UKVIN Group technical guides / Printing and design
Direct thermal versus transfer
Direct thermal stock changes colour where a printer applies heat, while thermal transfer uses an ink ribbon. The technologies have different wear and ageing behaviour.
Technical considerations
Short-life dispatch labels and multi-year asset identifiers should not be specified as though they have identical exposure requirements.
Application example
A temporary collection label may use direct thermal media while an equipment tag needs a different solution.
What to check
- Define label life
- Review sunlight exposure
- Choose printing method
Before requesting a quotation
Provide dimensions in millimetres, material or surface type, intended printing equipment if relevant, cut shape, quantity and the conditions the finished label will face. For variable information, supply an approved source list and confirm whether a proof is needed. If a component is legally required or factory-certified, seek the responsible issuer's instructions rather than assuming blank label stock can replace it.
Limitations
These design principles apply to independent identification and label materials. They do not constitute vehicle type approval or permission to reproduce manufacturer-controlled plates, marks or identity data. UKVIN Group provides unbranded materials and aims to verify appropriate personalised-label requests.
Identification label printing guide · Measuring guide · All UKVIN Group guides