Multi-Purpose Printing

Currently, thermal transfer is a process used in the packaging industry for printing bar codes and other variable information like price, date codes, lot codes, and more. Printers also use thermal transfer to customize packaging, which reduces label inventory and guards against obsolescence, said Amy Schmitt, marketing and communications manager, IIMAK. “The label or packaging is pre-printed with the logo and company information, and the variable info such as the product’s type, size, or variety is added on demand—paint is a great example,” she said. “This technique is being used across a wide variety of industries including cosmetics, specialty foods, automotive aftermarket, hardware, paint, electrical components, and chemicals.”