What is a Direct Thermal NFC Sticker?
A direct thermal Near Field Communication (NFC) sticker is an NFC tag with a heat-sensitive facestock for use in direct thermal printers. These NFC stickers contain an NFC inlay embedded between the facestock and a pressure-sensitive adhesive liner. The facestock includes a thermally reactive coating that darkens when exposed to heat, allowing text or barcodes to be printed without ink or ribbon. Unlike blank NFC stickers that support multiple printing methods, direct thermal NFC stickers are limited to short-term applications and on-demand workflows.
Direct thermal NFC stickers are used for short-duration labeling in retail, ticketing, logistics, and lightweight asset tracking. The NFC sticker typically serves as a proxy for packages, containers, tickets, or equipment in these applications.
How to Choose a Direct Thermal NFC Sticker
- Sticker Size and Shape: Choose based on item size and desired read range; larger stickers will have a larger antenna with better performance. Most direct thermal NFC stickers are rectangular or square shaped with or without perforation for easy separation.
- Printer Compatibility: Requires direct thermal printers with a 25.4 mm (1 inch) core. Not compatible with thermal transfer printers unless adapted.
- Availability: Popular sizes are kept in moderate stock quantities with perforation between stickers. Additional sizes available by special order with ~2 week lead time. New shapes may require tooling and higher minimum order quantities (MOQs).
- NFC Chip Type: Most use NTAG213 (180 bytes), NTAG215 (924 bytes), or NTAG216 (924 bytes with additional features). Selection depends on data storage requirements and application complexity.
Customizing a Direct Thermal NFC Sticker
- Custom Shapes and Inlay Placement: Custom configurations available for operational or branding requirements. New shapes require cutting dies with additional costs. Custom web width and pitch specifications can accommodate specific printer needs.
- Adhesive Options: Offered in permanent, removable, and cold-temperature adhesives for specific surface or environment needs.
- On-Demand Printing: Labels are printed at the time of use. GoToTags does not offer printing services for this category due to the nature of direct thermal materials.
- Encoding: Can be pre-encoded at the time of order or encoded later by the customer using compatible NFC printers or the GoToTags Desktop App.
Recommendations
- Encode during printing to ensure printed and digital data match.
- Store in a cool, dry environment to prevent premature activation.
- Use blank NFC stickers when long-term durability or color printing is required.
