,000 | Sold by the roll | Orange, two across | AL61679OR |
Safe handling labels
| Size | Material | Labels per roll | Per case | Core | Notes | Item |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5" × 2.5" | Blue safe handling label, printable gloss varnish, freezer adhesive | 1,000 | 5 rolls | Blue Safe Handling | ||
| 4" × 3" | Thermal transfer safe handling blank, printable gloss varnish, freezer adhesive | 1,000 | 8 rolls | 3" (8" OD) | 189389 |
Ribbons
Other ribbon sizes and formulations are available on request.
| Size | Type | Per case | Fits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.33" × 1,181' | Black wax/resin | 24 rolls | Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 | |
| 4.33" × 1,476' | Black wax/resin | 24 rolls | Zebra | |
| 4.33" × 1,181' | Black wax | 24 rolls | Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 | |
| 4.33" × 1,476' | Black wax | 24 rolls | Zebra | |
| 3.5" × 1,181' (89 mm × 360 m) | Black | 24 rolls | Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 | Inside wound, standard core |
| 4.02" × 1,181' | Black wax/resin | 24 rolls | Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 | |
| 2.99" × 1,181' | Black wax/resin | 24 rolls | Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 | |
| 4.33" × 984' | Black wax/resin | 12 rolls | Solo / TSC | Coated side out |
| 4.33" × 984' | Black resin | 12 rolls | Solo / TSC | Coated side out |
| 4.33" × 984' | White wax/resin | 10 rolls | Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 | |
| 4.33" × 1,176' | Red (PMS 186 C) wax/resin | 10 rolls | Zebra and Citizen CL-S700 / CL-S703 |
Many more blank sizes in stock — call 800.482.7225.
Our labels and ribbons fit almost every thermal printer, unless the printer's manufacturer requires its own. Not sure what yours takes? Send a photo of the roll you're using now with your reorder and we'll match it.
Running low?
Tell us what you use and how many you need. We'll confirm the price before anything goes out. Your quote includes an estimated ship date.
Or call 800.482.7225 and talk it through.