Barcode Labels & Thermal Media | Direct Thermal & RFID Stock

Plan Your Deployment

Match label dimensions and material to printer model and application
Select direct thermal for short-life labels or thermal transfer for durability
Evaluate synthetic labels (polyester, polypropylene) for chemical or outdoor exposure
Specify core size (1 inch or 3 inch) matching your printer spindle

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Showing Results for Labels and Media

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Sato

SKU: SR30KLT-10093

SATO SR30KLT-10093 4x2 RFID Label

4x2 RFID labels with simultaneous barcode printing for asset tracking
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$1,416.79 $907.99 Save $508.80

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Sato

SKU: SR30KT-10430

SATO SR30KT-10430 RFID 4x2 Label

RFID 4x2 label stock for SATO CL4NX/CL6NX printers, 8,000 per case
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$1,681.78 $1,077.99 Save $603.79

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Sato

SKU: SR30KT-10431

Sato SR30KT-10431 RFID 4x6 Thermal Transfer Label Stock

4x6 RFID thermal transfer labels with pre-integrated chip for dual barcode + RF capture
In stock · Ships same business day

$869.18 $556.99 Save $312.19

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20001

SATO SR30LD-20001 1.5x1 Thermal Transfer Label

1.5x1 thermal transfer labels, 5,800 per roll, permanent adhesive
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$237.73 $152.99 Save $84.74

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20002

SATO SR30LD-20002 2x1 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

2"×1" thermal paper labels, 46,400 per case for SATO printers
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$290.48 $186.99 Save $103.49

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20003

SATO SR30LD-20003 2x2 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

2" × 2" thermal transfer labels, 24,000 per case for high-volume operations
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$148.14 $94.99 Save $53.15

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20004

SATO SR30LD-20004 3x1 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

3x1 thermal transfer paper labels, 30,720 per case for high-volume operations
- Permanent acrylic adhesive bonds reliably to cartons and product surfaces
- Compatible with wax, wax-resin, and resin ribbons for flexible printing
- 5,120 labels per roll with between-label perforation for easy dispensing
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$190.93 $122.99 Save $67.94

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20005

SATO SR30LD-20005 3x2 Thermal Transfer Label

3"×2" thermal transfer labels, 12,000/case for industrial barcode work
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$173.78 $111.99 Save $61.79

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20006

SATO SR30LD-20006 3x3 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

3"×3" thermal transfer paper labels, 8,000 per case for industrial use
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$154.57 $99.99 Save $54.58

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20008

SATO SR30LD-20008 3x5 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

3"×5" thermal transfer paper labels, 9,600 per case for industrial ops
- Permanent acrylic adhesive bonds reliably to varied substrates and temps
- 1,200 labels per roll × 8 rolls; compatible with wax, wax-resin, resin ribbons
- 3" core spool fits SATO industrial printers for high-volume barcode/shipping
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$322.68 $206.99 Save $115.69

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20009

SATO SR30LD-20009 3.5x1 Thermal Transfer Label

3.5x1 thermal transfer labels, 23,200 per case for high-volume operations
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$175.33 $112.99 Save $62.34

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20010

SATO SR30LD-20010 4x1 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

4x1 thermal transfer paper labels, 23,200 per case for high-volume operations
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$196.42 $125.99 Save $70.43

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20011

SATO SR30LD-20011 4x2 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

4"×2" thermal transfer paper labels, 12,000 per case for industrial use
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$181.94 $116.99 Save $64.95

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20013

SATO SR30LD-20013 4x2.5 Thermal Transfer Label

4x2.5" thermal transfer labels, 8,880 per case for industrial volume
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$196.42 $125.99 Save $70.43

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20014

SATO SR30LD-20014 4x3 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

4x3 thermal transfer paper labels, 8,960 per case for SATO printers
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$219.29 $140.99 Save $78.30

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Sato

SKU: SR30LD-20016

SATO SR30LD-20016 4x4 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

4×4 thermal transfer paper labels, 5,600 per case for SATO printers
Special Order · Ships in 2-3 weeks

$172.68 $110.99 Save $61.69

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What to Look For When Buying

The decisions that matter most before you spec.

Printer Compatibility & Media Matching

Direct thermal and thermal transfer label stock must match your printer's print head technology and ribbon system. Verify roll width (4-inch standard for most industrial printers), core diameter, and print-head clearance before bulk ordering. Incompatible media causes jamming, poor adhesion, and wasted consumables.

Durability & Environmental Conditions

Synthetic polypropylene and polyester media withstand humidity, temperature swings, chemical exposure, and outdoor UV better than coated paper stock. Choose synthetic for cold-chain, chemical plants, and exterior asset tags; reserve direct thermal for controlled warehouse environments where cost per label is the priority.

Adhesive Selection for Surface Type

Permanent, removable, and freeze-thaw adhesives are optimized for different substrates and dwell times. Cardboard and corrugated require permanent adhesive; returnable containers and reusable bins benefit from removable formulations. Verify adhesive compatibility with your label application temperature and surface porosity.

RFID Integration for Automated Tracking

RFID label stock embeds passive UHF inlays for read ranges up to 12 feet in open air, enabling hands-free asset tracking and RFID accessory deployment. Plan inlay placement to avoid metal surfaces and ensure antenna clearance for reliable encode-and-read workflows.

Print Volume & Roll Economics

Direct thermal media offers 15–25% lower cost-per-label vs. thermal transfer but requires ribbon changeovers less frequently. High-volume shipping operations (>10K labels/day) justify thermal transfer's durability premium; lower-volume asset tracking often favors direct thermal's simplicity.

Supply Chain Resilience & Lead Times

Stock bulk label rolls and ribbon in your warehouse to avoid production stalls when carrier delays occur. Monitor Zebra, TSC, and Brother media certifications to ensure OEM compatibility and prevent counterfeit or degraded stock.

Technology Stack

The specs and acronyms that actually affect labels and media performance.

Direct Thermal Printing

Heat-activated label stock that darkens under thermal print-head pressure without requiring ribbon or ink. Suitable for 1–5 year shelf life; ideal for short-term shipping and compliance labels but prone to fading in sunlight or heat exposure.

Thermal Transfer Media

Label stock printed via wax or resin ribbon, creating durable, fade-resistant marks lasting 5+ years. Requires ribbon cartridge changes but offers superior image quality, color options, and longevity for asset tracking and product marking.

Synthetic & Polypropylene Stock

Polyester or polypropylene base material resistant to moisture, chemicals, and temperature extremes. Commonly used in cold-chain logistics, pharmaceutical, and industrial environments where paper stock deteriorates.

RFID Inlay Technology

Embedded passive UHF (860–960 MHz) or HF (13.56 MHz) RFID chip and antenna printed onto label stock for automated item identification. EPC Gen2 protocol standard; read range varies 1–12 feet depending on inlay design and environment.

Label Adhesive Types

Permanent adhesive (high-tack, long-term bond), removable (clean removal without residue), and freeze-thaw (low-temperature logistics). Adhesive choice impacts label durability and surface compatibility.

Print Resolution & DPI

Standard industrial label printers output 203, 300, or 600 DPI. Higher DPI improves barcode scannability and text readability; 203 DPI suffices for GS1 shipping labels, while 300+ DPI is preferred for asset tags and small-form-factor codes.

Typical Deployment Scenarios

High-Volume Shipping & Logistics (50K+ labels/week)

Deploy 4x6 direct thermal labels on 2–3 industrial label printers fed by 1000-label roll stacks. Direct thermal cost (~$0.05/label) suits disposable shipping use. Integrate barcode scanners for outbound verification.

Asset Tracking & Inventory Management (1K–5K labels/month)

Use 2x3 or 4x4 thermal transfer synthetic labels with permanent adhesive for durable asset tagging. Include RFID inlay for automated asset discovery. Pair with handheld mobile computers for cycle counts.

Cold-Chain & Pharmaceutical Compliance (Regulated Environments)

Deploy polyester thermal transfer labels with freeze-thaw adhesive for refrigerated trucks and -20°C warehouses. Permanent ink resists moisture and chemical exposure. Laminated stock extends readability in extreme cold.

Multi-Location Retail & Warehouse Network (5–10 sites)

Standardize on 4x6 thermal transfer media across all locations to simplify ribbon and media procurement. Use Zebra or TSC certified stock to ensure OEM reliability. Maintain 2–4 weeks' inventory per site to buffer supply-chain delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels?

Direct thermal media darkens under heat from the printer's thermal print head and requires no ribbon; it's faster and cheaper but fades over time (1–5 years). Thermal transfer uses a ribbon to transfer wax or resin ink onto the label, producing fade-resistant marks that last 5+ years. Choose direct thermal for disposable shipping labels and thermal transfer for durable asset tags.

How do I know which label size and roll width to order?

Check your label printer specifications for maximum media width (typically 4 inches for industrial models). Pre-sized labels (4x6, 4x8, 2x3) are standard; verify that your printer firmware supports your chosen dimensions. Measure your print-head gap and roller diameter to confirm roll compatibility before ordering bulk stock.

Can I use RFID labels with any thermal transfer printer?

No. RFID labels require a printer with an encode module or a separate RFID encoder. Standard thermal transfer printers print the barcode and text only; RFID inlay encoding requires specialized hardware. Verify your printer model supports RFID before purchasing inlay stock.

What adhesive should I use for returnable containers and pallets?

Removable or repositionable adhesive is ideal for returnable assets because it peels cleanly without residue or substrate damage. Permanent adhesive works for single-use shipping labels and fixed asset tags. Freeze-thaw adhesive is essential for cold-chain applications and outdoor exposure.

How long does label stock last in storage, and what conditions matter?

Sealed label rolls remain viable for 2–3 years if stored in cool (60–75°F), dry (<50% humidity) conditions. Direct thermal stock is sensitive to heat and humidity; exposure causes yellowing and print-quality loss. Thermal transfer and synthetic media are more stable but should still be rotated in FIFO order to avoid adhesive degradation.

Are generic labels compatible with Zebra, TSC, and Brother printers?

Generic media often works but may cause jams, poor adhesion, or print-quality issues because of slight dimensional or coating variances. Zebra, TSC, and Brother publish OEM-certified media lists. Ordering certified stock ensures reliability and protects your warranty.

Labels and Media

Plan Your Deployment

Sub categories

Showing Results for Labels and Media

SATO SR30KLT-10093 4x2 RFID Label

SATO SR30KT-10430 RFID 4x2 Label

Sato SR30KT-10431 RFID 4x6 Thermal Transfer Label Stock

SATO SR30LD-20001 1.5x1 Thermal Transfer Label

SATO SR30LD-20002 2x1 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20003 2x2 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20004 3x1 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20005 3x2 Thermal Transfer Label

SATO SR30LD-20006 3x3 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20008 3x5 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20009 3.5x1 Thermal Transfer Label

SATO SR30LD-20010 4x1 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20011 4x2 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20013 4x2.5 Thermal Transfer Label

SATO SR30LD-20014 4x3 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

SATO SR30LD-20016 4x4 Thermal Transfer Paper Label

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