Direct Thermal Labels for iDPRT iF4 and iT4 Printers
The direct thermal labels in this category have been selected for use with iDPRT iF4 and iT4 label printers when operating in direct thermal mode.
Compatible rolls have a maximum outside diameter of 127mm (5"). The maximum media width for this category is 118mm.
What Are Direct Thermal Labels?
Direct thermal labels have a heat-sensitive surface that reacts with the printer’s printhead to create text, graphics, barcodes and QR codes.
No ink, toner or thermal transfer ribbon is required. This makes direct thermal labels easy to load and economical to use, particularly for shipping, logistics, retail and other short- to medium-term applications.
The iF4 or iT4 must be configured for direct thermal printing before these labels are used.
Compatible Label-Roll Dimensions
Direct thermal labels in this category are selected according to the following requirements:
- Printing method: direct thermal
- Maximum print width at 203dpi: 108mm
- Maximum print width for most 300dpi iT4 models: 106mm
- Overall media width: 25mm to 118mm
- Maximum outside roll diameter: 127mm (5")
- iF4 label core diameter: 12.5mm (½") or 25mm (1")
- iT4 label core diameter: 12.5mm (½"), 25mm (1") or 38mm (1½")
- Thermal transfer ribbon required: no
The overall media width includes both the label and its backing paper. Because the backing paper is normally slightly wider than the label itself, customers should check the complete media width rather than measuring only the face of the label.
Although the printers accept media up to 118mm wide, the printed design must remain within the maximum printable width of the particular printer and resolution.
Applications for Direct Thermal Labels
Depending on the size and adhesive selected, these labels can be used for:
- Shipping and courier labels
- Address and dispatch labels
- Barcode and QR-code labels
- Parcel and pallet identification
- Stock and inventory control
- Warehouse picking labels
- Retail and price labels
- Batch and date-code labels
- Food rotation labels
- Temporary product identification
- Office and general-purpose labelling
Direct thermal labels are particularly suitable for high-volume shipping and logistics applications because there is no ribbon to install or replace.
Standard and Top-Coated Direct Thermal Labels
Standard direct thermal labels provide an economical choice for general shipping, barcode and identification applications.
Top-coated direct thermal materials can offer improved resistance to moisture, oils, handling and abrasion. The exact level of protection will depend on the material selected and the conditions in which the finished label is used.
Storage and Expected Lifespan
Direct thermal print can be affected by prolonged exposure to heat, strong sunlight, moisture, oils, chemicals and certain plastics. These conditions may cause the label to darken or the printed image to fade.
Unused direct thermal label rolls should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
For long-term identification or demanding environments, thermal transfer paper or synthetic labels may provide a more suitable alternative.
Choosing the Correct Core Size
Labels on 12.5mm and 25mm cores can be selected for both the iF4 and iT4, provided the remaining roll dimensions are compatible.
Labels on 38mm cores should only be selected for compatible iT4 models. The iF4’s standard media specification does not include a 38mm label core.
Choosing the Correct Labels
Before ordering, check the label width, label length, complete backing-paper width, core diameter and outside roll diameter.
The overall media width must be between 25mm and 118mm, and the roll must not exceed 127mm in outside diameter.
If you are unsure which direct thermal labels to order, please contact us with the exact printer model, resolution and required label dimensions. Our team will be happy to recommend a suitable product.