Label printers

Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer Label Printers

Our extensive range of label printers caters to both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing methods. No matter which type of thermal printer you need, we have you covered.

Explore desktop and mobile thermal label printers from trusted brands like Zebra, TSC and Kite which are sure to guarantee seamless integration into your existing warehouse set-up. With a diverse selection of printers available across different price ranges, we offer options to suit every budget and requirement.

Not sure which printer is right for your operation? Check out our label printers guide or get in touch with our label specialists today at envirolabel@kitepackaging.co.uk. Looking for thermal labels? Head over to our labels page. 

How Does Thermal Printing Work?

To know how thermal printers work, you must first understand there are two types of thermal printing methods: direct thermal and thermal transfer.

Direct Thermal Printing

Direct thermal printers use treated, heat-sensitive labels. In this printing method, heat is applied to the intended area using a thermal printhead, causing that area to darken and, thus, create the desired image or text. Due to this, direct thermal printers do not require ink, toner, or ribbon to print, making them a simple and cost-effective solution for applications such as barcode labels, shipping labels, and receipts.

Known for its fast-printing speed, high reliability and minimal maintenance requirements, direct thermal printing is suitable for various industries, including retail, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and more. However, it is important to note, direct thermal prints can spoil over time when exposed to heat, light and chemicals. This is why they are often used for short-term applications within a six-month period.

Linerless labels also print via direct thermal, although it is critical that only ‘linerless’ printers are used, as in a regular printer the labels will clog up the roller and print head mechanism.

We go into further depth about these labels below.

Thermal Transfer Printing

Thermal transfer printers offer durability in barcode labelling thanks to their ribbon-utilising printing mechanism. The ribbons are coated with either a wax, a wax/resin blend or just resin and resin-based ink that fuses on to the label's plain paper surface when the printhead applies heat to it, creating a long-lasting, high-quality image or text.

This method of printing provides excellent print quality, durability, and resistance to fading and smudging. As a result of this, thermal transfer printing is ideal for long term applications where printed media may be used for periods extending over six months and where there is exposure to chemical, light, abrasion, or water. Due to these qualities, thermal transfer printing has found application in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail, where it is used for asset tracking, shelf labelling and blood bags, cold and outdoor applications.

What are Linerless Labels?

Linerless labels are a type of label that are intended for use with direct thermal printers. These printers feature a special silicone coated platen roller which applies the perfect amount of pressure to drive labels through the printer, guaranteeing clear prints. Unlike traditional labels that have backing material, these are self-adhesive and free of liners. A roll of linerless labels is wound onto itself thanks to a silicone release coating which is applied to the label’s surface. This stops the labels from sticking (top & bottom) to themselves, allowing an easy peel, much like a roll of tape.

Removing the need for liners leads to significant waste reduction, increased productivity and lower operational costs. As a result, liner-free labels offer the ideal choice for environmentally conscious companies looking to drive efficiency and CSR commitments across their business.

Direct Thermal Desktop & Mobile Printers

Desktop and mobile printers are designed for efficiency and reliability. They are the perfect companion for busy warehouses requiring high-quality performance in a compact package. Achieve crisp, clear prints without the need for consumables other than thermal labels and enjoy simplified maintenance, operation, and lower costs. Plug and play with our desktop printers or experience the convenience of on-the-go printing with our mobile options.

Kite GA 2408-T (Standard)

• Desktop Direct Thermal
• Maximum print speed of 203mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial, with Wi-Fi and BT available as optional extras
• 1-year warranty

TSC DA220 (Linered)

• Desktop Direct Thermal
• Maximum printing speed of 152mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial
• 3-year warranty

TSC Alpha 40 L (Linered)

• Mobile Direct Thermal
• Maximum print speed of 127mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via Wi-Fi, BT, ethernet, USB and serial
• 2-year warranty

Zebra ZD421D (Linered)

• Desktop Direct Thermal
• Maximum print speed of 203mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial
• 3-year warranty

Zebra ZQ630 Plus (Linered)

• Mobile Direct Thermal
• Maximum print speed of 115mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Wi-Fi, BT, ethernet, USB and serial
• 3-year warranty

Kite GA 2408-T (Linerless)

• Desktop Linerless
• Maximum print speed of 203mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial, with Wi-Fi and BT available as optional extras
• 1-year warranty

TSC Alpha 40 L (Linerless)

• Mobile Linerless
• Maximum print speed of 127mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via Wi-Fi, BT, ethernet, USB and serial
• 2-year warranty

TSC DA220 (Linerless)

• Desktop linerless
• Maximum printing speed of 152mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial
• 3-year warranty

Zebra ZD621 (Linerless)

• Desktop Linerless
• Maximum print speed of 203mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial
• 3-year warranty

Zebra ZQ630 Plus (Linerless)

• Mobile Linerless
• Maximum print speed of 115mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Wi-Fi, BT, ethernet, USB and serial
• 3-year warranty

Thermal Transfer Desktop Printers

Thermal transfer printers offer a reliable solution for businesses requiring high-quality, durable prints. Unlike direct thermal printers, thermal transfer printers use a ribbon to transfer ink onto labels, resulting in prints that are resistant to fading or smudging. This makes them ideal for applications where longevity is essential.

Kite GA 2408-T (Linered)

• Desktop Thermal Transfer
• Maximum print speed of 203mm per second
• Resolution of 203 dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial, with Wi-Fi and BT available as optional extras
• 1-year warranty

TSC TC200 (Linered)

• Desktop Thermal Tranfer
• Maximum print speed of 152mm per second
• Resolution of 203dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial
• 3-year warranty

Zebra ZD421T (Standard)

• Desktop Thermal Transfer
• Maximum print speed of 203mm per second
• Resolution of 203dpi
• Connectivity via ethernet, USB, serial
• 3-year warranty