Looks Like Your Cart Is Empty!
Log In To Reorder
No Items In Your Cart
Loading
Thermal Transfer Labels
Explore our variety of thermal transfer label sizes and materials for your printing needs. These labels are compatible with Zebra, Datamax, Sato and more.
Refine Your Search
Width and Length
If you are unsure which side is your label's width, just look at how it exits your printer.
The green arrows indicate the width of your label.
If you are unsure which side is your label's length, just look at how it exits your printer.
The green arrows indicate the length of your label.
Customer's often confuse the width and the length of their label. For example, if you think you need a 2" x 4" label, double check that it isn't a 4" x 2" label.
If you are in a pinch and we don't have the exact length label you are looking for, you might want to consider a longer length label. Your printer will just leave a little gap at the bottom!
Loading
has been added to your cart!
Shop Other Popular Categories
Need Something Different?
We can make just about any shape,
size, and material combination you might need. Request a quote today to get
started!
Thermal Transfer Labels - FAQs
We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions
to provide you with
quick and informative answers.
- general
- shipping
- returns
- payments
- materials
- Call Us Call us at 800-678-7000
- Email Us
-
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. -
Thermal Transfer Labels can withstand heat, light, chemicals, and various elements, making them ideal for long-term use. Available in a range of materials, including paper, polypropylene, and others. These labels deliver sharp, clear text, ensuring easy readability and reliability.
-
Choosing the right ribbon starts with determining the ribbon width. Your ribbon should be slightly wider than your label; for example, a 4.00" label requires at least a 4.33" ribbon. Next, consider whether you need a coated side out or coated side in ribbon. Some printers, like Zebra and Intermec, use coated side out ribbons, while others, such as Datamax and Sato, use coated side in ribbons. Finally, match the ribbon type to the label material: wax for paper labels, resin for synthetic labels, and wax/resin for a balance of durability and cost. Ensure compatibility with your printer model for the best results.
-
Thermal transfer labels are compatible with Zebra, Bixolon, Citizen, Datamax, Honeywell, Intermec, Sato, and TSC printers.
-
Perforated labels are best used when you are applying the labels by hand. Non perforated labels are used when the labels are machine applied with an applicator.
Perforated labels have small holes between each label, making them easy to tear apart. These are best used when you are applying the labels by hand.
Non-perforated labels, on the other hand, are ideal when labels are being machine applied using an applicator. Having no perforations ensures that the liner will not tear during the printing process, therefore preventing any jams. -
Thermal transfer labels have a shelf life of one year when stored properly in a cool, dry environment.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Yes of course! Please indicate that you would like your order shipped collect on your purchase order or at the time of checkout.
-
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. -
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.
-
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.
-
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..
-
You can download a copy of our W9 here.
-
Yes, we are capable of making thermal transfer 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.
-
We offer thermal transfer labels in a paper and polypropylene material.
-
Thermal transfer labels can be water-resistant if they are made of a synthetic material like polypropylene.
-
Yes! Our polypropylene labels are resistant to harsh chemicals and are capable of withstanding environmental elements.
Over 2,500 Five Star Reviews And Counting!
Hear what our most loyal customers had to say about our thermal transfer labels.
“These labels are wonderful. The thickness and quality are great. No ripped labels in the middle of the box and the labels peel off very easily. Will 100% be purchasing again once our stock is depleted!”
- Jennifer H.
“The site is easy to order on, the prices are competitive, the delivery is quick and the quality of the product is exemplary. All this makes for a very happy customer!!”
- Vicki
“Our team loves the 4" x 6" - Thermal Transfer Fanfold Labels!!! They are super convenient to be able to multitask. This saves us so much time. Thank you for sending us samples to finalize our decision to go with these.”
- Stacie H.
“These labels are high quality at a very reasonable price. Great service, selection and price so I will be using Smith Corona for all my labeling needs.”
- Maryann
“This is the only company we buy our thermal transfer labels through. Most affordable for the quality we need for our beverage case labels.”
- Kristin A.
“So far this is the best deal we got on thermal transfer labels, the quality is excellent and the prices are good, they deliver on time and keep you informed of the progress of the delivery.”
- Isabel
Learn All About Thermal
Transfer Labels
Thermal Transfer (TT) printing functions by using a heat-sensitive carbon ribbon that transfers ink from a ribbon onto the label material. Thermal transfer labels are more scratch-resistant and rub-resistant with a longer shelf life. They also require a thermal ribbon for printing.
When choosing the correct thermal transfer label, you will need to consider your label application and the ribbon you will pair it with. Specific ribbon materials are best suited for use with different label substrates. Thermal transfer labels can be perforated or non-perforated.
Thermal transfer printing can be used with desktop and industrial printers. Desktop printers use 1" core label rolls or fanfold style labels. Not every desktop printer can use thermal transfer labels. Zebra's ZD series, specifically the ZD620, is a printer that can use thermal transfer. It produces premium print quality at high print speeds with many customizable options for users.
Industrial printers use 3" core roll or fanfold labels. Some of the most popular industrial printers include: Zebra, Datamax, Sato, and Intermec. These printers have a durable design for use in demanding environments where they are capable of printing large volumes of labels at a time.
We carry various label sizes in different materials and colors to ensure you are choosing the best label for your application. This includes both 4" and 5" outer diameter (OD) rolls for desktop printers and 8" to 12" outer diameter which is used for print and apply machines.
Customers Also Buy
Optimize inventory and efficiency with pre-printed LPN labels for accurate warehouse management.
Shop Now
Prioritize safety and streamline operations with pre-printed battery labels that identify dangerous goods
Shop Now
Elevate your packaging with our custom roll labels, tailored exactly to your specifications for a perfect fit.
Shop Now
Our sheet labels come in a variety of sizes and materials, compatible with printers for clear, professional labeling.
Shop NowVideos & Articles - Related to Thermal Transfer Labels
What Are Thermal Transfer Labels?
Direct Thermal Labels vs. Thermal Transfer Labels
What Are White Matte Paper Labels?
What are Polypropylene Labels (BOPP)?
What Are Color Thermal Paper Labels?
What Are General Purpose Permanent Adhesive Labels?
What Are Removable Adhesive Labels?
What Are Freezer Grade Adhesive Labels?
How To Clean Your Printhead on an Industrial Printer
If your labels aren’t printing clean, clear images, you might need to clean the thermal printhead. Regular maintenance keeps printers in top working condition so your labels always print in the best quality. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to cleaning the printhead on your industrial printer.
Read More
Determining the Correct Thermal Ribbon
Thermal ribbon is a crucial part of printing with thermal transfer labels. But not all thermal ribbons are made the same. There are different materials and ink configuration to consider when choosing which is the best option for your desktop or industrial printer. Do you know which one you need for your technology?
Read More
Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer Labels
Thermal printing can be found in every corner of the supply chain. It’s popular for its easy use, speed, and efficiency. But do you know the difference between the technologies? When it comes to direct thermal and thermal transfer, knowing the pros and cons of each can help you determine which you will need to print your labels.
Read More
How To Manually Calibrate the Zebra ZT610 Industrial Printer
What do you do when the labels in your industrial printer start skipping? Or the alignment is off? If you’re using a Zebra ZT610, a simple calibration might be the solution to fix these errors. If you’re unsure on how to manually calibrate your printer, don’t worry. This quick step-by-step guide will instruct you.
Read More
How to Make a Barcode Inventory System for a Small Business
If you’re not using a barcode system to take control of your inventory, now’s the time. A beneficial way to save yourself time, money, and unnecessary work, making a barcode inventory system is the perfect way to run your small business more efficiently. But how can you get started? We’re here to help you manage this essential part of your business.
Read More
How To Load Ribbon into a SATO CL4NX
In need of thermal labels? Moderate to large businesses can benefit from using industrial printers, like the SATO CL4NK. This model prints using thermal transfer labels but will require a thermal ribbon. To ensure you correctly load the ribbon into the printer, this quick step-by-step guide will help you.
Read More
How To Load Ribbon into a Zebra ZD620
Desktop printers don’t always have the option to use thermal transfer labels. Because they’re smaller, many don’t have room to hold a thermal ribbon. But the Zebra ZD620 does. If you’re interested in using thermal ribbon, you’ll need to make sure it’s loaded correctly for your thermal transfer labels to print. This guide is here to help.
Read More
Didn't find what you were looking for?
We would love to help, or try using our label finder below!
![Smith corona team members conversing in front of stacks of raw materials]()
Find Your Perfect Label Or Shop Below!
You Can Contact Us:
Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm EST
Request A Quote
Thank You!
Your Request Has Been Successfully Submitted
One of our experts will be in touch shortly! If you have any immediate questions, you can always call us Monday through Friday (9:00 AM EST to 5:00PM) at 800-875-7000