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Labels and ribbons

HDWR supplies thermal labels and thermal transfer ribbons for every printer in our range, plus universal sizes that work with most third-party desktop and industrial printers. Pick the label technology to match your printer and the label material to match your durability needs.

Label technologies​

  • Direct thermal labels — coated paper that turns black when heated; no ribbon needed. Cheap, simple, but the print fades over time under heat and light. Ideal for shipping labels, receipts and short-term identification.
  • Thermal transfer labels — paper or synthetic media used with a thermal transfer ribbon (TTR). The ribbon melts onto the label, leaving a print that is resistant to abrasion, water, chemicals and UV. Required for permanent product marking, asset labels and warehouse identification.

Common label materials​

  • Coated paper — the everyday default; works for thermal transfer with a wax or wax-resin ribbon
  • PE / PP synthetic film — waterproof, tear-resistant; pair with a resin ribbon for full chemical resistance
  • Polyester (PET) — for high-temperature and outdoor exposure; resin ribbon
  • Special media — tag stock for jewellery / clothing, RFID-embedded labels, removable adhesive labels, freezer-grade adhesive

Delivery formats​

  • Rolls — wound on a cardboard core (typical core diameters: 25 mm / 40 mm / 76 mm); the standard for desktop and industrial printers
  • Fan-fold — stacked in a zig-zag pile; fed from behind the printer (through a slot) or from an external label stand; enables much larger label runs without opening the printer

Documentation in this category​

  • Per-product specifications — material, adhesive type, dimensions and compatible printers (see the sidebar as they are added)

Labels and ribbons FAQ

What are the main types of labels based on printing technology?
The choice of label depends on your printer and the desired durability of the print. Thermal labels — made from special paper that reacts to the heat of the printhead; no ink or ribbon needed. Economical but less durable — they fade over time under light and temperature. Ideal for courier labels and short-term labelling. Thermal transfer labels — require a thermal transfer ribbon. The print is applied by melting the dye from the ribbon onto the label surface. Highly durable, resistant to abrasion and external factors. Used for long-term labelling of goods and fixed assets.
In what form can labels be delivered?
Two main formats to match different feeders and workloads. Roll labels — the most popular format, wound on a cardboard core; fits inside most desktop and industrial printers. Vary in roll diameter and winding width. Fan-fold labels — stacked in a zig-zag pile, fed from the rear of the printer (through a special slot) or from an external label stand. Allow very large print runs without frequently opening the device.
How do I check if the label width matches my printer?
Each printer has a specific maximum print width (e.g. 58 mm, 80 mm or 104 mm). The width of the label roll (including the liner) must not exceed the value listed in the device's specification. Check both the print width AND the maximum roll diameter — even if the width fits, an oversized roll may not fit inside the housing. For very large rolls use a desktop printer with an external [label stand](/label-stands) instead.