Thermal transfer printers use ribbons from wax or resin-based ink which melt on the printing media. This method produces high-quality and durable printing. Thermal transfer printers also use colored ribbons to improve the appearance of a label or to restructure work operations through color-coded labels. The printing process is popular in printing identification labels such as barcodes.
Do you know that several industry sectors are using thermal transfer? Here are 10 key applications of thermal transfer printers in the manufacturing industry.
10 Industries That Use Thermal Transfer Printers
1. Distribution
Product distribution must be fast and accurate. Thermal transfer printers help in seamless distribution through labels and barcodes. Labels are used to identify, track down, and control the product during the distribution chain. Barcodes provide clear and readable codes that help prevent errors and delays.
2. Logistics
Barcodes help in the efficient management of products. Barcoding can store serial numbers, handling information, lot numbers, and any other required information as product transfers through the channel in the supply chain. Yard management, cross docking, and pick-up and delivery operations in the warehouse are made more efficient through the use of barcodes. This can save money and free up human resources. A company will have fewer time searching for lost products and equipment and has more efficient operations when there is improved inventory management.
There are many common applications of thermal transfer printers in logistics. Some of them are as follows:
Common Applications:
- Freight Tracking
- Passenger Services
- Ticketing
- Receipt/Coupon Printing
- Document Management
- Item Marking
- Carton/Pallet Labeling and Inventory Control
3. Appliances
Thermal transfer printing is a widely used method of printing for appliances – mostly household – such as washing machines, microwaves, remote controls, and telephones among others. The print is frequently used to show important information about the product such as:
- Date of manufacture
- Serial and batch numbers
- Any approvals or product certifications
- Manufacturer details,
- Safety details like electrical input.
Product labels are placed at the base or back of the appliance. These types of labels must last long and match the lifecycle of the product. Since appliances are often used, the print must withstand steam, heat, and cleaning agents. It also has to be resistant to chemicals, scratches, and smudges.
4. Aerospace
The accurate and efficient identification and tracking of all components used in creating an aircraft are essential in the aerospace industry. Barcodes and labels must be long-lasting and readable. They are used in product identification and tracking in the production line and care labels on the seat belts in the cabin.
5. Textile
Thermal transfer printers are used in printing the care labels attached to garments and labels used in vehicles like seatbelts. The printing technique produces quality results in very small text, large characters, logos, and barcodes. It can be printed on nylon, rayon, acetate, polyester, and other synthetic fibers. The printed image is resistant to heat, water, and industrial solvents.
6. Retail
Barcoding technology is important in any retail business. The smooth flow of operations can be managed efficiently through the use of a barcoding and labeling system. Keeping the goods moving and monitoring them at the same time can be achieved with the use of thermal transfer overprinters.
Key Applications:
- Price Markdown Solutions
- Promotional Labeling
- Price Labeling
- Hang Tags or Swing Tickets
7. Food and Beverage
Food distributors must be easily visible and traceable during the entire supply chain and to the customer. Traceability in the food industry is achieved through the use of thermal transfer printers that have high-quality labels and consistency. Labels contain information such as best-before dates, batch numbers, product tracking, product barcodes, and inventory management. The label should withstand the environments inside the warehouse, loading dock, and refrigerated areas.
8. Warehouse
Barcodes ensure the efficient flow of products, give accurate information, prevent errors, and save time. Thermal transfer printers are important in producing barcodes. Real-time visibility of goods is important that starts from the receipt of materials until delivery to the customer.
Key Applications:
- Product Marking
- Carton/Pallet Labeling
- Shipping/Receiving Labeling
- Inventory Control
9. Electronics
It is challenging to label electronics and electronic components because text and barcodes are often small and must be resistant to heat, scratch, and smudge. The labels must resist chemicals during the production process. Labels are found on gadgets like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. These contain necessary product identification like a serial number as well as other important information such as instructions for product use, care, and warnings for the users.
10. Industrial
The use of thermal transfer printers in industrial operations is very essential. Prints must be able to withstand severe weather conditions and resist chemicals and solvents. Industrial operations are loaded with activities. Checks and inspections on raw materials are done several times to guarantee stability and quality. The tests are recorded for verification purposes to permit the inspectors in monitoring status and consistency. Quality assurance monitors have precise records of all the products by scanning the barcodes after each phase of testing. Barcodes also ensure the safety of employees. They can be used to permit or deny employees from entering possible hazardous job sites.
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Thermal transfer printers are important in the manufacturing industry. The use of barcodes helps in the efficient flow of operation and ensures the accuracy of information found on the labels of products.
Looking for reliable and efficient printers for your business? Elixir is a supplier of thermal transfer overprinters. We can help solve your needs at various points on the assembly line. Contact us today so we can help you.