Using inkjet/laser labels in a thermal printer usually results in blank labels, poor print quality, and potential damage to the printer, as thermal printers require heat-sensitive, specialized paper rather than ink or toner-receptive sheets. The printer's heat will not activate the coating needed for images, and the label material may not feed correctly.
- Blank Labels: Because direct thermal printers create images by activating a special, heat-sensitive coating, standard inkjet or laser labels will not produce an image and will come out blank.
- Printer Damage: The adhesive on inkjet/laser labels is often not designed for the high heat or fast feed speeds of thermal printers, which can lead to labels peeling off inside the machine, causing jams and sticky residue on the thermal head.
- Poor Print Quality: If attempting to use a thermal transfer printer (which uses a ribbon), the ink will likely smudge or fail to adhere properly to the non-porous surface of laser labels