When printing on thermal transfer material, transfer foil is used to obtain the ink and it provides a very durable pressure. When printing, a label printer is used. See our printers under "Label Printers" Common thermal transfer materials are paper, vinyl and polyester for durable applications. Thermal label material or direct-thermal paper is blackened directly by the print head of the thermal printer. Common thermo materials are paper and polyethylene (PE) for simpler applications. We stock a large range of standard sizes and materials.