The Zebra Barcode Printers support Thermal Transfer (use of ribbon) or Direct Thermal (no ribbon required) printing.
- Direct Thermal labels: Uses a heat-sensitive coating that will darken when it is heated to produce an image.
- Thermal Transfer labels: Do not have a heat-sensitive coating. Hence, you would need a ribbon for image transfer.
 | NOTE Using Thermal Transfer labels under Direct Thermal mode (without ribbon) will result in blank labels. |
To check if you are using the correct labels for the Direct Thermal application, perform a simple scratch test.
Watch the video below to see how scratching the label with your fingernail should produce a mark:
If the scratch test does not leave any marks, consult your label supplier or use the Thermal Transfer mode (with ribbon).
