Test & Tag Printer Label Guide

Understanding which type of label to use for your test and tag printer can be challenging, regardless of how novice or advanced you are. Some PAT testers are compatible with printers that use specific printable labels. Knowing which label would suit your printer the best becomes essential.

In this blog post, we have broken down the various printing labels currently available on the Australian market and the printers they are most compatible with.

Types of Printers & Labels

Before jumping straight into putting labels against different printers we sell, let's first understand the available types of printers. Essentially, there are two kinds – Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer.

Each printer offers unique features but can largely be put into one of two categories. Printers in the first category are capable of printing direct thermal tags and in the second - thermal transfer tags. The decision of which tag to choose depends on the environment in which the tags will be used.

Put simply, the difference between the two is that Direct Thermal Tags are susceptible to UV rays and best suited for indoor environments. In comparison, Thermal Transfer Tags require a ribbon to print, and as a result, it makes them UV resistant and has a longer overall lifespan. In the direct thermal vs thermal transfer tags blog post, we looked at this in more detail.

It goes without saying that both tags are highly durable when used in a suitable environment. We advise anyone working in the construction industry or a harsh environment to go for the thermal transfer tags. That said, some businesses prefer direct thermal tags because they also can do the job, and the lifespan is not so much of a problem in the environment where they use the tags.

In fact, these labels are way more in trend now in the test and tag industry.

It's worth mentioning that there is a (sort of) third option, which is the Thermal Transfer XL White Tags. These tags are designed for outdoor use because they are highly resistant to direct sunlight and heat, providing the labels with ultimate protection. The only drawback is that they scratch very easily when touched.

The table below will help you understand which label you need to buy for your printer.

Printable Tags Required For Each Printer

Bottom Line

By now, you should better understand which label best suits your printer. Choosing a label comes down to your work requirements and the environment in which you'll be using the label.

Before buying a PAT tester with a printer, do the research first. You can also understand it better in our "Test & Tag Machine with Printers" blog.

If you're unsure where to begin, contact us anytime for expert advice and guidance on which PAT Tester and printer you'll need based on your work requirements.