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Home / Barcode Labels and Supplies / Direct Thermal Labels
Direct thermal labels are an affordable option for many companies because you don’t have to purchase ink, toner, or ribbons. The heat from the barcode printer print head blackens the label when it passes under it, directly printing the image on the material. For example, have you ever had a receipt that turned black because it sat in a hot car and/or in direct sunlight? If so, chances are it was a direct thermal receipt.Because of their sensitivity to heat and light, direct thermal barcode labels are not recommended for areas where both conditions exist. Instead, they are reserved for items with a shorter shelf life. However, you can add a special coating to certain media that makes them water- and chemical-resistant. This extends the lifetime of the barcode to six months or more, which may make them ideal for a distribution center where materials are constantly moving in and out. The 4x6 direct thermal shipping label is most popular.