Pyramid Packaging offers a wide range of cost-effective, on-demand shipping labels, with Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer labels being the most popular. Both types use heat to print but differ in their methods. Available in stacks or rolls, these labels feature pressure-sensitive adhesive, eliminating the need for additional glue.
Direct Thermal Labels: These labels react to a heated printhead, causing a chemical reaction that produces the image. They don’t require ribbons, reducing waste. However, they are prone to fading from sunlight and heat. Ideal for barcodes, name tags, receipts, and shipping labels.
Thermal Transfer Labels: These labels use thermal ribbons, which melt ink onto the label for a durable bond. This method produces long-lasting images that resist light, liquids, and other external factors. Commonly used for inventory identification, wristbands, and cold storage labels.
Choose the right label type for your specific needs to ensure durability and readability.
Direct Thermal Labels
Direct Thermal Labels use a chemical coating that when heated up can apply an image directly to the material. Because it is ribbon-free, it makes it ideal for short-to-medium term applications such as barcodes, meat carton labels, receipts and more.
These labels are heat sensitive and react to a heated printhead element that directly connects with the material. The heat from elements then cause a chemical reaction and result in a color change that creates a printed image. Unlike the thermal transfer process, direct thermal labels do not require ribbon, which is partly poly-based, and ultimately uses less waste. Direct thermal labels are more susceptible to fading away due to exposure to sunlight and heat, making the label unreadable.
Uses for direct thermal labels include barcodes, name tags, receipts, and shipping labels.
User Benefits
- Uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive material
- Prints directly onto material
- Crisp imaging
- No ribbon required
- Ideal for short-to-medium term life applications
- Meant for indoor-only uses
- Common applications include barcodes, receipts and name tags
Film Types
- Matte finish paper stock
- Adhesive: Permanent emulsion acrylic
Thermal Transfer Labels
Thermal Transfer Labels produce high definition images with the use of ribbon and make for crisp, long-lasting labels for maximum readability.
These labels require thermal ribbons, which act as a buffer between the print head and label material. Thermal transfer labels are long-lasting because of the printing process, which requires ink from the ribbon, and after it is melted onto the label, it absorbs it for a durable bond.
As a result, the image becomes more readable and can withstand heavy light exposure, liquids, and other outside factors.
Common uses for thermal labels are inventory identification, wrist bands, and cold storage labels.
User Benefits
- High-quality printing from barcodes, text, and graphics which last longer
- Can produce crisp images even with small font and line work
- Better at resisting heat and moisture
- Offer colored ribbons for promotion and brand recognition
- Print heads last longer
- Applications include Inventory identification, industrial and chemical labels and food and beverage identification
Film Types
- Matte finish paper stock
- Adhesive: Permanent emulsion acrylic
Shipping Labels (Pre-Printed)
Shipping Labels (pre-printed) can be eye-catching to informal but a pre-printed label can help increase visibility and give clear instructions to your end-user.
These labels are a cost-effective option for static large orders and provide identical, consistent messaging and graphics.
User Benefits
- Come in a variety of sizes and colors
- Can be customized for whatever message you need to send
- Makes message and instructions for handling packages very clear
- Easy to read and understand
Film Types
- Adhesive: Permanent acrylic
- Matte finish paper stock
Custom Labels
Product identification has never been more important and with custom labels, you can ensure your application will stand out from the rest.
Custom labels are vital for a number of reasons, including: brand recognition, professional appearance, product information, standing out in your respective market, easy promotion, consumer trust, compliance and regulation, and adaptability for adjusting to materials and styles.
User Benefits
- Customizable, therefore, we will work with you the whole way
- Can be customized in a variety of sizes and colors
- Can be customized for whatever message you need to send such as allergens, warning and instructions
- Makes instructions for handling packages very clear
- Easy to read and understand
Film Types
- Multiple