Direct Thermal Labels

Direct Thermal Labels - FAQs

We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions
to provide you with
quick and informative answers.

• general
• shipping
• returns
• payments
• materials
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• What is the difference between thermal transfer and direct thermal?

  
  There are 2 different types of thermal printing technologies: thermal transfer and direct thermal.
  
  Thermal Transfer (TT) printing uses a ribbon that melts ink onto the label when heated, resulting in darker clearer text and images. This method ensures high-quality, durable prints.
  
  Direct Thermal (DT) printing uses heat-sensitive paper with embedded ink, where text and images appear when the paper is exposed to heat. This method does not require a ribbon, simplifying the printing process.

• What printers are compatible with direct thermal labels?

  
  Direct thermal labels are compatible with Zebra, Bixolon, Citizen, Datamax, Honeywell, Intermec, Rollo, Sato, and TSC printers.

• What is the difference between non top coated labels and top coated direct thermal labels?

  
  Non top coated labels have a plain matte facesheet suitable for short-term applications such as shipping and barcoding. They are also more cost-effective. Top coated labels have an added protective layer, enhancing its resistance to scratches providing better print quality and scannability.

• How do you know if a label is direct thermal?

  
  An easy way to determine if a label is direct thermal is to scratch it with your fingernail. If a dark mark appears, it indicates that your label is direct thermal.

• Do direct thermal labels fade?

  
  Yes, direct thermal labels fade when exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or harsh chemicals. Additionally, certain acrylic-based sealing tapes can accelerate the fading of the print. For applications requiring long-term durability, we recommend thermal transfer labels.

• What is the shelf life of direct thermal labels?

  
  Direct thermal labels have a shelf life of 6 -12 months when stored properly in a cool, dry environment.

• What is LTL Shipping?

  
  If your order is large enough, it might ship LTL. LTL stands for less than truckload freight shipping. LTL shipping is typically much cheaper on a per case basis than UPS or FedEx ground. In addition to LTL being cheaper than UPS or FedEx ground, LTL shipping will ensure your goods arrive in pristine condition. This is due to the fact that the shipment will be placed on a pallet and shrink wrapped.

• Do we offer free shipping?

  
  Unfortunately, we do not offer free shipping. The reason for that is simple: we want you, the customer, to see the true cost of our labels. Many other companies will offer free shipping as a value added service, which they ultimately use as a mechanism to charge you more than needed on labels. We prefer our customers to get a true apples to apples comparison.

• Can I expedite shipping?

  
  Yes! We would recommend that you provide us with either your FedEx or UPS collect account to expedite some or all of your order. If you want us to add the expedited shipping charge to your bill, please ask for an estimate.

• Can my order be shipped collect on my account?

  
  Yes of course! Please indicate that you would like your order shipped collect on your purchase order or at the time of checkout.

• Can I return my order?

  
  If the product you received is defective or doesn’t meet your expectations, we will gladly provide a full refund.
  
  If you need to exchange your order due to purchasing the wrong item, we will offer a full refund, minus the shipping cost.
  
  To submit a return request, please email our customer service at support@smithcorona.com. Product returns will only be accepted with a valid Return Goods Authorization (RGA) number displayed on the outside of the return package. This information will be provided to you once you initiate a return request.

• What is my return timeline?

  
  To initiate a refund for a defective product, an item that doesn’t meet your expectations, or a wrong purchase, please contact us within 60 days of your order’s shipment date.

• What forms of payment does Smith Corona accept?

  
  Smith Corona offers a wide range of payment options to their customers. We offer the following credit card options - Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Additionally, Smith Corona offers PayPal as another payment option. Finally, we also offer Net 30 payment terms to credit worthy customers.

• How do I get sales tax removed from my order?

  
  If you are sales tax exempt, we can get sales tax removed from your order, as long as you let us know prior to placing your order. For more details, please visit our sales tax exemption page..

• Can I have a copy of Smith Corona’s W9?

  
  You can download a copy of our W9 here.

• What types of materials are available for direct thermal labels?

  
  We offer direct thermal labels in a paper and polypropylene material.

• Do you offer different colors for direct thermal labels?

  
  Yes, we are capable of making direct thermal labels in 16 different colors. Minimum order quantities may vary depending on the label size and core. Additionally, we can match any PMS color code with a minimum order.

• Are direct thermal labels water-resistant?

  
  Direct thermal labels can be water-resistant if they are made of a synthetic material like polypropylene.

• Do you have any direct thermal labels resistant to harsh chemicals?

  
  Yes! Our polypropylene labels are resistant to harsh chemicals and are capable of withstanding environmental elements.