Face stock & Ribbon

Different face stock/ribbon combinations can provide scratch, smudge and chemical resistance

Less expensive material than Direct Thermal

All material is scan-able in both visible and infrared light

Much more face stock choices

Longer printhead life

Can be very costly for short term applications

Timely and messy to change ribbons

Ribbon lengths rarely match label rolls lengths

Face stock only

More cost effective for short term, visible light scanable, paper applications

Less down time on printer without having to change the ribbon

Most used in medical applications where the end-user cannot afford to waste time or get hands dirty from the ribbon

Glove friendly adhesive for medical applications

Cannot withstand UV light or high temperature exposure

Face stock costs more for near infrared or infrared scanability

Shorter shelf life

No options for scratch resistance

Few options for chemical resistance

Costly to replace the printhead more often