Direct Thermal Labels (DTL). Manufacturer in Pakistan
Direct thermal labels (DTL) are barcode labels that print with heat alone, no ribbon needed. Moon Traders manufactures direct thermal rolls in Rawalpindi for shipping, courier, and weighing-scale use, in sizes from 50x25mm to 100x150mm (4x6"), at factory-direct prices.
What is a direct thermal label?
A direct thermal label has a heat-sensitive coating that turns black where the printer head heats it, so it prints without ribbon, ink, or toner. Because the print fades over 6–12 months, direct thermal is used for labels with a short useful life: courier parcels, scale-weighed food, and fast-moving stock. It is the lowest-cost way to print at volume.
Direct Thermal (DTL) vs Thermal Transfer (TTL)
| Direct Thermal (DTL) | Thermal Transfer (TTL) | |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | None needed | Wax / wax-resin / resin ribbon |
| Print life | 6–12 months (fades) | Years (permanent) |
| Cost per label | Lower | Higher (ribbon cost) |
| Best for | Shipping, courier, scale, short-life | Product barcodes, asset tags, long-life |
| Explore | Direct thermal labels (this page) | Thermal transfer labels → |
Full explainer: Direct Thermal vs Thermal Transfer Labels, which do you need?
Direct Thermal Label Sizes
Click a size for specs, print life, printer compatibility, and applications:
100x150mm
4" × 6" · Courier & e-commerce shipping labels (TCS, Leopards, Trax, PostEx, M&P)
Specs & price →Need a permanent barcode instead? See thermal transfer (TTL) labels in every size 28x19 to 100x150mm.
Get today’s factory price
Prices change with paper and dollar rates. Message us and get a fast quote on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DTL (direct thermal label)?
DTL stands for Direct Thermal Label, a barcode label with a heat-sensitive coating that prints without any ribbon or ink. The printer’s hot head darkens the paper directly, which makes DTL the cheapest way to print short-life labels like shipping and scale labels.
What is the difference between DTL and TTL labels?
DTL (direct thermal) prints with heat and needs no ribbon, but the print fades in 6–12 months, ideal for shipping, courier, and scale labels. TTL (thermal transfer) uses a ribbon and prints a permanent barcode that lasts years, used for product barcoding and asset tags. Same sizes, different jobs.
Which is cheaper, direct thermal or thermal transfer?
Direct thermal is cheaper to run because there is no ribbon to buy. You only pay for the label. For high-volume dispatch and scale printing, that saving adds up fast.
Do direct thermal labels fade?
Yes. Direct thermal print fades over 6–12 months and faster under heat or sunlight. That is fine for parcels and fresh-food labels used quickly. For labels that must last years, choose thermal transfer (TTL).
Do you supply direct thermal labels nationwide?
Yes. Moon Traders manufactures direct thermal label rolls in Rawalpindi and ships to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and every city in Pakistan.