A thermal transfer printer has a print head which, in contact with the ribbon, melts and transfers the ink onto the label using high temperatures. The ink found in the thermal transfer ribbon then transfers onto the label, which is where the name “thermal transfer” comes from.

The main advantage of using a thermal transfer printer is the ability to use both paper and synthetic labels.

A further factor that makes a thermal transfer printer a good choice is the wide availability of this type of printer, both on the market and on the internet.