Types of Thermal Media

Types of Thermal Media

Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for consistent high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered by Zebra to enhance the printing capabilities of your printer and prevent premature wear of your printhead.
Your printer typically uses roll media. It also supports fanfold or other continuous media. To purchase media and other supplies for your printer, go to zebra.com/supplies.
Your printer can use various types of media:
Standard media
Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.
Continuous roll media
Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to fax paper) and is used for receipt or ticket style printing.
Tag stock
Tags are usually made from a heavy paper (up to 0.19mm or 0.0075in. thick). Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and typically features perforations between tags.
For more information on basic media types and specifications, see General Media and Print Specifications.