Since the invention of thermal printing in 1972, the industry has been relatively stagnant in developing performance enhancements that truly revolutionize the process of the technology. Until now…
Thermal transfer printing answered the limited durability issue of direct thermal printing in 1981. By introducing the use of ribbons, labels could withstand humidity and fading. More advanced thermal transfer formulations, such as full resin thermal transfer on polyester, allow image permanence the ability to last over 20 years. However, this technology comes at an incredible financial cost, a potential loss in productivity due to the need to change fussy ribbons and labels, and an inability to withstand certain solvents.