MF Digital Spectrum 2 Thermal - Manual (Page 72)

Spectrum2 Printer Operator’s Guide
Document Revision: 102803
71
Thermal Transfer & Inkjet CD Printer Comparison
The Spectrum2 series of printers use thermal transfer technology to apply resin type ink
to the surface of a plastic CD or DVD disc. Thermal transfer printers have a print head
that heats portions of a ribbon as disc moves under the printer head, as the disc goes past
the print head the resin type ink cools and adheres to the surface of the disc. Thermal
Transfer printers provide one of the few methods to print on CD discs in an office
environment.
CD Printer Comparison Chart
Inkjet CD Printer Thermal Transfer
CD printer Key Point
Print speed Slow Fast Thermal Printer is
faster
Waterproof Label Not waterproof Waterproof Thermal Printer
label more durable
Requires coated CD
media Yes No – prints black
directly on Silver or
gold media
Yes – prints color
on white coated
media
Thermal Printer has
lowest cost per label
for black only labels
and media
Quality of output Good Text
Excellent Graphics Excellent Text
Good Graphics Thermal transfer
Printer offer good
labeling
characteristics
Coverage of Disc Can cover entire
disc with graphics Can cover most of
the disc with
graphics. Some
unprintable areas at
edges of disc and
hub area Thermal transfer
Printer label
coverage good for
most business CD
labeling applications
Best labeling Color photos on Black text and Thermal transfer